BITE user comments - MikeJAJ
Comments by MikeJAJ
The Farmers Arms, Combe Florey
In terms of the beer the Cotleigh and Tawny ales were beautiful and well kept. We dined there on a Tuesday evening and were glad we booked as all tables got filled and some had to eat outside . The food was excellent, great choices, nicely prepared and presented and tasty. The waiting staff knew about their beers and knew about the food and offered changes to accomodate the more "fussy" eaters. A nice environment, with a Landlady who was serving beers, food and involved with all customers, not just regulars. I noted previous comments about eating there on Sundays. We struggled to find many decent pubs that did meaningful food on a Sunday evening in that area- nearly had to resort to a chain pub in Taunton to eat.
24 Jun 2010 13:38
The Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard
Pleasant venue having recently reopened and renovated it seems. The Doombar and Otter ales were very good. Seeks to be a Gastro pub but our experience of the meals were that they were "adequate" and on that basis a bit overpriced for what we got. If the quality had been better the price would be fine. The staff were pleasant but need to know more the food they offer and what beers they have ( wife was told one lager was "off" so only Amstell available, when in fact others were still on.) I think the new owner/managers were away when we went in so it may have been different if they were there. The Farmers Arms at Coombe Florey a couple of miles away was the best around for beer and food.
24 Jun 2010 13:14
I am afraid The Crown remains a chain pub, with bland, "boil in the bag" mass produced type food. OK if you want cheap and quick but little quality or care over preparation. Occasional beers can be good, but many simply OK. The decor which was put in at the refurb a year or two ago is dark and clearly pseudo. Both the nearby 3 Tuns and the Carpenters Arms offer much better alternatives, the 3 Tuns for quality food and beer with a more subdued but homely atmosphere and the Carpenters for the more noisy, lively style created by the locals which may be a bit too much if you want "relaxed" but has good beer ( Fullers) , better food even though still a bit mass produced. Forget the Crown. Sadly just not worth it.
5 May 2009 20:40
Having been ripped off at the Bankes Arms we found ourself here. Excellent beer at respectable price and a very popular restaurant. Friendly staff made us welcome and found us at table in the garden area.
22 Oct 2008 18:08
Bankes Arms Hotel, Corfe Castle
I dont rate myself as a tourist, as I come from Dorset but on my visit in September 08 the beer was OK, nothing exceptional, although it was much pricier than it should have been. I expect to pay a bit more in tourist areas but with burger and chips (of a mediocre standard) at an exorbitant price I would say that users are being ripped off.
22 Oct 2008 18:06
The Fishermans Haunt, Christchurch
Revisted this pub after a few months absence expecting to find that the new licensees would have made something of the place. The Pride was good but sadly the food was some of the worst pub food I have had. Items served were not as described on the menu ( a tart with no pastry, and chicken wrapped in bacon - with no bacon. We had to ask for other items supposed to have been served with it. Chips greasy and ccooked in old oil). Staff not particulary concerned. Someone on here previously described the place as souless and this is an apt description. Not up to the standards expected of Fullers and I wonder whether the beer standards will also fall. It was certailnly much better than this under the old licensees. I will not be returning and there are better all round pubs not too far away.
3 Mar 2011 21:00