BITE user comments - Hopskipjump
Comments by Hopskipjump
Update:
Change of ownership!
Manageress says they are now sourcing local real ales.
21 Mar 2018 21:43
Wealdman, it is busier, I grant you that, and I think the owner has very good job. I've not been to the other pubs in the company chain but I presume they are reasonably successful too.
All I was saying is that it could be even busier with drinkers, during periods when eaters are not so prevalent. The Wellhouse was always been known for its quaint looks, original features, location, it's old fashioned pub feel and ales. But, if you look at other reviews, not its food. It's in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for a reason! The owner has done great things with all of the above but in my opinion has lost some of the old fashioned local pub feel by being more corporate (can't help that I suppose, what with this industry's massive staff turn over etc and the fact that it is after all a chain) and could improve with the beer side. Look back over past reviews on this site and most say great beer, good selection, etc, etc. It is, or was totally free of tie. And not just this site too, look at other. The company has a fantastic opportunity to exploit the massive revolution in British brewing.
Hey, It is only my opinion and I don't mean to offend anyone, but this site is meant for exactly that and if I can't post an opinion with out getting my head chewed off then what is the point of this site?
I note that you have expressed some harsh views about other pubs you have visited. Mine are actually quite complementary about the Wellhouse.
You never know. Maybe I could buy you a pint if we ever meet. (As long as it's not from Adnams).
21 Apr 2016 20:09
Wealdman, I'm not sure where in my post, I say the owner should prioritise anything! To be clear, the food is great, the decor is great, but he could sell more ale by learning about it and what sells.
See you at the Wellhouse.
21 Apr 2016 12:48
So, an update following a few visits since the take over.
Decor is great! Sympathetic to the original, still cosy and old world and, just a lot cleaner. The garden is brilliant too. Well done!
As expected the food has improved vastly, which is no bad thing at all. Thumbs up here too then. The menus change regularly along with and in line with the other pubs owned by this chain.
Unfortunately, the beer lines were re-done by Adnams 😩and as part of the 'deal' the pub is now tied on one pump to Adnams. In addition, there are now only four pumps and not the five of latter years, even though I noticed there are three more in another bar which are not used. The upshot is that Shere Drop and London Pride are permanents, as they always were, an Adnams has to be on which leaves only one guest. Mostly this pump is occupied by something from Cottage Brewing which i generally find have a strange flavour.
The owner freely admits that food is his thing, which shows. The implication being that there is not much interest in real ale which also shows. The staff seem to know very little about the massive variety of fantastic ales now available in this country and are not encouraged to learn about them. Small bottles of the relevant beer is placed in front of the pumps to show the colour and this is about the extent of knowledge of this product. If a little was learned about this area then so much more trade could be had. Surely if you are in a trade it would be wise to know what sells well. Word spreads very quickly amoungst Real Ale drinkers when a truly unique pub like this is found to be promoting a variety of brews.
The phrase 'Missing a Trick' springs to mind.
I recently went to a pub in Kenley and was heartened to see a invitation on a black board upon which the clientele could indicate their preferred next ale. Great idea!
19 Apr 2016 23:54
First visit to the Radius Arms the other evening and what a revelation. Small cosy, almost off license style inside, but huge on beer, banter and atmosphere. No music either, thank the lord! No need for it. The place fills with atmosphere so quickly.
Beers served straight from the cask although I noticed 3 or 4 engines. Possibly for future use? 5 or 6 Ales on and changed as soon as one runs out, although I think I could see a possible 12 through the glass to the cellar.
If this is the type of establishment to replace all the crap pubs that have closed, then we are in for a real treat!
16 Jun 2015 20:44
Was a great Pub, not a restaurant but a proper pub. It was rumoured that the food wasn't great and the service was very relaxed but a great pub! Let see what the new owner does. I hear he is very good with food. I just hope that being a free of tie house, he makes the most of the 'free house' label and looks to exploit all the new and wonderful real ales that this country has to offer. I read today that there are more breweries per head in the UK than anywhere in the world!
I really hope he doesn't choose the easy route and go with the usual boring, big company brews that every horrible gastro pub seems to be obliged to serve. No imagination!
Lets face it, a proper pub which has great food, great service and a great selection of well kept and not bog standard beers, is a dead cert recipe for success. What more could either the punter or the owner ask for?
Here's hoping!
16 Jun 2015 20:33
The Well House Inn, Mugswell
It hasn’t closed, it’s very much alive. Just a change of ownership.
Same manager, same great staff, same great decor, same great chef and same good food just a release on the reigns maybe?
22 Mar 2018 22:08