Old Salt Quay, Rotherhitheback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A fine waterside pub for a hot sunny day; seasonal BBQ on the terrace wafts saliva-inducing meat smoke across the garden. Beer in good condition and the friendly barman even offered to top my pint up to the line without being asked. Down to earth clientele were friendly.
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As others have said, this is a large pub and is therefore difficult to create much of a buzz, but it is at least tastefully decorated, clean, and they have reasonable ales (usually now something to go with the standard IPA and Abbott). As to service, it isn't great, and they can be somewhat swamped if it turns out to be a nice day, because the terrace overlooking the Thames is wonderful, and everyone flocks there on a sunny weekend afternoon. I have found the Sunday carvery very good; not the cheapest around but it's good quality, and food standards seem much higher than a major carvery chain I recently visited.
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There is so much potential in this enormous pub that its amazing to me that its NEVER more than half full. Upstairs is generally empty. Upstairs balcony that offers one of the best, of the not the best river view in any bar in London. Very often empty.
Been many times to this pub in the last two years. In all honesty its not a bad place, certainly improved since it was known as Spice Island. Food I reckon is not bad, certainly much better than the Prospect of Whitby across the river, and The Angel. Sure there's a slight Motorway Service Station feel to the whole food experience there - but at least its clean, cheap and someone is taking care. The menu is very fixed though, and a little lacking in choice.
Main problem with the place is bar service, which is variable. Very often regulars who know the bar staff will with a wink, get served first. I've seen this especially on busy nights - and once or twice seen people walk out in frustration. Generally bar service is far too slow. I think they use more inexperienced trainee staff, - but there is also an issue with the process of pulling pints and the till transactions being very slow for some reason.
But still worth a trip for the interior, space and general 'palatial' feel of the place.
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went here on saturday, very poor bar service lets this pub down, its in a great location with a large beer garden facing the thames
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Went in when the sun was out and the pub hasn`t changed at all.To few staff to serve to ever growing crowd at the bar.Waited 15mins still no chance of getting served so walked out.This has been the same problem with this pub under its new name or previously Spice Island and no management has been able to solve the problem.
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Going up in the world and under new management. Excellent views, great seating area on the river. The pub grub downstairs is good and filling with a resturant upstairs for those with a more refined pallet. The carvery on a Sunday is delicious.
Could do with a few more cask beers but usually have IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Abbot. Staff are friendly and helpful.
Now has live jazz and rock nights which are very pleasurable.
This place used to be awful but the new management has really turned it around so if you haven't been for a few months try it again.
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Very large pub with lots of seating outside, with superb river views. The only real ale they had on was GK Abbott, which was only just about OK. Reminded me very much of a Harvester inside, with light wood everywhere. Service was a bit offhand, but OK I suppose. You also got a very good view of the Prospect of Whitby on the other side of the river – I rather thought I was on the wrong side of the river. I don’t think I’ll bother with a return visit, but it must get a few points for the river view alone.
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