BITE user comments - lenzarov
Comments by lenzarov
The strange thing about most of these reviews is that they're probably all true! The pub is indeed a dump, but a friendly enough one, too. It's largely the clientele rather than the staff that let it down. A greater commitment to real ale might be nice, although this unlikey to happen, given the lack of demand.
26 Aug 2009 19:55
I used to use The King's Head back in the late 70s when I worked in Acton. The Pride was always excellent, & the vibe decent enough.
So, it was with trepidation that I had a pint there last Friday early 2.30pmish.
But, pleasantly surprised & relieved I was that the Pride was still in great nick, & the pub & vibe fine. It was pretty quiet- about 4 of us-, & was definitely a good choice bolt hole away from the high street traffic & crowds. (I expect the fine weather played its role in all this!)
So, I'll rate it 8 on this one visit in over 30 years, & hope that things stay much the same there.
6 Aug 2009 18:20
OK, I really like this pub, & (as others have said) it's an oasis in the arid Hammersmith beer desert.
However, yesterday evening, I just had to point out to the barstaff that glasses should be grasped at the base, not the rim. The blonde, East European girl attempting to serve me thus didn't seem to get what I was saying at all at first. When she understood, she defended her practice with 'I've worked here 3 years & nobody's said anything', walking away as she said it.
I spoke to the assistant manager, who was just as dense. I had to demonstate with a spare glass before HE got it!
As he & the barmaid had each been similarly obtuse, dismissive & defensive, I thought I'd better speak to the manager. He was most concerned about my problem, offered me a drink, & seemed to take my complaint seriously.
I suppose this is a question of using foreign labour cheaply & not training them to British standards of hygiene, health & safety. Hopefully, the manager will resolve this glitch, & I personally am not going to take the matter to Fuller's.
In a way, it's the staw that broke the camel's back with me, as I've seen this kind of thing in just too many pubs everywhere in recent years. Some Wetherspoon's have a notice behind the bar reminding staff of good practice; but even there, it can happen!
Rant over...The Salutation is still worth visiting, along with The Ram, Dove & Blue Anchor.
I
1 Aug 2009 12:45
I've been visiting The Tom Cribb for several years now, & the beer is always top notch, the staff attentive & friendly, & the general atmosphere excellent. If I had to quibble- which I don't, really!-, I'd say an improvement might be that food could be served on Sundays, or that it could be more plainly advertised that none is. Many tourists inspect the menu on the wall thoroughly, choose, but are then disappointed when they try to order.
This is a brilliant pub, though, & I wouldn't change anything!
25 Jul 2009 13:31
The Rose and Crown, Ealing
My friends & I stopped going to this place after (a) being overlooked & then denied last orders when the clock was plainly wrong, & (b) the darts' board was removed to even-more poncify the place...Gastro, expensive & pretentious spring to mind.
5 Jan 2010 14:02