BITE user comments - curioushistory
Comments by curioushistory
The Canalside Cafe, Birmingham
Charming location and good value, basic food but, maybe I'm unlucky but have been here many times over recent years and have yet to have a good pint. Mediocre at best, not enlivened by sometimes surly service. Shame.
5 May 2014 13:49
The Lord Palmerston, Carshalton
Unspoilt country style two-bar pub with 1920s-type wood panelling. Friendly on a Wednesday afternoon visit, three ales including very good Harveys Sussex. The only downside was the blaring Heart FM in the public bar.
22 Jan 2014 14:00
Now reopened as The Jugged Hare. An excellent, upmarket pub with good food but still a pub atmosphere. Well worth a visit.
17 Nov 2013 14:27
A tremendous gem of a pub. Atmospheric, great beer and food. Fuller's range plus a couple of guests. Eclectic furnishings and the whole affair appears very well run indeed. Highly recommended.
22 Oct 2013 09:41
Very welcoming Wadworth pub well worth the mile walk from the station (though only a few minutes from Gloucester Quays). A haven from the busy road, a well-kept pint of Horizon was had.
2 Sep 2013 18:59
Gothically dark with unique, interesting decor. No ale but very friendly. Stage is still there for bands. Bet it rocks at the weekend!
2 Sep 2013 18:55
The Whitesmiths Arms, Gloucester
The previous posters are too right, sadly. Nowt's changed since. Potential is there with the location near the ever-improving docks area (heck, the shopping area is now 'Gloucester Quays' which shows there is a bob or two around!). Dated interior, friendly enough though. Indifferent beer (3B or Wilts Gold). My 3B was warm but just about ok.
2 Sep 2013 18:39
Unreconstructed old local full of old locals enjoying the Brew XI. Hobsons was the sole real ale which does show some imagination at least. Overall, a jaded pub, needs a bit of buffing up.
27 Aug 2013 16:54
Tremendous! A real wee gem worth seeking out a few minutes from the centre. Upmarket yet , excellent beer.
29 Jul 2013 20:30
A Marston's pub, recently refurbished in a plewasant, if touch bland style. Still, a definite improvement on the old incarnation.
26 Jul 2013 11:56
Much improved, but a few bottles in the fridge, Gem and Otter on the pumps do not a craft bar make.
23 Jul 2013 13:20
The Avon Brewery Inn, Salisbury
Fabulous garden out the back overlooking the river. The pub itself is tired Eldridge Pope [sic] chintz refit c.1982. Friendly though, and good beer from the Marstons ranges.
23 Jul 2013 13:09
Oops. Ignore my last comment; that was meant to be for the Alma Inn next door!
This is a somewhat more genteel, Irish pub with an older clientele. Still no real ale, but welcoming and very tidy. Slightly odd collection of stuffed toys.
13 Jul 2013 14:16
Newly refurbished so clean and tidy, if a touch bland. The one local ale on was in good nick, friendly service. They're clearly making an effort here.
13 Jul 2013 13:44
Entertaining (if slightly inept) band enlivened a quiet evening in town. Very friendly service and good atmosphere, rare sighting of real ale (ok, Doom Bar but well kept). Pub has a ragged charm.
13 Jul 2013 13:42
Bland, light-wood pub in characterless McDonalds style. Still, nice to sit in the beer garden and imagine you are in a proper pub.
13 Jul 2013 13:41
Highly attractive barmaid serving highly unattractive punters. Usual keg rubbish dismally typical for the area.
13 Jul 2013 13:39
Interesting 1920s (?) wooden panelled interior with an eclectic mix of furnishings in the small main bar. Friendly, knowledgable service, good pint of local mild from the metal-topped bar. Liked it a lot.
9 Jun 2013 13:19
Smartly presented Irish pub, hidden away on a quiet back street a stones throw from King's Cross station. Friendly, well kept beer. Worth finding.
27 May 2013 12:20
Very pleasantly refurbished, with friendly service and a choice of (non Greede King)n guest beers; Okell's Bitter from the IoM was excellent
4 May 2013 15:52
Friendly, very tidy pub off the main drag. Had a very fine pint of Harveys Best, three other beers on. Good place to while away a coupla hours of an afternoon.
8 Apr 2013 16:22
Superb. On a beautiful street of workers' cottages (well, they were then!) an amazingly atmospheric, smart pub. Eight ales, mostly from the regional brewers. My only mild criticism is that they could venture more into microbrewery territory on a coupla pumps. But this is a truly excellent house.
1 Apr 2013 12:19
Glad to say my experience was at odds with previous posters. Found this pub to be a delight. Impossibly pretty with the arches and views, notably friendly service, good pints of Chiswick and Pride and decent parsnip soup did the job nicely.
31 Mar 2013 14:36
Bustling, renovated pub that has much to recommend it. Upmarket but laid back, friendly service, four ales including their "own" brewed by Sharps which surprised me by being delicious. Close relative to their rarely-seen Cornish Coaster. Two more Sharps but thankfully not the Doom.
All taps either S&N (Heineken UK in modern parlance) or Molson. Maybe that's where the refit money came from.
Liked it.
25 Feb 2013 19:49
Foodie but beer-drinker friendly, upmarket pub. Decent pint of local Redemption Pale and two other beers. Food not sampled but looked good. Nicely decorated.
25 Feb 2013 15:18
Odd place. Nice, worn wooden tables and floor but stark white walls, primary colour kids menus and lights give a strange creche-like impression. Bloomin nippy too. Oh deae, only Bombardier....
On the plus, the pizza menu looked great.
25 Feb 2013 14:36
Typical Barras 'Wetherspoon-lite' branded pub. Imposing exterior, bland interior. Pub-by-numbers. Friendly service though.
21 Feb 2013 20:00
Pleasantly decorated Wye Valley pub just down the road from the station. Well patronized on a cold Thursday lunchtime. Fish finger sarnie was excellent value too!
21 Feb 2013 13:02
Stylish, quirky bar. Blend of old and new style, dark and youth-oriented. Couple of handpumps with decent Wye Valley beers on my visit.
11 Feb 2013 18:31
CLOSED. Converted to a Tesco Express, like too many other pubs. But the supermarkets aren't targeting pubs for conversion, oh no, it's just coincidence as they say. Honest.
7 Feb 2013 14:54
The Charles Lamb, Angel, Islington
Rather lovely, small pub that was deservedly heaving on a midweek, mid-eve night. Good beers, friendly service. Buzzing freehouse.
23 Jan 2013 20:37
Very friendly local. As others have said, the (excellent) Charles Lamb was heaving so decamped here. Handful of regulars having a chinwag on a Weds mid-eve. Good drop of Adnams, other beer the Doom. Little changed from what looks like an early '70s refit.
23 Jan 2013 20:34
Outstanding. Incredibly atmospheric, rambling pub that is far larger inside than it appears from the approach. Usual Fullers beers, good to see they've kept some old Benskins memorabilia. Feels absolutely timeless.
23 Jan 2013 17:15
The Catford Bridge Tavern, Catford
Excellent. Vibrant, eclectic, welcoming pub with great drinks range and atmosphere.
22 Jan 2013 21:21
Notably friendly welcome. Four ales, the Hogs Back TEA was v good. Rises well above the usually dreary "Original Pub Co" corporate offerings.
1 Jan 2013 22:09
The Walmer Castle, Notting Hill
Now a coupla real ales; Doom Bar and Otter on my visit, so unexciting but the latter tasted fine. In a rather posh area, this pub doesn't quite hit the mark in decor, atmosphere. Better than a chain though.
1 Jan 2013 21:20
Uninspired pub with little of interest in decor, atmosphere or beer (Spitfire, Bombardier, the former was had and was fine).
30 Nov 2012 14:43
In a part of London sparsely populated with pubs, this is sadly a bland, lifeless affair, more wine bar than pub, surprisingly cheap-looking in parts. Head for the lovely Horse & Groom around the corner.
30 Nov 2012 13:51
The Red Lion and Pineapple, Acton
Ah, wish I'd come here when Fuller's had it. McSpoons have yet again managed to destroy virtually all atmosphere from what should be a landmark palace. Still being an ex-proper pub it manages a vestigial character, unlike most of the chain.
28 Nov 2012 22:40
Freehouse, it says but they must have taken the Fuller's shilling as their beers predominate (including guests as seen in Fuller's own houses). Not a bad thing in itself though. My Pride was good. Friendly service in an interesting old pub. One of the best in the area.
28 Nov 2012 22:27
Alexander Graham Bell, Edinburgh
Well, I agree with the previous poster but I'd put it another way; nothing much good about it either. Particularly atmosphere-free. Nip round to the Oxford round the corner (or pretty much any nearby pub), pay the bit extra to support it and drink in the proper pub experience!
22 Nov 2012 16:28
Real ale now on (good it was too, a Caley seasonal that rotates, I guess) in this small, locals but friendly pub. Basic but still more character than many on this street.
22 Nov 2012 16:23
Imposing pub just off the centre. Nice eclectic mix of seating and log fire (punters encouraged to 'feed me' which is a nice touch)
Good to see a local guest beer now that Youngs has gone downhill since the brewery closure. My Ohanlons Yellowhammer was spot on.
15 Nov 2012 19:50
Friendly service, good pint of O'Hanlons Goldblade, fantastic location with those big windows looking out onto the beautiful cathedral...but, but...it somehow misses the mark. The interior is charmless, it has retained it's 'sticky table' slight roughness despite recent refurb, and the blaring, bland pop doesn't do it for me.
15 Nov 2012 16:58
Excellent pint of Trelawny had in this large pub, decorated in farmhouse style. A bit corporate, yes with obligatory pop playing but won over by the fantastic views of the weir. Must be a stunning spot outside in summer. Worth the 10 mins walk from town or St David's.
15 Nov 2012 14:48
I'm no fan of McSpoons, but really; cheapskates complaining of ale at �2.50 a pint? No wonder proper community pubs are closing. In a tied house the landlord would be making pittance per pint at these prices, nowhere near enough to cover his overheads.
13 Aug 2012 17:12
Imposing edifice, solidly decorated in traditional Holts house fashion. Excellent Bitter enjoyed on my visit. Tidy and friendly enough.
25 Jul 2012 12:50
Off The Rails, Weston Super Mare
Closed at 10.50pm on a Friday night? Thirsty travellers with nowhere to go before 25 min wait for train? Shame on you.
13 Jul 2012 22:59
The Cheshire Cheese, Tower Hill
Ok for a swift one. Modern site hardly conducive to atmosphere but credit for the effort made. 5 regional brewery beers. But, sadly, nah.
7 Jun 2012 22:12
The Princess Alice, Whitechapel
Younger crowd, dark with interestingly eclectic decor; pool, table football, chaise lounges etc. Sole ale Spitfire not on. Nearly good, but not quite there.
7 Jun 2012 19:44
The Duke of Wellington, Aldgate
Unreconstructed old boozer. Shabby (but not chic) yet look beyond the careworn furniture and ripped carpet; everything is very shipshape behind the bar. Well kept Pride (declined to try the Greene King IPA). Rather liked it. Pint & a paper...not with a date, mind!
7 Jun 2012 19:34
The Owl and the Pussycat, Shoreditch
As a counterpoint to some earlier reviews, I was empress. Maybe it has improved in the last 18 months. Achingly cool, yes (I am definitely not!) but very well presented. Four alea all from the (more interesting) parts of the Marstons stable, maybe they've signed up for a supply deal. Shoreditch trendies, hippies sms suits.
7 Jun 2012 18:52
Excellent modern beer bar. Less variety in cask than expected (three beers) but impeccable quality. I'm not a craft keg drinker, but 8 of those on draught too. Airy, knowledgeable, middle-class hippy staff (observation, not criticism!). Recommended.
7 Jun 2012 18:15
Excellent community pub, a real asset. Very welcoming to a stranger like me, good atmosphere and well decorated. Plenty of seating areas and garden. 3 Shepherd Neame beers and real cider. My Spitfire was in very good nick; nice to see it being properly pulled through (I was first in on a miserably damp lunchtime)
7 Jun 2012 13:51
The Bloomsbury Tavern, Bloomsbury
The previous poster has it right. Nice enough, but feels a touch unloved. I'm guessing it is a Sheps managed pub, far from Faversham and no moneyspinner. Beautiful from the outside, previous owners have clearly done the interior no favours. Frankly miserable staff on this visit.
6 Jun 2012 17:31
Very unusual, somewhat eclectically decorated bar (rather than pub). Now, I'm an avowed pubgoer, but this place won me over by friendly service and a cracking Hatveys Best.
6 Jun 2012 17:18
Uninspiring pub, pleasant enough for a quick pint (my Pride was a touch crappy but the end of the barrel happens, so benefit of doubt given) but somehow you know this is a pub-by-numbers operation.
6 Jun 2012 17:12
Enjoyabl; a cut above the usual Taylor Walker 'brand' pubs; likely because it was already a decent high-Victorian house so avoided the worst of their cut-price chintz.
Good range of beers and service.
6 Jun 2012 17:08
The Norfolk Arms, Russell Square
Very foodie, quite spartan interior but actually appealing. Notable for cured hams, chillies etc hanging in windows. Indifferent Theakstons tasted, didn't try the food.
6 Jun 2012 13:21
Proper Irish backstreet boozer. Friendly but a bit of a barn as obviously opened out some years ago. Plenty of bric-a-brac attempts to inject character. No real ale.
6 Jun 2012 13:05
The Devonshire Arms, Marylebone
Promising from the outside but rather bland interior. So-so pint of Pride alongside (unsamples) Vombardier, Youngs London[sic] Gold. Efficient service. Pleasant but forgettable.
5 Jun 2012 16:33
The Marlborough Head, Marble Arch
Pleasant pub, notably friendly staff on my visit, ok beer. But a pub lover's heart sinks upon sight of the Taylor Walker signage (although not to the extent of Greene King) because you know what you are going to get; Nicholson's Lite. Likely historic building but refitted on the cheap, soullessly. Now, M&B (said Nicholson's) are no less corporate pub vultures than Spirit group (Taylor) but at least they do the Victoriana well.
5 Jun 2012 16:28
Good old-fashioned pub with a couple of spick-and-span rooms, welcoming atmosphere and great beer.
31 May 2012 19:16
Cracking pub; felt instantly at home. In fact, intending to just have a quick pint I stayed for three and ate there too (decent pub grub, served til late daily). Nothing fancy, friendly staff and locals. Lovely spot by the Kennet canal. Although billed as a cider house it does a good range of ales, well kept.
19 May 2012 19:44
Tremendous, historic hostelry full of character. Excellent ale to be enjoyed in the many nooks and crannies. To think it was near to being closed for good just a few years ago by the rapacious pubco, Punch! Now carefully and successfully steered by local lessees Abbey ales.
12 May 2012 20:03
Blackthorn describes the pub well below. Evening food is now on and overheard the (very friendly) landlord saying lunches were starting soon. Hidden away in an area bereft of pubs. Very nice in the large patio on a sunny evening. Only Doom Bar and Butcombe, sampled the latter which was as good as it can get. Worth supporting.
12 May 2012 18:57
Pleasant if a bit bland and a touch gloomy Young's pub featuring their standard range of beers. Nice to see darts is on the go.
11 May 2012 13:15
Imposing pub, but disappointingly characterless barn-like inside. Like a McSpoons would be if they ran out of money. Wide range of Milton beers; my Tiki looked like soup but was drinkable.
Shame that some time in the past all the original features were ripped out, it must have been quite a palace once.
3 May 2012 13:43
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
Don't be put off by the uninvitingly brutalist exterior
This is a very friendly, welcoming and spacious pub, well laid out and comfortable with cracking beers.
2 May 2012 18:10
Disappointed for the second time here. Two months ago entered half an hour before advertised closing time, but they were shutting up. Annoying but understandable on a quiet Mon night.
This afternoon gave time for proper appraisal. Some nice features (such as gorgeous 1920s type bar lights and curved leaded windows, but overall rather gloomy. Poor ale selection of Deuchars and Flying Scotsman; although encouraged to order twice by virtue of the same beers repeated on the adjacent pumps. Spare beer engines...some imagination please?
26 Apr 2012 16:13
A really nice surprise find. Quirky, shabby-chic decor, friendly with a decent, good value menu. Dull draught beers despite the intriguing Brooklyn Brewery sign in the window but overall, really liked it.
25 Apr 2012 16:48
Great find, hidden away from the hurly burly. Rare proper pub for the area. Well kept Shepherd Neame beers. Big salt beef sarnie is highly recommended.
12 Apr 2012 13:47
Welcome reincarnation of a local that has long suffered from keg and closures. Imaginative beer range, welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. A great companion to the Marigold round the corner.
10 Apr 2012 20:58
The Hand and Marigold, Bermondsey
Very friendly, traditional community pub. Mixed crowd on a Tuesday night. Good pibt of Caley Flyibg Scotsman, the sole, changing guest.jI
10 Apr 2012 20:54
Good reincarnation of a fire-razed site. Fabulous, huge old station clock, but shame it is not working. Many guests in evidence from pumpclips displayed, only Dull Bar and Pride on this visit though on the four pumps; this was the Monday after Easter so it might have been a busy weekend. Hope so, they deserve it.
9 Apr 2012 22:30
Addendum to my last comment; the second barmaid was delightful, shame wasn't serving earlier.
9 Apr 2012 22:25
The George Canning, Denmark Hill
Very pleasant, friendly, comfortable pub. A tad chain-like in feel, and dull beer choice (why, with two pumps offer two samey beers, Pride & Doom?) though.
9 Apr 2012 22:02
Looks great, funky decor, very spacious. Only let down by boring beer range (Youngs [sic] and Courage [sick; apologies, actually credit due for as good a pint of this as is possible]
Barmaid could curdle your pint through misery, though.
9 Apr 2012 21:37
Incredibly disappointing, ultra bland pub. What a shame with it's colourful history. Just gets duller with every refurb. Friendly staff but yawn...
8 Apr 2012 19:33
Noisy, music and sport led (lots of tellies), but unexpectedly adventurous beer range, well kept. Good mixed crowd on a Sunday eve.
8 Apr 2012 19:09
Trendy, relaxed and characterful. Eclectic choice of beers, well kept. And rather beautiful barmaids, and handsome barmen to be strictly objective, to boot!
8 Apr 2012 18:12
Rather groovy, dimly-lit bar with decent ale and chilled out, youthful vibe. Barman was a surly slob, mind.
8 Apr 2012 17:27
Oh dear, some of the more tight fisted reviewers will drop dead when they find a pint of OBB is now a giddy �2.90! Full respect to those who don't like Sam Smiths beer (and yes it's the only choice you've got here) but this is still a great pub amongst much ye-olde-rippee-offee-touristee rubbish hereabouts.
8 Apr 2012 17:06
Gastropub certainly, but rather harshly reviewed methinks. Busy on a Sunday afternoon as expected, but no problem to find a perch for just a (well kept Purity UBU) pint. Good looking place.
8 Apr 2012 16:58
The Approach Tavern, Bethnal Green
Very good, foodie pub but still welcoming to drinkers. Friendly, laid back; upmarket but not pretentious, reinventions of pubs like this keep them going rather than being lost for good.
8 Apr 2012 16:52
Absolute gem. A timewarp in the best way from the characterful curved bar to the old gold wallpaper! Good beer, friendly welcome from regulars and landlord alike.
Re the previous poster's comments; was this the right pub? I didn't note any lights at eye level, and the clientele tends towards the more mature; it just doesn't fit with my experience of this cracking boozer. One of the best in the Capital (no need for CAPITALS)
8 Apr 2012 13:44
New Bath Ales pub, very much in their house style, which is a good thing. They've exposed some fine Victorian tilework which adds interest to the fairly minimalist decor. Full range of their own beers of course
Go on boys; allow a few guest beers here and there!
27 Mar 2012 13:58
A Spirit Group 'Taylor Walker' brand pub (ie Nicholsons done on the cheap) but a cut above the norm. This is where Lady Lucan fled to raise the alarm and although she wouldn't recognise it now, it is still a pleasant pub. Unlike some reviewers I had great service on a busy early evening, and a great pint of the guest, Harveys.
26 Mar 2012 18:51
One of the better Pimlico pubs. You can tell they are actually making an effort.
26 Mar 2012 17:56
Very pleasant, if a tad anonymous. Good choice of ale and outside benches. Right by Pimlico tube.
26 Mar 2012 15:38
Bland pubco refurb, all flatpack job which is a pity, especially as the rent hike demanded by said Enterprise in return has led to a revolving door of hapless tenants.
26 Jan 2012 11:59
Good drop of beer to be had in this often-overlooked pub. Quite groovy, younger vibe, friendly.
26 Jan 2012 11:56
The Grosvenor Arms, Southville
Locals only. Didn't even have the pleasure of being stared at once inside; they wouldn't let us in! Door locked at 10.50pm on a Friday night, full of grey heads, shake of the head by mine host.
26 Jan 2012 11:54
Ye Shakespeare? Ye Gods! Soulless waste of a proper old building, fake beamery, multiple fizzy bland brands, dull ales and fruities.
26 Jan 2012 11:48
Beautiful, historic pub. Friendly service and a good choice of well-kept ales including the unusual for Bristol Hog's Back TEA. A must-visit if you're in town.
26 Jan 2012 11:46
Echoing the previous posters, it is such a shame that a dismal chain runs this pub. It should be a classic instead of tragic.
26 Jan 2012 11:43
Graze Bar and Chophouse, Bristol
Think of it as a restaurant where you are quite welcome to just pop in for a pint and you won't be disappointed.
26 Jan 2012 11:40
The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer, Bristol
Never quite recovered from a chintzy refit by Greenalls a few years back. Often good choice of ales, well kept but truly bizarre opening hours; January is never going to be the busiest of months but a town centre pub closing every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday?
26 Jan 2012 11:38
"Ale House" with no, well, ale! OK, fizzy Sam Smiths but nowt else. Shame, as it is a lovely interior.
26 Jan 2012 11:35
Atmospheric, proper pub sympathetically refurbished. Unfortunately Greene King beers, and on this visit there were no guest beers; is this the new policy? Let's hope not!
26 Jan 2012 11:32
Very impressive modern incarnation of a pub. Foodie without losing the relaxed pub feel. Well kept pint of Harveys washed down a delicious ox cheek pie, which was good value for the quality.
8 Jan 2012 16:42
One of the Taylor Walker pubs (but still 'Nicholsons-lite'). Lovely curved windows, benches. Dull beer, Pride, Doom, etc. Bigscreen at back. Usual TW crap muzak.
8 Jan 2012 15:47
Very fine, atmospheric pub away from the chinless bustle of Sloaneville. Mercifully unrefurbished by Youngs.
8 Jan 2012 12:40
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Absolutely tremendous. Popped in for a swift one and stayed for four. One of the best pubd I know; rickety furniture, friendly atmosphere, superb range of ale and cider plus free range pork pies; what's not to like?
7 Jan 2012 23:51
The Hand and Flower, Kensington
Much improved, if a smidge on the bland side for a refurb. Bit inhospitable to turn the music off, lights full on at bang on 11pm, mind!
7 Jan 2012 23:43
The Famous 3 Kings (F3K), West Kensington
Standard, albeit very big, sports pub. Unexpected Welsh influence (Brains beer on tap) the main interest.tI
7 Jan 2012 23:40
Outstandingly beautiful pub, good Thai food. But (a big but) have found the beer to be very inconsistent. More fool me perhaps, but three cloudy, indifferent (different) pints in a row is unlikely to be coincidence; that's half the range. Rather low key service too.
18 Jun 2011 12:13
Tremendous survivor in an industrial wasteland. Excellent beers and convivial landlord making for a brilliant atmosphere. Well worth finding, only a few minutes walk from the town centre.
17 Jun 2011 15:01
Very enjoyable; decent beer, very friendly staff. Stumbled across the pub by chance; good luck to it.
16 Jun 2011 18:02
Closed at 9.45pm on a Wednesday night; shame as I enjoyed this pub in the past. No sign on the door so I guess it was just a quiet night. Times are tough in the trade, but 'giving up' cannot be a good idea?
16 Jun 2011 18:01
Basic but excellent boozer. Very good service and they really care about their beers. Recommended.
22 May 2011 13:40
The Plume of Feathers, Greenwich
Characterful, friendly pub. Well kept beers and spotless.
4 May 2011 00:34
Bohemian, laid back pub with eclectic furnishings and decent range of beers. Don't let the Greene King A-board put you off!
4 May 2011 00:26
Extremely friendly service and great views from the picture windows of the Thames.
4 May 2011 00:24
Beautiful pub and location. Friendly service, decent range of beers. Big on food but in no way made to feel unwelcome as a mere drinker. Only downside was the inappropriately loud modern music.
4 May 2011 00:23
Uninviting exterior (why are nearly all the windows painted out in white gloss?) leads to a surprisingly polished, clean interior. Pretty bare decoratively, but good to see there is pride in the presentation. Four very shiny handpumps, sadly bereft of beer.
Friendly landlady.
4 May 2011 00:20
Friendly landlord, scaffolder punters, black painted wood everywhere, dreadful pint of Courage Best.
4 May 2011 00:17
The Brook Green Hotel, Hammersmith
Once beautiful pub, strangely quiet on a Saturday night. I echo other comments that the bland sub-Gastro Youngs corporate makeover have robbed atmosphere.
As for Gastro, overheard the barman tell another "that chicken nuke is for the lady in the corner". That'll be the chicken and ham special, right?
21 Mar 2011 14:35
Superb location, but sadly complacent pub. Squeezy plastic glasses only in the garden (why? Understandable if going by the river itself but the garden itself is enclosed and of course, a lot of people were bringing their terribly dangerous glassware out anyway.)
You pay for your Sunday lunch at the counter...then have to go back and fetch it yourself! Plenty of staff milling about...
Still, the beer was good, the food very good value; well-cooked free range belly pork 'n trimmins for under a tenner in Richmond.
21 Mar 2011 14:26
Good selection of beers and food looked good too. Rather anonymous, identikit Gastro makeover does detract from the ambience, though.
21 Mar 2011 14:21
Great location, decent pub despite the not inconsiderable disadvantage of being tied to GK beers...
21 Mar 2011 14:19
Good old fashioned boozer. Very friendly, cosy. Well kept beer. Shame they pasrk their car in the beer garden at the side of the pub, losing bench spaces on a sunny day, mind!
21 Mar 2011 14:17
Friendly enough on a busy Sunday afternoon, and a decent drop of (the now sadly debased) Youngs but a bit of a gloomy interior.
21 Mar 2011 14:16
Absolutely superb pub in an unlikely location. The barman poured ny Deuchars with near-reverance. I've never known anyone take such care in inspecting the glass, pouring, settling then wiping the glass clean! It was the same forthe next two I had to have!
17 Jan 2011 22:03
Excellent little pub. Attentive service, great atmosphere and mixed crowd; albeit with a youthful tilt. Good ale to boot.
17 Jan 2011 22:00
Just relaunched by Arbor Ales. Run by Ned & Natz, formerly of Dawkins Ales/The Portcullis so expect great beers and atmosphere. Check out the extraordinary hop 'machine'! Buzzing opening night, looking forward to developments.
2 Oct 2010 13:01
Generally a good craic in atmospheric bar..but don't go for the ale! Returned a soup-like pint oif Wickwar, very reluctantly exchanged ("It's meant to look like that") for Courage Best...or was that Sarsons?
Swift exit of stout party.
10 May 2010 21:44
Excellent atmosphere and character, good range of beers but as ever, the great Bell mystery; why does it always take so long to get served when there are always so many staff behind the bar?
19 Dec 2009 14:34
Newly reopened as an Italian cafe-bar. Completely changed, a loss to pubdom.
19 Dec 2009 14:28
Oops! Ignore my last comment, it was meant for the Voodoo Rooms.
Tiles HAS several real ales, the last reviewer may have been fooled by them appearing, served by electric power mixed amongst the keg lagers. The interior is indeed beautiful. Today my Fyne Ales beer was excellent.
24 Nov 2009 23:50
A sumptuous interior and good service, a long bar notable by the absence of good beer though. Shame, as they managed it under the previous management.
24 Nov 2009 23:46
Friendly service but sadly bland, could really be a McDonalds like its neighbour.
24 Nov 2009 23:44
I agree with the last reviewer. A sumptuous interior and good service, a long bar notable by the absence of good beer though. Shame, as they managed it under the previous management.
24 Nov 2009 23:43
The Holyrood Tavern, Edinburgh
Now reopened as a smart bar "Holyrood 9A", much emphasis on food. A bit corporate-makeover but they did, unexpectedly have four cask ales when I popped by, three interesting ones aside from the ubiquitous Deuchars. My Inveralmond Lia Fail was excellent on a quiet, wet Monday afternoon. Perhaps classy joints are realising that Real Ale is the Real McCoy, not ersatz lagers.
24 Nov 2009 23:37
Lovely, panelled, multi roomed cellar bar of character. Quality pint.
8 May 2009 17:19
Excellent, atmospheric (even on a quiet afternoon) cellar bar. Top pint well served by a professional and oh yes, rather gorgeous barmaid.
8 May 2009 17:08
The White Lion, Westbury on Trym
Busy, tidy but bland megacorp joint. At least they do try for decent beer, albeit in a McSpoons lipservice fashion. Half the pumps often sporting 'coming soon' stickers. Still, when you catch them they're good.
17 Jan 2009 13:13
Just reopened as a gay/mixed pub. Excellent refurb, the high camp style of the rare, listed Victorian interior has polished up a treat. Friendly staff. Sadly no real ale, a few of the diehard Bass drinkers of old stick to Tetley Smooth...
16 Dec 2008 19:42
One of the most beautiful interiors in Britain, with first-rate service and beer quality to boot! I have been here half a dozen times over the past couple of years and have never been less than impressed. One would hardly believe it was a [De]Spirit Group managed house.
10 Nov 2008 19:24
The Carpenters Arms, Kings Cross
Friendly, typical London boozer with a nice wooden bar and large mirrors (albeit replete with awful stuck-on 1970s fake brickwork). Pint of Landlord on a quiet Sunday early evening was fine.
9 Nov 2008 20:19
Update: Apologies due re cans of Natch as corrected by steve_stars. Glad to see they are long gone which just shows how far this pub has improved. A hidden gem which lately could show other Hidden gems how to serve good beer...
14 Jul 2008 08:47
Inept and, worse, complacent. They just know they get rammed because of the view so, hey why bother with quality or service? 2/10 for the view only. Pity you can't take your own beer & sandwiches.
8 Jul 2008 17:17
The Plume Of Feathers, Bristol
Friendly landlady in a proper Irish pub (you get the idea pretty fast!). Characterful basic drinkes pub.
8 Jul 2008 17:14
The Swan With Two Necks, Bristol
Fine pint of Bass in a drinkers pub. Friendly enough.
8 Jul 2008 17:12
Superb character, a real survivor. Unchanged in many a year. Excellent Bass.
8 Jul 2008 17:11
Pubco-expensive refit that is pleasant but uninspired. Historic building, but not quite there.
8 Jul 2008 17:08
The Old Market Tavern, Bristol
Good beer, character bar. Friendly whether you're a studs and leathers guy or not.
8 Jul 2008 17:06
Reopened as a pub, thankfully. The refurb is good; it's a characterful pub with a lovely bar. Early days, but the beer is unimaginative and variable, and lets hope the oddbods keep to their side of the road in the 'Half Price Home Shopping Emporium' (free delivery to the pub! All items in original wrapping!) that is the skinny place opposite.
8 Jul 2008 17:04
Transformed. Now owned by Bristol Beer Factory with a nicely airy, understated refit. Good beer, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
8 Jul 2008 16:59
Lazily run, although being a Punch (Spirit Group) managed house the poor devils in charge don't stand much chance. Proving that a PubCo's heart is really more into twisting those thumbscrews on its hapless tenants rather than paid employees.
8 Jul 2008 16:55
Much improved (sorry boys, the barmaids in basques have been banished!) with good choice of ale and friendly service. Ought to lose the cans of Natch, mind.
8 Jul 2008 16:50
The previous landlord has gone, we hear. I'll try it again after Friday before last's triple delight of Sarsons, Sarsons & Soup.
8 Jul 2008 16:48
Pity the gentle denizen of Westbury that decides one day to pay a visit. Trouble is, he'll stick to the carpet impeding the getaway from 'meader goons.
8 Jul 2008 16:44
Friendly barstaff, but a bog standard local nevertheless with quite a few 'characters' who presumably find the Oxford just that bit too rough, but the Shakespeare too smooth.
8 Jul 2008 16:40
Still very glad to see it reopen, but where has all the beer gone? Now just one real ale, dull dull dull Courage Best. I fear they have given up too soon on interesting microbrewery beers, it takes time to establish a reputation; but would be rewarded with loyal custom.
7 Jul 2008 12:42
The Scotchman and His Pack, Bristol
Left my baseball cap at home so couldn't follow the trend and wear it backwards. Innit.
31 May 2008 13:37
Awful. Filthy with sticky carpets (doubtless the result of too much WKD spilt by teenage girls)and uncared for. Served a rubbish beer in squidgy plastic glass. What's that about? Shame, with that great courtyard and general potential.
31 May 2008 13:35
Very busy, canteen like in noise and atmosphere, yet people are clearly enjoying themselves. A definite bonus in the rejuvenation of this part of town.
31 May 2008 13:29
Welcome rejuvenation of a pub once threatened with closure.
31 May 2008 13:25
Wadworths have indeed improved matters since that 2006 review. Very smart and spotless pub, but a touch too clinical for a good atmosphere. Good ale.
31 May 2008 13:21
Potentially great, lovely size and decor upstairs. Interesting lagers but carelessly kept ales. Downstairs is a descent into youth hell.
31 May 2008 13:19
Sometimes I wonder if Wadworths ever wander out of Devizes. Maybe they should see what their designer has done with the �1/4million spent on tarting this place up! Nice to see a flash bar doing real ales, but predictably indifferently. Character?
31 May 2008 13:17
Wine bar is right. Looked at that way, does a good job. One still pines for the characterful, little gem of a corner pub that it (never quite) was.
31 May 2008 13:15
Ambitious refit possibly a bit too stark. Well-kept beers from stillage behind the bar, but why such a boring selection? Good value breakfasts served.
31 May 2008 13:12
The Bristol Fringe Cafe Bar, Bristol
Well-done refurb and nice beer garden. Don't go mad and order a real ale, mind.
31 May 2008 13:10
Pointless, characterless refit has robbed all character from this pub. For some reason, the new owners of The Blackboy nearby have been to visit, clearly loved the decor and have ruined that pub in similar fashion. Fashion will move on.
31 May 2008 13:06
Recently freshened up with a lick of paint, one of the few decent pubs in the area. Could be more ambitious though; why have six handpumps with only three slightly dull beers on? Old Charlie from Crockers/Penny Farthing holds court at the end of the bar (so that's Happy Hour gone for a Burton, then!)
31 May 2008 13:00
Still very shabby and uncared for, including the cellar by the state of the beer every time I've-foolishly-been. Great location squandered. Still, if you're eighteen (at a push) and stick to WKD you'll be happy.
31 May 2008 12:57
Newly refurbished, completely gutted as were we when we looked in vain for decent beer. That was once we found our sunglasses; very bright with sparkly Stella & Bass Smooth (!) fonts and much blonde wood. Handpumps now a distant memory. Wall lights look like they're from Greggs the baker and the whole place has as much character. Shame.
31 May 2008 12:54
Could someone tell the dealers upstairs that the Smoking Ban includes their products too? I didn't care to, mind!
29 May 2008 14:10
What a place! 2007: God's waiting room, old blokes and an air of mothballs and decay. 2008: Half price teenage night down McDonalds. Reassuringly, the waft of decay still evident.
14 May 2008 18:31
A barrel of Bass on the bar was just waiting to settle when we were in this very friendly, newly taken over pub. Enthusiastic owners, wish them well.
25 Feb 2008 00:23
The Old Market Tavern, Bristol
Friendly, well-kept Wadworth pub with rustic interior. Initially didn't realise it became a gay pub in the evening welcoming to all.
25 Feb 2008 00:19
Life On Mars!
Incredibly cheap. In our mid thirties we were the youngest by half! Friendly local informed us the landlord was really retired and hadn't changed the prices in nine years! Excellent pint of Bass (�1.30) served (albeit a rtriflke grudgingly to us newcomers!) straight from the cellar. Unused pool room-this is in total a huge pub. A working museum of faded pub nostalgia.
25 Feb 2008 00:16
Clearly, neither punters nor staff bother to read the giant 'No Shoplifters' sign on the entrance! Handpumps removed. Mixed crowd, but friendly, efficient service.
25 Feb 2008 00:08
Busy quiz night last Friday. Asked barman what ales were on, answer 'Guinness, that's all'. Moved on. Curiously, smoky atmosphere.
25 Feb 2008 00:05
The new owners are a breath of fresh air, replacing the faint air of menace that pervaded before. Well-kept Sharps ale on my visit, the whole place spick and span even with the remaining can-of-Natch drinkers!
18 Sep 2007 14:13
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The Trout Inn, Wolvercote
Superb location with huge riverside drinking and eating areas. The peacock strutting around is tremendous. Foodie but you are not made to feel unwelcome as a drinker. Poor choice of beer (Brakspear or Doom Bar-what about a local micro or two guys?) Interior is, well beige.
15 May 2014 16:02