BITE user comments - cackgsy
Comments by cackgsy
Visited 10 Aug 2013. Only ale on was SN Masterbrew which was in good condition. Friendly staff. But all a bit soul less.
11 Aug 2013 09:09
Food an absolute rip off...had a party and got charged more than the advertised prices. Processed ham, lamb shank that wouldn't come off the bone....you get the idea.
26 Oct 2011 23:48
Just to defend the pub here from Sandpiper's observations.
The terrace is part of the sea defences, not part of the pub. Built after the Canvey Island disaster, the pub and indeed my house would be under water at times of extremely high water. The benches are pretty standard, maybe they should be made super size, or maybe the NRA could shave a few feet off the sea wall for you?
The litter and industrial estate are not of the pub's making either, rather an example of a lack of service from Gravesham council. Why not make the scenic walk suggested by Trabbs Boy.
I can only apologise for the lack of beer, I suspect you went there after Harlequin and I had had a session.
19 Aug 2010 09:45
Visited 20 Sep 09. Excellent pint of Harvey's Best, beer festival quality. Very attentive and helpful barman. Large beer garden, with an adventure playground which didn't detract from the main business of enjoying a quiet pint or three.
27 Sep 2009 12:04
Visited 23 Sep 09. Excellent pint of Hog's Back TEA. Service polite and efficient. Lovely well kept beer garden in this delightful country pub. Recommended.
27 Sep 2009 12:00
Not good. Staff need to be trained in the art of customer care. You do not shout "Oi, over here" to customers because you are too lazy to make the walk to the end of the bar, you go to them.
9 Apr 2009 10:48
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Visited 24 May 08. Well off the beaten track but worth it. We had visited in Nov 07, and sat outside and watched the various wildlife go trotting past. This second visit in warmer times, meant that the wildlife was confined to many walkers.
The real ale was in excellent condition, and is served from an old fashioned serving hatch rather than a conventional bar. I believe that the pub has been in the same family for over 100 years, and if this is true, I hope they hold on to it for another 100, as this pub is in a time warp of its own. Lovely.
3 Jun 2008 14:56
Visited many times. This is my local, and it is pretty much what I would want from a pub. The ever changing range of ales (2 in the winter, 4 in the summer) means that every visit is a new tatse experience. Attention to detail and service means that
every pint is served to perfection.
There is a jukebox, but it's not intrusive.....with the exception of Thursday night when 2 aging rockers pour money into it (that will be me and my drinking buddy).
As with all locals, there are some real characters around, and there are some great tales to be heard of Denton Wharf.
The Ship and Lobster is allegedly the inspiration for a pub in the early part of Dicken's great Expectations.
It is not the easiest pub to get to, but as I am totally biased, I would highly recommend a visit. Especially on a sunny afternoon, watching the ships on the Thames.
18 Feb 2008 13:15
Visited 18 May 07. It's not often that you get a greeting on walking into a pub for the first time, but that's exactly what I got. The friendliness of the staff at this bar could not be surpassed. The only real ale was Fuller's London Pride, which was in good condition.
The decor is smart, and the ambiance very laid back. If it had not been for a work function, I probably would never have walked into this place. It look like I'll be visiting again and often.
Just one plea, more real ale chaps.
22 May 2007 15:12
Visited 2 Oct 06. Quiet Greene King pub offering the usual IPA and Abbott, plus a guest, which at the time of visiting was Brains Rev. James. I had the Abbott which was in good condition. The landlord was very friendly and helpful.
My visit was at lunchtime, and in common with myself, most customers looked as if they had popped in for lunch after visiting Ightham Mote.
Overall impression, a peaceful place in which to kick back and unwind.
4 Oct 2006 09:18
The Cock Inn, Boughton Monchelsea
Visited 30 Sep 06. This is a Youngs House, and the full range was available. We had Waggledance which was in excellent condition. The barmaid was helpful and attentive. We can heartily endorse all that has been said about the food. This place is certainly not your average boozer.
2 Oct 2006 08:50
Williamson's Tavern, Mansion House
Apologies, idiot momemnt, date visited was 17 Aug.
19 Aug 2006 09:21
Visited 18 Aug 06. Definately a locals pub, but in a jolly way. The landlord was very welcoming and helpful. There was a range of 5 real ales. We had Whitstable Bay East India Pale Ale and Hopback Summer Lightning. Both were in excellent condition.
The front bar is small, but the side bar offers plenty of seating. Overall a happy atmosphere.
19 Aug 2006 09:20
Visited 20 Aug 06. We called in after a visit to nearby Scotney Castle. This is not the easiest pub to find, but you will be rewarded.
The pub is tiny and L-shaped. The friendly locals and wonderful landlord made us feel very welcome. We had both the Badger and the Sussex, and each were in excellent condition. The food was very good value, and truly home-made.
Highly recommended.
19 Aug 2006 09:02
Woodins Shades, Liverpool Street
Visited 19 Aug 06. Range of 4 real ales, I had Timothy Taylor Landlord, which was in OK condition, but was served short each time. A request for a top-up was met, but grudgingly.
This pub is very busy, and does seem to be one staff member short, consequently it's not as clean as it could be, nor will your wait at the bar be brief.
For a quick pint or two after work, it probably does the job.
19 Aug 2006 08:53
Visited 19 Aug 06. The exterior view of this pub promised an old-fashioned London boozer, a step inside seemed to confirm this view. The pub is has several compartments to it, and I was intrigued to see a chap chilling out to his i-pod.
Then came the down sides, very little in the way of real ale. The Flowers Original was just passable. Then 5pm arrived and so did all the chinless wonders and hooray Henriettas. Is it really necessary to shout borishly and shriek like a five year-old?
Best to drink somewhere else.
19 Aug 2006 08:44
Williamson's Tavern, Mansion House
Visited 19 Aug 06. A spur of the moment decision to pop into this pub, and I wasn't disappointed. As it was in the middle of the afternoon, it was reasonably quiet. I had Timothy Taylor's Landlord, which was in good condition, and was served by a very friendly barmaid.
It does have a "square mile" feel to it, but don't let that deter you.
19 Aug 2006 08:32
Visited 09 Aug 06. This pub has 3 very seperate parts to it, and should be reviewed in this way.
The "pub" bit consists of a smallish bar, and a side room with a bar billiards table. The beer on offer was from the Dartford brewery, Kent Red and Hoppy Daze. Both were in good condition. The landlady was very helpful and quite chatty.
The beer garden was immaculate, small fences and three tiers meant that although the garden was able to cope with large numbers, there was still a feeling of privacy. My ignorance means that I do not know what game was being played in the garden, but whatever it was, it was played by sporting gentlemen, who whilst being competitive, did not intrude on those not taking part.
I know that some on this site believe that reviews should concentrate on beer alone, but that would do this pub an injustice. The restaurant has just hired a new chef. We could not fault the food, be prepared to pay a little more, it is worth it. You may have to reserve a table, but a wait at the bar is fine by me, see above.
In summary, good beer from a local(ish) brewery served by a happy landlady, drunk in a pretty beer garden, followed by a good meal and a friendly waitress equals a highly enjoyable evening out.
9 Aug 2006 22:23
Visited 11 Jul 06. Not a great deal I can add. Fullers beers in a Fullers house are always a delight, the Pride and Chiswick were in excellent condition, and my friend assured me that the guest (Jennings Cumberland) was also superb.
The barman was quite simply the best. I think his trick is to remain calm at all times, and to anticipate his customers needs.
Far too many pubs in the city are cavernous booze emporia, but The Swan is a little gem.
13 Jul 2006 09:24
The Three Horseshoes, Hernhill
Visited 13 May 06. Once again, this was a random grab from the GBG, and once again came up trumps. This is a pretty Shepherd Neame pub, tucked away in the garden of England. Beer is available direct from the cask. We had Early Spring, which was in fabulous condition.
The bar is quite tiny, but as it was late afternoon, was not a problem. The drinking areas are quaint, and well decorated. However as it was a sunny day we used the small beer garden. this was as equally quaint, comprising 4 usual beer garden style tables, and one large table that appeared to be an old telephone cable holder.
All this would normally generate a good rating, but the one cloud, was that the bar lady was not exactly welcoming. Maybe she was having an off day. Having said that, I still think this pub is worth a visit.
14 May 2006 09:25
Visited 11 Apr 06. Have to agree with the previous reviewer, the refurb has taken away the faded character of this pub. However, it is still a nice place to have a pint of Youngs, we had St George which was in good condition. Service was friendly, and the atmosphere suitably relaxed.
12 Apr 2006 09:42
Visited 01 Apr 06 (yes, really). Dropped in after a visit to nearby Bodiam Castle. This is a Harvey's house offering 4 real ales, and what looked like most of their bottled range. We tried The Sussex Old and Armada, both were in excellent condition, and a full measure poured out. The pub is friendly, both the landlord and the barman were keen to chat. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed, but the menu looked wonderful.
If you drop by, please mention the "Christmas Goose" print to the Landlord, he'll be your best friend forever.
Well worth the visit.
2 Apr 2006 21:07
Visited 24 Jan 06. After traipsing around Debenhams with the Missus, this looked to be a promising reprieve from the horrors of shopping. Although the barmaid was polite and efficient, my pint was a good 15% short, a top up was asked for and given.
As far as food was concerned, all we wanted was a sandwich, but a scene reminiscent of Monty Python's Cheese Shop sketch ensued. I have no idea how a pub selling food can have very little in stock at lunch time. Having said that when our 3/4 choices arrived, it was nice.
25 Jan 2006 09:46
Visited 16 Jan 06. Hard to believe the previous glowing reports. Unwiped, dirty tables, menus strewn across the floor, and a barman who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near customers.
A changing beer range? It's 3 weeks after Christmas, and yet over half the range contained Christmas beers. My Everads Sleighbell was tired and lifeless.
Cheap does not mean good.
17 Jan 2006 08:53
Visited 24 Dec 05. Popped in for a festive tipple, assuming that it would be hectic, and I'd really only have the one. It was as busy as expected, mostly people wishing to eat, but it was so warm and cosy by the fire that I didn't leave until time was called.
The real ale range was limited to 3, but as each of them was a classic (Adnams, London Pride and Old Speckled Hen), who could complain.
I made this place my Xmas base, returning Xmas lunchtime, and Boxing Day afternoon.
Over this period, I can safely say, that the pub is popular with mild mannered well spoken middle class people you would associate with Chislehurst. The staff work damn hard, and ensure that your every wish is meet as speedily and politely as possible. London Pride is very rarely kept well in non-Fullers pubs, The Tiger's Head is an exception. All 3 ales were in very good condition.
When it's less busy in the New Year, I'll give the food a go.
Thanks for making it a Good Christmas.
27 Dec 2005 16:22
Visited 11 Dec 05. My annual pilgrimage to this odd pub. Yes, the gents' toilets are horrible. Yes, avoid the real ale.
Just enjoy the general wackiness of this place. The bar staff and the locals are barking mad, each year there is something to surprise me. Unfortunately I didn't have time this year to see if the juke box has changed, I hope not. Any pub that allows you to listen to "Green Onions" by Booker T and the MGs, has my vote.
16 Dec 2005 09:05
Visited 11 Dec 05. There really isn't too much to be said. When the compilers of the OED were looking for the meaning of "disinterested", they visited this pub. Tired beer, poured by bored staff.
16 Dec 2005 08:57
Visited 17 Nov 05. This pub has a strange feel to it, which I can't quite put my finger on. The Big Bus employees who seem to be the main clientele should make it feel like a local, and yet the feeling is that this is more of a transit pub, somewhere you go before going somewhere else.
4 real ales on offer, which were in average condition, which suprised me, as the landlord seems very smug and proud about the quality of his ale.
I came away thinking that I had rather wasted my evening, and yet I can't really say anything wholly detrimental about the place. I guess that average sums it up.
18 Nov 2005 09:31
The Robin Hood and Little John, Bexleyheath
Visited 13 Nov 05. This is a classic back street pub. 8 real ales on offer, sadly I only had time to get through half the range, but every one was in excellent condition.
The pub is busy, but not crushingly so, the locals are chatty and polite, and the bar staff brilliantly efficient.
The wall of awards from CAMRA bear testament to this pubs excellence. A classic.
14 Nov 2005 08:40
The Horniman at Hays, Southwark
Visited 10 Nov 05. I read all the reviews before coming here, and was fearing the worst. It was busy, and there were arguably too few staff, but they kept on eye the order that people arrived at the bar. Consequently I didn't feel that I had to wait too long, and the service was friendly.
Four real ales were on offer, but I felt that there was not a great deal of thought given to the range. All four were of a type, easy drinking session beers, nothing wrong in that, but if you have the facilities, surely you would want to serve a variety of styles. For what it's worth the Smiles Bristol Blond was in good condition.
11 Nov 2005 08:57
Visited 27 Oct 05. 5 real ales on offer, I had the Adnams Flagshipwhich was in good condition. Most staff made sure that a pint was exactly that, though those that served a "frothy one", would top it up without any hassle.
Speaking as a suit, what else can the previous writers expect from this pub. It exists almost entirely on the "after work" trade, and reflects that. It most definately is not a local pub, but it does the job in a quiet efficient manner. The prices are reasonable for the area. Where's the problem?
28 Oct 2005 14:35
Visited 15 Oct 05. Drawn to this pub becuase of 1648 brewery on the premises. On the outside this looks a very attractive place, and had lots of day trippers outside. However once inside, you realise why. The locals are definately not friendly. They all sit at the bar, making reading the beer tabs an impossibility,and a simple "excuse me", will be ignored.
I had 1648 Original, which was in good condition. It would have been nice to have gone through the range (the beer names all have a connection to Charles' I execution), but a pub that unwelcoming does not deserve my custom.
16 Oct 2005 17:00
Brecknock Arms, Bells Yew Green
Visited 15 Oct 05. We decided to pluck a couple of pubs in East Sussex out of the Good Beer Guide. We chose this one because it had a reputation for good pies and puddings.More of which later.
The pub boasts a public bar, which was pleasent enough, and a restaurant/saloon bar for dining, plus a small but attractive beer garden. It is a Harveys' house, with all the good beer that entails. We had Armada ale which was in excellent condition. The landlady was very welcoming, and helpful. Lets face it, a smile goes a long way.
The menu was quite extensive for a pub, all the traditional favourites were there, but based on the guide we went for a couple of pies. The guide writers weren't wrong. Delicious, and served wth the potato of your choice, and four (yes,4) veg. this of course meant that we were in no position to order a dessert, but all the old English puddings were there.
The clientele were a mix of friendly locals and day trippers. A hearty thumbs up.
16 Oct 2005 16:49
Visited 11 Jun 05. This is rather a clean almost sterile pub, that I would normally keep away from. The BIG plus is that it is one of 3 outlets for York Brewery. Between the two of us, we went through the range, every one was in excellent condition.
My recommendation, and Postiebob isn't wrong, is Centurion's Ghost.
Nevermind the tourists coming in (myself included), what I found amusing was the number of choristers and clergymen dashing in for a quick pint. Maybe a life in the church isn't so bad.
5 Oct 2005 17:22
Visited 02 Oct 05. Apparently this is one of the original Shepherd Neame pubs. As such it is extremely quaint. The bar is tiny, and popular. The full range of real ale was available. We had Late Red, a seasonal brew, which was excellent.
The two chaps working the bar were very polite and efficient. One of them went out of his way to make sure that we got food, even though it was past serving time. A big thanks, and very much something of a plus. On balance we thought the food was good.
Go there.
2 Oct 2005 20:51
Visited 26 Sep 05. The whole Young's range was available, on draught or in bottles. I had the Waggledance, which was a bit ropey, but was instantly taken away, and a new barrel fed through. This time the pint was perfect. Thanks to the attentive and polite staff.
This is a huge place, 3 seperate bars, immaculately clean, clientele all very polite. As this was a Monday, I'm guessing that the pub was somewhat quieter than it would be at the weekend. A combination of all of the above, led to a somewhat sterile atmosphere. This is nit picking really, because the beer was good, the staff great, the place very clean.
Oh, have a bowl of olives, they were delicious.
27 Sep 2005 08:33
Visited 14 Sep 05. This Hall and Woodhouse pub and their usual range of Badger beers. We had Tanglefoot, which with its revised recipe was marvelous. Luckily we caught the pub just after the lunchtime rush, and so got friendly prompt service, and managed to get a table.
This pub's charm is also it's downfall. It is tiny and compartmented. The space at the bar is highly restricted, and is no fun at all when crowded, but seems very quaint when just ticking over. I can't comment on the quality of the food, but it looked pretty good as it was brought to other customers.
Definately one of the better pubs in the area.
15 Sep 2005 08:51
Visited 14 Sep 05. There were two real ales available, we had Fullers London Pride which was in good condition, and served with a smile.
Reiterating all that has gone before, this is a quiet little pub, which was pleasent for us. I don't understand why this should be so empty. It is a lovely little place. Visit it.
15 Sep 2005 08:45
Visited 14 Sep 05. Youngs pub with the usual range of their real ales. We had Waggledance which was in good condition.
We can agree with all the previous comments regarding the food. Very good.
Unfortunately the whole experience was ruined by the attitude of the bar staff. Anything was far too much trouble. A request to have cutlery was met with a roll of the eyes and and a very audible sigh. Even then, only one set arrived, presumably we were expected to use the dirty knife that had yet to be cleared away from the previous customer. It wasn't just us, the chaps next to us received equally dismissive service from a different staff member.
Good Beer + Good Food + Surly Staff = No return visit
15 Sep 2005 08:39
Visited 04 Sep 05. This was just a random grab out of the Good Beer Guide for the journey home. Inspired choice. 3 real ales on tap, and a selection of unusual bottled beers including "Kelpie", which has seaweed added to the mash. We had Cottage Brewery's Champflower which was in excellent condition.
The small menu offered the usual pub grub, we overheard some locals raving over the steak and kidney pudding, they weren't wrong.
The landlord and landlady were very attentive, you just can't beat the personal touch.
It may be off the beaten track, but go there.
5 Sep 2005 08:46
The Leopard Inn, Bishops Tachbrook
Visited 03 Sep 05, as a pit stop before watching the Mighty Quins. 4 real ales available, we settled for Badger Tanglefoot which was in excellent condition. At first glance �5 for a sandwich seemed excessive, but when it arrived, the quality meant that it was value for money. I couldn't comment about it's suitability for a night out, but it was exactly what we were looking for at the time.
5 Sep 2005 08:39
Visited 03 Sep 05. 4 real ales on tap, and a selection of fruit wines. The Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale was in good condition, and bar staff were helpful. The menu offered basic food, but as it was fairly priced and cooked well, there are no grumbles on that point. I agree with the previous poster, it was very busy, but everyone was polite and easy going about it. All in all, a nice pub.
5 Sep 2005 08:33
Great reviews lads. Not too disimilar to my experience. We got served a dodgy real ale (for the life of me I can't remember what it was), and were directed to the manager. Fairplay, he agreed with us, poured them down the sink and replaced them with something (it was one of those nights) better. What i fail to understand is why he didn't take the beer off completely. Other poor souls were served it. Why?
I used to be a big fan of Wetherspoons but as you can see by my other reviews of their pubs, I have become somewhat disillusioned.
1 Aug 2005 17:07
The Iron Duke, Victoria station
I use this most nights for a quick one before the commute home. What is there to say? It's a station pub that expects its customers to have just the one and then go, so it doesn't go out of it's way to be anything special. To be fair, the staff work hard, even on a busy night you will not be kept waiting.
1 Aug 2005 16:58
Oh dear, what a place. Had to stay in the adjacent Travel Inn. Got a full refund thank goodness.
Very little in the way of seating. Very nicely polished hand pumps, shame there was no real ale to come out of them, what's the point of that?
The staff certainly got shot of the 2 eastern European ladies who wanted to do business!
15 Jul 2005 17:23
I used this palce when I was unemployed, so I can vouch for the fact that it is cheap. The beer selection was always good, and because of the large turnover the beer was always in good nick.
There are two major problems with the Botwell Inn. All the really good staff move on to better things in the Wetherspoons empire (fair play to them) but that means a constant changing of the guard.
However the principal problem are the customers. Very cheap beer attracts trouble, and there is plenty of that in Hayes. Personally I'm not keen on pubs that have to employ bouncers.
15 Jul 2005 17:20
Visited 8 Jun 05. Beautiful setting in the Yorkshire Dales. Three real ales available, we had Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, which was in good condition. As it was a mid-week afternoon we were the only customers, but I would imagine that in the evenings it would be quite a lively little place. I congratulate the bar-girl for her charm and friendliness.
17 Jun 2005 11:54
The Alice Hawthorn, Nun Monkton
Visted 9 Jun 05. Just a flying visit, as we were on our way to York. Nice little village local on the green. Complete with Morris Men. Four real ales on offer, we had Timothy Taylor Landlord, as always a joy. Staff were friendly enough. The walls of the local bar were adorned with RAF and RCAF memorabilia.
We decided to give it another longer visit a couple of days later, on a Saturday. The place was now very busy. My advice if you choose to eat, is be very hungry. The food is both very tasty and comes in generous portions. Have the surf'n'turf, no other pub meal will ever match up to this.
17 Jun 2005 11:47
Visited 11 Jun 05. This is certainly a tiny pub, which should exude charm and friendliness. Unfortunately I have to agree with the review left by Mark Blyth, it was not particularly pleasent. We were left in no doubt that we were largely in the way of both the staff and the locals.
The real ale, we had Moorhouse Blond Witch was in good condition, but surely a pub is more than just a beer dispensing emporium.
17 Jun 2005 11:34
The Moorcock Inn, Garsdale Head
Visited 8 Jun 05. The pub stands on a corner of the Yorkshire Dales and so is home to the walking fraternity. The real ale is brewed especially for the pub by The Moorcock Brewery which I believe is in nearby Hawes. We tried all three, and each one was superb.
The food was very tasty, and certainly well presented. Vegetarians will be happy with the choice available to them. Plenty of comfy sofas, make this pub a very restful place to visit.
It maybe in the middle of nowhere, but is definately worth the effort.
17 Jun 2005 11:26
The Royal Shepherd Inn, Skipton
Visited 6 Jun 05. Very quiet, thankfully two elderly ladies came in, and increased the chatter. Three real ales were on offer, we had Copper Dragon Scott's 1816, which was in good condition.
Be warned, when they say no food after 8pm, they mean 7.45pm. Shades of The Waldorf Salad episode of Fawlty Towers.
15 Jun 2005 12:05
Visited 7 Jun 05. Four real ales were on offer, we had Hydes Elevation, which was in good condition.
Difficult to judge this pub, as we visited before the lunchtime rush. It was certainly spacious, and the landlord was friendly enough.
15 Jun 2005 12:01
Visited 6 Jun 05. This was a handy pit stop just off the A1.
This village pub is old and full of character. There were four real ales on offer, we had Hydes HPA, which was in good condition.
The fresh home cooked food was superb, and incredible value for money. Calves liver for only �5.50!
The landlord was very freindly and chatty.
A gem of a pub.
15 Jun 2005 11:39
Visited 13 Jun 05. Great selection of real ale. We went for Oakham Bishop's Farewell which was very good. The food was good, be prepared to wait, it is worth it. The staff were very polite and helpful, the impression created was that the customer was king.
An added bonus was the trio of blues musicians in the corner. The pub is populated by a mix of tourists (us), townsfolk and students, which worked well.
A great evening out.
15 Jun 2005 11:28
I can agree with all the comments regarding how cheap this pub is, as is the case for all Wetherspoon's, but otherwise I can't see what all the fuss is about.
It maybe that there is a new manager, because the last time I went the place was a shambles. The carpets hadn't been vacuumed, tables were not wiped, the place looked generally run down.
If there is a new regime, and things are spick and span, I'll make another call.
There are better pubs in Uxbridge, they are pricier but in life you get what you pay for.
31 May 2005 13:31
The Captains Cabin, Piccadilly
Visited Sat 28 May 05. Surprisingly empty. The Young's Ordinary was in good condition, and the bar man was certainly happy in his work.
Shame that the same could not be said of the food and the waitress. My advice to the chef, a freshly cooked bacon and cheeseburger should be freshly cooked, not bunged in a microwave, and should contain some bacon.
My advice to the waitress, don't tut at customers who have fetched the salt and pepper themselves.
So to summarise, if you want good beer and a happy barman, this is a good pub. If you want food and a smiling waitress, go somewhere else.
31 May 2005 08:42
The Devonshire Arms, Piccadilly
Visited Sat 28 May 05. The Timothy Taylor's Golden Best was ok, though the barmaid had no clue as to what beer was available.
This is a charmless pub populated by loud, rude American tourists.
31 May 2005 08:34
Visited Sat 14 May 05. Strange little place, lots of little rooms dotted about. Shame that the weather wasn't so good, as the beer garden looked nice.
The beer range was the full Shepherd Neame, and the staff ensured that a pint was a pint (always a good thing) A birthday party was just starting, and it looked like it was going to be a crazy one.
Worth a visit for the curiosity factor.
17 May 2005 13:56
Visited Sat 14 May 05. How fortunate to find this pub, I was trying to find my way to another venue mentioned in The Good Beer Guide, and stumbled across this gem.
A classic back street pub, with the usual array of characters. Beer range was pretty good, the Bank's and Taylor Dragonslayer was in excellent condition.
The bar staff (may have been the landlord) were very friendly. Definate thumbs up.
17 May 2005 13:47
Visited 30 April 05. Adnam's pub (would it be anything else in Southwold?) near the lighthouse.
Surprisingly, for all the handpumps available, Adnam's full range was not on, which was a little disappointing. However the Broadside was good, and my crazy girlfriend rated the Tally Ho 7.8% as the best ale she had tasted.
Apparently the bar has recently been refitted, and was far too bright and clinical for our tastes. I think the pub should be renamed Sole Less.
2 May 2005 11:11
Visited 30 April 05. Seaside pub, opposite The Moot Hall. This Adnam's house had Explorer on, which I think is a seasonal brew, as I hadn't seen it before. It was in good condition, and was a good lunchtime choice.
Lifeboat memorabilia line the walls, and authentic lifeboat men sit at the bar. limited food menu, but at least the fish comes straight off the fishing boats that line the shingle shoreline. The food arrived quickly and was tasty.
My betting is that this is a great local in winter time, with the hatches battened down. However we were just visitors, amongst many.
2 May 2005 11:04
The Fur and Feather Inn, Woodbastwick
Visited Sunday 1 May 05. Although very popular, there was plenty of staff on hand, and certainly no wait at the bar. The whole Woodforde's range is available, and as could be expected for a brewery tap, the beer was in great condition. It is also available in 4 pint take-out jugs, a wise move for the Headcracker is 7%. For what it's worth, I'd recommend the Admirals Reserve.
The menu is quite extensive, and it would be a very choosy person who couldn't find something to tickle the tastebuds. As they were busy (see above), it took sometime for our food to arrive (though we weren't complaining, more time to get through the range of beer). When the food reached us, it was superb. Obviously freshly cooked, and certainly value for money.
The pub is family friendly, with an extensive beer garden. The only gripe would be that the pub is a perfect picture postcard type, that visitors assume to be true of England. As such don't expect a stonking atmosphere, but if what you want is great beer, good food in a pretty setting...then this is nigh on perfect.
2 May 2005 10:55
We visited some months back, so the cider was still on. A dank winter's day was brightened considerably by an afternoon spent in front of the fire with some great real ale from Westerham Brewery, followed by a careful tasting of the cider. Real cider is such a rare thing these days. If it has gone, that is a real shame.
As we are of a certain age, we spent much time, and amusement looking at the collection of toy cars.
Really nice pub, friendly locals, and an eclectic mix of walkers.
27 Apr 2005 13:58
The Fox and Hounds, Romney Street
Very nice country pub. Landlord always has a welcome, especially for new comers. Food pretty good especially the Friday Night fish.
Real ale in top notch condition. London Pride and Greene King IPA appear to be regulars. Guests from Archers and Westerham were really good.
It may be a bit out of the way, but it is worth the visit.
26 Apr 2005 15:08
The Rose Inn, Herne Bay
Visited 10 Aug 2013. Ales on offer were SN Masterbrew and Goldings. We had the Goldings which was in excellent condition. I can only echo what has already been said. It is very much a locals pub, but this is a good thing as the atmosphere was genteel, friendly and polite. I would recommend this pub.
11 Aug 2013 09:17