BITE user comments - Brakslover
Comments by Brakslover
Delighted to read that "AHunter" will be avoiding this pub. Idiots like him are best avoided. Undoubtedly one of the best locals in SW London, run by a very friendly couple and always serving beer in tip top condition.
20 Jun 2014 14:13
At 6pm last night most tables laid up with cutlery, napkins, candles. Not particularly inviting if you�re just popping in for a couple of pints at the end of the day. Shocked to be charged �3.70 for a pint of Tribute.
Like many others, I am very disappointed in what The Plough has now turned into. In my view, if you want gastro then the nearby Victoria is much better, whilst The Hare & Hounds (even after Youngs refurb) remains a better pub.
26 Aug 2011 12:30
Last eight reviews all over the top, orchestrated and all from new posters. Draw your own conclusions!
5 Jan 2011 10:50
The Park Tavern, Kingston Upon Thames
Let me jump in to defend the PT, since the last 3 contributions are somewhat less than flattering. Over the last 5+ years I have used the pub once every 2-4 weeks, usually following a walk in Richmond Park. Always recognised and given a friendly welcome. Changing selection of real ales, but TT Landlord and Pride seem permanent fixtures. Can only recall one occasion when I have had an �off� pint � which was immediately replaced without question. If you like traditional �non trendy� pubs like the PT, then we all need to support them or we will lose them forever! In my view still probably the best pub in Kingston.
28 Jun 2010 15:57
Time for a reappraisal since the 2009 vandalisation and gastrofication (if there be such words) of the Old Andover. For those of us who remember it pre facelift, then it is true that much of the original character (and fittings!) have been lost forever. However, I believe that traditionalists visiting for the first time will find the bare boards, mismatching wooden furniture and the more �gastro feel� to the place as being not as unpleasant as many pub �modernisations/makeovers�. On the other hand the less traditional pub goers may actually find it to be attractive. However, of prime importance, I am pleased to report that the quality of the ale � London Pride in particular � continues to remain truly excellent.
Previously The Andy was in my Top 10 of favourite London pubs and whilst I could no longer rank it quite that highly, if I forget how it used to be and judge it solely as it now stands, then together with continued excellence of the ale, in my opinion it can still be considered as one of the better boozers in the area (possibly at least making my Top 10 of West London!).
2 May 2010 10:42
The Pig and Whistle, East Sheen
Agree with recent postings. Now much improved and friendly welcoming atmosphere. Tribute, Pride, Youngs Ordinary and Deuchers on draught. Must now be considered one of the better pubs in Sheen - although many would argue that would not be much of an accolade!
29 Mar 2010 10:14
I note that Jimbojim and Stonehill both joined BITE on 23rd Jan 2010. On 28th Jan, and within 16 minutes of each other they both posted very complimentary reviews of The Plough. Neither have posted any other reviews (save for one poor review of the nearest pub to The Plough).
Make of that what you will. However, in my view The Plough can be classed as no more than an average pub that has changed but not improved in recent years with the new management - but I will concede that the beer (usually, Harveys Best, Pride and Landlord) is usually served in reasonable condiiton.
29 Jan 2010 11:01
Have to agree with cheese & onion. Yes, the beer is still top notch, but unfortunately the atmosphere has been lost somewhat and there seems to be generally less customers. Because of the previous landlord, it was always going to be a hard act to follow - and sadly this has proved to be the case..
21 Oct 2009 14:05
The Carpenters Arms, Stanton Wick
Excellent "olde worlde" country pub. Three well kept real ales and excellent food and accommodation. Certainly recommended for either dropping in for just a couple of pints; stopping for a proper meal or staying for a weekend break.
23 Aug 2009 18:51
The Hare and Hounds, East Sheen
Refurb now complete and reopened. Overall not a bad job, but sad to see the public bar go to be replaced by the "Bellini Lounge" (!) which was locked on my visit today. Large beer garden has been spruced up a little and we now have waiters and waitresses to serve at table. More emphasis now on food (as is inevitably the case these days!) but menu looked reasonable and not overly eexpensive for gastro pub type food.
Usual Youngs beers - I had the Kew Gold which was in goos nick, plus a number of lagers including Amstel and Kirin.
Accepting that "modernisation" seems to be the name of the game as far as breweries are concenred, then this is one of the better Youngs refurbs. My rating remains at 8 - the same as before.
2 Aug 2009 19:22
Did anyone read the Daily Telegarph on 25th June. One of the obits read as follows..
ANDOVER - Arms (Andy). Died after a brief but valiant struggle on Friday 19th June 2009. Will be missed by all loyal friends and family. Letters of condolence should be addressed to Simon Emeny, Managing Director, Fullers Inns, Chiswick Lane South, London, W4 2QB
RIP
2 Jul 2009 09:40
A very good gastro pub, with emphasis heavily on food & wine. Two real ales (Pride & Landlord) kept in good condition. Very much child and family friendly - which you may or may not regard as a plus. Not the cheapest, but worth a visit, especially in summer with its conservatory and pleasant garden area.
28 Jun 2009 12:30
Absolutely agree with the latest comments. The changes (out with carpets and comfortable seating and in with "trendy" wooden floors, seats etc) have completely ruined the character of the place..
Does ANYONE - including Fullers and the landlord - think that this is in anyway an improvement to what was until very recently a fine traditional local pub?
Goodbye Andover, I'm off to seek pastures new!!
26 Jun 2009 13:24
Superb! Went back after 40 years and nothing seems to have changed (although the beer is better than in the 60s when it was Watneys!. Now Harveys, London Pride etc). Even the same landlord. Small and intimate pub - oak panelling, horse brasses, friendly landlords. Do make a point of visiting and enjoy.
29 Dec 2008 09:30
One of my favoutite London pubs, ever since Mac ran it c30 years ago. The Fuller's beers there are always in top form. Well worth a visit.
26 Aug 2008 17:32
Sign outside now reads reopening "Arpil (sic) 28th". Doesn't specify which year unfortunately!
21 Apr 2008 17:13
Walked past this lunchtime and had a good look. I imagine the reopening can now be measured in days - rather than weeks (or months!). I hope against hope that this doesn't turn into yet another gastropub which we don't need - we have The Victoria just around the corner after all. Otherwise my locals will stay as The Halfway House and The Hare & Hounds, both of which are "proper pubs"..
15 Feb 2008 15:06
I hope the new owner has the good sense to see that Sheen does not need yet another gastropub. He should return it as near as possible to its original state, thus ensuring people will come back to one of the few "proper pubs" in the area. Fingers crossed they get it right.
However, if it does turn out to be a gastropub, I shall visit just once and thereafter I shall step it out to The Halfway House in Barnes and allow that to become my local.
PS: to The Plough ownners - do visit Halfway House to see how a proper pub works.
14 Nov 2007 17:15
Orinoco seems a bit OTT with his language, but I do support his sentiments!
31 Jul 2007 14:13
I visit maybe once every 3-4 weeks and the Badger Beer is always in tip top condition. Additionally my wife likes the wine selection.
3 Jul 2007 12:52
Overall not bad, but service can be very slow when busy - as it often is. Now stocks Wells Bombadier as well as usual Youngs beers.
9 Jan 2007 12:55
The Hare and Hounds, East Sheen
UKcharlie may be right. The Plough and Hare & Hounds are easily the best East Sheen pubs. Visit both and judge for yourselves; they are only c4-500 yards apart.
2 Jan 2007 12:44
In my view probably the best "proper pub" in London, plus the beer is always in first rate condiiton
21 Dec 2006 15:22
Best it's been for many years. Excellent Adnams Broadside and food is now SO much better. Almost certainly the best "proper pub" in East Sheen.
21 Dec 2006 15:17
The Rifleman, Twickenham
Listed in 2014 Good Beer Guide. Voted as current POTY Runner Up by local CAMRA branch. Looks like independent assessors vs an abusive idiot. You decide! PS: I live in SW14 and have no connection whatsoever with the pub or brewery.
23 Jun 2014 08:22