please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
It's now called the Adam and Eve.
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Is this place still closed as stated, if so why is it still featured in the top 100?
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Does anyone know the ingredients for the 7 deadly sins cocktails. Im going to miss them.
I want greed mostly, the only bit i can remember was apricot brandy
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Sadly, this place closed it's doors as Ben Crouchs Tavern for the last time on Tuesday night. It has been bought out by the 'Geronimo' chain and will be turned into a Gastro pub (to be called The Adam and Eve).
I am one of the people who have been going there for the last 7 years and were on first name terms with all the staff. It's a shame to see it go and their food was always really good for me. Atmosphere was always second to none on a good, busy night but those seemed to die off quite a lot towards the end.
It shall be missed by myself and many others. RIP Ben Crouch, you served us well.
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Sadly the place is really going downhill... Not sure if it's because the Eerie Pub company doesn't exist any more, but it's lost a lot of its mock-gothic, dark charm.
Friendly staff and crowd, but the music gets worse with time and the food isn't amazing... Also for people who've been going for a while, you'll notice it's now much brighter in there and very sanitised now (a lot of the d�cor is gone) which is a shame.
Still, good for a quick pint central.
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I really can't understand the couple of reviews saying the food here is good. I like the pub itself, it serves decent beer, and the decor is good fun, it's not too loud and if you can get a table, it's a pretty good place to meet in town. On reading a couple of reviews on here saying the food was pretty good we decided to order something here before a gig at the 100 Club. Big mistake.
My veg. lasagne was small, microwaved to a lip melting temperature with a tiny garnish of floppy salad leaves and 2 slice of tomato for �8. My partner had the burger which arrived with around 10 chips and a cold bun for nearly �8 too. A complete rip-off in my view, which is a shame as the pub itself is pretty good. Drink here, but eat elsewhere...
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Popped in here with the wife on Saturday night as she has never been before. Good collection of Goffs and Rockers in so she got the full Ben Crouch Tavern experience. Unfortunately the only handpump on was GK IPA so wasn't so good for me. But suffered a pint of Suffolks supposed finest as the atmosphere and decor was worth staying for one.
Oh, and if you've never been before and want to know what's all the fuss about the decor see the posting from RogerB below for a full description.
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Great pub. Visited 3 times on a recent trip to London from Australia. Good beer, good music, good food, and a good quirky feel.
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I lurve this pub! The barstaff are friendly, the food is good, and the decor is very cool. Everyone who drinks in the pub is also friendly, I have never seen any trouble of any sort in this pub. There are also a few random characters, such as the tiny guy who is often seen propping up the bar, the tall barman, and the magician.
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Very unusual pub. Kinda goth like but play good modern and old classic rock for background music which i liked, Staff very polite and beer kept very well.
Very unusual place but good friendly atmosphere and worth a check out for something different on a night out!!! 8/10.
All they really need is a live band and later licence???
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I�m not sure if I like this pub or not. One thing I am sure about is that it is very unusual, and nothing like a traditional pub. As others have pointed out, it�s all crypts, Goths, dungeons and bizarre paraphernalia. It does do ale � only Pride when I was in there � but it is really an unusually themed restaurant. It is OK if you want an unusual dining experience, but it is not much like a pub. But I suppose I do quite like it in a funny kind of way.
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good pub, does anyone know if they still have their famous Halloween parties?
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Cold beer, Jaggermeister, Motorhead and beautiful girls. Service with attitude and flair and it shuts at a sensible hour so you don't end up licking a pillow down the Dibbleshop. This is what they should do to Ye Olde Mitre. 10/10.
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I go to this pub everytime I am in London and have always found the staff welcoming. I love the fact that u can listen to great rock music and watch horror films on the tv.
The test tube shots and 10 deadly sin cocktails are a bargin and so is the food.
10/10 from me althrough I do wish that the Ben Crouchs Tavern had a later opening lisence on a weekend.
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Horribly expensive(�3.40 for a corona).food was ages arriving.annoying toilet assistant.Naff theme.Only good thing was convienent location from the hordes of oxford street.
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I wasn't as impressed by the interior as everybody else is but my visit revealed this as a great rock pub on a Saturday. Yes, rock not metal. Beer was good, people seemed nice and the music is excellent.
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DATE OF VISIT: 09/04/08
Decided to have a look in whilst out down Oxford Street. I have been to other Eerie Pub Co ones before in Nottingham and the Black Widow down Gloucester Road all of which have a goth/horror theme.
Disappointed there were no ales available that day so opted for the Straropramen instead. Also had the rump stake all of which came to �12.21. The toilets were clean but as I only visited at lunchtime I couldn't say how busy this place gets during the evening.
Would I recommend this place? Yes by virtue of it's novelty value and it's close proximity to Oxford Street making it ideal to rest those weary feet after hitting the shops. If you're a tradionalist when it comes to drinking then this may not be for you and it feels as if you're having a pint whilst visiting the London Dungeon but otherwise if you're not too serious about your drinking then I guess you could do much worse...
7/10
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This pub is the tits. Themed on old london ghostly macabre oaky woods you half expect the headless horseman to ride you through the night amongst the brass bottomed girls and the theatrically incandesant ethereal atmosphere. Bollocks to the rest of you, this gets a stonking 10.
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Quirky, weird, inventive, scary, strange, fantastic, just some of the words that came to mind when I walked into Ben Crouch�s Tavern, although I was about 7 pints down by that stage so I could probably add confused as well. Despite its dark gothic theme it succeeds in not restricting itself to any particular clientele and is a place that everyone should visit if only out of curiosity. It reminded me of Frankensteins in Edinburgh (q.v.) which is a bar built inside an old church.
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Great location, great music...can get a bit packed because of that but well worth it.
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Not a bad place to booze before having to go to some stupidly priced Soho "bar". The staff were friendly the crowd young and they had London Pride on tap. (I'm easily pleased)
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Visited with friends last month. "Interesting" decor, good bar staff, and a not very inspiring choice of beer. It's pleasant enough, but rates no higher than 5/10
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I visted this place whilst trying to get cheap theatre tickets. Very impressive decor, friendly staff & the beer is a reasonable price (for London!) I'm sure i'll drop in again on my next visit to London.
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I guess why this pub is in the top 40 is because it's a fun place to stop off after spending money you don't have in the latest HMV sale (or whatever). Hardly somewhere you'd go for a stunning collection of real ales - but do you really need me to tell you that? It has Bombardier, it's not extortionately priced (by London standards anyway), the music's generally OK...that's pretty much it really. I miss the place.
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As Sussexred says there is nothing special about this pub other than the hammer horror decor.
It's a good place to meet up and then move on from if you need somewhere in central London slightly off the beaten track but its not a destination venue to spend the evening in.
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This is one of the �Eerie pubs� owned by the Spirit chain and one of 3 that I know of in London. It is basically a normal pub that has been turned into a themed gothic horror movie set with lots of intimate alcoves and recesses to hide away. Visualise Frankenstein meets the Addams Family and you get the idea. You can almost expect Dr Phibes to rise through the floor or visualise silhouetted figures etched in the windows against a lightning backdrop. Stone floors, gargoyles, cabinets containing test tubes and conical flasks, old horror movies on screens behind the bar. It�s all very tacky but great fun and done rather well. There are several raised areas and finding a seat involves a bit of exploration when it is busy. The beer pumps are a maze of tubing but it has to be said, the beer selection is a bit mundane with Pride and Bombardier the only 2 ales (although the Bombardier was off on my visit). At �2.80 a pint, prices aren�t wallet busting especially for the experience of being here in the first place. The only concessions to normality are the 2 plasma screens showing Sky Sports that somewhat ruin the ambience. With a better beer selection, a few severed heads and the walk through bookcase as per its sister pub, the London Stone, it would be a classic. As it stands, it is worth a visit even if it is only for the novelty value.
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Typical West End pub, only notable by it's gothic decor. Even this isn't unique as it's almost identical to the London Stone in Cannon Street, and thais probably more effective being wholly underground. Even the plaitted lager pumps are the same. Ubiquitous London Pride and Bombardier only. Had to ask for a top up which was no problem.
I can't understand why this is currently in the top 40 pubs - nothing special.
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Fantastic pub and my local, although I live 30 miles from it. This is well worth a visit, and easy to find being just off Oxford Street. Nice food and friendly barstaff, and a great atmosphere.
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Had lunch here the other day. Food was very good and service was great. Can't really ask for much more.
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I love this place. The clients used to match the decor exactly but its creepy style seems to have worn off slightly. Its still a great place with lovely staff.
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This used to be just a great normal pub handily positioned in the centre of the West End but just far enough from Oxford St to prevent gormless shoppers or tourists pouring in en masse. The themey goth makeover was utterly tacky and inexplicable. But equally inexplicably, despite The Addams family's best efforts, it has retained its cracking atmosphere and remains a worthwhile pub to visit.
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Great place. You can buy mixed shots named after members of the Adams family - not entirely sure what's in them but could not rememeber a thing after downing them all. Whatever happened to the nightclub that used to be next door to this place (Hombre) ?
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One of my favourite pubs when I was at the uni round the corner as a mature student and still revist from time to time. It feeds my dark side. Long may it continue, long live everthing goth!
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strange but rather good.tucked just off oxford street you will go to alot worse places in the area
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Probably not to everyone's liking, but I think it's a fairly decent pub with excellent bar staff who serve quickly and with a smile. The pub isn't as big as it looks from the outside but it's fairly easy to get a seat, and there are some tables out the back now ready for summer. Shooters are sold in creepy test tubes!
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Have been in this pub a few times and have loved it!
From the collection of medical equipmet on high shelves to the statue of your eponymous host, the pub has a lovely gothic feel to it.
The decor is well maintained, I especially loved the wonderfully dramatic high backed booths, although the space between the table and the benches could make it impossible seating for the fuller framed drinker!
They also have a range of theme nights , which was explained to me by the manager, who seems sound as a pound.
The one criticism I would have is that every time I have been in there it has appeared that they have the same film playing on a continous loop. Don't get me wrong, Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster is a classic piece of cinema but how about showing Jekyll and Hyde or a bit of Lon Chaney as well?
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If you've ever sat on a Ghost Train, and thought "Wow! I wish I could stop this car and crack open a beer", this place is perfect for you.
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Will definitely go back there again. The atmosphere is fantastic and the range of drinks available is very impressive. Not tried the food but I'm expecting a positive result.
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Top boozer. Great atmosphere. Music may have been too loud for some. Didn't know you could reserve tables but I'll try that one next time!!
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real tack but fun with it, i am bit of a fan of it. good food and its fairly spacious. a good on the blitz friday night pub before heading into the dump that is hombres to get laid
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Hilarious. Music doesn't go with the decor and the toilets are a bit spooky but its tucked away off of oxford street so is convenient. The plates have spiders on them which is novel! The chips used to come in coffin shaped bowls!oh, and the pint was ok too.
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The sausages are a bit salty but the burgers are great and the atmosphere is great and it's a nice place to hang for lunch.
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This pub looks just like a ride at Alton Towers, really tacky "gothic" look, but it is kind of fun in there. The food and beer is perfectly fine and you can usually get a table at lunch time.
It is a good place to escape to if you find yourself on Oxford Street
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Went to this pub a few weeks back on a Wednesday after work. Quite busy at the time, though not too bad with a number of office workers enjoying an after work pint or two. I had to wait minimal time at the bar for my drink, which arrived in no time. I then progressed to park my arse on nice comfy seating and enjoy the ornate and some might call gothic surroundings whilst listening to a good diverse selection of music. There are even classic horror films on tvs behind the bar should your wait there be of any length. A Good boozer in all.
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This pub is great - love the gothic / churchy feel to the place, great beer, great crowd. Music is always good. Haven't been since St Patricks day when even the gargoyles were sporting green wigs and pints of guinness!!
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The little asian guy is a ledgend! He rightly deserves his own space at the end of the bar with the amount of money he must spend here every night!
Apart from the "suits" and the "after work crowd" that seem to invade this place every Thursday and Friday eve, my only other gripe is that Ben Crouch is not doing the Last Rock here on Sunday afternoons these days! I used to love the BCT on Sundays - probably because I was usually still drunk from my Saturday night! Sitll great for a quick drink mid week though
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absolutely immense. so glad it was recommended. the dirnks are hot stuff and we will come back. a lot. ps im married to the little asian fellow
anonymous - 30 Mar 2006 14:31 |
Nice gothic themed pub, great to spend time in before a gig at the astoria or fiddler. excellent cocktails
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Good pub and Kevin the landlord is friendly enougth. Two things to look out for - the ubiquitious pick-pockets and the little asian guy that stands alone in his own spot at the bar all day and has done so for the last 10 years..
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I like this pub. Great decor!
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Good effort all round. Lovely tacky mock Gothic decor, good drinks(range and quality) and nice atmosphere. Sound effects in the toilet are a nice touch. Unlike some theme pubs that you may have drunk in before, this remembers to not overdo things on the gimmick front to the detriment of it's actual main use as a drinking establishment. As such it's just a slightly unusual looking but comfortable and welcoming pub rather than a Goth theme park. The crowd is generally a good mix of people from all walks of life with a slight bias towards goths and rockers, but not to the extent that you might imagine. Music has improved since previous reviews. Only downside is price, but just off of Oxford Street that is only to be expected I suppose.
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stumbled upon this place with a few mates. Thought we'd gatecrashed some goth initiation ritual. Found the atmosphere very friendly and enjoyed it so much we stayed for several jars. Good to see a place has got the balance right with the theme.
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Gothic horror theme pub with Radio 2 as background music - shudder! Actually, it's all very tongue in cheek and great fun. The food is Wetherspoon's menu, but with gothic gimmicks. London Pride at �2.50 a pint was in reasonable condition, but I doubt if people come here for the beer.
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Fabulous. Had a delicious steak... good cocktails... etc etc...
yeah i liked it.
anonymous - 29 Jun 2005 01:32 |
I love these eerie pubs,.....whoooooooooooo,....went to this one on a paddys day once,........sat there like a prick, getting sloshed in a green witches hat,......wicked
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Decent place for a drink, specially if you are going to a totalrock meet. Close to the tubes which is good for anyone traveling into zone 1.
Good times to be had at all the eerie pubs but this one is my fave.
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Used to go here also when it used to be the Holyrood, which was excellent. Glad this was the replacement though - best of the Eerie pubs in London anyway. Shame there's not more of them around. Background music usually OK at this one.
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This PUB is the meeting place for all of TotalRocks chatters, fans and DJ's. We are a massive community and absolutely love this pub, they are priced right and the atmostphere is so great. It's not not just a goth's and rockers pub, it is a mixed scene but the theme is goth, evryone and anyone goes into this pub and has a bloody good night :)
Jay - ColdRock - 7 Nov 2004 19:03 |
Nipped in the meeting the vampired. Gothed up to the nines, bless it.
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Always laugh at the "scary noises" in the toilets. Perfect for a drink after work with people who don't take themselves too seriously. And there's no better non-contact sport than laughing at drunk Goths.
Ciar�n - 26 Aug 2004 17:27 |
Always a good laugh. The music is safe singalong rock/indie tunes for the most part, the staff are cheeky, and the decor is fab. Food is average and some of the other Eeries (BB&C at St Pauls) have better sound-effects in the loos (don't ask - just check them out). Better than your average Oxford Street pub.
anna - 11 Aug 2004 15:02 |
Has a strange smell of egg. Some Eerie pubs are good (Pit&Pendulum in Notts) but this is a bit skanky to be honest. Food took ages too.
Big Lad - 23 Jul 2004 14:47 |
Love all the Eerie Pubs in London and this is no exception. Friendly staff and great decor. Passable food too :)*Try the SLOTH cocktail..mmmm* I have to agree that they do let themselves down on the music, but I guess they don't want to scare off potential customers, so it's safe chart crap I'm afraid!
For anyone that likes rock music they have a rock night on a Sunday.
Julia - 12 Jul 2004 16:59 |
I go to this pub everytime I'm in Central London. The staff and great and friendly. Kev is definitely a top guy.
Great pub
Darren - 30 Mar 2004 23:08 |
Wacky. I'll get slated for saying it, but the music policy is rocky/ indie. Normally go here with my rocky/ indie mates and love it, to be honest. It's not loud enough that you don't end up sipping pints nad nodding at each other in silence. Fun crowd, and good if you want to feel a bit of a Saturday night vibe before heading further into town.
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You got to repsect this pub for the sheer balls of its decor. You would imagine it to be some Gothic epicentre but I guess they're all hanging out down the Fox. A pub best savoured, it's novelty could well wear off if frequented too reguarly.
Good for: Baffling a friend who has come to visit.
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Wonderful decor but the pub is let down by its music. Staff are friendly and the atmosphere most pleasant. Good selection of cocktails too.
Scarlett - 17 Dec 2003 19:44 |
superb
Chris - 1 Dec 2003 11:25 |
Well pub is ok, Kev is a top guy, even funnier when pissed, like most days he is!!! The blonde girl is moody and stroppy, which is in keeping with the pub butshe is crap wiv customers. Sack her and let Kev shine again
anonymous - 6 Nov 2003 16:06 |
Best pub in all of London in my book. Drinks in testubes are fun, the cocktails are crowd faves and the staff is friendly.
BBW Jayne - 30 Oct 2003 20:35 |
Used to be called the Holyrood.. which had not gothic theme. Theme is fun.. but I used to have good nights when it was the old pub. I think the toilets have spooky sounds in them if I recall. had lots of nice times there.
JP - 24 Oct 2003 12:01 |
Excellent pub, Kev the Manager is beloved by student nurses everywhere. Beer well kept, food not too exiting but lots of it. But the music UUUuuuurgh. I'm not a goth but surely something by the Damned would be more in keeping
Baron Samedi - 23 Oct 2003 17:05 |
I love the Ben Crouch, a mix of all sorts of music and people and cool cheesy SClub 7 and Britney tunes that make it magic. lol! Try Gluttony! Its a bit nice!
Lauren - 22 Sep 2003 17:01 |
Pretty good hangout for central london, lot's of seating, good mix of people, cheap cocktails which aren't too bad, great chips that come in lil coffin dishes, crap toilets, but imy biggest disappointment is that the stereo is a bit dodgey, i love the music but it always seems to drop in volume randomly...
Sarah - 5 Sep 2003 19:17 |
Will the morons that run this site get it right ever??? this pub is in FITZROVIA!!!not soho-soho's boundaries are oxford st-thats where it actually ends...do you know your way around london picked up a map-visit the local council if you must just GET IT RIGHT -you make me very angry!!!
The pub itself is fine but indeed a dodgy chice for music-goths go there-rockers and allsorts-not as good as the Intrepid Fox-but still worthy of a visit.
go
belgrave square boy - 8 Aug 2003 12:27 |
Goth themed in terms of decor, and often the attendees, but the music is dire - includes S club, Britney...
Sit outside in summer. Reasonable beer and fun cocktail selection based on the 7 deadly sins.
Flash Wilson - www.gorge.org - 10 Jul 2003 16:45 |
Nice pint of Directors and standard Eerie Pub Co. decor and cocktails. �3.03 seams a bit steep for a Smirnoff Black but I suppose it’s only just off Oxford Street.
Dr.Tharris - 1 Jul 2003 09:47 |
Ben Crouches. What a discovery this was when we found it 3 years ago. It's still a good pub. It used to do really nice food too, but catering seems to have gone down hill a bit -- though it's been a while since I ate there so it may have recovered...
G - 16 Jun 2003 17:35 |
This is by far my favourite pub. It has a great mixture of people and music. Themed drinks and furniture. Wonderful atmosphere, really friendly bar-staff. Brilliant pub, go visit it, you won't be sorry!
Wulf - 29 Mar 2003 13:03 |
Kind of a wierd dungeon themed pub near the black horse. Roomy, even with a late license on a friday night - dunno if that's a regular occurance.
Ed - 26 Mar 2003 16:17 |
