BITE user comments - eddybeer
Comments by eddybeer
Fortunately I had the presence of mind to put a reel of gaffer tape and a wad of lint in my large pockets before we set off. The pub is helpfully dimly lit, with wood-panelled walls, dark painted ceilings, and with many a cosy alcove. We managed to find a suitable chair in one of the more shadowy ones. While wife distracted her mother by holding a large tumbler of brandy to her lips, I soon had her ankles and her forearms firmly secured to the chair legs and to the armrests. The moment that the brandy was removed from the black hole-like suction of her lips, then in went the wad of lint.
We thereafter passed a very enjoyable couple of hours in this rather genial, warm-and-cosy real ale pub. I had Otter Ale and another paler one from Prescott. The only minor hindrance was the need for me to stand, and to position myself to hide the occasional re-pacification of Mother-In-Law, which involved wife removing said wad of lint from her mouth, while I hurriedly offered up the brandy tumbler, and then afterwards reversing the sequence of operations.
When the time came to leave, wife and I taped an ankle each to Mother-In-Law's, and by shoving her walking stick down the back of her coat and under her hat, with an arm each around her waist, we were able to deceive the casual observer that she was standing upright under her own will, and indeed walking in like manner. We left the pub without attracting undue attention, which is a rare pleasure indeed.
Highly recommended, eight-out-of-ten.
2 Mar 2017 11:47
We will shortly be taking barking-mad mother-in-law here. Watch this space, good gentlefolk.
1 Mar 2017 16:14
As a post-script, if you should need a haircut, and it should also happen to be a Monday, then the barman would be more-than-willing to swirl a black cape around your neck, as he guided you into a chair before a mirror, and then plugged in his clippers to administer a highly professional job to your locks. You could enjoy a pint during the process too, and also savour being a talking-point, among the customers to whom this might be something out-of-the-ordinary.
6 Feb 2017 22:38
We enjoyed the walk from Whitstable, past the merrily-painted beach huts, which tended to be named after places in Britain's colonial past for some reason. I must rename my garden shed "The Relief Of Mafeking" upon my return.
For all that, this pub wasn't open, so we will have to try again another day. To be fair, reviewers did warn us.
On that point, I tip my hat to their penmanship for this and for other pubs, with a dash of Vivian Stanshall here, a sprinkling of Oscar Wilde there, and a dollop of Spike Milligan by the side. Not that they were so derivative as to hide their welcome originality, and for which I offer my sincere commendation.
Incidentally, the late and much-lamented Mr. Stanshall used to come to Whitstable, for many a Summer as a child, with his Irish aunt, I read.
I can't rate the pub, so I'll give the reviews ten-out-of-ten instead.
6 Feb 2017 16:30
We eight entered and I said "Hello" to the lady behind the bar. She said "Are you going outside?". I found that to be an original response.
"No" I replied and she got the drinks.
My companions said "We're going outside"
I said "I think that you should speak to that lady about that".
They did, and they ended up buying eight plastic glasses into which to transfer our drinks.
We watched the sun set over the bay and forgot about that.
5 Feb 2017 13:05
Ship Centurion Arminius, Whitstable
Yes, a pleasant and interesting range of ales were here when we called, and we were greeted by chipper bar staff.
There were a few stragglers from a funeral party, and it's a credit to the pub that they had not ended up in the customary fight, I suppose.
The acceptably lived-in surrounding supported an amiable buzz of conversation, and we felt quite at home.
I think that the seven-to-eight rating for this welcome enclave of sanity in these strange times is about right.
5 Feb 2017 12:48
The eight of us needed a place to refresh our throats, after singing "Happy Birthday" in four-part harmony at the top of our lungs for one of our number, and then being invited by the staff at the Whitstable Oyster Company to do the same for some of their other customers. Some people are indeed gluttons for punishment.
The local pale ale was finished, so we made do with master brew, which was a more-than-acceptable substitute.
It was warm, comfortable and friendly and there was no striking canine odour. The timelessly basic refurbishment has been done to a smart, high standard, and we passed an hour or two of unforced jollity here.
Eight-out-of-ten.
5 Feb 2017 12:19
Winston Churchill suffered from extreme fits of melancholy, and he named his particular demon the Black Dog. This compact establishment would probably have remedied his distress, had it been available to him at the time however. It's not really that far from Chartwell either.
Well done to all concerned, a rare ten-out-of-ten from me.
5 Feb 2017 12:07
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
It could be worse Martinsh. Some pubs only knock off one penny from the price of a pint for a half, but thanks for the warning.
3 Jan 2017 13:42
The good news is that the pub is open once again. It is under the same management as of about a year back.
Tetley's and a guest ale were on, and in good form.
Its usual boisterous tradesmen clientele have returned too. The down side of that would perhaps be that it's not easy to see how trade can be developed that much among the couple of hundred households within walking distance, in this generally well-heeled enclave. They largely consist of the more reserved, often older professional and business types, and I surmise that they would prefer a more refined atmosphere.
That's probably a pity for the management, since they are the very people with the money, and who would also outnumber the small crowd of regulars maybe several-fold.
1 Jan 2017 21:53
The Fleece Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Barkisland
As an added note to diners (apologies to the true site users), this establishment has a sister undertaking in West Vale called The Catch.
It describes itself as a Seafood Restaurant.
I have to say, that for all the presentation and marketing, it is essentially a sit-down fish-and-chips venue with some extras, very much in the Yorkshire tradition.
I'm sure that it is fine for the locals, hardened by decades of beef dripping, but the quayside at St. Malo it is not.
6 Dec 2016 08:28
The Labour Club (Red Shed), Wakefield
"Labour Voters Go To Labour Club- Shock" says BITE commenter.
18 Nov 2016 21:53
...and we arrived at The Bear, which was showing The Rugby.
It sported Cask Marque accreditation, and did indeed stock a selection of ales.
I started with a pint of what appeared to be a session ale, House Dogge. It was certainly quite snappy, if very slightly cloudy, but OK. I moved on to a clearer, fresher Elderflower Ale.
I generally agree with the comments. Yes, it's a hotel bar open to the general public, with decent food, but a convivial place whatever.
The building is claimed to be mediaeval, but the interior is quite modernly fitted out.
12 Nov 2016 18:06
Vale of Glamorgan Inn, Cowbridge
This is becoming one of my favourite of Britain's pubs. They keep an excellent selection of ales, and the staff, like the clientele, are most genial.
I was savouring a crystal-clear pint of Wye Valley's Hereford Pale Ale, when one of our number remarked that The Rugby was not being shown. So we left...
12 Nov 2016 18:00
It's interesting that Mr. Wetherspoon himself, Tim Martin, has said that although he backed the UK's exit from the EU, he is wholly in favour of the free movement of people, and of its remaining in the Single Market.
Certainly, he seems to have made use of the supply of energetic young people from around the EU to further his business, and good luck to him on that point.
I've generally found his staff to be OK, given that to which they are subjected by the customers in some of his venues.
I suppose that since he's pitching his product at the less well-off, then no, in the round, he has nothing whatsoever to fear from the UK's exit, and from the corresponding economic downturn which rushes upon us as I write.
5 Nov 2016 11:12
It's a small, friendly cosy place, and I'd say the better of the cluster in the immediate locality.
Unfortunately it was a bit too crowded to stay when we called, but I'd give it another go at a quieter time.
24 Oct 2016 19:39
There was a sign outside saying "dog and children friendly".
We entered, and were nearly bowled over by some rampaging, shrieking seven-year-olds in a sugar frenzy, and simultaneously leapt at by a large, barking staffie-something cross.
We left.
24 Oct 2016 19:33
This pub on a quiet part of the marina quayside is a delight. It is away from the fish-and-chips-devouring tourist stampede, and far better than any of the pubs that we found there.
It appeared to be a Theakston's house, with a couple of guest beers too. The Lightfoot was superb and crystal clear.
The interior has recently been made over with solidly reassuring brickwork and flags. It's well worth the couple of hundred yards walk away from the hurly-burly to find this oasis. Apart from the name, there seems to be no reminder of what was once perhaps a Tolkien-themed establishment however.
Forgive this general point that I make here if you will though. If you just want to eat battered haddock and chips with tea and bread and butter, then there are dozens of venues offering that in Whitby and all to comparable excellent standard too. So why queue into the road at one of the country's finest seafood restaurants, the Magpie Cafe, and thereby crowd out those who want to eat Whitby dressed crab, moûles marinières, grilled skate wing and capers, and the rest of their brilliant and diverse range?
24 Oct 2016 13:09
The Stormbird, as this pub is now called, continues to offer its wide selection of generally well-kept ales.
However, its busy trade seems to have taken its toll on the furnishings, and it is beginning to resemble a students union bar perhaps.
Some investment is needed. It's looking a bit too lived-in these days.
A couple of session-strength beers would also encourage customers to stay longer and have more than just a couple, as sensible folk do with the strong stuff.
13 Oct 2016 19:17
The operators of this much-improved pub took on a second venture, at the Pear Tree Inn at Norwood Green.
They transformed it into a genial outlet for quality real ales. They understandably barred a couple of boorish loudmouths, and sadly that appears to have been their undoing.
The timid flock of sheep, which pass for the local public there seemed to be cowed by them into some kind of boycott. Not being much passing trade, that was that.
Oh well, full marks for a very good effort guys.
I'm truly sorry to see you go.
1 Oct 2016 20:36
A few years back this pub did rather fine food and served good real ale.
We called recently on a Sunday afternoon wanting to eat, but found it rather quiet and the kitchen shut, so I can't say how things are now.
However, the helpful staff kindly pointed us in the direction of Jack's Craft Ale Bar and Diner just down the road, and showed us the menu on the wall too, so there would seem to be an association.
Whatever, I hope that the Sun is generally as I remember. It would be worth 8/10 if so.
27 Sep 2016 13:59
There are two pubs in the village of Norwood Green, and the comfortable locality ought to easily support them, indeed, as the other, the Old White Beare, has very limited indoor drinking space.
Unfortunately, the Pear Tree has struggled rather in recent years, and the management has changed several times. It was known as a local for the employees of a couple of small factories and tradespeople, but the former have closed. The pub, however, has perhaps not yet lost this reputation amongst the quite numerous more affluent residents in the vicinity.
Still, the latest tenants improved it beyond recognition. The indoor decor was made light and airy. They removed the football television, and they stocked very well-kept real ales, sometimes as many as six. They transformed the garden into a charming open-air drinking area with elevated country views.
It was run by the same people who have made a success of the Bull’s Head at Gomersal, I understand.
The new management apparently decided that the atmosphere was to be for the genial and for the well-mannered. To that end they barred a couple of locals who, I am led to believe, chose to go against the grain of that policy, despite polite requests for consideration on their part.
Sadly, villages being what they are, and the timid being the timid, the barred appeared to succeed in creating a fairly general boycott of this as-it-was excellent pub in the immediate locality. Since there is not much passing trade, this made the position of the new tenants hopeless. The perceptions of the pub in the locality apparently did not change sufficiently in time to turn things round, and the pub is yet again shut down awaiting new takers.
I'll award the last tenants 9/10, and that gives an idea as to the potential of the pub.
27 Sep 2016 00:35
The George and Dragon, Wakefield
Yes, it is much as its description "Jack's Craft Ale Bar and Diner" would suggest.
The staff are young and friendly. There are several real ales on and I tried a pint of Crafty Jack's. It was a medium-coloured ale with a hint of smokiness perhaps at around 3.9% ABV. There were others from regular breweries too.
The food as expected is American themed, with a good selection of burgers, steak, peri-peri chicken etc. I had the last and it was fine with a half chicken too, quite some portion. It is a refreshing change to have proper table service rather than order-at-the-bar as well.
The Sun in Flockton didn't appear to be doing food on this Sunday and was very quiet. That's a pity as it was rather fine once. Still the staff recommended this place, and also have its menu on display there, so there would appear to be a link.
25 Sep 2016 21:51
It would appear to have been smartened up, and is now showing Cask Marque accreditation.
I hope to have a proper look before long.
It was a regular venue of mine a good few years back, but it wasn't much about which to shout in those days.
21 Sep 2016 14:47
Ah, thanks, EccentricRichard. So, if a corporate brewer who uses finings normally produces a crystal clear pint, but you find in a particular pub that it is cloudy, then what would that say to you? (Incidentally, Evans is rather tall).
16 Sep 2016 20:20
I'm glad to hear that the Ember trappings have gone.
The inside floor level is somewhat lower than the outside pavement, and the many windows onto the legs of passers-by can give a sensation of having gone down in the world, which for me was more bothersome than one might expect.
Still, it's probably about the best in the vicinity.
5 Sep 2016 23:04
I'm impressed that some people have the independence of spirit to see for themselves, after Mappiman's pictorial, deadpan description.
2 Sep 2016 16:40
It's been made over into a rather boutique style eating and drinking venue.
It was rather quiet when we called, but the staff and few customers seemed friendly.
I had an decent enough pint of Doombar, the only ale on offer on this occasion. They'd finished food by that time, but the lingering aromas smelt good.
1 Sep 2016 16:41
The George Canning, Denmark Hill
Didn't spot any hand-pulled when we looked in, so we didn't stay.
However, earlier comments still seem applicable.
1 Sep 2016 16:36
Yes, we took a quick peek and things still seem much as the last poster says.
The outside paintwork has been cleaned off however, and it looks like they're going for a more tasteful colour, which would be an improvement.
1 Sep 2016 16:33
Yes, a wide selection of beers, mainly in the strong to very strong range are what seem to be the draw.
I went for a 3.8% IPA. I don't think that it had been selling too well as it seemed to be turning tart. On previous visits all have been fine however.
It appeared to be perhaps understaffed with just the one serving lady.
7/10
1 Sep 2016 16:29
It's a curious building, a period stand-alone affair, in perhaps La Belle Epoch style, and the interior maybe follows on that theme.
There were two ales on when we called, but the first was cloudy and vinegary, so I went for a Directors which was fine. The bar lady insisted that the first was a new barrel however. The only thing I could think if that were true was that it had been hanging round for some time, or that some of the old was still in the pipes.
6-7/10
1 Sep 2016 16:24
I can only add to what Balam says.
This charming old pink-and-grey stone pub sits in an elevated position overlooking the beautiful dunes, the Kenfig Lake, and the sea beyond.
Tables are set outside on the lane, and the minor inconvenience to the occasional vehicle is more than offset by the general public benefit.
There is a fairly spacious car park across that lane, and a grassy area around it with further tables, where one can take in the marvellous views whilst enjoying a top-notch pint.
It is a free house, but sports Bass and Worthington as regulars, poured by gravity from casks on what seem to be ancient, sturdy stone shelves made for that purpose.
It's hard to commend it highly enough, and I think that the rating is suspect. It gets nine out of ten from me.
29 Aug 2016 17:00
The Saracens Head Inn, Symonds Yat East
Ah, that's better. The river Wye is reassuringly a bit further away than the last time I called.
It's as excellent as ever too.
26 Aug 2016 09:51
I enjoy a pint of Marston's now and then, but a few regular guests would make for a welcome change.
That said, it's a good pub in an interesting location.
26 Aug 2016 09:49
Still very much a locals pub, but OK to while away an hour with a fair pint and a reasonable bite to eat.
Oh, too many TVs for my liking, but not for some it seems.
25 Aug 2016 22:06
The Shears is excellent, and real ale lovers who appreciate it will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
If you're to the east of town it's perhaps a bit more accessible too.
24 Aug 2016 20:54
Real ale lovers who appreciate the Richard Oastler will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:58
Real ale lovers who appreciate this excellent pub will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:56
Real ale lovers who appreciate this Three Pigeons will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:53
Real ale lovers who appreciate the Ship will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:51
Real ale lovers who appreciate the excellent Red Rooster will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:50
Real ale lovers who appreciated the Cock will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:49
The Travellers Inn, Hipperholme
Real ale lovers who appreciate this excellent pub will also be pleased to learn that the Brighouse Real Ale Trail now has a new member.
It is the Pear Tree Inn at nearby Norwood Green. Typically it has very well-kept standards such as Teltey's and Timothy Taylor's landlord, but also charming guests such as Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Hobgoblin and so on.
The pub has been tastefully redecorated in much lighter, airier style, and features fresh-cut flowers along with a now-delightful beer garden.
The atmosphere is intended for the genial and well-mannered, and I cannot commend the staff highly enough for doing what is needed to preserve that.
24 Aug 2016 17:48
The postcode for this pub is wrong. It should be LE67 1TD.
It's near a roundabout on a newish road.
21 Aug 2016 09:59
Haha! If I'm in a pub and a fight breaks out, then I think readers here might be interested to know.
They might also welcome my mentioning that there were people apparently breaking the law in other ways too, if that was what I happened to see.
Yes, this is a pub site.
14 Aug 2016 15:15
I was sat in the quiet shadows of an alcove mid-afternoon, and two middle-aged suits came in, unaware of me. One was white southern African, and the other British, judging by their accents. They were nailing a business deal. It soon became clear that it related to weapons, and that it was probably illegal.
Yes, it's an interesting place.
13 Aug 2016 22:17
Yes, this is a good pub, quite as people say below.
Still, as an update to the pub scene around Wyke, the Pear Tree in Norwood Green has changed hands again, but this time it has undergone a makeover. Norwood Green can easily support two pubs, especially when they don't try to copy one another.
The Pear Tree now offers a range of exceptionally well-kept ales, including standards such as Tetley's and Timothy Taylor's Landlord, but there were no less than six when we looked in, with Doombar, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, and Yorkshire Blonde amongst them.
They don't as yet do food, apart from Sunday lunch, but that may change. It's a sister pub to the Bull's Head at Gomersal.
The decor is now light, clear and airy, and the atmosphere is intended to be receptive to the genial and well-mannered. I wholeheartedly commend the management policy of protecting that last and most valuable of assets.
There are no television screens to distract or annoy, and the music is at just sufficient volume to give privacy to conversation but no more. I recommend it highly if you fancy a slightly quieter change.
12 Aug 2016 19:10
As an update to the pub scene around Wyke, the Pear Tree in Norwood Green has changed hands again but this time it has undergone a makeover. Norwood Green can easily support two pubs, especially when they don't try to copy one another.
The Pear Tree now offers a range of exceptionally well-kept ales, including standards such as Tetley's and Timothy Taylor's Landlord, but there were no less than six when we looked in, with Doombar, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, and Yorkshire Blonde amongst them.
They don't as yet do food, apart from Sunday lunch, but that may change. It's a sister pub to the Bull's Head at Gomersal.
The decor is now light, clear and airy, and the atmosphere is intended to be receptive to the genial and well-mannered. I wholeheartedly commend the management policy of protecting that last and most valuable of assets.
There are no television screens to distract or annoy, and the music is at just sufficient volume to give privacy to conversation but no more. I recommend it highly if you fancy a change.
12 Aug 2016 19:06
Here is an update.
The Pear Tree has changed hands again but this time it has undergone a makeover. Norwood Green can easily support two pubs, especially when they don't try to copy one another.
The Pear Tree now offers a range of exceptionally well-kept ales, including standards such as Tetley's and Timothy Taylor's Landlord, but there were no less than six when we looked in, with Doombar, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, and Yorkshire Blonde amongst them.
They don't as yet do food, apart from Sunday lunch, but that may change. It's a sister pub to the Bull's Head at Gomersal.
The decor is now light, clear and airy, and the atmosphere is intended to be receptive to the genial and well-mannered. I wholeheartedly commend the management policy of protecting that last and most valuable of assets.
There are no television screens to distract or annoy, and the music is at just sufficient volume to give privacy to conversation but no more. I recommend it highly, either before or after eating at the Wyke Lion, if you want a drink and a chat in perhaps more relaxed surroundings.
12 Aug 2016 19:02
The Old White Bear is a decent pub by any standards these days, as we found to our pleasure on our most recent foray.
However, it must be said that the bar and snug are both small. At busy times it can be a bit too intimate, with everyone rather in each other's faces.
It is as well then, that the complementary pub just down the road, the Pear Tree, has changed hands and undergone a makeover. The locality can easily support two pubs, especially when they don't try to copy one another.
The Pear Tree now offers a range of exceptionally well-kept ales, including standards such as Tetley's and Timothy Taylor's Landlord, but there were no less than six when we looked in, with Doombar, Castle Rock Harvest Pale, and Yorkshire Blonde amongst them.
They don't as yet do food, apart from Sunday lunch, but that may change. It's a sister pub to the Bull's Head at Gomersal.
The decor is now light, clear and airy, and the atmosphere is intended to be receptive to the genial and well-mannered. I wholeheartedly commend the management policy of protecting that last and most valuable of assets.
There are no television screens to distract or annoy, and the music just is at sufficient volume to give privacy to conversation but no more. I recommend it highly, either as a change from the OWB or as a favourite in its own right.
12 Aug 2016 18:55
This pub has been under new management for about two years.
The previous comment has no relation to the present undertakings.
6 Aug 2016 22:52
The translators at the EU Parliament rendered "l'industrie laitière était sauvée par la sagesse Normande" as "the dairy industry was saved by Norman wisdom", quite correctly.
They were puzzled by the laughter from the British MEPs, however.
Happy days.
27 Jul 2016 17:25
The Bristol Trader, Haverfordwest
As a post script, if you're out this way, then it's worth a look at some of the nearby village pubs not featured by this site.
The Cottage Inn at Langwm (yes, just the one "L" on my map) is interesting. One of the lady regulars specialises in standard fuschias, and there is a magnificent collection of them to delight the eye, in fact one of plants in general, in what seems to be a horticulturally very active and engaged village.
They only had on the one real ale when we were there, but it was well kept, and the pub food was excellent too.
26 Jul 2016 17:54
The Bristol Trader, Haverfordwest
The pub seems to have undergone a recent makeover and is quite smartly presented. The young staff are very attentive and efficient. I had an excellent pint of Spitfire which had travelled very well. It was a refreshing change to be asked whether I wanted it pulled with or without the sparkler too. So I was able to save a lot of time and wasted beer, and to get a full measure.
The pub food is better than average, with a range of accompaniments offered, e.g. a full salad rather than potato, and that is also a plus.
The only downer was the habit that one or more of the staff have for yelling at the tops of their voices constantly, even if only when talking to a couple of regulars next to them in a near-empty pub at an otherwise quiet time. Unfortunately, once one starts everyone else does simply to be heard. That's rather strange and I can't explain it. Perhaps they've been told to keep it lively, but truly, give it a rest guys. 7/10
25 Jul 2016 12:18
The Old Corner Cupboard, Winchcombe
It's a cosy, friendly place, with a slightly lived-in feel in this very picturesque little Cotswold town.
Given the setting, the pub perhaps lacks its own historic features rather, some might say.
There were three ales on when we called, London Pride, Wye Vally Butty Bach and Wickwar's Bob. We had the last and it was fine.
4 Jul 2016 17:34
Yes, it's more of a restaurant than a pub, and the food was top-notch as we found. There was apparently only one ale on, Sharp's coaster however.
The staff were efficient and well-mannered, and with proper table service. A hard-headed commercial undercurrent was perhaps made unnecessarily apparent by an "optional" 12.5% service charge added onto the bill though. Why must places do this?
I won't give a rating, as the site is not really for restaurants, even though this is certainly a good one.
4 Jul 2016 17:26
The Crown and Trumpet Inn, Broadway
We looked in briefly to say hello to some friends, but didn't stay for a drink, owing to the crowds watching the football.
The customers were certainly cheerful and friendly, though we clearly can't comment on the beer or on the staff on this occasion.
3 Jul 2016 20:25
The bar features a blackboard stating the various ales, their home, and their distance in miles from the pub.
We stuck to the nearest, Lancer, brewed in Winchcombe, and we were not disappointed. It was a fresh, crisp, light, hoppy composition, and just what was needed on a bright, warm, sunny evening. The tables outside adjoining the village green made for a very pleasant situation in which to enjoy it too.
3 Jul 2016 20:20
It's nice to hear that things are much the same as when we looked in here a few years back.
Yes, it was about the best that we could find in the locality back then too.
29 Jun 2016 21:50
I was cheered to see discreet notices, requesting that dog owners do not allow their dogs onto furniture and keep them close by at all times. They have generally not been a nuisance here, and I commend the steps taken to ensure that things remain that way.
This is in marked contrast to the Halfway round the corner, which increasingly resembles a kennels, with owners and their pets sprawled all over the furniture these days. You really wouldn't want to eat there, I don't think.
29 Jun 2016 21:46
The George and Dragon, Wakefield
Now reopened, as "Jack's Craft Ale Bar".
The external appearance is completely changed. It's time that there was something different in the locality.
It would seem to be well worth a try.
26 May 2016 18:14
Ah, thanks last poster. I came to this pub to eat and drink some while back. Something had semi-stuck in my mind that I couldn't quite recall, and you remind me of what it was, the giant chessboard.
I've nothing very much to add to your detailed critique. That said, in addition to the above, there was something else, on which I couldn't quite put my finger. I seem to recall that ordering food and finding a table were something of a performance, but that the customers were expected to be familiar with the establishment's idiom, even first-timers. That put me on the back foot rather, which isn't what you want when you go out of an evening. 6/10.
28 Apr 2016 22:37
The Bun Penny, Lee on the Solent
It's unclear to me why this is rated so modestly.
We found it lively with fine ales and food. The serving staff were politeness and good humour personified.
It was well worth the drive over from Gosport, which is not quite so well-served with pubs, it seemed to us.
7-8/10
3 Mar 2016 14:00
I agree with most comments, however please note that I was charged seven pounds for a pint and a half of Frigate, a session beer in my view. I think that that works out at about £4.67 a pint.
3 Mar 2016 13:56
We found this pleasant enough, and the ales were as expected.
Almost all the seatings were set for dining however, even though only a few tables were in use for that purpose. It wasn't clear what the purpose of that was, really. Older people do not generally want to stand at a bar to drink.
We sat at a table for our drinks notwithstanding. However when I went to the bar again at 2230 on a weekday, I was told that time had been called, though none of us had heard it. The locals were all stood there with new full glasses, and so it seemed unnecessary in this day and age. I'm not sure what was behind that.
It's one of the few surviving Georgian buildings in that part of heavily-bombed Gosport, though.
5.5/10
3 Mar 2016 13:51
The Carpenters Arms, Burghclere
Yes, as said, it's a pleasant friendly village pub with some nice touches, such as an open log fire.
The ales were on form when we called a couple of days ago. My pint of Wiltshire Gold went down particularly well.
The food was good quality pub fare on this occasion at least.
The customers at lunchtime appeared to be quite often older people, and there was a concessionary menu for them.
7.5/10
3 Mar 2016 13:43
It's a hotel bar open to non-residents, with a fair selection of ales.
Prices are rather more than a straight pub as you'd expect, but it's still a pleasant experience. The interior is a mix of ancient and modern, with a smart bar and similar furnishings, but there are many old architectural features along with a large open fire.
It is warm and comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere, and I recommend it.
8 Feb 2016 23:18
There was a range of excellent ale when we called for lunch today. The HPA and Hooky were both in top form.
The food is also excellent and with proper table service. Quite a lot of the pub is given over to eating, but it remains a pub rather than a restaurant to its credit.
The clientele feature a fair representation from the ex-public-school-military-farming sector perhaps, which is only to be expected in this part of the world. So come and behold the British Establishment with its pint.
The staff are polite and efficient, so I'd say that this inn is easily worth eight out of ten.
8 Feb 2016 16:18
The Crown and Trumpet Inn, Broadway
There was a very good range of ale when we called this afternoon, after a very wet and windy stroll up to Broadway Tower and down again.
I had a bright, crisp, fresh, hoppy, pint of Artist Ale.
The open fire was a treat, and the friendly management charming. This pub is far more relaxed than some in the locality.
I second most of the positive reviews here.
6 Feb 2016 21:28
Finding ourselves in the area again after a long time, we were pleased to meet the same cosy, friendly atmosphere that we remembered fondly. I think I spotted a snooker table too.
Very reasonably priced Sam Smith's Old Brewery Bitter was the only ale, but it was in fine form, and I couldn't have asked for much more.
The pub has ceased doing food these days, but remains a treasure nonetheless.
7/10
5 Jan 2016 16:08
This pub has had a complete refurbishment and is now a smart pub and dining business. The earlier review is no longer applicable.
It offers a good range of real ales and wines, and sports the Casque Marque emblem. The food is excellent, and includes a decent variety of properly prepared seafood, which is unusual in these parts.
The stone building has been augmented with new stone fireplaces etc. for the wood burners, and the flagged floors preserve important traditional elements. Otherwise the interior is in crisp contemporary style.
The young staff project a positive, uplifting buzz, and altogether we found to be it a fine establishment.
9/10
5 Jan 2016 16:00
The Fleece Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Barkisland
As said, the beers and food are good, though rather still in the Yorkshire pub food tradition as it stands today.
It isn't cheap, which is fair enough for the quality, but that in turn all too often brings in the loudmouth New Money Yorkshiremen, who want to show off how moneyed and important they think themselves to be.
A prize, silly, local Yorkshire arsehoIe summoned the long suffering and very polite waiters by snapping his fingers in the air while we were there. If only the young gentleman had thrown the food over the clown's head and told him to shove it, then I'd have given him a decent job with my firm there and then.
5 Jan 2016 15:46
The Old Custom House Hotel, Padstow
The old building has retained its substantial structural features. Some of those have been incorporated into the decor. Otherwise, it's functionally smart and comfortable.
The service was efficient, friendly and courteous.
The range of St. Austell ales were on offer, perhaps I saw others too, and the one I had was in top form.
The atmosphere seemed lively and jolly enough, with chatty types on high chairs at the bar, though not too many to block it.
Plenty were eating, but for that it still remained a pub offering decent food, rather than some kind of gastro establishment.
I think that the rating is suspiciously low, and I'd give it 7-8/10.
27 Dec 2015 18:54
The White Horse Inn, Llandeilo
We called again recently, and although the beers were on top form as ever, the experience was something of a disappointment.
There were only a few locals in, all male, and of the older age group. For the festive season it's not what you'd really expect.
The fact that one or two had brought their dogs, sometimes large, hairy, damp, old, and very smelly, perhaps explained why there were so few other customers. The smell pervaded the whole suite of bars, and so we too left after just the one.
A balance has to be struck between keeping the regulars happy, and the general requirements of running a successful concern. I'm not sure that one has been found here.
16 Dec 2015 22:06
I'd second the previous comment.
There were four ales when we called of an evening, and the 3.8% Jacobi was a treat. We didn't eat, but the restaurant seemed busy and the menu read well.
The old terraced building, apparently Georgian, has been refitted inside to suit the business, in repro antique style. The colours are mainly light, earthy, plastery, grey and white, with a faded effect. The result is in some ways quite Mediterranean perhaps in feel, and rather pleasing. There are comfy sofas and armchairs among the seating in a mix of styles, with some leather.
There was a lively mix of clientele, with the young being well-represented, and plenty of Welsh being spoken, perhaps more so than English.
The young, friendly, efficient and polite bar staff seemed more than happy to serve people in either language, however.
8/10
16 Dec 2015 21:53
The Saracens Head Inn, Symonds Yat East
The half-dozen or so real ales I found here were in top form. So far I've only tried the Bespoke Brewing's "Saved By The Bell" at 3.8%, and the Wye Valley HPA at 4%, but I'll be trying a few more in due course.
The setting on the river's bank in the wooded, steep sided Wye Valley is magnificent.
The staff are charming and helpful.
The accommodation is top-notch, reasonably priced, and with free parking and wi-fi for residents.
The restaurant is very popular with its apparently well-heeled, convivial and genteel customers.
The warm, modern amenities don't spoil its C16th period features at all.
There's walking, canoeing, and boating etc. to be done, and enterprises offering these are right next door.
The pub atmosphere is friendly, informal, and supported by a well-balanced mix of ages.
9/10
13 Dec 2015 17:51
The Pear Tree is now once again under good management, offering fine ales and quality food with convivial service.
2 Dec 2015 21:11
The Angel and Greyhound, Oxford
I agree with most comments.
It's a fair-sized, single-room pub, well-maintained, and fitted with reclaimed period woodwork and so on. There's a split level arrangement, comfy leather sofas around a blazing open fire, and it's pleasantly light and airy.
There appeared to be doors opening onto a garden area, but we didn't explore that.
The clientele were chatty but not rowdy, and the quite busy atmosphere was generally genial, when we called early on a cold, wet Friday evening. The fire ensured that we stayed, for some of the Young's ordinary bitter which was in fine form.
I think that the historic name change away from The Oranges and Lemons was perhaps wise, with its becoming rather tired and trite-sounding there in the St. Clement's area.
15 Nov 2015 16:50
A relaxed, friendly, and convivial atmosphere is well supported by the good-humoured bar staff, and varied clientele across the age range.
One of the apparent familiars was a staffie which trotted hither and thither with a favourite toy. He has a rather large, and, I'm afraid I have to say, all-too-human-looking virile member. However, he also seemed relaxed and amiable, as is the wont of those who perhaps have nothing to prove I suppose. I'm not a dog lover, but notwithstanding, he didn't put me off my beer. That said I don't know if he's one of the fixtures or just an occasional visitor from this one visit of mine.
The Steaming Billy was well kept and served as you'd expect in a brewery tap. I only sampled the one but it was an excellent example of its kind.
It's a solid, red-brick building of Victorian appearance, with quite a large bar and somewhat smaller lounge, in basic but warm and comfortable style. I understand that there's a small theatre upstairs, and from the posters in the toilets it seems that some quite interesting productions have been staged from time to time.
It adjoins a lively part of the city. There's something of a Turkish enclave nearby, with your pick of restaurants, some licensed, others not, and lots of student accommodation.
I'd be surprised to find anything better within a fair radius, and I recommend it.
3 Nov 2015 01:16
The Fiddle and Bone, Birmingham
I went a couple of times some years ago, when it featured trad jazz, and I found it a lively, pleasant place.
I understand it was closed because of noise complaints about the music, from occupants of flats built after the pub had been featuring music for some time, which seems rather unjust.
I wonder if there is music again?
Whatever, I too am pleased to see it's open again.
24 Oct 2015 10:22
The White Horse Inn, Llandeilo
Yes, this is excellent.
Accessed through an archway from the main street, the historic inn faces you across a charming little courtyard.
There are two cosy bars with boarded floors, and a very comfortable lounge with leather sofas, wood burning stove and so on, though there is no serving facility in this.
As it's the brewery's signature outlet I found the Evan Evans' Cwrw to be crisp, fresh, bright, and crystal clear as one would hope, as was the Fly Half. Unfortunately I didn't have time to try the others.
Prices are reasonable, there was an offer of four pints for a tenner during the RUWC, apparently.
I recommend this pub highly if you should have the good fortune to visit this comfortable, prosperous-looking little town.
23 Oct 2015 17:52
I had an absolutely delightful pint of Henrietta, a fresh, blonde, session-strength ale from Wellbeck Abbey Brewery in Sherwood Forest. There were about four on offer. Junior drank some strange pink stuff from a bottle...Rekorderlig, I think he said it was. There's still time for him I suppose.
The pub grub was definitely towards the better end of the scale, and served by very friendly people. It's a pity that so few people live within easy walking distance, really.
Drive with care on the lanes in the area if you make the well worthwhile trip out. There's ample parking whatever though.
30 Sep 2015 22:36
Yes, it's actually quite spacious compared to what you'd expect looking from the outside. The bars in my local are probably smaller.
Anyway, there were about four ales on today, on good form too.
I always look in here if I hit Southport, and I've not been disappointed.
31 Aug 2015 21:14
I get the impression that the place has had a makeover since the last review.
There were several ales including Wainwrights and Sharps, kept well. The atmosphere was lively and across the age ranges.
There is also a fine restaurant area with proper service. We ate there and the food was imaginative, varied, high quality and good value.
I'll try to bump up the rating beyond the clearly out of date 5/10 previously showing. It's easily worth 8.
31 Aug 2015 21:07
Several cosy medium-smallish rooms make for an interesting interior, solid, brick fireplaces etc.
There were about four ales on including Wainwrights, Robinsons etc., and also a mild.
It's a pity we were driving, really. I'd say the 8/10 rating is about right.
31 Aug 2015 21:01
My earlier comments about the nearby Pear Tree no longer apply. The tenancy there is now on offer.
7 Aug 2015 20:36
The front bar is rather small, but convivial enough, and the staff (the apparently young lady manageress) are very friendly.
There were two ales on when we called, Doombar, and Rev James, the latter of which was fine.
The back bar-cum-restaurant has a pool table and pleasant views. However, the whole establishment seems a tad understaffed, and a little chaotic as a result, though fortunately good-humouredly so. Quite a lot of the trade seemed to be diners when we called.
There's not much else close to the ferry port, so it's a valued asset to the little town, getting 6/10 from me.
29 Jun 2015 21:53
I'm sorry to see what's apparently going on here with the reviews. I thought the place was decent enough, the beer was on good form, and it doesn't need apparently non-genuine ones. Whether some of these are "false flag" postings by rivals is equally hard to say. It just happens from time to time on this site but does no one any favours. The missus and I were looking forward to an overnight at the Feathers a few weeks ago, but alas it hadn't a double room left. We'll certainly try again next time we're this way though.
30 Apr 2015 19:12
The atmosphere was happy and lively, with families eating the excellent-looking Sunday food. The large bowl of clams one child was eating smelt delicious. We sat on the bar stools and enjoyed fine pints of Whitstable Pale Ale. An assortment of reggae and ska gently throbbed at a civilised level.
The decor is traditional, woody, with a high ceiling making for an uncrowded, airy feel.
I'd certainly stop by again.
12 Apr 2015 15:31
Some very unpleasant, troublemaking characters turned up for Sunday lunch yesterday.
But enough about Nigel Farage's group. Some fun loving types in cheerful, comical outfits also appeared, and brought a real party atmosphere with them.
Whatever, if you find yourself in Orpington as I did, this is worth a run out, even on less entertaining days.
23 Mar 2015 10:33
The Lantern Pike Inn, Little Hayfield
I'll bet after a day on Kinder Scout they could have served you boiled shoe leather and you'd have wolfed it down, Harry, but I trust your comment still.
I've been past this place so many times and never stopped, but you've persuaded me to do just that next time.
Gerremin, I agree entirely about the dogs issue. I don't know why, but in the last few months many pubs generally seem to have become akin to kennels. Once, the few dogs that came were as still and quiet as could be, but now they seem free to wander about among the customers being a smelly nuisance. I'm wondering if there's been recent publicity encouraging this.
9 Mar 2015 21:42
We thought this was excellent. The building from the outside looks nothing special among the others in this dapper little town. Inside though, it has been solidly refurbished in smart, straightforward, modern style, but retaining many old touches, such as partial re-plastering exposing natural stone, and some old beams.
There's a log fire in an impressive cast iron fireplace in the larger of the two front bars, and a quite atmospheric restaurant at the rear. The washrooms are reached by stairs and passageways on the first floor, making the best use of downstairs space, giving a warm, relaxed, uncrowded feel.
There was the Brain's range and a guest, Wadworths 6X. The bitter was fine.
The food was top notch, and served by young, friendly, efficient staff.
25 Feb 2015 17:33
We had a truly first class meal on this occasion, and the ale was a fine pint too.
The menu seemed quite adventurous, with plenty of excellent seafood to complement the steaks and grills.
The decor does perhaps still resemble the home of a comfortably retired, rather house proud couple, but don't let that put you off the first class dining and fine ales.
The food is competitively priced and very good value for the high quality.
My last review maybe over emphasised the interior decoration, which is only a matter of taste anyway.
If you're hungry at an odd time on the nearby A5, it serves right through.
8/10
13 Feb 2015 20:50
A cozy little place, very pleasant bar staff and serves real ale.
Has various entertainments on quite often.
Good ambience and worth a call, I'd say.
7 Feb 2015 19:41
Most of the pub's given over to eating, but the part nearest the door's still a pub in character. The interior is strikingly large, more so than you'd expect from the exterior.
It's quite dimly lit, and the dining in some ways is akin to Dickensian ideas of feasting, with some dishes featuring large amounts of quality meat.
The food was superb, and the ale kept well. It's in a typical large period Oxford building.
7 Feb 2015 19:26
Excellent pints of Youngs had here. Large, woody main room interior becomes very lively on a Friday certainly.
There are the usual Youngs trademarks: framed photos of a young Price Charles, colours and so on. Bar snacks of home made pork crackling, scotch eggs and pork pies sell well.
Good beer, atmosphere and surroundings make for a very pleasant visit.
7 Feb 2015 19:20
Ko Ko's bar-restaurant-club-roof terrace, Leamington Spa
So: a bar-restaurant-club-roof terrace at Leamington Spa, in the north-south-east-West Midlands. Figures, I suppose.
29 Dec 2014 12:06
This pub has been tastefully refurbished recently, and is under the management of people previously or still connected with Rick Stein's empire.
The patron, Rupert, is very friendly, good humoured and accommodating.
Part of the pub is a restaurant, but that hasn't altered the fact that the establishment is still very much a pub. The cosy bars with open fires are as one would hope in a Cornish coastal area. The Sharp's range of beers were in good form yesterday.
We didn't have a chance to try the cooking, but the menu read well.
The car park is small, but is unrestricted on the road outside in any case.
28 Dec 2014 14:32
The staff were friendly, and there were two or three real ales: I had a pretty decent Manchester Pale Ale.
However, the main trade seems to be food, and all tables appear to be set for people to eat. Trade in that seems brisk, with quite a few kids, so it's not really the place for a few pints and an extended chat as far as I could make out.
The swing doors to the kitchen are very loudly squeaky, and with the constant to-ing-and-fro-ing that makes the part of the pub near them one to be avoided.
The decor's traditional: paisley and floral prints, a mixture of darkish wood tables, some armchairs etc., in a large, variously levelled single roomed pub, with recesses and alcoves, but the overall feel is rather industrial-commercial. 6/10
16 Oct 2014 21:33
The Travellers Inn, Hipperholme
As an occasional visitor to this pub, I was pleased to note that it has, if anything, improved. If you read my previous comment you'll see that's quite a compliment.
Still the Ossett range plus guest(s) served in tip-top form, properly pulled, and left to settle before topping up.
The clientele tonight seemed bright, chatty and a good mix of ages, but then the pub's fortunate in being set in Hipperholme, one of the better areas of West Yorkshire. Despite bordering the bandit country of Northowram, Norwood Green etc., it seems to have managed to repel boarders.
I found the bar staff fine.
24 Aug 2014 21:58
Formerly a Websters pub, but now offering a wide range of hand pulled ales. It was quiet this evening, but I had a good pint of Mallinson's Galaxy from Huddersfield.
It's a solid stone stand alone building, and the plaster's been removed over much of the interior to pleasing effect, showing the restfully coloured and textured stonework. The floor's flagged. There's a variety of comfy seating and tables, and people chat rather than shout, as is sadly all too common elsewhere in this neck of the woods. There's also a pleasant decked area overlooking the road.
The pub adjoins a light industrial area to one side, residential to the other, beside a small river, or rather a beck, I suppose, where the many fish were jumping for flies in the twilight. There's a fair amount of parking space.
If you're driving, don't try to turn right leaving: the traffic coming down the hill and round the sharp bend could be anything, and at any speed.
All in all, it's an excellent pub: 9/10
24 Aug 2014 21:39
TT Landlord, Doom Bar and Copper Dragon's Golden Pippin were on offer today. I had the last: crystal clear and a delight.
There were also six types of pork pie, but not including Melton Mowbray. There didn't seem to be much else in the way of food, but they were all that was needed as a snack.
Two pies, and a pint and a half came to £8.30.
The staff were pleasant and friendly.
Given the largely well heeled surroundings of Almondbury, the interior perhaps looked a bit dated and tired: carpeted single room, gaming machines and a TV, but comfortable.
7/10
23 Aug 2014 14:54
It's a pleasantly lived-in, comfortably basic local, in this picturesque fishing village, offering St.Austell ales on good form.
It's a solid, historic, traditional slate-built pub, with features relating to Cornwall's fishing and seafaring history and legend dotted throughout.
The staff were apparently creative, bohemian young ladies, friendly and efficient.
Enjoyable, interesting and memorable, I found.
13 Aug 2014 23:36
It's a very smartly made out, modern styled bar, at first floor level over fashionable shops. The view over the inlet to Padstow from the balcony is a treat. Between the two bars there were three ales on: Tribute, Trelawny Gold and Doombar.
All in all it's a good place to watch the world go by, particularly the cars queuing in vain for Rock's tiny car park, but once committed, unable to turn away in the narrow road. Best to use the farmer's field, on the left, about half a mile before the village, perhaps.
Rock retains its Cornish village charm owing to its setting, but some of the architect-designed second/holiday/retirement homes dotted about in increasing numbers clearly display the ego of either the designer or the owner, and enough's enough on that point. They often fail to integrate on scale now, as well as style, but at least go with the Chelsea Tractors I suppose.
12 Aug 2014 19:35
The Barley Mow Inn, Kirk Ireton
Thank you steve2905 for the colourful and informative review.
I always enjoy personal historical accounts, and try to give them myself if I'm lucky enough to have the knowledge.
Much appreciated, and my curiosity's definitely been fired.
18 Jul 2014 19:32
Decent enough place, acceptable pint of Pride, though not that many on offer after passing over Doombar.
Slightly dark, tired appearance to the decor, but the prices were OK for central London.
10 Jul 2014 17:17
What was the BEER like, Sue Craigie?
You know, that stuff In The Evening this site's about?
21 Jun 2014 21:30
Delighted to see that the good people of Calderdale returned not a single UKIP councillor in the recent elections.
Well done to all the regulars at the OWB and the Pear Tree!
Cheers!
Buy your own pint !
;-)
25 May 2014 19:39
This pub has now been reopened for a while, with a slight change of name: "Dale Hotel" or similar as I note.
It's a solid traditional stone building, but inside is light, airy. well laid out, and tastefully decorated. It still has a dartboard, happily though, and comfortable, modern fittings.
The Thwaites range was good: I had an excellent pint of Coiled Spring. There were two dark and two pale ales on, and Wainwrights too.
There's an associated Thai restaurant, so looks like a decent venue if visiting the beautifully located smart village of Denby Dale. 8/10
16 May 2014 16:38
It's one of the main-period buildings in the dapper cathedral village of Llandaf. The pub hosts a decent selection of well kept ales, served by apparently figure-conscious lady staff. It has a fairly large, pleasant beer garden to the rear.
For many years the clientele have been a convivial mix of the local genteel, and enthusiastic rugby loving patriots etc.
However, of late, although the first points are still as ever, the last has perhaps changed. If you go late afternoons on a weekday, the pub seems to have become a rendezvous for an apparently different type. The young, perennial grey-tracksuit-bottom-of-dubious-hygiene, excitable, rowdy element are represented.
There's accommodation over the pub where the staff and some family apparently live. One of these, or a friend, seems to be a tradesman, and good luck to him on that, but there's rather a lot of coming and going with kids etc. through the pub to this. It seems to override any atmosphere the customers may have developed among themselves, which is a pity.
The "tradesman's" apparent friends congregate outside the pub too. These well-built men sit on the steps of other people's property over the road, drinking lager, and causing a probable public nuisance by blocking the pavement. They often seem to bring large dogs with them, of arguably legal breed, which they tether to lamp posts etc., adding to the obstruction. The combined effect of these physiques, and dogs, means the locals are unlikely to comment on a scene, which is out of keeping with the general surroundings. 6/10
10 May 2014 09:30
Vale of Glamorgan Inn, Cowbridge
This excellent little pub with several well kept real ales was a happy find. Hancock's HSB, Wye Valley, Adnam's etc., served by convivial staff, and no droning loudmouths among the genial clientele either.
It's a characterful old place, in keeping with the rest of the town.
4 May 2014 16:34
The Daily Mail are running a VERY silly story on this pub just now, about a bunch of local middle aged men dressed in St. George's flag outfits who, for some reason chose this pub for a night out.
They would have known, being local, wouldn't they, that it was not really for them?
Wasn't it only understandable that the staff might just enquire as to whether they were an EDL mob?
That being the case, wouldn't it also have been only fair for the visitors to react amiably to such an enquiry?
Well, it seems someone out to cause a bit of a stir succeeded, at least according to the Daily Mail.
I'm certainly ignoring our gutter press, I hope everyone else does too.
29 Apr 2014 23:30
The New Barrack Tavern, Sheffield
A particularly fine place to while away an afternoon on non-match days, after one of the satisfying lunches served. Interesting period decor, fine ales, and friendly staff who know what they're about all make it a place that can be hard to leave.
12 Apr 2014 14:53
Great for a couple of pints before your very hard to beat curry, at Hussain's round the corner, which is one of the best in the land (and I'm well travelled in that vein). A la carte or buffet. The pub's own food is well above average too.
Excellent selection of real ales, friendly staff and customers, pleasantly lived-in, characterful building.
31 Mar 2014 17:15
I agree with every word of the last comment. 8/10 from me too.
24 Mar 2014 11:03
Very confusing. Don't get mixed up with (the excellent) The Vine on Roebuck Street, which answers to a superficially similar description.
I know that well (handy for the Park Inn hotel) and can recommend it highly. This sounds OK too but have not visited yet.
16 Mar 2014 19:17
Well I remember this place. A few of us were working nearby, and we spent a relaxing extended lunchtime here. The conversation turned to a colleague, who'd once worn a toupee, and comic tales relating to male hairpieces in general, punctuated by quite a bit of laughter.
We didn't pay much attention to the group of men who'd come in a few minutes earlier, but gradually realised they'd gone very quiet. There were about ten of them: young chaps in suits, they might have been junior accountants, accompanied by the tall senior patriarch. He, significantly, had gone a strange purplish pink, which clashed awfully with his carrot coloured...rug.
None of the youngsters wanted to catch either his, or anyone else's eye, and all stared painfully at their beer or shoes, as if, as was almost certainly the case, their careers depended on keeping a straight face. Fortunately one had the presence of mind to crack a joke, rather weak it must be said, on an unrelated theme. There followed a deafening broadside of laughter which went on for an age, accompanied by much thigh-slapping and rib-hugging. All except for one, that was.
The small ale selection didn't spoil the fun at all.
15 Mar 2014 15:49
Sheer joy: a proper pint, not a half-litre rendered by the now near-endemic Yorkshire Disease (wasting time messing about with a sparkler to give a "head", on a short measure of now lifeless beer).
Keep it coming guys.
28 Feb 2014 11:51
The Duke of Wellington, Aldgate
Sounds a nice place with some amiable, enlightened customers too, judging by the comments.
I'll drop in if passing: nice to know I won't mistakenly be stumbling into some UKIP enclave of a hole, apparently.
28 Feb 2014 11:42
The Royal Carvery and Hotel, Babbacombe
I came in here for something to eat, but mainly to get away from a bunch of workmates incessantly talking shop in the Buccaneer.
The correct decision on several levels: better beer, food and conversation (none).
25 Feb 2014 22:16
I wonder if that ne'er-do-well, roving, rambling Frank, and his neighbour Ken, of bowls fame, ever look in here?
I'm sure most Gt. Longstonians know whom I mean :)
24 Feb 2014 20:12
I know only too well what you mean, jackoblack. My locals are often ruined by just the same.
Why is it that those with the ugliest or most boring opinions are generally those with the loudest voices?
20 Feb 2014 12:12
Good luck to all the sandbaggers and bucket brigades there: hope the waters recede soon.
Nice to see William and Harry doing their bit for the cameras. Why, watching H pass those bags, he could be a natural with a rugby ball...
14 Feb 2014 22:19
Pelican In Her Piety, Ogmore By Sea
We had a decent enough, rather pricey pint of HPA, and the food others were eating looked pretty good, though those prices too were rather higher than usual pub fare's. As we didn't try it on this occasion I can't say whether that amounted to value for money or not. On a previous occasion however, we had the mussels, and they were very good. The coffee was freshly made for each order (by the usual slightly complex machine).
I found the open log fire fascinating: the fireplace is quite large, and the burning happens atop a considerable pile of ashes which looks like it is only removed once further fires become impossible. You find yourself thinking "yes: why not?".
The relatively few non-dining locals seemed rather quiet, but perhaps they've been led to understand that's expected of them. The place seemed kid-friendly enough, and it was a pleasant change to see quite a few, all happily well-behaved.
1 Feb 2014 21:44
Further to my last post, and regarding the nearby "Chapter": I think this cosy little pub would make a welcome change to those chilled by the draughty, noisy, echoing hall it is. Although the range of beers and value there are excellent, the seating, lighting, chilliness and acoustics do not make for a relaxing evening.
29 Jan 2014 19:10
I know what you mean, dorsetknob.
I've been to pubs where you're plagued by small flying insects too. Worse still some seem to bite and make you itchy, so you don't stay long.
But according to Wiki there's no such thing as the "beer fly". What it seems to be is any old flying insects which come in, often thanks to smokers holding the door open while they stand blocking the doorway, (so they don't get too cold). It's a nuisance to add to the draught they cause too.
Some of these pests, fruit flies etc. will be attracted to beer and wine, and the midges to the customers. I've been in pubs where the latter breed in the warm damp soil of the pot plants too.
It's apparently got worse since the smoking ban (but that's no reason at all to reverse it). Some say cigarette smoke worked as an insect repellent, but it was a much more effective non-problem-having customer repellent.
19 Jan 2014 09:53
The George and Dragon, Wakefield
There was a blackboard on the pavement outside, as I drove by saying "OPEN".
Well, like the stopped watch that's right twice a day, it would have been right if it had been a Friday lunch time, but as it wasn't the pub was shut.
Pubs like this, which waste hungry and thirsty drivers' time do not endear, any more than the ones with signs which say "food being served NOW", as you drive by at 0300, or any other time they don't feel like doing it.
There's another pub in Flockton which seems open most of the time, and does good food, called The Sun, though. It had real ale too last time I was there.
16 Jan 2014 21:02
I used to need to stay in Hathersage quite a bit some years back, and always found it lacking for decent straightforward pubs, for no clear reason.
Reading this and other pubs' reviews suggests things have, if anything, got worse.
You'd have thought, given the setting, you couldn't go wrong, but maybe that explains the take-it-or-leave-it stance in a number of places.
It's taken Hathersage off my stopping-off list though.
15 Jan 2014 00:44
The Frog and Parrot, Sheffield
I think they've struck a balance quite well: it has managed to shake off the worst of the traditional pub types (bar hogging bores) without becoming too self-consciously wine bar-ish.
Worked for me.
15 Jan 2014 00:24
We've found this OK on some occasions: quite lively, youngish crowd, OK beers.
The staff can get a bit pushy near closing time, and sometimes herd the clientele about for closing off sections when they're quiet, which is. Not. On.
15 Jan 2014 00:20
PS: although the beers are now generally well kept, they do seem to overuse the sparkler. Ales take a lonf time to clear and have too large a head. Some of the younger bar staff pull pints where even the foam does not reach the rim. This is a shame, and unnecessary. Still beer is quicker and less wasteful to pull than foam. It has more life on the tongue too.
14 Jan 2014 21:11
Yes it's OK: one of the better pubs, in the round, on the main drag through Ealing I'd say.
That's just it: if you sneak off to the quiet backwaters nearby there are some really nice places: Wheatsheaf; Haven; Castle; etc.
14 Jan 2014 18:19
I've driven past this pub so many times, and always regretted that I've been unable to stop, except on rare occasions. That's perhaps just as well because it's one of those places where, once you're settled, you really don't feel like leaving.
I was working on a job at a nearby smallholding a few years back, and it was pure bliss as a sanctuary at the end of the day.
Well recommended.
13 Jan 2014 18:48
Pleasant large, easy-going place as you'd expect in college land. That said, we were there in the daytime, and I expect anywhere in Manchester on Fridays and Saturdays can be, well, like you'd expect.
13 Jan 2014 16:29
Thanks very much for the welcome correction, Andy. Good news for a change.
12 Jan 2014 17:25
I've used many Vintage Inns and they're quite reliable for a decent enough meal, glass of wine and a pint of ale. Some are quite characterful restored places too, and this is typical.
That said, the commercial nature of chain pubs such as these is quite detectable, and they're often relatively pricey. They tend not welcome drinkers only either, and frequently won't let them take tables.
The Pear Tree, in nearby Norwood Green offers a more relaxed, family-run, personable, and friendly alternative. They do unpretentious but good, excellent value food 1700-2000, especially Fri and Sat, and Sunday lunches too. It's comfortably lived-in, but you'll forgive that for the reasonably priced food, real ales and wines.
It's only a small place, and no threat to business here.
11 Jan 2014 22:00
I've not been in here since it was a home for ageing teddy boys in the Paul Shane Hi-de-Hi mould.
There were a few matriarchal criminal families too, complete with prams: I took a punch for talking to someone, whom someone else's mother didn't like.
Sounds like it's perhaps survived, and as could only be the case, improved.
11 Jan 2014 17:04
How very sad: this used to be one of the best in the area.
11 Jan 2014 15:50
This is a friendly little place with pleasant staff and regulars alike.
It sports the "cask marque" logo justifiably. The almost adjoining vast "Chapter", (Guardian readers' multimedia/drinking Mecca) perhaps ironically helps this pub keep its cosy local feel.
There's scope for restoration of its historic character, but how that would sit with matchday trade's not easy to say.
9 Jan 2014 21:47
"Due to be demolished,my mum and dad had their reception here"
==
Must've been quite some do.
5 Jan 2014 12:18
Haha! Don't worry: I'm not going to make a habit of it, unlike some.
If you knew the locale, you'd probably have something to say too, and this is the nearest to any kind of a thread for the long-suffering neighbours etc. to do that.
The pub won't be much missed by real ale enthusiasts either, but if not for this blog they might have had a wasted trip, since according to BITE the pub does still exist.
29 Dec 2013 16:11
There was a sign outside boasting an open log fire, yet on a relatively mild winter's day we found the inside to be very chilly, with no fires lit, and most customers keeping on their coats.
I sympathise with pubs having to be family-friendly, especially during holiday times, and this one certainly is, but for anyone wanting a relaxing pint of the well-kept St. Austell's it's a disappointment. Continental kids seem to be generally more tranquil in mixed-age surroundings than British ones. (I partly blame milk chocolate, which is not easy to find over the channel, but which British kids constantly whinge for and crave).
Although the beer was well-kept, on account of the fridge-like temperature of the whole pub, it was served far too cold for my tastes.
We didn't try the food, though it did seem to be picking up the Padstein baton and running with it: good luck to them on that point.
We left after one: even with our outdoor clothes on you can't sit still in a chill like that for long. I expect many others did too, and plenty of turnover was lost for the sake of a quid's worth of heating bill.
If a pub should avoid one thing, it's being cold.
28 Dec 2013 15:55
There's now a development of houses where this bar (Carter's as it was known)used to stand, unfinished as yet, and it looks like work might have stopped.
You know the sort: shoehorned together with no gardens, made of building blocks etc.
I thought the planning permission was for less dense development, so maybe that explains the apparent hiatus?
Whatever: the pub's gone.
27 Dec 2013 16:41
The best-kept ales in the area, I thought. The St.Austell's Trelawny was a delight.
The customers were well mixed in age, cheerful and amiable.
I think this place is worth 8/10, so I'll do what I can to get it that.
27 Dec 2013 16:31
Out-of-season this pub is probably more pleasant than during busy times. The picture shows it as a gastro venue, but the patio is a good place to take a pint, even in winter, if you get a quiet, sunny day (of which Cornwall gets plenty). It's south-facing and sheltered, so as long as the air temperatures a few degrees above zero it's fine. The views are generally less twee and more satisfying than the boaty fiesta depicted above too, given the spectacular marine skies Cornwall boasts.
That said, when we called there was only one ale: Doom Bar.
It was perfectly OK (as it should be, about a mile from the brewery) but it's not one of the most imaginitive tasting of beers. In that regard it perhaps resembles some SE breweries, who seem to see no reason to move with the times.
The interior of the pub is fitted out in modern style, and seems aimed at the affluent young who often visit.
26 Dec 2013 17:20
boltonbloke: "locals hogging the bar and not moving to allow you to get served"
==
The continentals find this bizarre aspect of English pub behaviour about the most inexplicable. All the more so, when those at the bar may well be the only few people in the pub, with not a single seat taken. There can't be that many people with piles, so there has to be some other explanation. Do they think that if they went away for ten minutes the staff would forget who they are? Is the fact, that everyone who comes into the pub must stand close to them, the nearest they get to physical intimacy? Are they afraid, that if they sat down they'd be unable to get up again? Is it simply a standing-up competition, to see who leaves first? Are they all crypto-republicans, who wouldn't want to be revealed if the National Anthem were to be played?
That's the best I can do with logic, I'm afraid, and I'm still left wondering...
22 Dec 2013 15:45
PostalDrinker:
This site is caller ***Beer*** In The Evening, not "Things I've Read About Pubs In The Evening", nor "What Pubs Look Like From Buses In The Evening".
Thanks for warning us of the closures, but I would be interested to hear your views, on what perhaps just one pub is like on the inside, and how its beer tastes.
Best wishes,
Eddy.
20 Dec 2013 19:26
maxipop:
"apparently there has been some local opposition to the community buyout - why?"
***
Some people think that sort of thing leads to..........communism.....why, they might open a co-op next...
10 Dec 2013 17:52
Combermere Arms, Wolverhampton
If the brewery is called "Banks's", then one really ought to ask for a pint of Banks's's, I suppose...
7 Dec 2013 20:13
bjbrummiejohn:
It's Arabic for infidel, and slang S. African, coarse, for any black person.
But it's not being used against anyone, it's the name of a pub. I'd be a bit perplexed, probably offended, if anyone called me a "Turk's Head", "Brewer's Dray", "Hole In The Wall" or almost anything else our pubs are often called.
18 Nov 2013 11:51
Calcot Community Association Family and Social Club, Calcot
...and if you're wondering why I'm reviewing another place here, it's because it's not listed, and I thought anyone in the area might like to know.
15 Nov 2013 14:09
Yes: so much potential.
I actually enjoyed the beer and food, and as I was paying cash I didn't notice anything untoward.
I thought the staff seemed a bit listless though, and earlier comments give a hint as to why that might be.
15 Nov 2013 13:57
I can only second Suedehead's comment, though can't recall the music.
15 Nov 2013 13:55
No ale on handle, but some good bottled beers when I was last here, such as Harviestoun Bitter And Twisted, Schiehallion etc.
Pleasant, relaxing atmosphere making a pleasant change from nearby pubs.
15 Nov 2013 10:46
Garvies Lounge Bar, Kincardine
No ale on handle, but some good bottled beers when I was last here, such as Harviestoun Bitter And Twisted, Schiehallion etc.
Pleasant, relaxing atmosphere making a pleasant change from nearby pubs.
15 Nov 2013 00:08
As this is beer in the evening, rather than food, I'll pass on that.
However, I didn't find much atmosphere to the place, and the ale was unmemorable.
At first sight appealing to passing trade, it had rather a commercial roadhouse feel to it once inside we thought.
I'm surprised at the high rating, but I see a lot of one hit wonders here.
14 Nov 2013 23:08
It's a perfectly good, very friendly and efficient pub on non-match days too (as are quite a few near football grounds, notably The Strawberry in Newcastle).
10 Nov 2013 18:04
All in all Old Hawkhill's quite a pleasant stroll in and out of the bars.
We were there out of termtime, and the very friendly guy in charge of Coyle's kept it open, on a couple of hours notice, for a late night end-of-event session, for a whole crowd of us.
We filled the place, drank him out of very nice bottled beers, much to his pleasure, and it really was a superb evening.
8 Nov 2013 00:17
The Vobster Inn, Lower Vobster
Oh: so there is something which rhymes with "lobster" after all. Got anything for "orange"?
4 Nov 2013 22:06
I was a regular visitor to Nevada St. in the late 1970s, and sometimes whiled away the odd hour in the Rose and Crown. You'd stumble across the occasional luvvie doing the same: Susan Hampshire was one I recall.
Doesn't seem to have changed that much really. I've kept across a few Greenwich pubs when passing through, and found it well worthwhile.
2 Nov 2013 22:45
A bunch of us found up-to-expectations food and a fair pint of Guiness a while back: as I recall there was no hand pulled that day, and I'm pleased to read there generally is now.
There wasn't much atmosphere but it was a weekday lunchtime.
Couldn't be more handy for the cathedral.
Although nothing special, I think the ratings for it are unduly low. 5-6/10
1 Nov 2013 23:12
Except that some of its customers have now gone to the Stag, to the understandable sorrow of the regulars there.
1 Nov 2013 12:53
The Fox and Goose, Hebden Bridge
I seem to remember a sign which read "we do not serve any French produce".
I'm not sure what that was all about, but looked a bit daft in what was otherwise a pretty decent pub.
Let's wish it every success on its new basis whatever.
1 Nov 2013 12:39
Comfortable, relaxed, yet lively atmosphere to be found in this fine old building.
Decent ales are served in a pleasant village setting. I haven't tried the food, but I think some rivals have been downrating this pub.
31 Oct 2013 22:02
Pleasant enough place we thought.
Does what the signs outside say: real ales and fair enough pub food.
During the daytime the clientele seemed nicely enough old: there appeared to be a concessionary menu. 7.5/10
31 Oct 2013 21:55
It's now a pretty lively gastropub, with good food and about four ever-changing real ales, having been made over quite thoroughly. The staff are very pleasant indeed.
The bar area has been retained as such, but is a rather awkward shape, so you'll sometimes trip over the odd inconsiderate customer's dog. There are the usual few territorial sots, and some rather up-themselves media types too, but all in all it's jolly good and vastly improved.
31 Oct 2013 16:42
Well maybe it's because the positive comments are by well know reviewers who have posted on hundreds of pubs, but the negative ones are one-hit wonders or Glossop-only.
Not only that, but someone's trying to mislead readers that well-known posters have changed their minds, by using accounts in hard-to-spot similar names.
There may be some truth in the knocks, but the above's pretty stupid whatever.
25 Oct 2013 15:04
"Do not trust anything on this site, and cross-check your research using other web sites and as many other sources of information as possible"
==
Fortunately, last poster, most people who use this site are blog-savvy, were not born yeaterday and do just that.
There's quite a lot of knocking by rival pubs going on. The general give-away is it's by one-hit or one-location posters, so check their profiles.
All in all there's more truth than lies here though, I'd say, subject to the above.
23 Oct 2013 10:37
Reading other comments, I cannot help thinking there is a certain vendetta against this pub!!
wobblybob - 31 Aug 2013
==
Makes me wonder too. The latest under your "name" is in fact a one-hit, with an upper-case "I" in place of the "L" so I assume it's not really you.
Perhaps you could confirm that.
18 Oct 2013 13:38
For an insight into the reasoning for my concerns, see the thread for the Volunteer Riflemans Arms in Bath (another good pub), and what happened there.
As I say, the Feathers is fine, and so are other places in Ludlow.
13 Oct 2013 10:14
PhilR: "a great place to use as an alcoholic waiting room"
++
I think one or two of us on this site are well past the waiting stage...
12 Oct 2013 22:15
This must be the place which inspired Dylan Thomas.
I read an earlier popular spelling was Llanmaddog, which spells "God damn all" backwards.
I suppose he was left little other than "Llareggub" for "Under Milk Wood".
5 Oct 2013 21:44
The Cross Keys is a perfectly decent, but smaller establishment nearby too, and I found the ale there on form.
What with the White Swan, Ockbrook residents are pretty well-served
3 Oct 2013 17:57
I was relieved to find this place when stranded in a hole up the road just a few years back.
I thought the food was OK as was the beer, but a bit pricey perhaps.
However, as some have said that might have kept some local clowns out.
I must say though, in general on BITE, personal disputes between management and posters always look bad: it's really for the punters to fight it out amongst themselves. If a place is good they'll usually come to its defence against unfair criticism.
Owners and staff are advised to leave it to customer reviewers.
2 Oct 2013 21:13
Eglinton Arms Hotel, Eaglesham
What a pity the Cross Keys was boarded up last time I looked. It was a fine place a few years back, serving Arran Blonde etc.
The Eglinton's fair enough, but lacks the character.
1 Oct 2013 17:45
I remember thinking the potential of the place was not realised too, for exactly the same reasons as the last poster, though there was one ale then as I recall.
1 Oct 2013 16:42
Yes: cosy nooks and crannies, with wooden seats polished smooth by many a backside over the years were what we found.
I can't remember the ales that were on but they went down a treat.
We thought it was the best in the near locality.
1 Oct 2013 16:33
Very fond memories of perfect pints taken here, with lovely people from nearby.
A more convivial, charming pub would be hard to imagine.
29 Sep 2013 19:54
I see the last poster has reviewed only three places, all in Ludlow, and the only one he/she commends is The Feathers, like nearly all on that hotel's thread.
That said, it does seem one or two more widely-written posters are concerned that some complacency might be creeping in occasionally here, which would be a pity.
28 Sep 2013 15:05
I note that most of the other posts here are single-hitters, or either Ludlow-only with an unfavourable review of another place.
The Feathers is a perfectly good venue, and does not need what sometimes happens on this site.
I'd keep an open mind, as to how it might compare with some of its celebrated rivals mentioned in other reviews though.
28 Sep 2013 11:39
I was about to go in, but was jeered by some locals slobbing it at the tables, with their feet up on chairs outside. Had they never seen anyone without a tattoo, or not in trainers before?
There didn't seem many indoors either, so I gave it a miss.
22 Sep 2013 16:14
Quite a large traditional place, with good atmosphere, serving a fine range of ale.
There are a few local gawpers who hang about the bar, as you'd expect, but no-one too offputting.
We didn't eat here but I'd be very tempted.
Well worth a look in, I'd say.
22 Sep 2013 15:58
The decor was fine, and the Wandle ale I had was good. TT Landlord was also on.
There was just one barman, a witty, efficient and friendly East European, he seemed. He remembered whose turn it was too, and I can't commend him highly enough for that.
However, there was a sign in the gents that the sink was out of order, so please do not use. In other words, no one could wash hands. This was a dealbreaker for me as to eating there.
Later an unpleasant smell of drains seemed to pervade, so the management would appear a bit slapdash.
22 Sep 2013 15:51
I agree with the last comment.
Very pleasant, relaxed, peaceable and friendly atmosphere, enhanced by candlelight.
There were four real ales, the Harvey's was fine.
22 Sep 2013 15:45
Does Dennis Skinner ever look in here? Now there's someone, whom I'd like to buy a pint.
20 Sep 2013 17:26
"black peas, 90p a bowl and a perfect accompaniment to the wide range of real ales"
==
Sound lovely, arihall, as long as you're not sharing a room that night I suppose.
20 Sep 2013 17:18
My late grandfather had a grocer's on Scotgate between the wars and later. The Green Man was his watering hole.
Military bands would parade up what was then part of The Great North Road, and he'd amuse himself by tossing the odd stale grapefruit into the tuba and so on.
After hours pints would be passed from pubs to adjoining premises, through holes in the cellars' walls.
There's a pear tree he planted in the yards, and it was fairly huge, last time I looked.
I'm pleased to read the GM's still going strong. I hope I get chance for a snifter before long.
16 Sep 2013 02:08
I passed through LE recently, and I thought the place was looking great. As nearby cities have gone down rather, this former little rather down-at-heel stand-alone, Victorian textile town has found new glory. The buildings are restored and well maintained, and the tree planting makes for a pleasant town square with outdoor tables. The 1960s and 70s developments, of nearby rival centres are now seen for the dreary characterless holes they are.
Many of the former, it has to be said, tatty pubs here have closed, and some have been turned into prosperous-looking restaurants. The townspeople, many recent incomers, refugees almost perhaps, seem smart, chipper and friendly.
The pubs that remain have been made over well, and I was struck by The Sportsman's exterior. They seem to be doing good trade, and that can be only for the better.
It's on the list for a crawl, starting with the Harrington, probably ending with the Royal Oak.
15 Sep 2013 23:52
I was pleasantly surprised by by this place.
Nice pints of Young's and decent enough food were served in a relaxing garden area on a hot summer's day.
As others have said, the exterior should not put you off.
It was easily the best in the vicinity.
31 Aug 2013 23:39
The Dog and Bear Hotel, Lenham
"How do you make roast potatoes chewy?"
===
By reheating them in a deep fryer is sometimes one way, or even just keeping them hot too long.
28 Aug 2013 13:40
This was OK enough, but we found the prices rather high.
There were two real ales on: Deuchars IPA and Marstons Pedigree. I though the various bits of artwork depicting gallowses, as the origin of the name, were a bit tired and unfunny, and didn't add any sort of quirky interest for me.
We didn't eat, but the food looked and smelled good enough.
25 Aug 2013 20:12
I found this excellent.
It's an historic building in the old village. The bar is a little lower than we're used to, and that makes for a friendly inclusive feel. The staff are efficient, convivial, and there's generally no need to ask for top-ups.
There were four real ales on, including Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted, and Jarl, a fresh, grapefruitish session beer. These two were certainly on form, and a decent session strength.
There was an open mic of sorts on Friday, and acts were as you'd expect, but nothing too loud or overbearing.
It's only a short walk to good curry houses etc. on St. John's Road too.
9/10
25 Aug 2013 20:05
Any news welcome: hope it's open again and serving real ales.
Some very pleasant summer's evenings spent in the rear garden: a real waste if still closed.
20 Aug 2013 22:29
A sorry tale indeed.
At one time it stood head and shoulders above the others in the area. Pity some people can't compete by normal market methods.
20 Aug 2013 22:10
I don't get here too often, but always find it very pleasant. Evan Evans BB at £2.50 a pint now, and what's more no need to ask for a top up: very welcome indeed these days.
Rear garden atmosphere mixes with that of Sophia Gardens very well, when a match is on.
The food is a bit aspirational, so the prices are perhaps not unduly high with that in mind. If it keeps those for the beer at sane levels I'm all for it, I suppose.
It's an altogether more relaxing evening than say, the rather rowdy, "pub-industrial" Halfway nearby. Neither do the management seem to bully the young, friendly staff into serving "pints" where even the froth often doesn't quite reach the rim, as appears so at the latter mentioned house. 8/10
20 Aug 2013 21:38
The Bald Faced Stag, East Finchley
Thank goodness someone's at last done something with it.
I lived on East End Road in the 1970s and always gave it a wide berth: sounds like it didn't change much for decades.
18 Aug 2013 20:45
Spring Rock Inn, Upper Greetland
Am I right in saying there used to be/is a parrot called Chunky there? (So named after his nether regions, which resembled pineapple chunks-for those who remember them too).
17 Aug 2013 23:06
The Volunteer Arms, Fort William
"The smoking ban makes places look intimidating when you have angry looking, tattooed people blocking the doorways"
+++
Nice comment. You'd have thought UKIP supporters would have believed in easy exits too, wouldn't you?
17 Aug 2013 17:21
I'd rather a landlord refused admission to anyone who behaved badly, irrespective of whether they were lawyers, soldiers, doctors, sailors, punks, sportsmen, airmen, nurses, accountants, MPs or any other description.
If the forces people were acting antisocially, or already drunk, then well done landlord, and good luck to you.
From the many favourable reviews it sounds like you don't need it though.
17 Aug 2013 15:02
It's an enjoyable walk from the town in Summer, and makes a fair destination for that purpose.
I agree with most of the main points made here though, and for that reason I'd not be a frequent regular.
We had a very enjoyable evening, (mainly down to the company), and it's only fair to say there wasn't really anything about the pub to spoil that.
12 Aug 2013 19:19
If you don't want to rub shoulders with intelligent, educated, articulate young people, then perhaps the Oxford pub scene in term time is not for you.
We found it made a very refereshing change from some places one could mention, believe me.
It was busy, but not overly so on the cold night we went, so we were able to take in some its more interesting features.
The beer was turned over well, so expectedly came up to scratch.
11 Aug 2013 12:17
We thought the rooms and bar were a bit on the dear side too. It's a pleasant enough location though.
We struck up an interesting and convivial chat with a few uni dons in the bar, but it didn't seem to have any particular character of note.
6-7/10
11 Aug 2013 12:10
I found the place had a highly commercial atmosphere, was a bit expensive, and seemed to be organised for the convenience of the management, rather than that much consideration for the customers' experience.
Beneath the perfunctory civility, a somewhat hard attitude seemed perceptible.
That said, the beer and food quality were reasonably OK, but you'd think so at the prices.
9 Aug 2013 21:55
Some well-written, detailed and comprehensive reviews here, upon which I couldn't much improve.
We enjoyed the Everards and the food, and the evening was enhanced by meeting, none other, than one of our far more senior colleagues. With his fancy piece. In a place he never expected to see anyone he knew. Sweet.
9 Aug 2013 21:38
I remember when Evesham town centre was quite well off for pubs, but several have closed, and there's not much choice now.
As JDWs go we found this one quite OK.
9 Aug 2013 18:24
I know Ealing well. Over the years it seems to have become ever more rowdy, especially at weekends. It appears this pub attracts its share of that type, and has changed with the surroundings.
Last time I went it was fair enough, acceptable Guiness, but it was a relatively quiet time.
The Wheatsheaf and Haven Arms are my preferred haunts in the area now: I'll follow the advice of previous posts, I think.
9 Aug 2013 10:43
I enjoyed the place and the beer, but I'm not a dog lover so won't be returning too often. I've also spent a great deal of time and effort at home, resolving damp patches, so it also seems a bit daft to pay to sit with that smell again.
The reviews made here good reading so thanks all. That includes the ones that went beyond the usual Yorkshire vocabulary of a couple of dozen words too.
5 Aug 2013 11:54
The Briton's Protection Hotel, Castlefield
Despite the name, I can reassure folk that whenever I've been, it's been full of harmless old lefties, and musos from the nearby concert hall.
Not a Union Jack tattooed head in sight.
30 Jul 2013 18:34
I've never been here.
I'm more than happy with that, having read recent reviews, as I'm sure are others reading this thread.
27 Jul 2013 20:54
Marquis of Cornwallis, Bloomsbury
We had a good family lunch here, and I'd have liked to have tried more ales.
It had more of a restaurant atmosphere than a pub to be frank, but I'd expect later evenings that could perhaps change.
I found the staff efficient and friendly enough on this occasion.
I didn't think the prices for either food or drink were excessive, notably the food.
27 Jul 2013 18:15
It is mysterious indeed, that it doesn't matter how long it's been since you last came here, it still feels like home when you come back.
Whatever it is that does this, more pubs should have it.
25 Jul 2013 23:49
A bunch of us walked down from the Holiday Inn.
It was well worth every step, and once you've negotiated the underpass etc. a pleasant summer's evening's stroll.
It was a delight to find this pub after the soulless HI and its surroundings.
25 Jul 2013 18:48
I suppose it ought to be known as "The Booner's Spar", really...
25 Jul 2013 13:49
I'm sorry to hear about The Tavern, Paul d102.
Last time I called in, it was run by a Portugese chap, did good food and was a welcome stop for lunch from the M1.
22 Jul 2013 11:44
The website says it's been run by the same family for 80 years.
I was very touched, that after not having visited for over 20 years, I was warmly recognised by the very same staff who'd served me from time to time back then.
That does not happen often in life. The beer was just as good as it always had been too.
15 Jul 2013 18:45
If you're going round all the Reading area pubs trying to drum up custom for the BOB, you perhaps shot yourself in the foot with the link you posted there, LordJ.
If people follow it they will see it ends:
"The Angel Inn is now run by former pub chef restaurant award winner Matt Van Wyck."
I've not been since Summer 2007, (when local refugees from the floods made it a temporary home, incidentally), though.
15 Jul 2013 18:27
I used to be a regular here way back for a time: (I'm trying to recall if it was a Shipstone's pub...)
By the sound of it, it's changed little in layout and fittings, and what we once took for granted is now celebrated as a traditional rarity, though quite rightly if so.
This will be near the top of my list marked "require refamiliarisation".
Thanks all.
15 Jul 2013 16:06
An unusual place, in an old enclave easily missed from the main road.
The atmosphere in some way resembles an art gallery or museum, rather than a pub, with various hangings and curios.
They did real ale as I recall: whether that's still so I don't know, and also seemed to focus on aspirational dining.
13 Jul 2013 09:11
The ale was good, and the food up to standard.
However, as the previous post suggests, there's not much in the way of traditional (or any other kind of really) pub atmosphere.
Most of the daytime custom seemed to be groups of retired people, out for a reliable if perhaps predictable meal. I expect the evening's similar.
It never ceases to amaze me how little imagination some managements have, when you look at places' potential, given location, age of building and so on.
12 Jul 2013 22:52
Calcot Community Association Family and Social Club, Calcot
I've not been here, but did find the bar at the nearby Calcot Hotel quite jolly, with a pub-like atmosphere.
11 Jul 2013 18:58
I remember being in standing traffic on a bus by this pub. We were hungry, so got off and had a jolly good roast pork Sunday lunch and a couple of pints. When we came out, the bus was only 50m further down the road, so it worked out well (for us that is, not the other passengers, who looked a bit bored, peckish, and miffed with us for some reason).
23 Jun 2013 23:01
The Volunteer Riflemans Arms, Bath
Gann: "Sadly, for reasons better known to themselves"
===
Hi Gann. I think the reason might be that this usually features on the BITE homepage favourites, so they're either trying to keep it there, or get it to the top, perhaps.
21 Jun 2013 15:34
Hanging Gate, Chaple en le Firth
By the way BITE, it's Chapel-en-le-Frith, so your listing won't come up on any search with its typos.
21 Jun 2013 10:32
We ventured over again recently, and it's worth saying there's another pub, The Pear Tree, about 800m down the road. This latter, apparently, usually has on Tetley's and another such as Landlord. It's cheaper than this, but it's a bit of a lived-in locals pub. That's a pity, because its location could make it easily rival this one, with some improvements. I suppose Tetley's, Punch or whoever don't want the outlay though.
I thought a bus might make for a nice outing from Halifax, but there are hardly ever any I'm told. The only one I saw had "Local bus" displayed ("for Local People-nowhere you'd want to go", I suppose) but didn't say to which part of the locality it was going.
Anyway, the sun was shining and there was the usual (for this part of the world) display of beetroot-red bald heads here, in the outside area, which meant the rather limited space inside was at least enough, and pleasantly relaxing. Some old boy drove by in a Rolls Royce, and for some reason about half those seated outside waved at him, some standing to do so. (It's a good job they don't live in Notting Hill, they'd be worn out).
There were four real ales on here on this occasion, and the two I had were both in good condition.
20 Jun 2013 18:20
Hops 'n' Malt:
I too visited this pub long, long ago, when staying in Waldringfield, and remember it exactly as you describe (Tolly Cobbold were still brewing then, and the Rolling Stones had just released "Let It Bleed").
I've often wondered how it turned out, and was interested to read the reviews. Hope I pass that way again before too long.
18 Jun 2013 14:00
Good beer, nice food, interesting place.
We used to pop in for lunch if working nearby, and it was always a pleasure, making the rest of the day a bit of a drag, naturally.
15 Jun 2013 11:41
The Lord Moon Of The Mall, Whitehall
One of the better JDWs, and a relief from the tourist prices charged elsewhere in the vicinity.
The interior's a bit sombre in design perhaps, but pleasant enough.
13 Jun 2013 18:34
bjbrummiejohn : you've just reminded me that I was well entertained by the BBC News speech-recognition subtitles machine's getting it badly wrong time and time again. That and the WWII sarcasm for the beer ads.
10 Jun 2013 10:41
@ Nokegthanks
I think Farage's supporters are too busy smoking and gobbing outside the door in the sleet to worry about beer quality.
:D
8 Jun 2013 11:02
I'm very sorry to read that, Villageman. Yes, I went in the Morning Star. Once.
The only answer is for The Good to drive out The Bad, though, isn't it?
If there's really evidence of drug-taking in the toilets, threatening behaviour etc., then why doesn't someone inform the police, and/or get the place frequented by a friendly Rugby Union team? (I've tried with Leaguers: some of them them are likely to wreck the place too).
26 May 2013 11:45
Somewhat more of an adults only pub than The Fort.
It was a bit too busy to stay when we called, but had at least three real ales on, and they were turning over well.
There was a group setting up for the evenings entertainment, so that side of things is still going too.
26 May 2013 11:33
The good rating for this pub reflects that it provides what many people visiting Newquay want. The picture's a little misleading: it's a large fully modernised open interior, full of bustling, noisy families, many eating.
So although the real ales on offer might be fine, it's not what your typical CAMRA enthusiast would probably want: a place for a quiet pint and good grown up conversation.
That said, I'm not sure if there is such a place in Newquay.
26 May 2013 11:27
It's like so many of these "development" places which have not evolved, but just started up.
The lease or whatever has to be paid, and the developer's profit gained. There's too much commercial pressure, and the modern business practices are palpable.
That said ,the beers were OK, but the food very unexceptional as you'd expect.
Some of the staff were clearly doing their level best to offer good service and make a success of the place, but maybe others weren't. Then again, would you for what they were probably paid?
22 May 2013 15:16
Solid interior, great ale selection, relaxed atmosphere.
It's a place I stumbled upon whenever Telford did well in the cup, and I got dragged here unavoidably, but very much a silver lining to all that.
20 May 2013 21:09
The Duke of Cambridge, Battersea
I spent some very enjoyable late lunches and evenings here a few years back: I hope it's much the same.
The prop books on the shelves had some genuine interest, and the staff were more than happy for me to take away some on trust, including Tom Paine's The Rights Of Man.
Food and beer were both fine.
20 May 2013 20:35
Yes Tigos: we too found this the best of the bunch in the immediate locality, and for much the same reasons. We were nearby for several nights and had some fruitless searches.
All in all Chippenham didn't seem to have as much in the way of pubs as you might have expected.
20 May 2013 20:18
The Newbold Comyn Arms, Leamington Spa
Sounds good: I must look in some time, if only to say I've been to Leamington Spa in the North South East West Midlands...
20 May 2013 19:59
I nice pub: lively but so noisy, that the youngish crowd completely drowned out the acoustic musicians trying to play traditional folk music.
It's not the same as shouting over the nowadays endemic recorded music, guys.
12 May 2013 00:18
Hope this very pleasant, amiable pub is still doing as well as I recall.
Many an excellent pint of Sam Smith's, many laughs, and excellent conversation enjoyed here, when we should have been working.
Those were the days.
11 May 2013 17:12
Hanging Gate, Chaple en le Firth
Only one real ale, Theakstons, on today and it was a little cold.
The food was very nice though, and it seemed a friendly enough place.
1 May 2013 19:07
A warm welcome received today.
I didn't stay long, but there was a good range of ales, and not unduly expensive given the surroundings.
However, all but a few tables in this large pub were laid for diners, and I was directed to the few remaining, (by the toilets entrances) for none-eaters.
The clientele seemed generally of the older age group, well-spoken and prosperous.
1 May 2013 19:05
We stumbled on this place, after a long near-aimless hike from the Mary Rose (well peculiar) in St Mary's Cray, where we were staying.
It was a most welcome find.
Decent food, atmosphere and pints of Adnams.
27 Apr 2013 22:34
Comprehensive range of Taylors and some guests, all at high prices though.
The place seemed solid, period traditional, and the bar staff pleasant.
There's a long list of TT prizes won on a wooden plaque.
25 Apr 2013 19:40
Pretty safe, civil sort of place I thought.
Nice pints of Chiswick for a session: pleasantly ordinary pub.
21 Apr 2013 15:36
Very friendly, convivial village pub, excellent beer and food as I recall.
Absolutely no "not from round here are you?" nonsense: people accustomed to occasional callers.
One of the very much better points of the A606.
14 Apr 2013 18:46
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
"I don't mean that in a gay way. He was a good barman"
===
Don't worry catbert. We're enlightened people.
14 Apr 2013 18:38
Thanks RogerB for the fascinating potted history.
It's many, many years since I was here and I'm pleased to read it's very much still as I remember.
3 Apr 2013 20:02
They said they didn't do food when we called in recently.
The front bar seemed to have been smartened up a bit, and although it's still a bit sparse I've always found the ales first rate. There's a decent chippy almost next door too.
2 Apr 2013 18:39
I can only think this place has been brought down by some of its less-than-genial customers from the very mixed surroundings.
A few years back it looked like it was going to take off as a place for good food and drink, but seems it never quite made it, and began the slide, sadly.
28 Mar 2013 23:15
Sometimes staffed down to expectations, so if you're part of a crowd in quiet times they might be surprised, with a wait for food.
Otherwise decent enough place, in what you might think would be a real ale wasteland.
28 Mar 2013 23:02
Sometimes used to stop off here if travelling with company, and settled on a cut across from the A1 westwards.
We always found the regulars very welcoming and excellent ales. It was hard to tear ourselves away for the final leg.
We never got to try the food, unfortunately.
27 Mar 2013 20:05
I once stayed here.
Accommodation was fair enough B&B, and I found sitting outside at the back under the grapevine quite pleasant on a hot sunny day.
Food was unmemorable, but certainly no bad experience.
For a better ale drinking experience we went to the nearby Mullions though.
27 Mar 2013 19:55
Never been to the pub, but did go to air displays in the 1960s at Hucknall aerodrome, where I saw the Flying Bedstead, a VTOL device, forerunner to the Harrier, and from which I guess the pub takes its name.
24 Mar 2013 00:32
A one-time favourite of mine with well kept Sam Smiths and perfectly good pub grub, friendly staff and locals.
Hope it's still the same.
15 Mar 2013 23:44
The ancient facade of this hotel/restaurant/pub supports a large modern extension at the rear, but is fascinating nonetheless.
It's something of a gastronomic destination. As I recall the drinks prices were typical of those in a hotel bar rather than a pub.
15 Mar 2013 23:14
Beers were nice though a bit dear, and food was OK. The woody interior seemed to lack cosy nooks in which groups could install themselves and it didn't feel that comfortable. Staff seemed in a bit of a hurry to process those taking meals, and if you didn't have a seat you felt awkward and in the way standing, with all the toing-and-froing around you.
It felt very much like a business, and although all pubs are, it was striking to me in this case.
15 Mar 2013 23:04
The Old Queens Head, Sheffield
A few real ales, and pub grub served unimaginitively in a listed building, though the requirements only seem to apply to the exterior.
It's near the bus station so has time-killers making a half last on cold days etc.
It's perhaps understandable that no one wants to take a chance on a makeover as it's not in the buzzy part of the city: there again, neither is the Fat Cat.
15 Mar 2013 22:51
We've been a few times and it did real ales then, but I'm not sure if that's always the case.
There seemed to be some sort of restriction as to who they admitted on match days which I couldn't fathom.
It's got a modern, fashionable interior, and seems a bit self-conscious.
15 Mar 2013 22:05
R Pomphrey: how bizarre, I was given the same information about the state of health of the bar staff by a customer on another occasion, and it put me off too.
I can only assume it's the same one and his idea of a joke on the non-regulars.
12 Mar 2013 14:47
Nothing much to add really.
Do the couple with the lady in the wheelchair still go there? She seems perfectly capable of walking, and gets up and goes outside for a smoke whenever he's at the bar or in the WCs. They seem to entertain themselves by mouthing off at anyone they've not seen before.
"Troll Cart" says it all, really...
12 Mar 2013 00:10
I always used to find this a great village pub: a long thinnish single gallery, but partitioned between a bar at the front and carpeted area at the rear. It sold still, headless Bass, from a tressle, and it was always in fine form.
Still looks the same from the outside, must look in again.
10 Mar 2013 18:38
Could have been worse, for what appeared to be a chain pub.
It had real ales and the food was passable, but it seemed a bit of an industrial catering outlet.
That said, it seemed the best for some way around.
10 Mar 2013 18:01
The Berkeley Arms Hotel, Southport
Like so many.
I do remember though, being first customer in early one evening. I waited five minutes while the two staff chatted. Another customer came in. We waited another five minutes. Eventually one of the bar staff turned to us and said "who's first?".
I wonder if they got re-employed?
10 Mar 2013 14:54
Always a fun place in my experience.
Last time I went, a young lady near us complained she was too hot. So my tall, well-spoken buddy kindly offered to open the antique lead glass window. The whole casement came off its hinges in his hands, and he was left holding it. "Good Lord! I seem to have dismantled the entire apparatus" he remarked. The scouse girl decided he was just weird on hearing this, and moved away...
10 Mar 2013 10:17
10/10 whenever I've been.
There are some suspect comments here. If you doubt mine check the rest of my postings.
9 Mar 2013 18:32
I'm glad to see all the mudslinging's been deleted on this excellent pub.
10/10 from me whenever I've been. If you doubt my authenticity look at the rest of my comments.
9 Mar 2013 18:25
Pity I was driving when I stopped in here.
A lovely pint and decent enough grub.
Friendly staff.
7 Mar 2013 23:37
It's a boutique hotel-style pub, with the atmosphere and clientele typical of a fair few in Brighton.
Beers and food are good though.
Recommended, but not for the insular or uptight.
6 Mar 2013 19:55
I always found this quite a welcoming little pub and the beer's been good too.
The food's been simple but fine, even if the descent to the WCs is a bit tortuous.
Being a small place, if you get the wrong type in, you can't get far away, though.
6 Mar 2013 19:50
I whiled away a pleasant hour or so here, waiting for someone to make up his mind what we were doing in the area.
It must have been OK, because I soon lost interest, and got on with savouring the beer.
6 Mar 2013 16:45
I was in there last night, a Tuesday.
I thought the namesake beer was drinkable enough, and the food edible and competitively priced.
The clientele seemed a bit rough here and there, but it's quite a big place so to be expected.
The old building's been refitted inside and not that sympathetically. You'd think it was an inner city lager hall really.
The young male staff seemed as you'd expect NMWers to be: don't know if they were.
6 Mar 2013 15:59
The Hole int' Wall, Bowness on Windermere
Interesting place as others have said.
I didn't try the food but the one ale I had was fine.
The staff were friendly and chatty, but it was an otherwise quiet time.
3 Mar 2013 19:23
More recently, I found this pub much better than the exterior might suggest.
Real ales were on offer and the food was quite OK.
1 Mar 2013 18:11
Used to drink here when staying at the nearby turf farm.
Was pretty well OK then and sounds fine now.
Worth another call, I'd say.
1 Mar 2013 18:03
I was almost a regular here for a time, and the reviews seem to say that despite change of ownership it's much the same.
Must look in again if passing.
1 Mar 2013 17:37
It's a long time since I was here but pleased to read people are still generally happy.
I had a fantastic dressed crab I seem to remember, which went well with the Harvey's.
1 Mar 2013 17:34
I thought this was the nicest pub in the vicinity.
The real ales were fine, it was civilised and comfortable.
It's a while back now, but I was struck by the quizmaster who used no microphone and had a fine natural voice. It really made a pleasant change from the idiot who loves the sound of his own voice coming through booming loudspeakers. The questions were of interesting GN too, rather than sport and trivia.
27 Feb 2013 19:42
I've been in here a quite a few times over the years, and it always seemed fair enough.
Glad to read that it seems pretty well the same.
26 Feb 2013 22:55
Sounds like the place is back to a better standard, as I remember it being some time back.
It always was a bit pricey though, and this perhaps accounts in part for the rating, but I'm a bit suspicious that there's some rivalry here.
26 Feb 2013 22:49
Beer, food, location, staff and decor all pretty good I thought.
I reckon there have been some competitors' patsies downrating here.
9/10 by me.
26 Feb 2013 15:11
A bit tatty, but the single real ale was fine and the food OK whenever I've been.
Chirpy southern hemisphere bar staff, off and on, seems to be a tendency.
24 Feb 2013 20:38
I went in one snowy night near Christmas.
Couldn't have been better for atmosphere. The limited range of beers seemed fine and were well kept.
24 Feb 2013 19:49
More recently I find this as good as ever. The cherry would have been a guest beer alongside the Fullers' range (and I prefer their summer offerings too), but I'm puzzled as to why this is lower rated than the Haven Arms adjacent.
24 Feb 2013 18:16
I was disappointed to see no handles here as well.
That said, the pints of OBB I had were reasonably OK and the atmosphere fairly convivial.
24 Feb 2013 18:10
When I was there it was winter, but the pub was rather warm.
The nice lighting made it very cosy, and the beers were good too. We thought it was about the best in the area.
24 Feb 2013 18:07
I've passed a few jolly evenings here, though not of late.
As I recall the beer was good, some nice session strengths, though the decor was nothing special.
21 Feb 2013 18:11
Sounds much as it was when I last looked in: basic, but a valuable find in the area.
The beer was fine on the occasions I was there.
21 Feb 2013 15:01
Great ambience, beer and food when I've been here.
As others have said, best out-of-season (whenever that might be).
21 Feb 2013 14:29
Slightly less expensive than the River House by the water nearby, but perhaps not worth the saving, given the views and general ambience there.
The beer was OK but dear, and nothing much else sticks in the mind.
21 Feb 2013 14:20
Can only agree with those who found this a puzzling place: however, we had a good pint of Guiness in a friendly atmosphere before going to The Alpha for a pint of hand pulled.
21 Feb 2013 13:35
I thought this pub was the best we found in Slough a couple of years back: in particular because it was not subject to what Funky's last remark says it now is.
Let's hope they move on.
21 Feb 2013 13:27
This takes some finding if you don't know the area, but is worth it.
Good real ales and better-than-average pub food, friendly staff.
Pleasant, amiable atmosphere.
19 Feb 2013 16:55
I thought it was an interesting place a couple of years back, with good beers.
I hope the new management continue the better points.
19 Feb 2013 16:44
We found this by far the best pub in Llandudno.
Interesting setting, good beer and food at just about bearable prices.
Nice to sit out in good weather.
19 Feb 2013 15:33
Truly lovely old place.
Wish we could have spent much, much longer here.
19 Feb 2013 13:17
Some fair comments here I think.
Snarling Mallard's sums up my own observations best I'd say.
As some have said, you feel fairly safe, but at the same time you mind your own business.
19 Feb 2013 11:09
A real oasis.
Fascinating warren of extensions in which to take real ale, curries, kebabs etc. behind the traditional facade.
Really lively, friendly, relaxed atmosphere served by convivial staff.
By far the best place for miles.
18 Feb 2013 18:32
Always a relief on shopping trips to fall in here.
"Does this dress make my bum look big?" "No. Your bum makes the dress look big".
Local brews always seem fine, and the food's apparently home cooked too.
18 Feb 2013 16:24
The Old Bell Tavern, Harrogate
Pleased to read it seems much the same as when I last visited.
18 Feb 2013 15:36
I stayed here many years back, and had a fantastic time.
Have popped in more recently, and I'm glad to see it's still a fine place.
18 Feb 2013 15:25
Great place: character, nice old building, timeless interior, good beers and hearty food.
Worth seeking out.
18 Feb 2013 15:15
I was there a bit more recently and both food and beers were good.
18 Feb 2013 15:03
I had a few pleasantish summer evenings in the garden.
The beer was OK, but pricey. That might have kept certain elements away to a degree, but from other reviews it doesn't seem entirely successful.
I didn't find much else in the vicinity, however.
18 Feb 2013 14:37
I've had many a good pint and chat here over the years, but it's perhaps best avoided when there's a tennis tournament on.
18 Feb 2013 14:01
I had great pints of Harvey's here, and good food too.
Friendly staff and locals, worth a detour I'd say.
18 Feb 2013 13:55
It's in an otherwise pub vacuum, but if you don't mind a pint of Guiness with a meal, then it might have to do...
18 Feb 2013 13:43
The Bishop Blaize, Old Trafford
Easily one of the better JDWs I've visited.
Youngish, chipper staff and customers, lively atmosphere, beer better than usual JDW's, food up to expectations.
18 Feb 2013 13:39
The Royal Albert, Crystal Palace
It was just about OK a few few years back.
Sorry to read it seems to have gone down.
18 Feb 2013 13:33
The Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace
Delighted to see from the reviews that this place seems to have changed, from what it was when I looked in a few years back.
18 Feb 2013 13:25
I spent a few pleasant weekday lunchtimes here some time back: beer and food both acceptable as I recall.
Given the residential setting I'd expect that could change a bit at weekends/holidays etc.
18 Feb 2013 13:04
The Carpenters Arms, Shirenewton
Sadly this has been off my circuit for some time, but reading the reviews I'm reminded to make a detour for old times' sake.
There were indeed some great storytellers among the regulars, and I hope they're still doing well.
17 Feb 2013 17:09
Food and beer were good in the historic building and setting, but it lacked atmosphere for us. As others suggest, that's probably because it felt as if it was trying not to be a pub.
17 Feb 2013 16:55
We stumbled upon this after a clamber among the Roaches.
A characterful place with a definite identity, good food and ales.
I'd say we were lucky to find it.
17 Feb 2013 16:37
The Pilot Inn, North Greenwich
This pub and the adjoining cottages are by far the best things on the peninsula.
I thoroughly enjoyed the place, its beers and its food.
It's well worth a visit, but there's nothing much else worth seeing for a few miles around...
17 Feb 2013 15:59
The Triangle Tavern, Lowestoft
I've not been for a while, but I thought it was the best of the bunch I tried in Lowestoft too.
Good beers, pleasant staff and customers, lively, amiable atmosphere, simple, clean decor.
"No fault found".
17 Feb 2013 11:58
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
The nicest pub we found in Great Yarmouth, and so we passed several very enjoyable evenings there.
There was an interesting selection of beers, all in good condition and very professionally served.
Fascinating ornaments, artefacts, pictures etc. are dotted about the place too.
17 Feb 2013 11:54
It's in what would otherwise be a pub desert, so it's to be valued for what it is.
There are usually a few perfectly good beers on handles, and the food's been generally OK for pub grub.
It's a residential estate type building with no particular character, but on the whole it's a convivial and enjoyable place.
16 Feb 2013 23:41
I found the food and beers both of high quality with on-the-ball staff.
Good atmosphere, though they did leave doors and windows open on "warm" summer evenings. The busy staff might not have been chilly, but the customers were.
Pleasant, darkish, woody interior meant the hubbub never became too loud.
16 Feb 2013 22:54
The Shepherd and Shepherdess, Beamish
I've not been for some time, but the recent reviews suggest it's much the same.
I've had plenty of good ale and decent enough food here though, and it's good to see that apparently continues.
I even saw in the new year here once, but not through choice...
16 Feb 2013 22:14
A nice find in a pocket of what remains of old Birmingham, (the historic gunsmiths' quarter I was told).
It's a relatively short walk through underpasses etc. beneath 1960s/70s highways developments, from the equally brutal contemporary hotels in the area (if you should find yourself immured therein).
Hearty bar food ands real ales are on offer in cosy family-feeling surroundings, around large tables, and with plenty of quaint ceramics at which to gaze,
16 Feb 2013 21:51
Pleasant, comfy place with a good range of ales whenever I've been.
Civil customers and staff: count for much with me.
However, not much mentioned is that it's extremely handy as an RV for aperitifs before a meal in one of any of several excellent restaurants nearby: curries, Lebanese, Greek etc.
16 Feb 2013 21:23
Pretty jolly I thought: cheapish beer, fair real ales, passable music, wet sticky tables, noisy, young customers, usually busy, etc. etc,
16 Feb 2013 21:10
I remember this pub, for one thing, because it's one where many years back, I had no choice but to get into a bit of a scuffle.
It seemed to attract PTSD psychos back then, but has been done up, though remains a Sam Smiths' pub. I like that brewery. (I'm not sure if that's because I'm led to believe it's the only traditional one that has never contributed to the tory party or not).
Anyway, the surroundings have been improved, though I'm not sure if the clientele has to any great extent.
16 Feb 2013 20:59
I remember this when it was a Wards' pub, and in some ways it's changed surprisingly little.
I think the comments here are generally fair.
I've had some good pints of local brew of an evening, and decent lunches in the warm sunny conservatory too.
It's the best in the immediate vicinity, I'd say.
16 Feb 2013 20:47
It's a students' pub sure enough, but a very friendly one, and does sometimes have real ale.
Meals are, unsurprisingly, very good value, and if you go with the right attitude you can enjoy the place whatever your age.
16 Feb 2013 20:38
Well worth the walk down from hotel land, and more to the point, the one back up.
Beautiful period interior, tastefully fitted out, and excellent range of beers in perfect condition were what I found.
Well done all.
16 Feb 2013 19:17
I've paid sporadic visits over many years and they've always been happy ones.
Good pints of Marstons and enjoyable food served amiably.
Pleasant to sit out when the weather suits, and watch the world.
11 Feb 2013 20:07
Very comfortable, welcoming pub.
I've always found the beers tip-top, and the food much more interesting than standard pub serving.
Customers seem like a civilised bunch on the whole, which counts for a lot.
8 Feb 2013 17:54
The Who'd A Thought It, Glastonbury
"Who'd A Thought It ? Who Can Afford It, more like....." rioathmusV
===
Best comment on the thread for me.
I had a fairly OK evening here, but there seemed to be pressure from the bar for us to finish a barrel he claimed he'd got in specially.
8 Feb 2013 17:32
There's a lot written here that's highly subjective and expectation-related.
I'd say it's easily in the top 20% of Manchester pubs, does proper beer, and is generally worth a try.
8 Feb 2013 17:21
Nice enough beers and pleasant surroundings, decent food too.
If you're at Twickenham, don't try the shortcut through the sewage works though, unless you've a strong stomach...
7 Feb 2013 21:07
Having read the reviews it's clear why it all went a bit quiet when I tried to engage the patron in a bit of banter...fortunately (for me it seems) he managed to take it in the spirit it was meant.
I really liked the place anyway: loads of character, I enjoyed the beer and the food. Was sorry that time was not on my side for the visit, could have spent ages there.
7 Feb 2013 20:51
Characterless, no real ale, modern "purpose-built" business.
I had a "Sunday" roast. I was asked if everything was all right. My only question was as to on which Sunday, exactly, the food was cooked.
To be fair, I was offered a refund (which I refused since the food was exactly as I'd expected it to be).
7 Feb 2013 20:32
The Briton's Protection Hotel, Castlefield
My favourite Manchester pub.
I agree with the positive reviews below.
When I've eaten there I've found the food much better than most too.
The atmosphere in the front bar's generally very convivial and lively.
7 Feb 2013 19:55
Usually has a selection of local brews on handles, but at the stronger end rather than session strength.
Does fair pub grub reasonably.
The interior's a bit drab and uninspiring, and the locals not much different, I found.
The last point's the main down for me.
7 Feb 2013 19:31
I remember that too, greyhead.
He used to sound last orders with a rubber-bulb vintage car hooter or something as I recall...
7 Feb 2013 15:02
The Volunteer Riflemans Arms, Bath
There's a lot of obvious silliness on this thread which does the pub no favours.
I called in today. it's one of a type to be found in Bath: period, single-room, real ale micro-house. That is, intrinsically lovely, so why the hyperbole and BS?
It seems to have a (possibly ex-military) small bunch of regulars, who are a bit proprietorial, though a hoot if viewed appropriately. You won't go short of an opinion on whatever comes up.
Good beer, better entertainment.
6 Feb 2013 23:12
Characterful, tiny, period pub supplying the local brews.
It's what you come to Bath to find.
Basic simple pub grub too.
6 Feb 2013 23:03
I've been out-of-season a lot and I like it.
It's mainly a hotel bar, but usually busy so the beer's turned over. I've had lovely pints of St. Austell's there.
The bar food is above average quality, I had a very succulent tasty steak.
Polzeath is a youngsters' attraction and the patronage reflects this with chipper, high-spirited groups.
It seems to be styled along Aussie lines, perhaps to go with the grain of surfing "culture".
I'm surprised at the low rating so give it 8.
5 Feb 2013 20:00
OK for what it is.
The small range of beers are fine and the food meets expectations.
Staff are friendly and on the ball.
There's plenty of car parking.
5 Feb 2013 19:54
I was surprised at how spartan the interior was.
There seemed to be no comfy chairs, and the benches were part of the structure with very straight backs, no pictures or ornaments.
We'd had better pints of St. Austell's in the locality too.
When the barman asked me for the money, the locals' conversation stopped, as if I'd been charged a tourist rate maybe.
As I left the bar there were chuckles, but I couldn't discern about what.
If you'd arranged a pub so a fight would cause minimum damage, it would be like this.
5 Feb 2013 19:50
This pub was at its best in the 1970s, when the miners were chipper and it just served Mansfield ales (showing my age and politics).
A big bloke used to work on cars round the back. He didn't bother with jacks, just used to lift them onto blocks.
It had live music, and there used to be a stupendous hard blues/rock outfit from Nottingham called "Staple Diet" on Tuesdays...happy days indeed.
5 Feb 2013 18:35
The Yew Tree 'Time well spent', Reigate Hill
Good real ale, good food, pleasant building and easy parking. Nicer than most in the town centre I thought.
I'd certainly call in if passing.
5 Feb 2013 16:40
I was there a couple of years ago and liked it.
I hope it's been restored to something like it was then.
I remember we went to the Pad Thai afterwards, and the evening was spoiled by a screaming match between the manageress and a dissatisfied customer. Not the best of PR...however, there's a steak and mussel place in West Malling too, and that was excellent.
5 Feb 2013 16:34
Perfectly jolly place for a real ale session with friends.
Fair mixture of locals, mostly friendly and chatty.
5 Feb 2013 16:29
I've always enjoyed the beer here, though some recent comments suggest things have become a bit chaotic.
Let's hope it's just a passing phase.
5 Feb 2013 16:05
The carvery's good value and what you'd expect in the area (!)
As a pub you'll get a fair pint of Pride etc. and that's about it. Not much atmosphere: loud music, motel clientele, and a few locals who can't be bothered to go any further.
Boring "purpose-built" affair it seems as a building.
5 Feb 2013 15:53
Reasonable food and a few real ales.
As others have said, there can be a local element who spoil the atmosphere, and of the older variety too.
5 Feb 2013 15:48
I've spent two very pleasant evenings here, but many years apart.
On the first, the landlord was a proud trade unionist, and the wall was adorned with commemorative china plaques and plates from various historic industrial disputes.
More recently, all trace of this past had gone, but the locals were still convivial and the beer fine. One of them went through his routine of trying to sell me a chicken coop, which he does on first acquaintance with everyone I'm informed. You've been told.
5 Feb 2013 15:33
I sat outside on a pleasant summer's evening, and there was something of a cameo, as a shiny car swept into the car park and a very apparently self-confident young blonde lady trotted up to the pub, breezing among the customers, provoking some to remark it seemed she thought she owned the place.
It turned out she was, however, the landlord's then new girlfriend, I was told.
Food and beer seemed good and unaffected by this though.
5 Feb 2013 15:27
I've not been for a while, but the reviews say it's much the same.
I must look in again some time.
5 Feb 2013 15:09
Interesting, cosy little place which has really worked for me each time I've been.
Only a couple of real ales, but served well, and the very convivial atmosphere made for a highly enjoyable evening.
There isn't anywhere else like this.
5 Feb 2013 15:01
Good range of real ales, and bar staff happy to offer tasters, describe flavours and make recommendations.
Pleasant atmosphere, well worth an evening if you're in Southport.
5 Feb 2013 14:56
One of the few pubs in Barking not closed down and barricaded, it appeared.
An interesting area to walk round on market day: bush meat and bongo music on offer it seemed to me.
I'm not sure whether the West African culture sits well with English pubs, which might have explained some of the closures.
I think my curiosity's satisfied as to drinking in Barking though.
5 Feb 2013 14:39
There's not much else in the area, and so it's worth the walk up the hill for an acceptable pint of real ale.
The food's pretty standard British pub stuff, but OK enough.
It seems to attract a representative range of customers from a fairly cosmopolitan though unpretentious area.
5 Feb 2013 14:34
Very cosy, friendly pub with good food and well kept beer.
Escapees from Lakeside should acquaint themselves.
5 Feb 2013 14:12
Fair enough for a pint of Guiness, lively enough.
Not a real ale enthusiast's place.
5 Feb 2013 14:02
I've been here quite a lot in winter, and I've sometimes found it a bit chilly.
There are usually a few well drinkable real ales though, and the food can sometimes by very good.
Local groups. e.g. the netball team use it as an RV, but it's often quiet.
5 Feb 2013 13:49
Escape parties from Potters will be relieved to stumble upon this.
I've not been since the new landlord took over, but was a regular for some years, and noted the deterioration.
I'm pleased to read the review since, and trust that more is being made of its fine potential..
5 Feb 2013 13:44
I too winced at the prices, and I seem to recall a similar experience of thinking I'd been short-changed for a tenner, and being told it was a five, though perhaps that was somewhere else...
That would be a pity really, given the genteel surroundings and garden.
Beware race meeting times though: the clientele can be surprisingly rough in the evenings, when the travelling entourage are in the locality.
5 Feb 2013 12:45
This is a good all-round country pub, and it also does rooms, (handy if you're making a night of it, as a rendezyous with friends).
There's a decent selection of beers, hearty food and friendly staff. Quiz night is Wednesday, I seem to remember.
5 Feb 2013 12:32
The Plough and Harrow, Monknash
This was, for me, for years, the nicest pub for miles and miles.
The food was about the best pub Sunday lunch I'd ever had, and the beers lovely.
However, on my last visit, it had changed hands. To her credit, the new landlady had carried on as the last left off.
Unfortunately though, she'd brought with her, unintentionally I'd expect, some sports car obsessed, in-everyone's-faces, quite obnoxious showoffs, whom the previous tenants had banned, but with whom she seemed unable to deal properly.
This ruined it for us and we've never been back since.
5 Feb 2013 12:17
This used to be known as the Top House ("t' toppaahse") by locals: I don't know if it still is.
I'm encouraged by the reviews: it went through a "down" spell in the 1980s I thought, and I stopped going.
I'll give it another look.
5 Feb 2013 11:56
This is an excellent pub, and great for lunches on non-match days.
The service is good and friendly, with very reasonable prices.
I found the beers excellent, (for instance the Mordue was unbeatable for me).
5 Feb 2013 11:39
A quirky little old jewel tucked away.
Great atmosphere and beer, and deservedly crowded at times.
(You can always try and use the Vermont hotel lift to get up to the Bridge Hotel if you need more space to carry on with the real ale. You might be in luck even if a non-guest).
5 Feb 2013 11:35
It's been regular with me for some years, and has never disappointed.
The good range of beers is generally complemented with fine service.
I've generally cheated, and used the lift in the nearby Vermont hotel, to get from the lower, (Crown Posada) street level up to the Bridge (six floors, I seem to recall). They often stop non-guests at busy times though.
5 Feb 2013 11:28
I've always enjoyed this place, but it can become very crowded.
Well-lit, warm and convivial, and very handy before a Chinese over the road.
There's usually a reasonable selection of quaffable real stuff.
5 Feb 2013 10:50
The Three Judges, Partick Cross
Excellent real ale outlet with expert landlord, always ready for an informative chat on the brews of Scotland.
Very handy if you're at Kelvin Hall etc. and only a short walk to good restaurants too.
5 Feb 2013 10:44
A nice comfy pub, had live music when I was last there, but ruined by a bunch of loudmouths stood in front of me who piled their coats beside me on the sofa.
(I gathered their slops together in one glass, and tipped them over the coats when they weren't looking. However, a guy over the room spotted it, and came to have a word. I managed to make a run for it, but was spotted diving into the Anchor across the way. I'd locked myself in my room by the time the receptionist had to deal with them: she did well in threatening them with the cops, but stared deeply into my eyes in the morning...).
Anyway, I had a few nice pints of Tribute before all that, and the musician/singers were excellent.
3 Feb 2013 22:44
Really nice little Youngs' pub, does good food and has a pleasant rear garden.
It's away from the busy town centre among narrow residential Georgian streets.
It's known amongst some locals to this day as "The Tolly" (from when it used to be a Tolly Cobbold inn).
3 Feb 2013 21:49
I've been going off and on for some years now.
I always enjoy the Discovery, and am tempted by the food but haven't tried it yet.
Very friendly staff who note whose turn it is to be served. That's very much appreciated and is rare these days.
3 Feb 2013 21:44
It's the best traditional real ale pub in the immediate locality, though becomes very noisy and crowded. Getting served and negotiating the different levels, narrow passages etc. can make getting rounds a chore, and I've had a more relaxing evening to be honest.
3 Feb 2013 21:38
Wonderful period interior with a range of fascinating features.
I found the ales well-kept and the evening atmosphere very lively. After escaping from the warren of the nearby Paragon Hotel it was a truly welcome find.
It's just about not too far to walk for a curry afterwards either.
3 Feb 2013 21:30
The Prince of Wales, Birmingham
A period remnant, among the mixture of post-modern and brutalist development in the area, and very welcome as such.
Good range of real ales and hearty lunches when I've been there. The friendly, unpretentious local clientele mixes easily with overspill from conferences and events nearby.
I thought the interior was comfortably lived-in.
3 Feb 2013 21:25
Excellent pub with well kept ales: I second most of the positive comments here.
Often surprisingly quiet though, so a great place to go in a group and take over a corner.
The Thai food is typical of the UK genre, and perfectly good after your sharpeners.
3 Feb 2013 21:14
I've been a few times. It's a country roadside inn which does perfectly good food and keeps some real ales pleasantly.
It's set in typical Peak District terrain, at a fairly high elevation.
It seems to expect its clientele to be of the older age bracket, and that perhaps becomes self-fulfilling for no other reason.
3 Feb 2013 21:08
A mysterious pub in a way. A factual description of all its attributes would not impress greatly, yet it is much more than the sum of those, and I found it worked really well.
Real ales are well kept, and though not a gastropub the food easily meets expectations.
The in-places-utilitarian 1960s/70s features that remain add a quirky interest. The atmosphere and service are great. In fine weather the village location makes sitting outside a pleasure.
19 Jan 2013 21:12
John Bonser:
"...Why do women have to screech and shriek so often without good reason?..."
===
Come on! This is Yorkshire. It's to let those making less noise know that they're having a better time than them. The men can be every bit as bad with forced guffaws etc.
I've never come across that myself in The Three Pigeons though, glad to report.
10 Dec 2012 15:49
I agree with everything I've read here. Study the map carefully, but get there.
16 Apr 2012 01:01
What could otherwise be a quaint old pub somehow did not work for me. The real ales, Taylors, were fine and the views were good, but there was somehow a gloomy atmosphere, and a few dour locals made me feel out-of-place.
16 Apr 2012 00:41
A very welcoming pub in an old building and pleasant setting. First-class real ales are to be had there. It's not too much a locals' pub, so if you've travelled to get there you won't feel a stranger. I don't go often, but when I do, I always feel at home.
16 Apr 2012 00:29
A fascinating pub, apparently made of some terraced housed knocked-through! Intelligent, articulate customers, ready to chat on almost any subject, and well-kept real ales. You won't find anything similar elsewhere with much ease. Parking no problem in the vicinity, and good restaurants nearby in King Cross, if you're calling for a sharpener.
16 Apr 2012 00:17
Truly first-rate establishment. The staff have a sensitivity to what's good in food, drink and atmosphere that's a real privilege from which to benefit. Understandably, in turn the pub attracts customers who appreciate these things, so your chances of striking up a genuinely interesting and informative conversation are better here than anywhere else locally, I'd say. Substantial, traditional structure in an old building, with some tasteful modern touches.
15 Apr 2012 21:11
I've been a few times since my last post, and the beer quality has since been consistently good, especially the Copper Dragon beers. The local loudmouths are only a consideration during otherwise quiet times, mainly during weekdays daytime/early evenings. I agree with the other poster that the staff are very friendly and attentive. Food is generally good quality, and the pricing seems better judged now. The management has changed in recent times, and I think the present incumbents are getting the feel of the tiller.
15 Apr 2012 20:54
Really good beer and staff, did home-made curries when I've been there, chatty friendly customers, can't fault it.
30 Jan 2011 13:53
I agree with the earlier favourable comments but would recommend quieter times especially in the summer months. The pub attracts its fair share of showoffs on Fridays and Saturdays, who can detract from otherwise excellent surroundings and beers.
12 Oct 2010 20:49
The Travellers Inn, Hipperholme
For the real ale drinker and lover of traditional pubs this is perfect in almost every way. A wide range of guest beers alongside those from Ossett in perfect condition, friendly staff and convivial customers in a Yorkshire stone flagged and slated building. The interior has been very well refurbished in age-old solid style. Parking on the hill outside can be a bit tricky but you'll manage. (The earlier tip re the camping shop is out of date as I gather that has closed).
12 Oct 2010 20:02
In my opinion what could be a nice old pub is spoiled by too much space given to over-expensive yet unexceptional dining. The little that remains is often dominated by a few loudly-spoken locals who appear to think the unremarkable surroundings are a prestigious village of some sort, want everyone to know how much money they (would wish to appear to) have, and to hear all the matters in which they believe they are an authority. The quality of the beer is very variable, though an excellent pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Copper Dragon ""Golden Pippin" etc. can be had on occasions. On others it has appeared to me to be a dilute form of condiment. The pub is reputed to have been partly built from an old ship's timbers of the same name, and has some quaint old features.
12 Oct 2010 19:54
The Beehive Inn, Cheltenham
Finding myself alone and temporarily free (for reasons, dear reader, which need not detain us) I decided to do a surveillance pass on the Beehive.
Well, it has much to recommend it. It is a period building among the more compact Georgian terraces behind the grander splendour of this lovely town. Its multi-roomed but basic interior retains plenty of historic character. It featured about six ales when I called, and offered display jars and tasters. The menu sported hearty traditional fare, such as Tom's this, Brian's that and Belinda's the other. The appetising smell of baking pies was apparent from fifty paces as I approached the pub too.
However, there were some spoilers. There was a detectable canine odour, and worse still, a doggy bowl by the fireplace. Well-controlled and presentable dogs are to be tolerated in some (but not all) pubs, but absolutely never to be encouraged, especially in ones which also purport to be eateries. Among the newspapers on offer (I am being generous) the only national one was the Daily Mail. (I think that that deserves a two-point mark down alone). Worse still though, was that on this cold March day the stove was unlit, and instead contained two flickering night-lights A group of middle-aged men sat, like me, wearing their coats and jackets. When a customer remarked how cold it was he was blustered with a counter that it was "Spring now" and "Tee-shirts and shorts weather".
So six-out-of-ten, for a pub which could so easily have scored very highly.
2 Mar 2017 17:33