BITE user comments - MINTYBOOM
Comments by MINTYBOOM
Two Old Brewery Bitter handpumps now on the bar. A sign last Friday afternoon stated that the beer itself would be on within the next few days. A good step forward for what is already a good pub
27 Jul 2010 21:01
If the previous post about cask ale being put in is correct then it will make what is already quite a decent pub even better
8 Jun 2010 19:14
First time in here a couple of weeks back - didn't sit outside as I'd already caught my fair share of rays elsewhere but I'd definitely like to give the beer garden a go sometime and watch the goings-on on the river. It felt like a nice, cosy pub with a good local following. On the ale front, I tried the Sharp's Doom Bar and it was spot on. Will definitely be back, hopefully when it's sunny!
15 Jun 2009 20:08
Paid my inaugural visit a couple of weeks ago and I strongly suspect that I'll be back. Great location by the river and a cracking spot to sit outside - especially when the weather is nice. It was red hot when I was there and I certainly caught the sun! It's a Sam Smith's pub but they don't do cask Old Brewery Bitter - not too much of a problem for me as I had the bottled Cherry Beer which is very good. Further investigation is required I think.
15 Jun 2009 19:59
Paid a rare Saturday visit yesterday - the place seems to have a totally different and more relaxed atmosphere at weekends. A decent couple of pints of Bombardier were had whilst nervously awaiting the result of the Man U - Liverpool match. This has been a favourite pub of mine for a while now and will continue to be so
15 Mar 2009 11:51
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
First time in here yesterday and I have to say that I wasn't overly impressed. The service (by the Landlady I think) was surly and on the point of being rude and the place seemed to have something of a pretentiousness about it. The beer (Hophead) was ok but rather too flat for my liking. Shame really, because the pub itself is a place with a certain amount of character and charm to it. Can't say that I'll be back in a hurry.
15 Mar 2009 11:47
A bit of a 'rough and ready' sort of boozer. I echo previous posters in that the smell from the open kitchen can be somewhat off-putting. If you took that away the palce would be a lot better
9 Mar 2009 12:12
Not a regular haunt of mine, but one where I've always found well-kept real ales and polite service. My latest visit last Friday was no exception. Definitely one of the better pubs in the Westminster area
9 Mar 2009 12:07
I personally think that the old-fashioned, dark appearance of the place makes it more appealing rather than less so - at the end of the day it's a traditional boozer not a soulless chain bar. It's a place which seems to have a good 'local' following, coupled with a healthy injection of local workers as well. Popped in on Friday afternoon and it was comfortably busy. Sam Smith's OBB was in good form.
9 Mar 2009 12:03
Not a place that I visit very often but when I do I'm never disappointed. Went in last Friday afternoon and the Deuchars was on very good form. The service is always polite, swift and generally efficient. Not as hard to find as has sometimes been claimed. It almost feels like a little country local in the heart of the city. Well worth a visit and richly deserving of the high praise that it receives
9 Mar 2009 11:54
Did a 'split shift' here on Wednesday last week - popped in for a couple or three at lunchtime when it was reasonably quiet, then again at teatime when it was a lot busier. I can understand to a point people's comments about it getting very busy, but I got served no problem and you've got to expect a bit of a wait at busier times. In this day and age, I'd much rather see a thriving, busy pub than a boarded-up derelict one, and in my opinion if a pub is busy then it's got to say something about the place. Yes, I am biased towards the P.L. and always have been since I started going there, but in my opinion a pub in Central London that features well-kept ale, attentive service and staff that actually take the time to talk to punters should be supported and not pilloried
3 Mar 2009 22:46
Paid a visit on Wednesday last week and, although it isn't my favourite ale, I plumped for a pint of Greene King I.P.A. which was perfectly acceptable. If they keep all of their ales in a similar condition then you won't go far wrong. It has to be said that I'm not a massive fan of Wetherspoon pubs, but I can honestly say that this is one of the best ones that I've been in. The beer is always in good nick and, although I'm not a frequent visitor here, on the occasions when I do pop in then the experience beer-wise is usually favourable
3 Mar 2009 22:37
Paid a visit last week and was pleased to find that Hophead was on, and a fine pint to end a day out in London it was too
3 Mar 2009 22:31
Hadn't been here for a couple of months until my latest visit last week - and I was pleased to find that nothing had changed. An excellent selection of well-kept ales served by friendly staff. If you're a real ale fan then it's definitely worth going out of your way to pay a visit here
3 Mar 2009 22:29
This is certainly a pub that deserves every bit of the praise that it receives. Top notch ale served by pleasant staff in equally pleasant surroundings. As has been mentioned before, pubs as good as this are hard to come across and it's great to see that the Taps continues to flourish. Excellent.
8 Feb 2009 20:54
Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley
Paid my second visit here yesterday having last visited over a year ago - excellent beer and friendly service make it well worth a visit. The bloke behind the bar was happy to talk to us about forthcoming beer festivals and other such events. Will hopefully be back again soon!
20 Dec 2008 11:48
Haven't been in for quite some time but paid a visit here yesterday with some mates - and I'm pleased to say that nothing has changed. Top notch ale and good food in decent, comfy and welcoming surroundings. The sort of place you could quite easily spend several hours in! Best pub in the area by far.
20 Dec 2008 11:44
A nice, atmospheric little pub that I was first introduced to about 13 years ago. The quality of the OBB isn't the best that I've ever tasted but at the same time it's good nonetheless. Worth a look if you're in the area.
29 Nov 2008 17:37
Paid a visit on Tuesday afternoon and the 6X was very good as on previous visits. I can perhaps understand the comments about the service occasionally being a bit on the surly side but take that away and you've got a decent boozer.
29 Nov 2008 17:28
Just to clear up a few points. The reason Sam Smith's are able to sell beer so cheaply is because they don't waste money on any form of advertising - their pubs and products sell themselves. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the quality of the ingredients. All their beers are brewed using only natural ingredients so you needn't worry about that. Finally, despite the attempts of various people to "knock" SS pubs, they continue to be extremely popular, as I can testify from being a regular customer at the Princess Louise. Granted, their beers might not be to everybody's taste, but if that is the case then you always have the option of going elsewhere - simple as that.
6 Nov 2008 13:58
I can pretty much echo RexRattus's recent comments - the 6X is certainly very well kept and the pub is in a nice quiet location (although I bet it can get quite busy). You could do a hell of a lot worse.
15 Sep 2008 08:34
I have had the privilege of calling "The Sheaf" my local for about 15 years. It's exactly what a pub should be like - it's welcoming and friendly and there's never any trouble. It's well-run, impeccably clean and the food is excellent too. There's a good mix of regulars and visitors that use the place. Trade (especially midweek) has suffered since the smoking ban came in but they still keep soldiering on. Nuff said.
11 Sep 2008 14:51
Visited for the first time with a mate last Monday - it struck me quite quickly that it's a place where locals and strangers alike are made to feel welcome and included in the banter. The landlord in particular seemed like quite an outgoing chap and was happy to chat to the customers, in fact I think he might have had a pint on the go himself! The ale was also vey good and first impressions suggest that the place might well merit further investigation
16 Aug 2008 16:05
Tiny pub close to Westminster and Victoria Station. Only ever visited on a couple of occasions but both times the Shepherd Neame ales have been good and the people behind the bar pleasant as well. A good place to sit or stand outside when the weather is nice
16 Aug 2008 15:55
Only ever been here twice - the second occasion being last Monday - but both visits have been very favourable. A friend who was with me on my latest visit commented that the place had a certain "dinginess" about it, which maybe it does, however it adds to the traditional, comfortable feel of the place and to me is an attraction, not a deterrent. Good quality and cheaply priced Sam Smith's beer tops off the package that makes this "slighly off the beaten track" pub worth a visit if you happen to be in the area
16 Aug 2008 15:41
A further visit earlier today yielded good results - had the Doom Bar which was on top form. Oh, and er without going into too much detail the girl behind the bar was "aesthetically pleasing" as well! Top place which has now become a regular haunt. Keep up the good work!
10 Jun 2008 00:09
First visit for a long while - I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive about how my pint of 6X might be but it was actually quite good. Might well be worth another look soon - if they can continue to keep a decent pint of ale I'll be back
30 May 2008 01:04
The high prices (which you can't really complain about too much given the location) are about the only thing wrong with the place. Beer is good, staff likewise and the place itself is very pleasant. Has become established on my regular route when I'm on a crawl round London
20 May 2008 12:06
Popped in for a quick pint yesterday afternoon. Still had a little bit of beer left in my glass when I nipped upstairs to the bog and found that it had been mistakenly taken away when I came back downstairs. However, I was given a half as replacement with no fuss or argument - enhancing my opinion of this pub as one of my favourites. Must try the food sometime as well - looks good. Will continue to be a fan
20 May 2008 12:04
Business as usual here yesterday. Good ale, friendly and attentive staff and landlord - it's nice to see that some things don't change. Holborn is one of my favourite drinking areas in London and this place is one of the main reasons for it. Good stuff.
20 May 2008 11:59
Popped in yesterday for a swift pint. They currently have a beer festival on: I tried a pint of Merrie Monk and it was very nice indeed. Continues to be a favourite calling point whenever I'm in the area
20 May 2008 11:57
Paid my second visit here yeaterday afternoon - took the safe option and had a pint of Bombardier (despite the fact there were several other ales on) but I can honestly say it was the best pint of the stuff I've had in a long time. Judging by my limited experiences of the place and the positive reviews by other people I think it might well become a regular haunt.
20 May 2008 11:51
Haven't been here for quite some time, but the place has always held an excellent reputation, both for the beer (especially with the addition of the microbrewery) and the food. Must renew my acquaintance soon!
14 May 2008 20:16
Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, Staveley
Paid a visit here last year as part of a friend's 40th birthday celebrations and was quite impressed. The range of Hawkshead ales were on very good form, and I also liked the fact that you can go and have a peek at what's going on in the brewery from a window across the room from the bar. If I remember rightly they didn't do their own food, but the place adjoins a Cafe and they were happy for you to order food and take it into the bar area to eat. Definitely worth further investigation at some point!
14 May 2008 20:12
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Have only ever paid one visit here - a few weeks ago when on a tour of the West Mids. However, the ale was of a good standard, likewise the food so I dare say I'll be back at some point
14 May 2008 20:03
Paid a visit with a mate last Monday and the beer and the food (I had a curry) were spot on. The staff were polite and efficient too - definitely the best 'spoons in the area.
20 Mar 2008 13:32
With reference to the poster who commented on the keypad lock used to gain entry to the toilets, I would hazard a guess that it is there to stop the dregs from getting in and isn't intended to be an inconvenience to the punters - it was like that when I first went in the place over 10 years ago. On a general note, I was there the other day with a colleague and the beer (Harvest Pale) was spot on as it usually is. You could do a hell of a lot worse and I'll continue to be a regular visitor to the place.
20 Mar 2008 13:29
What a relief it was when the place reopened a couple of months back - I'm sure I'm not the only one who missed it while it was closed. Consistently good (and cheap) ale and equally consistent good service from the Landlord and his team are winning qualities for me. The gaffer also takes the time to have a crack with the punters which is surely a rarity in Central London. The pub itself looks fabulous too and is a credit to the people who worked on it. Took a colleague in the other day who hadn't been in since before the refurb and he was impressed with the place too. A shining example of what a proper pub should be like. Well done to all involved.
20 Mar 2008 13:22
Now firmly placed in my list of favourite London boozers. Took a colleague in there the other day and he was impressed too. They usually have 8 real ales on and Shane the Landlord is always happy to have a crack about the beer. The staff in general here are very good too. A pub that's maybe slightly off the beaten track so to speak but worth seeking out. The food looks good too so I'll have to give it a go sometime. All in all a top place. Keep up the good work!
20 Mar 2008 12:54
While I can't vouch for what happened to Sonofpubman as I wasn't there at the time, I think he is being a little harsh with his descriptions of the staff - I have never found them to be anything other than polite and friendly and I don't recognise the picture that he paints. I suspect that he may have been put in his place by the barmaid he mentions, although obviously I can't be certain about that either. Maybe I'm biased because I like the place - either way don't let one bad review like that put you off and go and try the place for yourself.
20 Feb 2008 23:24
Popped in for a swifty on Monday lunchtime - nothing changes here: Service is always prompt and friendly and the ale in good nick. Very much one of my favourite pubs in the area.
6 Feb 2008 12:42
Was in again last Monday - very much the same as my last visit but that's no bad thing: The OBB was on good form (as were the boss and his staff) and from what I can gather the place has been doing extremely well since it reopened (and for me deservedly so). A top notch boozer that's worthy of it's high reputation.
6 Feb 2008 12:39
Paid my inaugural visit here last Monday - it's very much a place that gives you the impression of being a "proper pub" and, as with all Sam Smith's outlets, the ale is of a good quality and it's also cheaply priced. Nice quiet location just tucked in behind the Cathedral and away from the main road and worth seeking out.
6 Feb 2008 12:34
Continues to sell an impressive range of changing guest beers and is well worth a visit when in the area. Popped in for a swift one on Monday afternoon and it was very much business as usual.
6 Feb 2008 12:29
Just as a matter of interest, does anybody know what happened to the people that used to run the place before it changed hands?
15 Jan 2008 13:03
Have been in here several times recently, the place is usually quite busy but otherwise it's what you would expect from a Sam Smith's pub - good quality beer and cheap as well, which is good in my opinion! SS pubs might not be everybody's cup of tea so to speak but they really are the sort of places that should be supported.
15 Jan 2008 13:01
The Bell has become a regular calling point when I'm having a "wander" round London - the beer is good, but the pub itself has a certain charm to it as well. Yes, it could be said that the drinks are expensive, but then again it is the City so you'd kind of expect that anyway. It almost feels out of place where it is, however in my opinion is much the better for it as it adds to it's appeal. Definitely worth a visit.
15 Jan 2008 12:55
Having been here several times now I can testify that the quality of the real ale is usually excellent and the staff spot on. Visited with a friend last Friday and the same applied. Pubs like this that make an effort with on the beer front should definitely be encouraged. Well done.
15 Jan 2008 12:45
Popped in yesterday for a swift pint at lunchtime - very busy but the beer (Holt's in this instance) was on good form. Nice to see a pub like this making an effort on the real ale front. Couple that with decent staff and it makes it well worth a visit. Keep it up.
12 Jan 2008 11:47
Popped in yesterday for the first time since the refurb - the place looks and to a certain extent feels a lot different but it has to be said that the refurb is top notch. Beer is still as good and cheap as before and the same landlord who was in charge before is still there. A long awaited return to the Holborn scene for an old favourite. Welcome back.
12 Jan 2008 11:43
Had a peep through the door yesterday and I thought I could see handpumps albeit with some sort of cover on - but I could be wrong. Hopefully I'm right though and handpulled OBB will be on sale when the place reopens!
13 Dec 2007 13:43
Intriguing post by matt k - I wonder when the place is actually due to reopen?
8 Nov 2007 17:43
Paid another visit yesterday - had a pint of the E.P.A. which was quite palatable, and served by the Landlord himself who seemed like a very pleasant chap. My initial impressions of the place suggest that it might well become a regular haunt when I'm in London.
1 Nov 2007 12:12
One thing you notice about this pub is that they really enter into the spirit of annual festivals / events - When I was in there yesterday they were in the process of decorating the place for Halloween. A couple (well, 3 actually) pints of Bombardier and Toad in the Hole went down very well. Good stuff.
1 Nov 2007 12:05
Excellent real ale pub - was in the Friday before last and there was a decent selection on the handpumps. Only had time for one on this occasion - will probably stay for a few more next time!
30 Oct 2007 12:29
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
Was in again on Friday night / Sunday lunchtime the weekend before last - the ale was on good form and the staff were friendly. Friday night was busy with locals and the place had a good atmosphere about it. A favourite place for a pit-stop when in Crewe.
30 Oct 2007 12:26
Further to my previous review of the Castle, I can now heartily recommend the food as well - especially the giant Yorkshire Puddings. And I can add a further endorsement of the ale. Marvellous!
30 Oct 2007 12:19
Paid a visit here with a large group last Sat for a mate's birthday - ale was good and food was good also. The place was quite busy when we entered (which is usually a good sign) and it didn't disappoint.
30 Oct 2007 12:16
Passed by the end of the road Friday before last and the amount of scaffolding on the outside of the pub appeared to have lessened - so let's hope that this means that the reopening isn't too far off!
30 Oct 2007 12:10
The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane
Have been here several times before and it hasn't been too bad but went in on Monday and my experience was a little poor - the barman didn't seem at all interseted and was on the verge of being rude, and the ale selection was somewhat limited. When I asked if a particular beer was on or not (the pump clip was turned upside down but not round) I was greeted with a sullen "huh, it's off" in reply, and it appeared that other ales were also off despite the clips being turned the right way round. However, one redeeming feature was that when they got my food order wrong, the lad who fetched it out was most apologetic and replaced it promptly. The Penderel's Oak is fast becoming my favourite Spoons in the area and on this evidence will continue as such.
4 Oct 2007 09:11
Paid my first visit here with some friends yesterday and was quite impressed - the pub itself is a clean, tidy place, the barman was friendly and helpful and there were 8 real ales on handpump. Only had time for one pint of Castle Rock Harvest Pale but it was good nevertheless! First impressions were very favourable and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
2 Oct 2007 17:09
First visit for a couple of years but wasn't surprised at what I found - cheap, well-kept Sam Smith's ale in decent surroundings. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I can't understand people who "slag off" SS pubs, especially those who criticise them for only serving one real ale. Surely it's better to serve one well and have a market for it than to serve several of questionable quality.
30 Aug 2007 19:29
Visited yesterday and things were pretty much as usual - beer was good and there were six ales on handpump. It was relatively quiet when I was in but I could understand it getting a bit busier and thus uncomfortable. Good pub though.
30 Aug 2007 19:26
Paid another visit yesterday and although the beer (as mentioned in the previous comment) was expensive, it was quite acceptable. A nice little place that's a welcome retreat from the City streets.
30 Aug 2007 19:22
In again yesterday - can't find any fault with the place. Beer was on form and it's a pub that deserves the praise it receives.
30 Aug 2007 19:20
I am an associate of the gentleman who posted the previous comment and I would echo what he says. I was in the C of Y with another mate yesterday and the beer was excellent as usual. I really don't understand people who keep criticising Sam Smith's pubs - if you don't like their beer, don't go in their pubs - it's that simple. I for one will keep going back.
30 Aug 2007 19:17
Popped in with a mate for a pint and some lunch yesterday - beer was good and food (albeit a tad expensive) was good too - especially the pudding! Will continue to be a fan of this place.
30 Aug 2007 19:14
Two more recent visits have re-inforced my belief that this is one of the better Wetherspoon's that I've been in - the staff are good and the beer's good too.
30 Aug 2007 19:12
The Rose and Crown, Tunbridge Wells
Popped in here whilst in TW for a wedding last weekend - found it to be a nice, hospitable boozer. Very much a local's pub, but one where strangers are welcome. The girl behind the bar told me they'd suffered trade-wise following the smoking ban - so let's hope that traditional pubs such as this don't keep disappearing. Will be back the next time I'm down.
11 Aug 2007 00:34
Basic but acceptable pub just round the corner from Euston Station - certainly not the worst pub you'll come across by a long shot. Popped in a couple of weeks ago and as it was a nice day I sat outside with a nice cold pint of Guinness. Bar staff were quite pleasant. Never experienced any bother when I've been in and will comntinue to visit from time to time when I'm in the area.
19 Jul 2007 00:41
I think the previous comment about "pushchair pushing yuppies" is a little unfair to say the least. For a start, the poster has tripped themselves up by saying that they haven't been there for some time - so how can they know what it is like now? Also, there is a recurring theme amongst other previous postings that the place could be a lot better. I'm certainly awaiting better news of the place before I go back.
19 Jul 2007 00:27
Harvest Pale on good form again last Friday afternoon - good to see a decent selection of guest ales alongside the Fuller's range. Let's hope they keep it up.
10 Jul 2007 12:19
As a northener (albeit not a monkey), my first impressions of this place were not too bad - the beer was in good shape and, as touched on in another comment, it's just off the main hustle and bustle of Leicester Square. Will bear it in mind for the next time I'm in the area.
10 Jul 2007 12:17
The Bear and Staff, Leicester Square
I have always found this to be quite a decent boozer - the ale is usually on good form and there's a healthy buzz about the place, with it being just on the edge of Leicester Square. You could do a lot worse.
10 Jul 2007 12:11
The Butcher's Hook and Cleaver, Smithfield
Paid my first visit here on Friday evening and the place was ok - Fuller's ale was on good form and although the place was busy the atmosphere was good. A friend who was with me commented that it was almost like a Wetherspoon's pub. A good first visit and could merit further investigation.
10 Jul 2007 12:07
My experiences of this place have always been quite favourable - I was there with some friends last Friday / Saturday night and they quite liked the place too. I'm not normally a massive fan of "Spoons" but this place is probably one of the better ones I've been in.
10 Jul 2007 12:01
A visit with some friends on Friday night yielded good ale and a good atmosphere - the place was busy without being uncomfortably so and, with the weather not having been too bad, standing outside (which we did anyway) was always an option. I've visited this place a few times now and I would agree with all the positive comments - traditional old boozers like this are worth supporting. Very much worth a visit.
10 Jul 2007 11:58
Popped in on Saturday night (23rd June) - there were a few people in without it being too packed and, echoing previous comments, the Castle Rock Harvest Pale was on excellent form.
25 Jun 2007 21:23
Walked past yesterday (Sun 24th June) and the sign read "Re-opening soon under new management". As the place has been closed for a while now, I suspect the future is grim.
25 Jun 2007 21:19
Visited a couple of weeks ago with a colleague and were served a good pint of OBB by pleasant staff. A nice little pub in a slightly out of the way location that's well worth a visit.
23 Jun 2007 01:41
A regular haunt of mine when visiting Halifax - a good selection of ales and always well kept.
19 Jun 2007 18:50
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
Visited again last week and the standards seem to be as high as ever. A very well kept pint. One of my favourite pubs in West Yorkshire.
19 Jun 2007 18:49
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
Another visit on Friday 15th June produced the usual result - cracking real ale in a cracking pub. Highly recommended.
19 Jun 2007 18:46
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
A proper pub in an interesting (if a little noisy) location under the railway arches at Waterloo. Several real ales on handpump. A bit basic in some respects maybe, but you could do a lot worse.
19 Jun 2007 18:43
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
Would agree with previous comments about this place - I popped in for a quick pint last week when I had a bit of a wait for my train. The Tetley's was on good form, the lady behind the bar was pleasant and, as touched on in previous comments, you feel welcome even though it is a locals' pub. Definitely worth the walk from the station
3 Jun 2007 01:26
Cracking pub just outside the town centre serving well kept real ale. Has a proper pubby type feel to it, which helps to create a good atmosphere, even when it's busy.
3 Jun 2007 01:19
Does anybody know exactly what's happening with this place? Are the same people still in charge? I used to enjoy going in here for a couple of pints in an afternoon, and the two lads who served behind the bar, Tony and Ben, plus their dad were always welcoming and friendly. Rumours about it being turned into a gastro-pub really do worry me, as I liked the place the way it was - a genuine drinker's pub with a decent atmosphere which I used to enjoy visiting on my trips to London from the north. Still, whatever happens I'll have good memories of the place!
3 Jun 2007 01:10
I don't think that anybody needs to be unduly worried about the length of time the PL is closed for, or that it will be wrecked - from having spoken to the landlord prior to the pub's closure, I know why the refurb is going to take so long, and nothing in what he told me gave me any cause for concern. It is quite an old building, and a lot of the fittings eg. electrics and such like date back quite a long while, so if it is going to be refurbished in a sympathetic manner then it is bound to take time. This was one of my favourite, if not my favourite London pubs before the refurb started and I'm sure it will be again when it's finished - hopefully with a gentleman who I will refer to as CM back in charge. Roll on the re-opening!
3 Jun 2007 01:02
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
Visited again on the 29th of May - the place was busy with locals and there was a nice atmosphere. Lady behind the bar was very pleasant and served me an excellent pint of Murphy's, which I enjoyed sat outside. A genuinely nice and welcoming pub, the sort that should be encouraged. Will definitely be back.
3 Jun 2007 00:46
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
Paid a visit here back in August 2006 when I was staying at a hotel not too far away - I remember this place because they served Murphy's stout on draught, which I find is an extreme rarity these days. Will be back the next time I'm in the Paddington area
2 May 2007 11:21
Paid my first visit for some time a few weeks ago and had a very good pint of "Timothy Laylor Tandord" as my somewhat inebriated mate confessed to having said to the bar staff when ordering. Must visit again.
2 May 2007 11:14
Have just found out that the pub is only closed for refurbishment and should be open again in a week or so
2 May 2007 11:07
Paid my last visit (Friday 9th March) with my colleague Sooty before the refurb. Beer was excellent as usual, CM was in fine form... just the things I'm going to miss whilst it's closed. Here's to the grand re-opening. Best wishes from up north.
10 Mar 2007 00:51
Decent beer in a decent place before boarding the train home which is surely all one can ask of a place like this. Railway Station bars tend by nature to be dodgy in one way or another but this place is ok.
13 Feb 2007 01:40
Can't fault the place - as a frequent visitor from the north I treat is as my London "Local" - Great staff, a top gaffer (CM take a bow) and decent beer as well. It'll be a sad loss (albeit a somewhat lengthy temporary one) when it shuts down, but they say that good things come to those who wait and painful though said wait will be let's hope it's worth it and, more to the point, here's hoping that the Big Fella gets a decent boozer in London Town to play with before returning to rule the roost when the refurb is complete. I've fetched countless people here and they all say the same thing - "Top". Nuff said.
13 Feb 2007 01:34
"CLOSED UNTIL 3PM DUE TO POWER CUT" read the sign on the door at the Shakespeare's Head at about 11am. "OPEN AS USUAL JUST WITH LOTS OF CANDLES" read the sign outside the Ship. And open it was, with proper lighting as well and a decent pint of Bombardier to boot. "We never close" said the amiable chap behind the bar. If a mere power cut brings a place like Wetherspoon's to it's knees but a place like the Ship keeps going then bring on the blackout.
13 Feb 2007 01:13
Further to my previous comment, I visited the PL with a work colleague a few weeks ago and, following the landlord's return, the beer quality had improved significantly and CM himself was in good form as well. When I said that the staff could sometimes seem indifferent, that particular comment was not aimed at all of them, just some who could do with smiling a bit now and again - otherwise I've never had a problem with them. There can't be many pubs in Central London where the boss takes the time to come and have a crack with the punters. Echo the comment about hoping that the refurb is sympatchetic - also, let's hope that the current gaffer is in charge when the refurb is complete and carries on the great job he's doing at the moment.
29 Jan 2007 23:25
An excellent little pub - not only for the selection of well-kept real ales but also the tempting sausages that are served over the bar! Good for people watching when the windows at the front are open too.
6 Jan 2007 03:56
Other comments have certainly hit the nail on the head regarding this place - it certainly doesn't fulfil it's potential at all. On my last visit I had the Adnam's which was average at best. Woman behind the bar could've cracked a smile as well. With a better range of well-kept beers this could be an excellent pub.
3 Jan 2007 02:03
Don't frequent this place on a regular basis but from what I recall of my last visit the ale was spot on and the food was quite good too - in fact my mate Hawkesey said it was one of the best Wetherspoon's he'd ever been in. Certainly not as bad as some of the other comments make out.
3 Jan 2007 01:57
It's been a while since my last visit, but from what I remember I had a good pint of Deuchar's IPA whilst I was there. To me it seemed like the sort of place where you wouldn't know you were in the middle of a city until you stepped outside. Will have to visit again soon and check it out.
3 Jan 2007 01:42
Large Fuller's pub, on Euston Road about half-way between Euston and King's Cross / St Pancras. Usual range of Fuller's ales on offer. Would agree with other comments about it being a tad on the expensive side, however it's a clean and tidy place in which to enjoy a pint or two.
3 Jan 2007 01:39
Not a regular visitor to this place, but when I do go the beer is always reliable. Another place worth remembering in the Euston / King's Cross / St Pancras area.
3 Jan 2007 01:35
The best place to be in this Sam Smith's pub is the rear bar, with the huge mounted vats and the unusual triangular stove type thing. Add to that well-kept (and priced) Sam Smith's beer and it's well worth a visit - probably one of the most architecturally appealing pubs in London.
2 Jan 2007 19:01
A nice little hideaway in Holborn, and quickly becoming a personal favourite. If I remember rightly from my last visit they had Theakston's Old Peculier, Theakston's Best Best and also Bombardier and a couple of guest beers on handpump - I plumped for the Bombardier and it was on good form. Bar staff were also pleasant, which can only be a good sign.
2 Jan 2007 18:55
Been visiting here on and off for a few years - it's a clean, tidy pub and a pleasant place to stop off for a pint if you happen to be in the area.
2 Jan 2007 18:47
As mentioned in other reviews, very little has changed since the refurb - there's still a decent selection of guest ales along with Fullers' offering. This place will continue to bde a favourite haunt of mine as the ale is usually spot on - however, it wouldn't do any harm for the staff to raise the odd smile now and again.
2 Jan 2007 18:43
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
An excellent pub - both for the selection of ales in top condition and the close proximity to public transport! About 5 good steps from the right door on Huddersfield-bound trains and you're through the door. Great stuff!
29 Dec 2006 18:19
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
Top pub and well worth a visit for the excellent selection of well-kept ales. As said in previous comments, it's an unpretentious place with good beer and polite, efficient staff which is surely all one can ask for. My favourite pub in Huddersfield and will continue to be so.
29 Dec 2006 17:53
The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross
Handy little pub close to both King's Cross/St Pancras and Euston stations. Visited a couple of weeks ago with a mate and the Greene King IPA was on good form. Definitely a place worth remembering if you happen to be in the area.
29 Dec 2006 17:47
Didn't know what to make of this place on my first visit - however, now I've been going there quite a while I like it. Sure, it's a bit rough and ready but at the end of the day it's a pub, not a palace. The bar staff are always cheerful and friendly, and that says a lot. Usually drink Guinness when I'm there but have also been known to try the hand-pulled Nethergate ales which are always good. A welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Whitechapel Road and will continue to be so.
29 Dec 2006 17:42
One thing that this pub does right is the quantity of staff on the bar - you always get served promptly even when the place is heaving. As a frequent visitor from "up north" it's good to come to London and find a pub with such a good selection of beers on too.
29 Dec 2006 17:36
A favourite of mine since I first visited nearly 3 years ago. The appealingly priced and well-kept Sam Smith's OBB is a big attraction, although quality seemed to have dipped on my last visit (possibly down to the fact that the excellent landlord was on holiday). Yes, the bar staff can sometimes seem indifferent but if you can look beyond that then it's a cracking old boozer. The only shame is that it is due to close for a few months sometime early in 2007 for a major refurb - let's hope it comes back just as good if not better than before. Long live the PL!
29 Dec 2006 17:33
The Captain Kidd, Wapping
Tried the hand-pulled OBB yesterday and it was drinkable but a little bit too cold. Other than that this is a good pub. Iron out that small problem with the bitter and it'd be even better!
7 Sep 2010 22:03