BITE user comments - DRHartley
Comments by DRHartley
The Kings Head, Lower Horsebridge
Haven't popped in here for a while so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Despite coming under new ownership in the last year or two, at this time of year the improvement works don't look to be progressing too quickly but it is a VAST improvement on before. What we have now is a good old fashioned local pub and when I went in the fire was going, the bar was decked out for xmas, and the xmas CD was playing. Lovely. The barmaid was polite and courteous and the Harveys Old Ale (I'm not a big Harveys man by any means) was absolutely delicious; well kept, topped up on request... Superb pint of beer. A lad on the next table ordered food and it looked great, big portions. But until a group turned up, me and the lad were the only people in there and the question has to be asked, why? Is it TOO 'local' feeling? Have I just become accustomed to identikit country pubs? I had a very enjoyable couple of pints in this pub, one which is like pubs should be, but something is missing and I can't put my finger on what it is. I would certainly recommend it but don't expect to be blown away.
10 Dec 2011 19:28
This is a nice local pub with a few ales to chose from. The food is consistently good, as is the service and the atmosphere is relaxed. Unfortunately however, the drinks are priced way to high for the likes of me so I often go elsewhere.
13 Mar 2011 14:31
Having been a regular round Pimlico for many years, I'd never heard of this place until I saw it on this website so being an ale fan with a friend with a penchant for belgian beers, where better to go for a few after work but an ale and belgian beer pub? And what a selection of each they do have. Walking into the green brightly lit room, the first thing that strikes you is the suprisingly large space. The second is the long row of pumps and fridges packed with belgian, Dutch and American beers. Eager to please the friendly barmen were happy to provide free tasters. The Bristol Brewery appeared to be showcased with about 10 different varieties including the silky and sublime 'Ultimate Stout', a brainrotting concoction at over 7%. Beautiful it was. However, with the strength comes the price, Many of the beers we tried came in at �4-�5.99 often for the bottle measure of 300ml too, so expect to leave feeling lighter of wallet. The food is absurdly expensive, normal pub food, which unsuprisingly seemed to be selling poorly, even at 7-9pm. Scotch egg and brown sauce for �3.95 anyone? 10 quid for a burger with cheese and bacon for �1 each extra? People we spoke to who did eat said the food was OK, just overpriced, but by my reckoning they should shave off �2.50 from every dish and accept that it's a drinkers pub, not a gastrobar. I guess that due to the strength of the beer and the prices, I'll be here once every month or two (around payday), and definately eat elsewhere beforehand. Well worth a visit!
11 Mar 2011 21:41
Spent a pleasant evening in this pub yesterday, and found the choice and quality of ales excellent, the Adnams Broadside and Herald were particularly nice and we were served by a cheerful barman. The barmaids need to keep an eye on whos next as sometimes you can be waiting around 5 mins to be served when it's not all that busy.
The atmosphere is pleasant, there's a mix of after-workers and tourists of all ages.
The food was served quickly, and was well cooked; The big Ben Burger comprised of a succulent homemade burger, bacon, egg, onion rings and salad and a good amount of thick cut chips. My friend described the fish and chips as 'ok'.
It's no better or worse than any other pub in Pimlico so I recommend a visit if you're in the area.
4 Mar 2011 09:06
I'd walked right past this place on countless occasions due to the unsavoury looking types hanging around in the doorway, though having bitten the bullet and gone for it, was pleasantly surprised to find a CAMRA endorsed gem, with a pleasant atmosphere, great bar staff and a range of real ales, quirky locals and an interesting looking menu. I say interesting 'looking', as in substance the three sausages from a long menu were so overcooked it was untrue, They'd either been kept warm for a long period of time or had just been cooked forever, they weren't nice.
Another down point; During busy periods you can forget about a quiet pint, the big screen takes over for the sport and Friday & Sat Night brings crowds of students in. During the England Wales Rugby match the bar was also woefully understaffed. Otherwise though it's a nice place to enjoy a drink in Eastbourne and is definately one of the better boozers on South Street. A must for the real alers!
6 Feb 2011 13:47
Jurgen and Hikke have pulled this off, against all odds. I remember the Jolly gardeners of old and it's definately better now. However the beer is horrendously expensive, so I rarely go in. The 'token' system in place during the world cup means you end up spending �4 a pint, absolute con. I've always found the food to be slightly odd in here, especially the world cup 'buffets'. Basically, worth a visit but don't make it your regular haunt if you're not rich and stupid.
5 Jul 2010 08:52
In need of a refurb, and a rethink of the pricing policy. For what this place is it's horrendously expensive given the beers are very average. Good people behind the bar though and they throw a hell of a new years eve party. If they dropped the prices or improved the quality it would be a really good pub. Pleasant mix of local folk and a lot friendlier than other pubs in the village.
5 Jul 2010 08:41
The Rose and Crown, Almondbury
Used to be great many years ago, seems to have been taken over by chavs. Not a patch on what it was.
5 Jul 2010 08:37
The Radcliffe Arms, Almondbury
Recently refurbed to look like grannys dining room, this place seems to be the hangout of local yobs and overpriced average tasting beers. They've recently got rid of the pool table (my last excuse for going there). This pub has a slightly hostile feel about it which is a shame as Almondbury is really lacking a great boozer. This used to be it but it's struggling.
5 Jul 2010 08:31
The Holland Tringham, Streatham
The building isn't really fit for purpose, a sort of long room, with stairs down to the bar; Not a great wetherspoons, tables don't get cleaned too often and the bar staff (particularly the Chinese guy) constantly smash bottles into the recycler bin which for some reason is inside the pub. It's open later than other streatham pubs so ideal for those who want that post 1130 beer, otherwise don't bother
5 Jul 2010 08:05
Oh my, this must be in my top 1 pubs in Great Britain. The Sair is the worst kept secret in Huddersfield. Heading out towards the wilds of Marsden, there's a little left up a 45 degree hill. Where does this hill go? To the Sair, that's where! Greeted by a godawful sign comprising a cartoony pig you enter the door beneath and take a step back into an age forgotten. 4 rooms, some with fishtanks, some with idle guitars, all with dogs and logs and a rowdy local contingent of rabbit trappers and jazz musos. Don't expect luxury, find ropey alleys to the gents (with a glimpse of the conservatoire brewery!) dodgy wiring, and the ever present master of the brews, salty dog Ron Crabtree! The ales, take your pick of 8+ are all VERY local and they taste absolutely excellent. The range and quality astounds, at unbelievevably reasonable prices. Try the Leadboiler for a strong dark one.
Go there.
4 Jul 2010 23:46
The Lavender, Vauxhall
Why can't I find 'the Black Dog' using the search on this website? I have an idea why, This is an AWFUL pub. The state of the ales is diabolical and the lagers look a bit pale for my liking. So much potential, it's a nice interior but the drinks are vile, every time I've tried it I've had one drink and gone elsewhere.
10 Dec 2011 19:36