BITE user comments - Dr_Will
Comments by Dr_Will
I've been here once. I lasted a little over 10 seconds before I made for the door.
Would still be going in a post-apocalyptic winter because most of the occupants / staff wouldn't let a little thing like radiation poisoning come between them and their pint...
It's a class thing. They don't have any.
27 Nov 2007 15:53
Cosy little bar right next to Earlsfield Station. Less likely to be full of chav families on match days than the Open Page and, unless you are prepared to walk all the way to the Leather Bottle, decent atmosphere - if a little small.
2 Oct 2006 13:19
You need to be very, very, very drunk to get any satisfaction from being in here.
Obliterated in fact... Hot, sweaty and generally gross.
Judging by how I feel today, I'm never putting myself through that again.
31 Aug 2006 15:01
The Alma Tavern, Wandsworth Town
I live on Alma Road and have watched the transition of this pub over the last few months...
A very regular haunt, it has become something of a shadow of it's former self in terms of atmosphere. From the various conversations I've had with the barstaff (most of whom used to work under the old owner and were charming then) they are finding the new management distressing and therefore don't enjoy their work as much.
The new tables don't allow for as many standing customers. There used to be a deluge of smart commuters stepping in for a quick pint and a chat each evening before retiring home... now we find the demographic is evolving into a combination of unpleasant bar flies and fat secretaries sharing a bottle of wine...
Still a good boozer, though...
I hope they don't do the same thing to The Ship which reverts to Youngs on 2 July 2006...
11 May 2006 12:24
The Pig and Whistle, Earlsfield
Having reread Mr_Lash's comments earlier... this dive of a pub is actually only 1.6 miles from it's brewery.
Pub postcode: SW18 5JD
Brewery postcode: SW18 4JD
YTDM...
Roll on 13th May and the changing of the guard.
11 May 2006 11:28
Very often rammed. Not shy of a few fitties in here, but it does end up costing a fair few quid. Drinks are nothing to get excited about and don't expect to have a seat...
Rarely quiet too. Enter when already drunk and with lascivious intentions only.
1 Mar 2006 15:23
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Good stop-in boozer. As many builders as sloanes. Don't go in here expecting it to be calm, but the food is pretty good - particularly in summer when they have the BBQ out!
1 Mar 2006 14:47
I avoided the NYE party on matter of principal. Although I like this pub, I find NYE one of the most overrated evenings of the year and the thought of spending �85 in the hope of avoiding disappointment seemed to be too risky for my blood...
Other than that. I enjoy the seclusion and style of this pub. Not too bothered by the sloane element and fairly uninspired by the staff, to be honest...
Good place for a quiet drink before heading somewhere interesting. Alternatively, very good for birthday drinks with a large group so you can take it over!
1 Mar 2006 14:43
Sloane ranger's meet point. Rowdier than the civilised and sedate surroundings of Aragon House and almost impassable of a Friday / Saturday night. However, an important pit stop to make on occasion just to see if there has been any improvement, because without the patrons and the just-short-of-decent barstaff it would be an excellent bar.
Though, I confess I have never stayed here for more than 2 drinks and most of the time not even that...
1 Mar 2006 11:15
Agreed. Steve is a good chap. Decent quality drinks, if you like your spirits mixed and blended...
Food is good, but not substantial. A place to meet for a quick drink with a lady. Not somewhere to stay and spank the credit card.
23 Feb 2006 17:12
The Northcote, Clapham Junction
Bad, bad, bad.
Even the bottled beer tastes suspicious. Staff look like extras from Little Britain too. Welsh manager who insisted on all the staff wearing Australia Rugby shirts during the World Cup Final... which is why we left and watched it at home.
23 Feb 2006 17:07
Very funky music at the weekends. Friendly staff and cosy layout. Ice cold chunky Grolsch bottles (500ml) very refreshing of an evening...
Also would make a good pit stop on a hot summer's afternoon, but you want to clear out before it get's too busy.
23 Feb 2006 17:02
Very small. Quite battered furnishings and you'll need a ladder and some binoculars to see the TV.
Cramped. In a word...
23 Feb 2006 16:59
The County Arms, Wandsworth Common
Hmm... I seem to recall one of the ladies. Best time to go to this place is in the summer and go all the way round the terrace and find a corner table out the little ankle-biters' path...
The BBQ kitchen does a burger that needed structural support to get it to my mouth without chunks falling out. (That's a compliment). One of the largest burgers I've ever had. Awesome.
Not a fan of the main dining room which used to be a big fireplace bar. Because of the terrace and the bar area on the otherside, it has become more of a thoroughfare, which is a bit of a shame.
23 Feb 2006 16:43
I think Womble has a valid point. However, I would trace it's decline to it's sale to Firkin almost 10 years ago. After 175 yrs as The Hope, it was sold and made into a chain pub. It's subsequent sale to Six Continents hasn't actually changed it again that much - still lacking in a homely atmosphere and has overpriced food.
I agree with regard to the summer, when it's superb location has now been overshadowed by it's pricing and clientele...
It might somewhat diminish Womble's credibility when it comes to criticising the barstaff if one observes that he worked in the pub 2 years ago. Having said that, the boy has managed to be consistently on one side of the bar or the other for about 5 years, which takes an unhealthy dedication...
(Admittedly, both me & Womble's other elder brother worked there 10 years ago).
23 Feb 2006 16:32
First experience: had a risotto that was swimming in truffle oil and salt and looked like I could have left a footprint in it and have it set before I finished my pint. Was unable to finish it, and for me that's some admission...
(Apparently, normally food is good though).
Second experience: much better. Big screen 6 Nations rugby, not too busy, great atmosphere and the ale-swiggers in our group were best pleased with their pints of Badger.
Third experience: some desperate argument at the bar between the staff about bills. My bill was mixed up, so were 3 others that I know of on that night.
Overview: Good pub, quiet and tucked-away treat. Check your bill and you'll leave happy.
23 Feb 2006 16:14
Excellent pit-stop on the way back to SW18. Never been to the back room so can't comment. Often a few cabbies parked just down the street eating their cheese and pickle sandwich suppers... makes it a very handy pub for just before the black bus home. Good array of beers too, I'm told. Did take me at least 15 mins last time to get my hands on a Guiness which was a little upsetting. Quite fancy nipping off there now, as it happens...
14 Sep 2005 13:25
The County Arms, Wandsworth Common
A mixed bag of reviews beneath this one. The food is sometimes excellent (particularly in the summer when the barbecue kitchen is serving), but sometimes slow and incorrect orders!
Lots of kids on weekends during the day. If you want peace and quiet, find somewhere a little further from nappy valley.
17 Jun 2005 10:54
The Pig and Whistle, Earlsfield
Not wanting to believe Mr Lash, I decided to re-visit a pub I had faith in. The verdict?
Mr Lash utters no lies... The Pig & Whistle once thrived on it's ability to quench the thirst of pilgims from Wimbledon to Clapham, sating their hunger with Branigans Roast Beef and Mustard crisps into the bargain.
Now it wallows in ineptitude, attracting the bizarrest of patrons and producing some of the most disgusting fairyliquid-infected head that I have ever seen - even on pints of lager.
Also, I've eaten better food in a Wimpy.
I mourn the death of a well-placed establishment.
17 Jun 2005 09:58
The Pig and Whistle, Earlsfield
An excellent pitstop, but certainly not a yard-arm to closing time pub. Good crisps and good Young's beer. Some strange patrons, however...
20 Apr 2005 13:55
The Earl Percy, Ladbroke Grove
The lack of any ales or bitters warrants a sign outside warding off the unwary... I have friends who would have had heart palpatations faced with that. Settled for a pint of Guiness as options were limited.
D�cor... No idea who the Irish guys were or how their interior design skills rated, but they'd be hard pushed to make it much worse. The place doesn't seem to know what it wants to be (pub, restaurant, bar? - hence only fizzy lager pop?).
Friendly staff, if a little slow...
21 Oct 2008 18:32