BITE user comments - PieFace
Comments by PieFace
An old mate used to work here in about 1990, you might know him, he looks like a cross between Andrew Marr / Prince Edward / Plug from the Beano and a boozed up old soak. Anyway, sounds like this pub has gone as far downhill these days as he has.
20 Jan 2012 17:15
Don't drink Fosters then. It's only good for one thing - and that's for putting out a fire!
10 Jan 2012 15:29
Bloody good little boozer, nicely tucked away so you can sniff out a couple of very decent and rather cheeky pints whilst being 'in the market'.
12 Oct 2011 17:14
The Fountain, Bishops Stortford
Had a right laugh in here on Saturday night, so much so that I missed by last train back to London.
3 Oct 2011 14:50
Had a pint of their Inseine last week, which is based on an English bitter. It wasnt too bad in fact, better than most beers you'll find in Paris. Catch this place on a quiet sunny day, prop yourself outside and watch the world go by.
20 Sep 2011 16:08
�3.45 for a pint of ale last night, (O'Hanlon's Port Stout - not even in good condition although admittedly this is not par for the course). Value for money? You decide.
25 Feb 2011 10:25
The Charles Lamb, Angel, Islington
Decent friendly pub with good choice of beers. Well worth a visit.
13 Feb 2011 09:38
Rather amused by all the negative comments. Went in yesterday during a pub crawl around this part of Islington. Had Landlord, Porter and Starpramen whilst the Missus has Schneider Weiss. All beers served in excellent condition with a decent sized head and in the correct glassware by happy to oblige staff. No problems whatsoever. Beautful gin-palace-esque interior. A boozer I will definitely return to.
13 Feb 2011 09:35
Best JDW I've been too, always at least six ales on offer and in tip-top condition due to the amount of people that pass through this place. Great for a cheeky half when you should be at work..
4 Feb 2011 20:34
In here pretty often. Furnishings need an upgrade but who cares when you get such a good choice of ales on offer. Good bunch of locals in here. Proper London boozer, so authentic it has Poles, Russians and Hungarians behind the bar. Prices expanding in line with everything else in life. Stagger home from here regularly - always smiling. Cheers Noel.
4 Feb 2011 20:21
The Duke of Edinburgh, Wanstead
Very much improved over the last year or two, which is handy as I'd given it a swerve for some time. Ales are always Ordinary and Broadside, kept OKish, nothing spectacular so had light and bitter last Sunday when I was in. Decent local for the football.
4 Feb 2011 20:15
Decent (McMullen's) beer at a decent price, was in the saloon bar on Saturday aftenoon on the Country best bitter, 4.3% and very well-kept. Good little drinker.
1 Mar 2010 15:27
Tucked into the Adnams bitter and Sharp's Doom Bar at a wake yesterday afternoon, both in fair condition. Nice proper pub, hasn't changed over the years which is good because if it isnt broken, don't fix it.
22 Jan 2010 10:05
Not quite correct. The Crown mark is clearly stamped into Davys' pewter tankards, I should know as I am looking after one for them.
8 Jan 2010 17:05
Visited the pub yesterday as was in the area for a mate's BBQ. Adnam's Broadside and Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold on offer. Opted for the former and was delighted and the quality, well kept and served. That said, everyone else in the pub seemed to be on Magner's 'cider' or fizzy lager, but I suppose we are in Essex..
6 Sep 2009 13:51
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Went there twice in mid-August whilst holidaying in the area. Thanks to Sean the guv'nor for his hospitality. Some very good ales on offer, lots of choice. An excellent pub and any one that has such a passion for real ale plus scampi or bacon flavoured fries gets a big thumbs up from me.
1 Sep 2009 15:08
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Went there twice in mid-August whilst holidaying in the area. Thanks to Sean the guv'nor for his hospitality. Some very good ales on offer, lots of choice. An excellent pub and any one that has such a passion for real ale plus scampi or bacon flavoured fries gets a big thumbs up from me.
1 Sep 2009 15:07
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Went there twice in mid-August whilst holidaying in the area. Thanks to Sean the guv'nor for his hospitality. Some very good ales on offer, lots of choice. An excellent pub and any one that has such a passion for real ale plus scampi or bacon flavoured fries gets a big thumbs up from me.
1 Sep 2009 15:07
Had a couple of guest ales yesterday afternoon (Monday). Both were in very good condition and correctly served, even if they weren't the best beers taste-wise, they had certainly been looked after. One was Morrissey Fox (not the blonde) and the other was from Cairngorn. Have ended up in this pub on a number of occasions overthe past 15 yearsor so but they were the best 2 pints I've ever had there.
7 Jul 2009 17:35
3 real ales on offer, I had 4 of the Batemans Aquarius last night, quite nicely kept. Good show.
25 Feb 2009 12:42
Courage Best last night was nicely served and in well-kept condition. I see they also have Leffe, Bombardier, Stella Artois and the other artois beer, plus a smooth-looking keg beer, which I didn't try so may have to stand corrected on this. IMO the beer is now better here than it was years ago.
10 Dec 2008 13:12
The Shooting Star, Liverpool Street
Decent enough little cabin cruiser this. Good ales, as you'd expect from Fullers. The Porter last night was spot on, such a pity that this truly historic beer that fuelled the Industrial Revolution is so hard to find regularly on draught, except at beer festivals. Mulled wine smelt tasty and added to the Christmas spirit.
10 Dec 2008 11:50
This boozer is getting more and more popular, must be doing something right. Well they are in my eyes. Good choice of guest ales and decent tucker, plus a bit of eye candy behind the bar to boot. Just been sampling the ale that Neil Morrissey has had his hands on brewing, (Morrissey Fox Blonde). After 4 pints of it I am pleased to report that it is a glorious drop, hoppy and a cross between real ale and Weihenstephan weissbrau, (which, by the way, is the oldest brewery in the world, founded in AD724 by Irish Benedictines near Munich). A decent chicken pie went down a treat too. Keep it up, Hope & Grope...
8 Oct 2008 16:29
The Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge
Opens at 9am, ideal for those special occasions when you need an early livener...
11 Sep 2008 17:03
I reckon they should change the name back to The Bell, get a bit of history back. I see they're making the effort by stripping that ghastly green paint off the lovely tiles at the front so credit where it's due for that.
20 Aug 2008 11:19
The Cheshire Cheese, Tower Hill
Decent enough boozer, friendly barstaff, good choice of ales, not fantastic but alright for a quick snifter.
13 Aug 2008 15:45
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
Have used and abused this little tippling house over the years although it's never been a favourite. Had to return the Bateman's 'Thirsty Work' last night as it was truly shocking. Other ales were drinkable although not in great order. �2.90 each. Nicholsons boozer so does sausages etc. with free tasting on Tuesdays, (3 plates for the pub), not a lot but it's a gesture. Foreign barmaids pleasant on the eye.
13 Aug 2008 11:56
Another refurb has been going on down here of late after some dodgy fire, apparently. Hope they had some insurance sorted...
12 Aug 2008 15:37
I like Fullers boozers and ale but this place could try a bit harder. Great view, over our beautful river, food was reasonable enough - I had carved pork, (gel-a-kayrop for those that talk butchers' backslang), plus vegetables. It's a carvery self-sevice style thing going on. Had a pint of FranzKaner weiss beer (sic) which was served with no head and could have been better. Then had an ESB which was in the correct glass but again seved without head. Had to ask 2 (pidgin English peaking) bar staff if they served Fullers bottled ales, (they don't), before finally getting some kind of an answer. London life...
12 Aug 2008 15:34
The Duke of Edinburgh, Wanstead
In true old terrace-style a couple of dittys spring to mind, "you're gonna get you're fcin heads kicked in" / "you're going home in a Cockney ambulance"..
Avoid. This boozer should be 6 miles West down the road in some other more fitting khazi.
9 Jul 2008 13:50
A smashing little tippling house that serves decent ale and Black Country pork scratchings. What more can one ask for?
9 Jun 2008 14:07
Does a good range of sausages, in sarnies, or Yorkshire pudding. Ale generally in decent nick too. This pub has turned corner, seen a few changes over the years but now that Nicholsons are on board it's improved quite a bit.
4 Mar 2008 14:21
Stinks to high heaven now that the smoke isn't allowed to disguise stale beer.
4 Mar 2008 14:15
Decent ales on offer in what is left of the drinkers part of this old tippling house. Will be there tonight, as always on Shrove Tuesday.
5 Feb 2008 11:04
Had a crackin' night in here on 15th January, met some decent locals very friendly to me, the token Londoner.
17 Jan 2008 13:17
Long overdue refurb nearing completion. Re-opens tomorrow 10th November.
9 Nov 2007 11:49
There remains a place in the world for boozers such as this, (ie. complete khazis). It gets so boring going in clean cabin cruisers that sell decent beer.
1 Oct 2007 12:13
The Walrus and Carpenter, Monument
Drunk old baldies from the D&O market frequent this place to get their fix.
30 Aug 2007 10:10
Thai food gone downhill since they changed kitchen staff a few weeks ago. Steer clear of the bitter in here too, they have no idea how to keep it.
29 Aug 2007 15:48
Cracking little boozer in a rather unspoilt part of town. Architecturally a glorious looking tippling house, the stuff that dreams are made of. Surrounding properties are equally attractive. Fair prices, albeit for keg bitter. This pub forms part of my Fitrovia crawl and is one of the better ones on it.
2 Aug 2007 10:59
Good little boozer tucked away. Serves some tasty ales, guests an' all. Like it.
25 May 2007 16:08
The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market
Decent little restaurant on top floor serving usual Youngs-traditional English fare.
25 May 2007 16:06
OK, I'll elaborate. Although the refurb is fairly well done on the face of it, they have completely destroyed everything that was good about The Bull. There is only one ale on tap now, Pride, which is inevitably off. Ice cold and tasteless Amstel is 3 quid a pint. The Victorian khazi has been ripped out. Loud music/pop videos. And Grumpy Gay Barman has gone.
12 Feb 2007 12:15
Reopened just over a week ago all tarted up. But it's still The Bull, which is something to be thankful for I suppose. Not a bad little refurb, in fact.
29 Jan 2007 16:28
Bitter never that good but I keep going back: it's a good enough place to drink as the hoi polloi never really dare to venture in. Music is classic English: 60's/BritPop etc. Not noticed the trance in there myself.
16 Nov 2006 15:44
The Shooting Star, Liverpool Street
Sells Fullers 'London Porter' ale on bottle which is one of the finest ales currently being brewed. Worth visiting for that alone.
16 Nov 2006 15:38
Have to be straight with you here but not a fan of these faceless places as you could be in any pub / any town. That said, it does a cracking little pint of Staropramen, serves tasty tucker and always attracts girls.
16 Nov 2006 15:33
Currently closed - awaiting someone to buy it and do it up. This is bound to be bad news but happy to eat my words if it isn't.
14 Nov 2006 12:17
The Cuckfield has undergone more than it's fair share of changes and refurbishments over the past 15/20 years but has just enjoyed the best one yet. This place has been crying out for an update and the new look totally suits Wanstead. Eclectic seating and funky lighting. The sort of plsce you want to pop into mid-afternoon and stay. Walks all over similar pubs in more established 'trendy' gentrified areas. I've been there three times in less than a week since it's reopening which is more than over the past 6-months total. Family friendly during the day too.
About 20 beers on tap, with a heavy focus on German wheat beers. Just about worth it at �3.80 a pint. Personally I think they should have put on some of the lesser known Czech Pilsners but I'm not complaining. There's also Pride, Adnam's and IPA. It seems they've learnt how to look after beer at last. Plus Staropramen and some standard other 'lager' style beers.
There's a big open-kitchen that serves decent looking trendy gastro-pub fare. Beer garden is much better than it was and has a BBQ and outdoor bar.
I do hope they stick to the principle of not-showing football and keep the music at sensible levels - leave that to BRB and Russells and concentrate on being different. And I hope that the beautiful-crowd-wannabee-gangsters-footballers-wives-style-crowd stick to going other places elsewhere.
27 Jun 2006 17:46
One of the last few boozers in the area that at least feels like a pub should. Been drinking her for years. It's a Thorley Tavern like the Aldgate Exchange down the road next to Tubby Isaacs.
26 Jun 2006 16:14
Full of young Essex tottie. But doesn't sell pints. Can't win it all, I suppose !
3 Mar 2006 15:39
I've been drinking here for nearly 20 years and have seem some change. 'The Head' used to get mobbed on Thursday nights during the late 80's by the local 'front wheel' brigade. It had a public and saloon side, (left and right respectively), but was often farily quiet of latter years due to it's proximity to nowhere and someone has to drive. Things are very different now. One can hardly call it a pub, the bar is so small and it's totally geared up for eaters not drinkers. The heart has really been ripped out of this establishment. That said, I will be there for my 16th consecutive Shrove Tuesday pre-supper pint.
28 Feb 2006 14:12
The Chamberlain Hotel, Aldgate
Right. Quick update. Discovery is rubbish in here, over-chilled and poorly served. The Jack Frost ale hit the spot though and the Pride was safe and sound.
24 Feb 2006 14:46
Had some lovely moments in here with The Arsenal. Winning the league at Old Trafford springs to mind. Sold Ridleys beer before Greene King bought the brewery out. Can't rememeber if it still does.
10 Feb 2006 13:50
Handy little tippling shop for pre and post Arsenal drinking. Service shows vast signs of improvement. Not a bad place at all.
24 Oct 2005 13:22
A few daft comments of late. This is a proper old boozer. Not enough if these places left. It's a pub that attracts an eclectic mix of drinkers but that's never a bad thing, surely ? Dave is the landlord - and a very good one at that - not the amusingly curt Jock you refer to, Mr Sock.
18 Oct 2005 10:53
I'm getting quite into this place at the moment. Not literally at the moment, but you know what I mean. Cheap beer, small discotheque, lively atmosphere. Not at all poncey like most nearby establishments.
17 Oct 2005 16:49
Stop Press! Nono has left and moved to Colchester in darkest Essex. This is a terribly sad event although Dirty Dicks will live on regardless.
8 Sep 2005 17:25
The Chamberlain Hotel, Aldgate
You obviously get a load of TV's in here on Saturday's due to the pub's proximity to Charlies, just down the road on Crosswall. They hold a TV night in there every Saturday, the Way Out Club. I know as I drunkenly ended up there once, but that's a story for another occasion....
2 Sep 2005 13:10
It's well worth seeking this one out to spend a few relaxing hours drinking here during the afternoon. The perfect place for a quiet read, supping decent guest ale. It's a friendly pub and is located on quite possibly the finest street in London, if you're into unspoilt historical urban residential architecture. The food here is pricey but renowned to be extremely good. Evening Standard Pub of The Year 2003.
8 Aug 2005 09:49
The Senlac Inn & Restaurant, Battle
Not quite your typical station pub, but not far off it. Sells Bombardier, normally a reliable beer, although not here. There are better pubs along the High Street.
27 Jul 2005 13:16
The Lord Aberconway, Liverpool Street
Stop Press! For every pint of Greene King IPA you drink, (or order), you get a playing card. 4 playing cards equals one free ticket to the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival at Olympia on 2nd-6th August.
15 Jul 2005 16:27
The Axe used to be a cracking little venue used by the local Old Bill and ruffians alike. Nowadays it gets a bit too busy with allsorts. Still, if you can ignore the naked girls for one moment you will notice that this pub has a lovely traditonal gin-palace-esque interior that is worth the entrance fee alone. Beer is as you would expect for a venue of this ilk. Best stick to bottles and leave the pint pots for collecting coins.
21 Jun 2005 15:01
Just had a very pleasant lunch here, (upstairs). New menu launched yesterday. The food here rarely disappoints and Nono always looks after you. Where else in the City can you get such a decent knife and fork for and a pint for less than a tenner?
21 Jun 2005 14:35
Quite a lot (more) change going on in the area at the moment now that they've knocked half of Spitalfields Market down. But The Gun survives as it always will. Will be there this Friday for our annual close-season drinks.
21 Jun 2005 14:21
The Marquis of Granby, Fitzrovia
This is a tidy little venue full of local media/retail/advertising types. Especially good in the Summer as everyone spills outside. Not full of tourists either. London Pride more than drinkable.
14 Jun 2005 14:51
The Railway Tavern, Liverpool Street
There's a few harsh comments here. This place is never going to be a winner bearing in mind it's a railway pub but the pints of Abbots Ale I've just been drinking were nicely pulled and tasted spot on. Better to drink here during the daytime I suppose.
14 Jun 2005 14:44
Was drinking in here a few weeks ago on a Monday night after lunching at Hakassan. Stayed on the Hoegaaden to make sure I knew what I was up to otherwise I would've neded up on/in the big dog.
6 Jun 2005 15:32
Has just re-opened as Minx - some sort of noncey bar/restaurant venue. Bound to attract the local jet-set-label-loving-footballer-model-wannabies.
5 Apr 2005 13:18
I've ended up here so many times over the past eight years after having a few liveners elsewhere, (generally in the City or Wanstead). A good, sound venue that always delivers. Favourite memory is falling into an eight foot ditch full up with water whilst walking down Hollybush Hill on the way home one cold November night. Then just about managing to climb out.
17 Mar 2005 13:16
Nice one Millay. Your last post is spot on as usual. We knew the last barman as 'GGB' - Grumpy Gay Barman. As you say, the ale is well kept and word gets around so it's best to drink there early in the week. I'm a bit of a pub-khazi-connoisseur and, although I agree with your comments, I think that The Red Lion on Eldon Street can rival The Bull for smell! Had a smashing pie in here recently. The pub, I mean, not the khazi.
11 Oct 2004 11:24
Dodgy beer, not worth going to. Much better places nearby, eg. Dirty Dicks.
1 Oct 2004 12:54
I like drinking in here as it's always nice to have a bit of carpet underfoot when en route to the well-looked-after khazi.
29 Sep 2004 14:40
A good place to watch everyone hurry past. Always a nice drop of Bombadier. Lovely looking pub from the outside, thankfully overlooked by the Luftwaffe.
27 Sep 2004 13:42
Went here on Friday with 2 mates. Had a good pint of Spitfire although my mate's Youngs had to be returned due to it being off. Then spent the rest of our visit trying to work out what on Earth the white plastic globe is, located just in front of the net curtained Gents toilet. By the way, the toilet really is a complete khazi.
27 Sep 2004 13:31
The Barracuda Bar, Bishopsgate
This place has always been a hole throughout it's many guises, (Eastern Monk, Springbok etc.). I have just been there out of politeness to someone's work leaving do. Only stayed for 1 pint of the coldest London Pride I have ever tasted. It appears this pub's entry requirements stipulate that girls must sport a tattoo and the only language accepted from all patrons is Estuary English.
24 Sep 2004 14:08
Now I've never been a fan of ABO's. It's like drinking in a big old fashioned Victorian schoolroom. But they've just done this one up and I reckon it's worth a visit. Beers on tap are Pride and Bass. Or if you fancy a lager then you'll be hard pushed to find such a diverse draught selection as Amstel, Staropramen, Erdinger, Leffe or Carling Black Label. I was on the Amstel, a beer that takes you from the City right into the heart of The Dam. The staff go out of their way to be helpful and the layout of the pub now is much more conducive to a good lunch/evening. Plenty of good food on offer and the (red) wine is well chosen. Give it a go. You might surprise yourself and actually like it.
22 Sep 2004 14:25
I'll be there this Friday 24th for Charlotte's birthday. All most welcome - come join us and we'll drink dodgy beer together.
21 Sep 2004 09:18
This is the only remaining timber structured building in the City that escaped the Great Fire of 1666. The Hope and Grope sold Caffrey's befoe anyone else in London in the early 90's and it used to blow your head off.
10 Sep 2004 15:10
East India Arms, Fenchurch Street
Proper pub for men to drink decent bitter in. The last time a bird went in here was 1989.
10 Sep 2004 15:07
I got stripped naked in here on my 21st birthday in 1993. Still a fond memory.
10 Sep 2004 15:01
Williams Wine and Ale House, Hoxton
This is a lovely little venue that tucks itself away from the well trodden Bishopsgate track. Carlsberg, Wadworth 6X and Pride on offer amongst others. Not a bad venue. Has the campest barman this side of Brighton. Does'nt take Amex.
10 Sep 2004 14:58
Nice boozer for some decent pub food before watching the Quins. I'll be there tomorrow so give us a nod if you're passing through and we'll drink, swear and tell lies together.
10 Sep 2004 14:48
My mate drinks here. He loves it. So if you see someone that looks like Charles Hawtery, (from the Carry On's), then go and have a word with him as he's a good lad who loves his ale.
2 Sep 2004 16:54
Just gets better. The new menu upstairs, (weekdays until 3pm), is as good as anything you will find. Pies, chops, good drinking food. Does a lovely bottle of Rioja too.
23 Jul 2004 15:38
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
Just been back for a return visit. Serves Pride, IPA, TT's Landlord and Carling. I know that they've 'done it up' fairly recently and things have improved, but this place still knows very little on how to keep ale well. That said, it's a great place to stand outside in the sun, (irony intended) and watch the girls go by.
23 Jul 2004 15:36
Excellent beer. I was drinking the wonderful Christmas Pudding Ale last Thursday as they still have some left over! The food upstairs is great fodder - especially the Barnsley Chop. I will continue to drink in this pub for as long as I live. Love it.
14 Apr 2004 13:58
Shows all the football matches on Sky and gets quite lively most nights.
14 Apr 2004 13:52
Just been refurbished. Still a lovely little local with the best quality beer in Wanstead.
14 Apr 2004 13:46
I go there before most Arsenal matches. The Adnams Broadside is very good, it's just a shame that we can't be trusted with it being served in a glass as opposed to plastic. Spoils a decent pint and none of the other local pubs feel a need to do that.
8 Apr 2004 12:58
I hope this place is not going downhill but the current batch of E.European barmaids, (although OK on the eye), struggle so match with the lingo that you often get the wrong bitter.
8 Apr 2004 12:54
The Lord Aberconway, Liverpool Street
I was in there on Friday with my mate Harper, drinking Bombardier. Good choice of venue for a decent pint in the City. Shame about my choice of drinking partner though!
1 Mar 2004 14:13
My mate Harper drinks there on his own quite a lot and loves it. But he drinks anywhere. That said, always friendly and decent bitter.
21 Jan 2004 13:30
Part of the Samuel Smith chain so you know you're going to get a decent pint at a fair price. Cracking little place to go whilst the wife is shopping down Oxford Street.
14 Jan 2004 14:19
The Dog and Duck, Soho
Decent little cabin cruiser, plenty of ales on offer, jugs available for the old school drinker.
27 Sep 2012 10:57