BITE user comments - Ravenousdrythroat
Comments by Ravenousdrythroat
Discovered this gem in the Village of Crudwell. This main road establishment offers good value fare from what appears to be an ever changing menu. Free house, so the beer on offer also changes. Child friendly with a kids' menu which I thought quite unusual as it was reasonably priced for small portions and a good deal more choice than beans and chips. Bar service and food service excellent. On the A429 midway between Chippenham and Cirencester well worth a visit. Sharp's Doombar at £3.40, but an enjoyable2 course Steak Dinner at £10 made for a pleasant interlude. Car parking at the side, the pub also has a beer garden for warmer days.
20 Sep 2014 13:25
Named after a shipwreck, the Paris still retains the charm of an earlier age, with a pleasant ambience and reasonably priced good value eats. Fortunately has not been gentrified into an aspirational destination........yet. Stopped for a mid aftenoon livener in the beer garden with a pint of Trelawney (£3.25) while enjoying the view. Well impressed and returned for an excellent evening meal the following day. Beer price at the high end but alas, with the nearby Lifeboat House now closed for the season, no competition puts a pint of Proper Job at £3.40. With a warm welcome and excellent service on offer, you will not be disappointed.
20 Sep 2014 12:54
The Maybush Inn, Waldringfield
Once more staying locally, decided on a Breakfast with a View. On a Summer's Morning the River Deben is hard to beat, so a short walk to the Maybush to sample the breakfast menu. Available from 9am, and aimed at visiting Yachtsmen and Coastal Walkers this offers good basic fare. Full English £8.95, scrambled eggs £4.95. So you could say you certainly pay for the view. Chanced a look of the beer prices . Adnams bitter at £3.60, even higher than the nearby Newbourne Fox, owned by the same group. Other Ales and Lagers were well over the £4.00 mark. A large late model 4x4 with a personal plate indicated the licensee was on a visit. So all in all the mark of a successful , expanding business. Goodness knows what will happen when the recession ends properly and the economy is on the up. In summary a pleasant enough pub, but alas too pricey for me on a regular basis.
4 Aug 2014 20:26
Yes, all change for the old drinking shed at Ramsholt Dock. Newish expensive cars with personal plates in the Staff Car Park make me fear the worst. This pub has a lot going for it, but somehow it doesn't feel right. There is a great river view, plenty of out door seating and the interior has been smartened up in a minimalist way. Alas, the accent is on aspirational Gastro Dining, which seems common in these parts, and the simple pleasure of a reasonably priced beer consigned to history.
The new owners need to take a hard look at the way their staff present themselves, an extremely young crew with and to me the barman seemed far too casual, so much so that as a customer I felt somewhat uneasy being charged £3.45 for Adnams Bitter.
That said if you like the Gastro experience, you will not be disappointed as the standard of cuisine is excellent, but in my opinion somewhat poor value. Date of visit 21/7/2014
26 Jul 2014 11:24
Discovered this traditional thatched village pub after passing the nearby Plough, where at 5.30 pm on a summer Wednesday afternoon the staff, drinking in the beer garden, watched us park before telling us they did not open until 6pm.
Feeling miffed, drove on and saw the sign for the Sorrel Horse and decided to give it a go. A great ( genuine) welcome, a bit of chat with the friendly locals, with Wherry at £3.30 on gravity, great tasting and enjoyed in the sunny front garden. Bliss.
Turns out this pub was to be closed down but the village rallied round to form their own PubCo. Seems they've got it right. Went back a couple of days later to enjoy extremely good reasonably priced eats. Well worth seeking out, it approaches your vision of the ideal pub of your dreams. Date of visit 24/7/14
26 Jul 2014 10:19
Walking the Suffolk Coast Path on a very hot afternoon, spied this real Oasis. Absolute perfection......9 real ales on! Foolishly ordered a Pint of Adnams Bitter, thinking we were in premium price territory. Big shock at just £2.50/pint. A gift, served by a charming, welcoming barmaid. This pub deserves recognition as offering the best value, ambience and drinking pleasure. You want more? Ok, they do cheap eats, plus a kids play area and there is outside seating in the Sun with a great view. Ice Cream for a hot day? Yes they do that as well. Previous posts are spot on. Well done Landlord.
26 Jul 2014 09:54
I must be a mug for this place All fine until time to pay! Cheapest beer. Adnam's Bitter at an all time high of £3.48. Hadn't the courage to ask about any others, having being stung as in previous reviews. Good to know The Fox continues to maintain its high standard! Despite the pricing policy, the car park never looks as empty as the header picture and they seem to have no problem extracting the readies, although I am led to believe many of its former locals have sought pastures new. As I reiterate, Nice Pub, shame about the beer price. Otherwise if you put price aside, you will not be disappointed. Date of visit 13/06/2014
25 Jun 2014 23:38
Good old canalside pub on the Junctions of the Coventry and Trent & Mersey Canals. Thought I would give the Swan a try, after an absence of a fair while. The old building and decor are unchanged from my memories as a youth, and I really thought from my last visit, some 5 years ago, that it would not survive. Pleased to report it retains the charm of a byegone age being a bit rough round the edges and happily without the stamp of a uniform corporate offering. However it is definitely still doing what it has always done. In other words it's a real pub, run by people who care about the beer and value to their customers. OK you won't get gastro food or high priced drinks..... You'll get basic straightforward pub food from an extensive keenly priced menu, and a great selection of ever changing guest cask ales, overlooked by a cellarman who knows his beer. From previous reviews it looks as if it has had a good kicking in the right direction. The basics are there, so be prepared for delay at busy times as the barstaff are swamped by their success. Tried the excellent local Holden's Bitter.....a gift at £3. Very nice. Well worth a trip out on a summer's evening but unless you are local a bit difficult to find as an industrial estate and new village have been built on the main rural route to Fradley Junction.
25 Jun 2014 23:20
Sunday night in Cremyll! With a wind blowing and the rain coming down it is like the end of the World .How good it is to find a nice big pub with real log fire on a cold wet night. St Austell Proper Job at £3.60, Tribute at £3.55. Huge selection of food on the Specials Board plus normal {expensive) menu plus a limited Carvery, Pork or Beef at £9.50. Welcoming barman who later served us to a Carvery, with, alas, no observed food hygiene precautions taken, as noted in earlier posts, when moving from bar to food servery. Very pleasant ambience, enjoyable meal but but was short changed by a barmaid when getting a second round of beers.. Drew it to her attention and the short change was given back exactly, without me having to say how much was short. Could have been an honest mistake or another Tourist Tax! Beer price still hurts, but this time we could just about justify it. Date of visit 5/4/14
6 Apr 2014 20:50
Staying at the nearby excellent Hessenford Mill B&B thought we would try the Copley Arms. St Austell House where our last visit a couple of years ago was marred by a barmaid happier to chat to her mates than serve paying punters. This time it felt even worse. The pub just did not feel welcoming. I enquired the beer prices for the 3 draught ales. Tribute was at £3.60, cheapest at £3.25. Didn't feel like justifying a high price in a miserable atmosphere, so made a quick exit. Strangely the bar staff had to look up the beer prices on the till. I can only assume the prices are loaded depending on location and what the punters will pay. It is a pleasant enough pub and I will try it again, but this time it just did not feel right. Date of visit 5/4/14
6 Apr 2014 20:27
Good honest pub with a big TV in the public bar, a comfortable lounge with a fire and a nice feel. Well kept St Austell Tribute at a very reasonable £3.15. Foodwise at lunchtime we found an excellent selection of basic Pub Grub which was very good value. I enjoyed a good Steak and Ale Pie, chips, peas for just a Fiver. Friendly barmaid and excellent service all round. Now a word of caution. The pub is on a very busy corner and while the Ladies Loo is reached from the lounge, the Gents is somewhat unique in that it is actually across the road from the pub. So care is certainly required crossing that busy street. Nodoubt a constant source of amusement to the locals as patrons make their way across. Recommended. Date of visit 31/3/14
6 Apr 2014 20:08
From outside, looks a welcoming establishment, but the prominent "For Sale" board is another sign of the times. Shame really, as this place has character by the shedload. Alas, the grimy door handles, filthy decor and hand written notices warning of the fate available to drug dealers meant that at 8.30 on a Monday night there were just the three of us and a barman. The only draught that wasn't a lager was John Smiths. The fire had just gone out and the youth who stepped out for a bit of draw didn't come back. That said, the beer factory offering at £2.50 a pint was acceptable, the place was warm and the barman (who probably wished he worked somewhere else having completed 7 weeks of his sentence) had a pleasant attitude, explaining it was quiet as the darts team were away.
The toilets looked as if they had processed several million gallons of effluent over the years, but were clean.
With a lick of paint and a bit of pazzazz whoever is lucky enough to buy this place is sitting on a goldmine. The basics are there, and it can't get any worse. Those who seek entertainment can enjoy the pool table or watch the wide screen telly. Or maybe join the social club next door. As it was being run down prior to sale, I wish the staff the success they deserve, as with a little bit thought it will make a great pub.
23 Sep 2013 23:02
Great food is still available at the Fox, today's Celery and Stilton soup was a real showstopper. The beer price has climbed since my last visit. Today Sharp's Doombar was on at £3.88: More worrying was local brewer Adnam's Spindrift at an all time record price for me for a Monday Lunchtime in rural Suffolk.......£3.98. The standard of presentation and service remain excellent as before. Shame about the beer price, spoils an otherwise perfect pub.
17 Jun 2013 23:30
The Ferry Boat Inn, Felixstowe
Read previous reviews with some concern so feared the worst. Struggled with the outside door and almost sprained an ankle stepping down inside.....be careful. Friday lunchtime was pleasantly full, but served quickly by friendly barmaid. Chose Adnam's Bitter at £3.25, and sat smugly next to the enormous woodburning stove, as the cold easterly wind blew outside. Wherry was also on the pumps, but estimated it would be expensive, in line with the wine prices and the expensive food. Chalk board special was a half portion of cottage pie for £8.....providing you were an OAP and got there between noon and 12.30! Olde Worlde hard chairs, flagstone floors, bags of character, but to me seemed more of a money processing facility than a pub, so drank up and left. Didn't go hungry, but walked to the end of the pay and display and into the excellent greasy spoon diner for a most enjoyable fish&chips, cooked to perfection and served by nice people. Date of visit 22/2/2013
27 Feb 2013 14:08
Seems The Victoria is now in the "one of the estimated 20 a week" club. Yes, closed and boarded up. A victim of avarice, ignorance and greed, perhaps or just a sign of the changing economic climate and Government Policy. Previous reviews may hold the key, but for the time being looks like "Goodnight, thanks and a safe journey home". Visit date 22/2/2013
27 Feb 2013 13:46
Top marks to the Fox for being able to maintain a consistent high standard. The food remains excellent, and the beer price is still at a level guaranteed to curb excess enjoyment.
28 Jan 2013 12:21
Early Saturday lunchtime found us in need of refreshment, so driving by thought we would give it a try. Looked closed, but after avoiding the big potholes in the car park, found it was actually open for business. Front bar had three or four locals enjoying the ambience of the log fire. Fortified by a delicious pint of Copperhead at £3.20 we chose our eats from the limited menu, and very good it was too. Not outlandishly expensive, but a definite cut above the usual pub grub. A real gem, still retaining the atmosphere of a bygone age. Friendly staff, good service. Recommended.
8 Jan 2013 16:49
Without a local guide we would never have found this pub, but once parked, found it well worth the effort. The interior is positively cavernous, but warmed by a large roaring fire. The choice of hand pulled ales is amazing, many from micro brewers. Foodwise the menu, which seems to change on a daily basis, is pitched at the higher end and is comprehensive enough to cater for most tastes. Pub grub it ain't! I thought I had bought a work of art. Portion sizes are well adequate, without being over generous. Despite the large number of diners, our food order arrived quickly, served by an attentive waitress, right first time. Plenty of staff, so also served quickly at the bar.
All in all a very pleasant evening, but as noted, don't attempt the climb on foot, as my local guide explained the pub name translates to "Top of the Hill".......I'd call it "Top of the Mountain"
10 Nov 2012 11:58
A definite food pub, but has a well arranged layout to give quiet corners for those who prefer just to drink. This is a Marstons House, but it seems that the corporate message has been tempered slightly to allow a little bit of personal flair to shine, which results in a very pleasant customer experience. The pub has had a fair amount spent on it, (and maybe a good kicking behind the scenes,to judge from a previous post) and the end result is rather good. We had no problem finding a seat, and although the bar was busy, were quickly served. The menu offered more than the usual pub grub, without being too gastro in style. Daily specials were also available for the more adventurous.
With 6 in our party, the waitress was subject to a lttle banter, taken in her stride, but took the order efficiently. The food arrived, right first time, all meals at the same time, and plates piled high. Having said that, the presentation was spot on and overall effect looked as if the Chef took a personal pride in every dish that left the kitchen. Well cooked, great tasting fare, very good value, large portions so much so that we were all beaten to a standstill.
For drinks, Marstons Pedigree and Hobgoblin were on the pumps, plus a couple of Ringwood Brews but I could not resist a Banks' Bitter at �2.65. Three of those set up the evening nicely. Drinks prices for the rest of the gang were also reasonable. So a pleasant evening, feeling well fed and watered without breaking the bank. Recommended.
24 Oct 2012 11:01
Ever ready to grab a bargain, could not resist the come on of "2 meals for �12." From outside, looked welcoming, and we were pleasantly surprised by the cordial welcome from the bar staff, the excellent beers, keen prices and excellent standard of cuisine. Reading other reviews it looks as if someone has grabbed it and shaken away the rubbish. Went in to eat twice, each time the standard was spot on. Tom Brown's was on at �3.00, and went down nicely. Foodwise, the menu offers a slightly more adventurous slant on pub grub, and the portions are good value.
19 Sep 2012 19:32
Exploring the older part of Weymouth brought me to the Boot. Mid afternoon refreshment called for a low gravity offering , so we went for the Ringwood Best, ( �3.05) and found it well up to standard. The whole of the pub's customers were sat outside in the sunshine, we joined them and were made welcome by complete strangers. The barman was an interesting fella to chat to, and as well as the usual newspapers, a selection of Haynes' Manuals caught my eye. A genuine local, with a very nice ambience.
19 Sep 2012 19:13
This pub has all the rural charm and character of a bygone age, but has its finger firmly on the pulse of survival in the 21st Century. This is well hidden away in the village of Newbourne, but signposted well from the main A12 trunk road. Monday lunchtime eats on a somewhat cold and damp summer day was a surprise, expecting it to be deserted, it was nicely full, warm and cosy. Good range of hand pulled ales, plus the usual beer factory offerings. Foodwise enough choice for most tastes, all priced at the upper end, but that said, reasonable value as the portions were all larger than expected, given that our party of 4 had chosen from the "2 courses for �9.95" selection. Good attentive service, even though these were bar meals. For a more formal gathering, there is a rather nice dining room. Other reviews hint that the quality offering can be variable, but for us the food was fine.Outside a large beer garden overlooks a duckpond and the car park, all in all a good setting for a drink on warmer days. Alas, as the pub is in the same group as the nearby Maybush, the final bill was no surprise. They still sell expensive beer.....Plain Adnam's Bitter at �3.28 and St Austell Tribute as a guest ale had travelled well, but well overpriced at an eye watering �3.78, as printed on the bill. In conclusion, a very pleasant pub, but for me just a little too expensive to be a regular haunt.
17 Jul 2012 11:11
Something rather good has happened at the Railway. No longer a Marston's House, instead now owned by a small expanding chain. They have made subtle changes and the result is reflected in the friendly atmosphere, good service and value that make this pub a winner. A lick of paint outside, and new outside lighting make it a welcoming oasis. Inside, Landlord Mark now has more freedom to run the business and let his flair show. The usual Marstons beers were on, plus 2 guests, one of which"Trelawney" all the way from St Austell, Cornwall had travelled well and was a delight at �2.90, somewhat cheaper than in it's home territory. Our party enjoyed excellent fare chosen from a slightly more adventurous menu, which nevertheless still contains staple pub grub favourites. The bar menu is still available for thase who just need a quick bite. Starters were excellent value and the locally sourced steaks were divine. We left well fed and watered, feeling we had been treated as customers not numbers and had enjoyed great value food and drink. All in all, a very pleasant evening, thanks to Mark and his attentive, efficient serving staff, plus of course the crew in the engine room. As we left the crowded dining room at around 9pm, the next influx were were being seated. What a lucky man he is.....
6 Nov 2011 11:36
The Maybush Inn, Waldringfield
I've known this establishment for some 40 years, and visited regularly over the years. Hard to believe, it was once just a struggling pub selling Tolly Cobbold ales from the barrel and the odd bag of Smith's Crisps. Now it aspires to be a restaurant that also sells beer. Our party of 8 was easily accommodated in comfort on a Tuesday Lunchtime, having reserved a table. The menu offered basic pub fare, with enough choice for most palates, plus more exotic, mainly seafood specials. Now there is no doubt it is a very well patronised pub, but for me it falls short on several counts, which is a shame, and I generally leave vowing never to return. Main courses currently range from �8.95 for a burger, to �16.45 for a rib eye steak, and the portions are adequate rather than huge. Now this is the market they are in, so it is to be expected. Quite unexpected was the beer price. All draught ales were at �3.60, except for Adnams Best at �3.30, which to my provincial experience seemed somewhat expensive. Otherwise the food order was right, the standard of cuisine excellent, the waiting staff efficient, focussed, stressed and devoid of humour. I felt as if I had been processed and my wallet efficiently emptied...not how I like a pub to be. So, The Maybush does some things right, some well, some badly. For me it never provides the pleasant experience that it's publicity promises. A slight realignment of pricing policy could have doubled my spend but I could not justify another pint: I'm sure other customers felt the same, judging by subdued behaviour out on the patio. Fo such a popular pub I find it strange there has been no review posted for almost 2 years.
27 Jul 2011 15:08
The Boot Inn, Sutton Coldfield
Saturday night "swill" at The Boot. Arrived around 8.30 to find the pub busy but not crowded. Served immediately by charming landlady, even tho' I'm not local. Struck lucky as they had live music from 9.30, with a local group "Jess's Band" which went down a storm playing a mix of Straits, Lizzie, Beatles, Eagles. Fought back to the bar and the locals parted like the Red Sea to let me through, where once more I was served straight away. Felt well at home, chatted to one or two locals. Nice feelgood factor. This is a spacious pub with a beer garden, comfy sofas at one side, and a pool table, TV Screen,wooden chairs and tables at the other. Smokers have a covered area at the front of the pub, and there is easy parking. I don't think it is a tied house, but the usual Beer Factory at Burton was represented, plus Abbot Ale, Black Sheep and a real gem, UBU Amber 4.5% from Purity Brewing, a micro brewery in Great Alne, Warwickshire. Had 3 of these at �2.80 which was a pleasant surprise. Now wonder it was busy. Foodwise there was non in evidence, but a sign outside said Fish &Chips �3.95, and other posts indicate food is available. The band played 'til late, before throwing out time just before midnight. The calibre of the bar staff was first class, and my drinks were drawn carefully, allowed to settle, then topped up. If only all bars were like this....Sigh.
24 Jul 2011 10:54
The Bowgie Inn, Crantock Newquay
I can't believe that this establishment as described by "sallypickles" is the same one that I visited for midweek lunchtime refreshment in early May. It was 2 years since my last visit, and the excellent experience had drawn us back again. We thought we were on familiar territory...but no. Curt, rather than the friendly service we enjoyed last time was on the menu this time. Two pints of Doombar at the upper end of the price range and a Cottage Pie special at �9.50 were a big let down. The meagre pie looked like an ASDA smart price version, and was accompanied just by peas, which covered the plate. I requested some chips, and paid just under �3 for them. I thought this represented poor value, and told the barman so. Feeling ripped off spoilt the rest of the day. By all means try the Bowgie, but remember you may be frustrated when the experience falls very short of the hype.
23 Jul 2011 17:19
Short walk up from Portscatho, opposite the Church, brings you to another well kept secret.....Despite the curious layout, cramped bar area and harassed landlord, this pub offers good value food and drink in a relaxing atmosphere of olde worlde charm. Ver y efficient kitchen...right first time, with attentive waiting staff. Free House, so cheap beer, but perhaps a limited choice. Doom Bar had run out, but a nice pint of Otter on sale. The usual suspects also available from the Coors Factory at Burton. Probably OK for well behaved kids...one room is seperate from the bar area; the pub also has a sunny sheltered beer garden for warmer days. We were given a very warm welcome and a thanks as we left. Rare these days, but always appreciated. Recommended.
23 Jul 2011 07:43
Midweek evening eating and drinks for a party of 4. Good ales, super value, tasty food from straightforward menu. No Lobster or Foie Gras, but well chosen basic fare. Tremendous banter from Landlord. You don't want to leave! Sadly we were the only diners that evening, but we enjoyed hospitality other local establishments struggle to offer. This guy is on a learning curve as a new Landlord, but I don't reckon the brewery is giving much support. He is wellworthy of your support, and needs it in these days of austerity. I will certainly be back. I endorse contributor "quaffed's" comments. "New Menu Soon" said the sign. We all know what that means. Marstons Estate, so the usual suspects on draught. Recommended.
21 Jul 2011 13:04
The Port William Inn, Tintagel
What a revelation. Visited in early July for lunchtime refreshment on Coast Path Walk. Looks imposing from beach level and also has an air of expensive exclusivity. Not so. Don't hesitate as it's well worth making the short climb. We found friendly staff, attentive landlady and best of all a feelgood factor of great keenly priced pulled ales and good value well presented food.......and a view!!! From previous reviews it appears this pub has changed somewhat from 5 years ago. Looks as if it has changed owners. Now part of St Austell Brewery Estate, and like them or loathe them, to me they always seem to get it right. Recommended.
21 Jul 2011 12:43
A true Oasis for a Coast Path Walker? Not! Reading reviews we all know how inconsistent some pubs are.This one swins wildly in and out of favour. This is the only pub in my life where I have left the premises without buying anything.....Timothy Taylor Landlord offered at �3.60 a pint is just a laugh...but I suppose it suits the Gentry and serves to keep the plebs off the beach. Maybe it's me, but check the price before you order, or arrange finance before crossing the threshold. Things may be different now as our visit was in May. That said, it is a very pleasant pub. Wish I could justify the price, but I can't.
21 Jul 2011 12:24
Free House in this tiny village, where we stayed for a week. Small frontage, but like a TARDIS....Good range of hand pulled ales, all at just below prices you get in more popular coastal locations. Food very good value...good size portions and well presented by efficient, friendly staff. We went every day for eats as the menu changed daily, based on what could be sourced locally. Decor somewhat tired, but made up for it by lively atmosphere and an ongoing effort by landlord to add a bit of pazzazz......Beer festival and live music on Friday while we were there. Well worth a trip off the beaten track
21 Jul 2011 12:05
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Logan Rock Inn, St Levan
Having just read previous reviews my thoughts an the Logan Rock are somewhat mixed. As a St Austell House, you know what to expect. As a boozer in the sticks you also know a lack of choice will mean a higher price offering. Overall the pub has a certain charm, but to me it doesn't feel right. At 5.30pm on a Thursday afternoon in September the barman and two locals are engaged in conversation. Barman serves me as if I had intruded, with barely a word exchanged. St Austell Expensive Dartmoor Best at £3.30. He went back to his locals. I went outside to get a bit ot peace. The remains of an earlier diner's meal were stacked on a picnic table.and that is where they stayed. No clearup, no check. So all in all just didn't feel right. 30 minutes later finished my beer and left. Table still uncleared, no one in the bar to receive my empty glass. Maybe short staffed or run on the bare minimum. A potential good pub going to waste by falling well short of customer expectations.
20 Sep 2014 14:04