BITE user comments - FattusBlokus
Comments by FattusBlokus
Was in here last Friday (bout 10pm). Including the barman and me there were 3 other people in here. However, it looked like they had cleaned the place up a bit - well all except the 'famouus' gents loo that is.
20 Jul 2006 20:16
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
No they certainly are not. I like pubs, but certainly dont wanna work, run or own one. Thank you very much !! My opinions (which of course I am entitled - as you are yours) are based on my own experience(s) of the pub.
I like it - you don't - end of story I'd say !
Or is Anonymous one and the same person who has posted a variety of comments on this and many other pubs ?? Who knows - or should that be Who Cares ?
1 May 2006 21:28
Popped in again last night for a swift half (ok two) -many thanks Rachel !!!
Pub was looking great - looked like a proper pub, unlike some of the other establishments in the area. It was clear the staff had worked hard.
Plenty of smiles from the two ladies behind the bar which is always a good sign. Have to say that the Landlady is the best looking in the area by miles !!
Will be back !!
20 Apr 2006 17:08
Boadicea, Charing Cross Station
Walked past it last week - smelt and looked as though the entrance was being used as a public loo - it was quite rank. Saw a member of staff step over it without any apparent concern.
Places like this give the Railways a bad (ok worse) name.
As I said before - AVOID !!!!
10 Apr 2006 12:39
Not the best pint I've ever had - but ok I guess (reasonable price for the area). Never much atmosphere in the bar - poss because a lot of folk in the place are there for the Carvery. Usual bunch of 16-17 year old chavs playing the fruit machines though sadly.
Layout of the place is ok - shame the beer 'garden' faces onto the main road and lacks any grass - but makes up in exhaust fumes - which is nice!!
Its really the only 'pub' in the area - hence my visits (infrequent though they are) - it just needs a kick up the a**e.
10 Apr 2006 12:35
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
A better bet, might be that all the negative comments (posted by anonymous - how brave of he/she/it)- are from the same person.
Wot price that Boss ???
10 Apr 2006 12:13
FattusBlokus says "Welcome Back FattusBlokus - Nice to have you back behind the Bar again!!"
Good drink had by all in here last night - it was a WKD evening !!
What happened to the Grapes though ???
6 Apr 2006 13:09
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
Anonymous (your message of 12 March) - anyone would think you had a 'downer' on this pub. Surely it's each to his own.
All I can say is (and I'm just a punter nothing to do with the pub in any shape or form)is that on my last visit (and I will as Arnie says "Be Back") it was a very pleasant London pub, with good drinks and good staff.
If you don't like it (and there are plenty of pubs I don't like), then perhaps you should take your custom elsewhere ?
Rant Over !!
FB
12 Mar 2006 16:47
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
Visited yesterday - only time for a pint, but all seemed fine, nice cold lager, clean pub, food looked good (I didn't eat though).
All in all will be going back, when I have more time.
Well done Peter !!
FB
PS Can I have a free pint please and thank you?
9 Mar 2006 19:44
The Hope and Sirloin, Farringdon
Used to go in here once a year for a big breakfast before annual outing to Brighton with FB and the gang. Food was always fab (huge portions of everything) - staff always helpful and the Guinness (all I can drink at 7 in the morning) was always good.
Hope (no pun intended) that it hasn't gone downhill - perhaps I shall visit again at a more civilized time.
8/10 on previous experiences
6 Mar 2006 17:27
The Tudor Rose, Upper Elmers End
Went past last night - Guess what ?
It's now called the Rising Sun !!
23 Feb 2006 16:57
In here last month with a couple of folk from SA !! To say they were unimpressed would be a huge understatement - "This place is shit - Lets go" was the conversation as I recall.
So we did - which was nice (unlike this dreadful place).
Def one to avoid - but I did spot a few of the ugly women others have commented on.
19 Feb 2006 18:50
Agree with the comments below. Used to drink in here a few times a month (in the good old days). Last time I was in (Nov 05) it was still a decent pint, pub was clean, and staff knew their way 'around the bar'.
Fell in love with the Lovely Blonde outside the Strip Club overe the road - which was nice !!!
17 Feb 2006 16:41
Last time I was in here, I had to leave half of my pint - Enough said methinks !!
The Kings Arms, just over the way, is much nicer (and so is their beer).
17 Feb 2006 16:24
Used the loo here late last year (I did ask first- Honest). Would agree with the comments below though - looked like the customers were keen on Ratners and sun beds.
However, nice smile from the lady behind the bar and clean (before and after) loo's.
Would give it a try if I was passing.
14 Feb 2006 16:55
In there few months back. Its true - getting a seat is tricky. The 'locals' seem rather keen on keeping the seating to themselves.
Low beams in places (could be a problem if a bit tipsy) - but a nice interior. Service average - beer was fine.
Sort of place you might stop at for one or two - can imagine it gets packed in the summer though.
14 Feb 2006 16:28
Brings back memories of drunken afternoons with my then Boss Terry P. We both always had a skin full (after our meetings of course).
Nice Pub, Nice People, Nice Beer - Nice!!!!
Must go back and visit it again soooooon.
13 Feb 2006 16:55
Its ok I guess - bit dark and small for my liking - but have no probs with the lagers they sell.
Can't put my finger on why I'm not a big fan - I just wouldn't go there by choice.
Everyone to their own though of course.
13 Feb 2006 12:54
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
Ahhhhhhh - I'd not thought of the equestrian angle.
Make you right though Ashingdon Man - pubs shouldn't be judged on which way the staff 'lean'.
13 Feb 2006 12:41
The King and Keys, Fleet Street
Call me old fashioned by I thought a syrup (syrup of figs) was a Wig. Or does he/she wear two ????
13 Feb 2006 10:00
Went on my first 'date' with my Wife in here. Blimey, that was in 1982 - you get less for murder !!
Been back once since - pub has been enlarged, but was nothing special.
12 Feb 2006 12:49
I was even charged �2.50 for a pint of Orange Squash (see previous typo)
12 Feb 2006 09:17
Average pub, average beer - just average really.
Expensive though for somewhere so, dare I say it again, average !!
11 Feb 2006 17:59
Was once charged �2.50 for a pint of orange squah in this tiny 'pub'. Obviously the water is expensive in Shirley.
Public bar no bigger than a bed- sit (of the smaller kind) And whilst the main bar is bigger the whole place is just drab.
V average alas - look elsewhere
11 Feb 2006 17:55
Last in here about 9 months ago. Busy (it was a Friday night) but good service and great bar snacks.
Drinks all fine - would recommend to anyone passing by !!
Only problem - the Car Park is very small
11 Feb 2006 17:35
Establishment mmade my ears bleed - so noisy couldn't hear yourself drink (a very average though expensive pint of lager).
Not music that was the problem, just the cheap wooden surroundings which seemed to amplify the hordes in there. Packed full of suits at lunch time - we left them to it.
I would avoid - plenty better in the vicinity.
9 Feb 2006 22:09
Pub was ok - Just dont like Sam Smiths range of drinks - Yuk !!!
But if you like Smiths, then you could do worse in this area.
9 Feb 2006 22:05
Had a gay old time in here on a few occassions - especially when it was the only place in Victoria serving after 11pm.
OK place though if you prefer the company of men !
9 Feb 2006 22:02
Visited the small, but perfectly formed pub last August (05). Excellent pint of Guiness and the Ploughmans the family and I had were top class (and not overly priced).
My only criticism would be that some of the locals (those who dress like they have just been fox hunting) look at you as if you are a second class citizen. But, thats not the Pub's fault.
Would go back on my next visit to the New Forest
6 Feb 2006 18:27
The only proper pub in Beckenham these days !! If you like traditional pubs and decent beer then its well worth a visit.
6 Feb 2006 15:15
I'm afraid that the last two times I've been here (both Monday nights), they have run out of Fosters on both occassions.
OK 'Locals' Pub though - bit on the small side, but generally clean and tidy. Reasonable price and the two Bar Maids were both very friendly.
6 Feb 2006 15:12
The Tudor Rose, Upper Elmers End
Was this not the Rising Sun Pub a few years ago ????
6 Feb 2006 15:10
The Railway Hotel, West Wickham
In here on 23 December 2005 - First time for many moons. Whilst it was obviously packed, there was room to stand comfortably, and after a while we got seats.
The staff were all v friendly (especially the girl who served my lager top - Bless Her) and the beer was cold.
Not sure about the decor though - reminded me of someones front room. Clean and tidy though - would go again if in the area.
6 Feb 2006 15:08
Its cheaper to drink in the West End. Horrible pub these days. Avoid !!!
6 Feb 2006 15:01
Went in here a few moths back. Afraid I have to agree with the previous comments. Lots of chav types and few seemed older than 20. Beer was ok I have to say, but standing at the bar meant stares from Neanderthal man and his chums.
Only bright spot was the very pretty lady who came in just before we left.
Shame because it used to be a fair pub when I lived in Wickham
6 Feb 2006 15:00
Have eaten here (with the wife and kids) in the evening 3 times in the past few years whilst on hols !! Good well priced food (large portions as well) and drinks always spot on. The staff and predominately 'regular' customers are all friendly and make you feel welcome.
Would recommend it anyone passing by.
5 Feb 2006 21:58
I cann't agree with the previous comment that the WS is disgusting - but I couldn't say anything very nice about it either. Used to be a half decent boozer a few years back - Shame.
Best avoided !!
5 Feb 2006 21:39
Alas only good for a punch up - avoid (just as the staff in this pub, that tries to be a club, do when it comes to getting a drink.
Overcrowded, Overpriced and JustOver 16 (age of most of the 'customers')
Avoid - plenty better in the area (except the Shakesphere in Victoria)
5 Feb 2006 20:56
Boadicea, Charing Cross Station
Should be shut down !! Total shite. Filthy dirty (both the pub and a lot of it's customers) - staff couldn't give a toss (except into the beer perhaps) - didn't hang around to taste anything by way of drinks - getting out was a much better idea.
Avoid at ALL COSTS !!!!
5 Feb 2006 20:44
The Sherlock Holmes, Charing Cross
Quaint - but jam packed with tourists - so expect a long wait to get what you went in for. Beer was ok - cold but a bit flat alas.
Generally it was OK though - would go in there again -well if someone else was buying the drinks that is !!!
5 Feb 2006 20:40
Horrible !! Keep well away - though its not as crap as the Moon on the Mall.
Plenty better establishments in the area.
5 Feb 2006 20:38
Walkers of Whitehall, Whitehall
In there last Friday (3 Feb). Beer ok, staff were nice (especially the well endowed lady behind the bar) - strange mix of punters (not many over 21 it seemed) - but fairly easy to get a seat on a Friday. It emptied out pretty quickly. So can't complain (not with my bad back anyway)
I wouldn't go there by choice again - but it tries hard !!
It used to be a wine bar, then a bar (with Pool Table ect), then a Wine Bar and I think its now a Bar again (on three levels).
5 Feb 2006 20:36
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
Another horrible JDW !!
The night I was in it must have been a Pratts Convention - the place seemed to attract them big time - both sides of the bar alas.
Cheap - but cheap and nasty fits the bill better.
5 Feb 2006 20:31
Everything was average - look elsewhere for a pub to spend more than 15 minutes in !!
5 Feb 2006 20:28
Only use it as there is a bookie's two doors away - but a fair pub, fair beer and staff are good !
You could do worse in the area - You could do better though !!!
5 Feb 2006 20:25
If you have an hour or two to spare - then this is the pub for YOU !! It takes that long to get served mainly because of the hordes of far eastern tourists. I think the pub has a 'deal' with a coach firm, because no sooner had one party of tourists departed, then another appeared.
Beer was average and certainly not worth the wait ! Pub itself is okish - reasonable decor - but as I went in for a drink (not just to pass the time), it lets itself down at the bar.
Avoid unless you have time on your hands.
5 Feb 2006 20:21
If your over 19, then your to old for this place. Full of chavs and drunk 15 year olds.
Good for a fight though anytime after 9.30.
Avoid unless your a complete moron like the majority of its clientele.
5 Feb 2006 11:56
Are we in the West End ??
No justification for the prices - very average !!!
5 Feb 2006 11:51
The Guy behind the food counter is Great !! Best hand turned cod in Westminster.
Good pub only downside is full of Rupert and Cuthbert types - who seem to have 50p between them. They always wear their House of Commons passes though - so you can spot them a mile off !!!
Apart from that - its the best pub in Whitehall
5 Feb 2006 11:48
The Westminster Arms, Westminster
Small and full of bearded civil servants (men and women).
Real ale - but have tasted much better.
Staff seemed to be Katherine Tate fans - cause they certainly weren't bothered.
Not recommended - unless you like bearded ladies of course.
5 Feb 2006 11:45
If your looking for a punch-Up, then this could be your type of 'pub'.
Shame - years ago it used to be average - now its simpley shite !!
Avoid !!!!
5 Feb 2006 11:42
Toilets are poor and the pub could do with a clean up. But its a 'real regulars' establishment and better than a lot in the Victoria area.
Good, Cheap Food as well !!
5 Feb 2006 11:39
Simpley Souless - but then it is a JDW pub !!
Avoid - unless you have no personality.
5 Feb 2006 11:37
OK - if you like pubs that encourage the use of sign language.
Very Loud, but the beer was ok (but overpriced). Staff tried hard, and service was pretty good.
Lots of annoying 'suits' on the pavements though in the summer months.
5 Feb 2006 11:35
Wish they would invest in some decent lighting. But an ok pub.
Better establishments to be found in the vicinity though !!
5 Feb 2006 11:32
The Sloe Bar, Victoria Station
Why bother - The Reef Bar is only 30 seconds away.
This place was full of tramps when I went in (for about 10 seconds) and smelt of urine.
Horrible - Avoid !!!
5 Feb 2006 11:31
The Reef Bar, Victoria Station
Nice staff and drinks. Service good.
Best Bar on Victoria Station by miles !!!!
5 Feb 2006 11:29
Molly O'Grady's, Victoria Place
Full of drunken football 'fans' - horrible beer - terrible atmosphere.
Just AVOID !!!!
5 Feb 2006 11:27
Wetherspoons, Victoria Station
Well - You can see the Train Indicator Boards from the balcony - which is about the only thing this place has going for it to be honest.
Typical JDW 'pub' - no atmosphere - average staff, odd 'cheapscate' customers, very average beer (rather pay more for a decent pint).
It smells of sick and the floors, bars and furnishings are sticky.
In my view it's best avoided - unless your a skint alcoholic.
5 Feb 2006 11:25
The Iron Duke, Victoria station
The Reef Bar is cleaner, nicer and the beer is better. However, I guess this place serves to a specific clientele - but it could 'try' harder.
Best avoided unless your desperate and like the tramps - who tend to frequent the bar (given its on the Station concourse).
5 Feb 2006 11:20
Look up the words - 'Absolute Shite' in a dictionary - and you'll find this place.
Been done up a few times in the past 5 years - but they need to change their staff, clean their loo's (the worst I've ever seen in London)and actually focus on their customers.
Avoid this place like the plague would be my only advice.
5 Feb 2006 11:16
Great Pub - Great Staff. Friendly crowd of punters - shame the Brewery seems reluctant to spend any money on it though.
Best Pub in Victoria by miles - see you in there !!!!
5 Feb 2006 11:11
Back to FattusBlokus's profile
The Old Cross, Chichester
Good Luck Moggs!!!
2 Jun 2007 16:52