BITE user comments - Benson_Hedges
Comments by Benson_Hedges
Dropped in again after seeing the pub on Tony Robinson's "Walking through History" program on Channel4. All I can say is 'Wiltsmans' report below is way off the mark. Either that or 'Spoons is more to his taste.The refit looks great and their own Croppie ale was well kept. The location right next to the canal is fantastic and probably gets very busy in summer with crop circle hunters, so good to visit this time of year to appreciate the decor.
30 Nov 2013 18:54
I'm told it had just re-opened prior to my visit after a new refit. Done a great job, just what a 'real' pub should look like. Noticed it's the local CAMRA "Pub of the year" and I would certainly concur with that, just wished it was close enough to be my local. Had a couple of pints of 1810 their own locally brewed ale, well kept and went down a treat.
26 Dec 2012 11:25
The Barrowboy and Banker, London Bridge
Not many in when I visited so could sit and appreciate the interior and it's worth dropping in just for that. I sometimes find the staff at big London pubs a bit indifferent, but here they were very welcoming. Agree with the other posters about the ESB, excellent pint.
26 Dec 2012 11:15
Been a long time since I've supped a lager but must say I could have sat in one of their little booths all day drinking the Smiffy's own brand organic version they sell here, full of flavour, so 'thick' you could stand a spoon in it. Fantastic interior, pricey pints, indifferent staff, everything you expect from one of London's great pubs.
26 Dec 2012 09:42
Nice to see the Wadworths reps on here praising up their own as usual. As it's so marvelous, maybe they could persuade the tenants to stay open past 9.30pm on a Thursday night in August!
7 Aug 2012 21:20
Never been a huge fan of Youngs brews but I do like this pub and it's very well placed near the centre of town. Generally a nice college crowd and good atmosphere. Would recommend their apple pie and custard washed down with a pint of Special.
30 Dec 2010 20:36
Train was delayed so I had an hour to kill - not a lot of options close to the station, so Cat Tavern it was!
A little on the scruffy side, with a 'feature' sofa that's perhaps seen better days. Bar maid was friendly and the locals were, well locals. Amused myself on their jukebox, which was well stocked with some good 70's classics.
As for the main event, tried a pint of their 'Octoberbest', which wasn't exactly to my taste.
5 Dec 2010 10:11
Fitted out towards the gastro end of the market but very pleasant, nice buzz and friendly bar staff. Diners and drinkers could mix at the tables but more of a diners pub. Good patio to the side if a little close to the traffic noise and parking a bit tight. Had a nice pint of their own flatcappers ale. Would return for a meal.
1 Sep 2010 21:47
Dropped in early bank holiday Monday - nice pint of 'Croppie' - their own ale. Also had their own '1810' ale, London Pride and some real ciders. A regular told me the local group have just taken the lease with lottery cash but the pub is owned by a wealthy guy from London who has other pubs and is something to do with Ronnie Wood from the Stones. Long wait for my bacon baguette, but worth it.
31 Aug 2010 17:09
Visited on a Saturday lunchtime. The ales from wooden barrels behind the bar looked good and tasted OK. Pub was not very busy so would have hoped for quicker service on the food. And yes, the landlord is not exactly filled with bon homie so not a great atmosphere.
13 Apr 2010 14:06
My wife went in, early evening, on her own after the refurbishment and reported back very favourably. The staff were very welcoming, food and service were good. Didn't try the ale but should be good this close to the brewery.
13 Apr 2010 13:57
Sadly, I must agree with the previous reviews. Visited a couple of weeks ago, paid the two quid charge to park ( refundable on a �5 purchase) had a look around and couldn't see anything to spend the five quid on. Went to the NT tearoom instead.
13 Apr 2010 13:48
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The Bell, Bath
I was told the long term landlord has sold up, but it's been 'saved' by hundreds of customers who bought the freehold. A figure of nearly £1m was mentioned, that's Bath for you. There is scaffolding up so looks like it's getting a spruce up, probably not before time! Good choice of ales, some laid back drinkers and lots of music on offer but I still prefer some of the city's smaller venues.
30 Nov 2013 19:04