BITE user comments - EustaceTilley
Comments by EustaceTilley
In a 4 day pub tour of Cambridge, the Free Press was the friendliest, smartest, and most comfortable pub visited. No mobiles/no smoking make for a better atmosphere, and the upmarket families and literate locals are a welcome bunch. Barkeep exceptionally pleasant, and all the Green King is well kept. Highest marks.
3 May 2006 13:01
High praise for the Duke in the February �06 Tatler:
�For blue-chip socializing, one need look no further than the Duke of Wellington, affectionately known as the Duke of Boots, on Eaton Terrace. Eloise Anson heads there for a pre-party snifter, and Iain Russell and Billy van Cutsem can be spotted being chucked out at half-seven; landlord John Bond was a guest at Ben and Kate Goldsmith�s wedding. �I�ve been going there since I was 10,� says Ed Sackville, self-confessed joint-patriarch with bro Will Buckhurst. �It�s the only truly great pub.��
31 Jan 2006 11:53
The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham
Though I reviewed the Shakey quite favourably not long ago, I must concur with the recent postings. Something�s amiss. Last month when I had a cask beer there, it tasted full-on of vinegar, a radio was blaring away, and the barkeep (a young lady about 20 years old) acted as though she couldn�t be bothered, despite there only being about four customers. The last time I visited, there were no cask offerings at all.
The attitude of late got on the wrong side of the local CAMRA as well, and as a result, the Shakespeare was dropped from the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide.
I want the Shakey to be a good pub. It�s historic, quirky, and spot-on convenient for those of us around the Cathedral and Castle. Tonight I thought I�d give it one more chance � and found it closed. Refurbishment, someone said; will re-open at the end of the month.
Hope springs eternal.
25 Oct 2005 18:03
Five adjectives: Local, Basic, Friendly, Outskirt-of-Town, Trustworthy
A friendly village pub, which stands alone outside of town, this is a trustworthy basic pub, serving basic, fairly good pub food and beer. Handpumped ale is available. Its developed a following in the area by simply doing the basic things well.
26 Sep 2005 21:15
Five adjectives: Old, Quaint, Rustic, Unspoilt, Unpretentious
Out of the way, tucked down a slow lane south of Hexam, this old pub looks as though it�s changed little through the past century. Watch your head coming through the door -- the beam is well under 6 feet!
A lovely spot to have a country lunch, especially if (like me) you are a cheese aficionado: the ploughman�s lunch allows you to choose up to three different cheeses, many of which are local specialties. Real ale available, including several varieties from the Hexhamshire Brewery (I had the Whapweasel). There�s a lovely beer garden in the back, along side a small stream, as well as a pleasant ramble to the nearby Hexam racecourse.
21 Sep 2005 16:31
Five adjectives: Large, French provencial d�cor, Sedate but not stuffy, Upscale village pub
Upon moving to the Consett area, several locals recommended this place as the best dining pub in the area. Cautioned that an advance booking might be required at dinner, I opted to try it out first for lunch. Clearly more of a restaurant than a drinking �local� it�s large and pleasantly decorated with a soft French provencial touch.
The barkeep (who looked like Jake from Jilly Cooper�s Riders) wasn�t the friendliest of fellows, and the scampi & chips I ordered from the specials on the blackboard was utterly unremarkable. Still, the side salad exceeded all expectation for pub grub, and the nearby diner�s sandwiches looked worth a try next time. And the waitress spoke knowledgeable about the local cricket team!
19 Sep 2005 10:19
Five adjectives: New, bright, micro-brewry, clean, and nodding-to-tradition
One of two York Brewery houses in central York, and though new this pub still exudes character and offers up a fine variety of hand pumped �micro-brews�. The name �three legged mare� refers not to a horse, but to an ancient garrot designed to hang three at a time!
Very friendly; it�s location a stone�s throw from York Minster ensures that it will attract tourists, and as an outlet of the York brewery the barkeep was keen to elucidate me about the various homebrews on tap. Deserves recognition - so many of the �historic� pubs in York play so heavily to the tourist that their charm is compromised. This newer pub is a gem.
14 Sep 2005 11:49
The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham
Five adjectives: Tiny; Old; Cozy; Historic; Quirky
Landmark city centre pub, popular with locals, Durham University students, and tourists alike. Charming exterior (with attractive sign featuring Shakespeare�s head). Hand pumped beer available.
One of only two pubs in County Durham on the Campaign for Real Ale�s �National Inventory� of heritage pubs in 2005, The Shakespeare boasts a rare and unspoilt pub interior of outstanding historical interest.
Welcoming to this non-regular; the small room in the rear is perfect for taking a book and having a pint in the afternoon (especially as it is a �quiet pub� free of recorded music).
4 Aug 2005 09:34
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Derwent Walk Inn, Ebchester
Indeed one of the best unpretentious dining pubs in the Durham-to-Newcastle area. Friendly service, welcoming of Derwent walkers, and a patio with an excellent countryside view for summer afternoons.
3 May 2006 13:12