The Old Ford, North Camp

The world's last proper pub now the "Tumbly" has been murdered.

Beer is horrible but the atmosphere is good. Unusually for pubs these days you are actively encouraged to enjoy yourself whilst on the premises. Rapidly becoming a favourite of mine.

19 Apr 2008 17:20

The Queens Head, Farnborough

Never heard of it.

19 Apr 2008 17:17

The Prince of Wales, Farnborough

I have to admit a bit of a soft spot for the POW. Probably the last "proper" pub left in Farnborough. If you're not a regular or if lager is your tipple be prepared to be ignored by the bar staff.

19 Apr 2008 17:15

The Ham and Blackbird, Farnborough

Less atmosphere than the Moon and the food can be terrible. Give it a miss.

19 Apr 2008 17:12

The Swan, Farnborough

The "Old Swan" was literally crumbling and filthy so I was really looking forward to seeing what the new place was like. I really shouldn't have bothered.

The refurb is a bit mediocre and nothing seems to match. It's like a standard brewery makeover that's been "improved" by a Granny, nice curtains and some cushions kind of thing. As posted previously the aviation heritage has been completely ignored.

The current owners seem to despise anyone that actually has the audacity to live in Farnborough and generally the whole atmosphere is snobby and condescending. The staff seem poorly trained, ordering a beer can take ages and when it does arrive it's generally flat. At �3.30 a pint this is a little disappointing. Also, if you're not interested in food the staff aren't interested in you!!! The food is average but sold at gourmet prices. Portions are miniscule.

There seems to be absolutely no provision for smokers, while looking at the garden I saw a few huddled in a storage area by the kitchen.

Now the good points:
1. The toilets are clean

All in all very disappointing and not somewhere I will be visiting again in a hurry.

19 Apr 2008 17:10

The Squirrel, North Camp

Since the Swan got vandalised this is probably the last "safe" pub in Farnborough where you can have a few beers and a good laugh without either a) being murdered or b) getting kicked out for enjoying yourself.

Under 14's are a no no except in the garden. Good policy in my mind. For you filthy smokers there's a very good shelter and it keeps most of the rain off.

Beer wise they have a good reputation for real ales and the lagers are always cold, fizzy and wet. What more do you need? It's also pretty good value, �2.70 for a "premium" lager.

The food can be variable to say the least but is usually good around lunchtime/early afternoon. Portion sizes are good, one look at the landlord will testify to that. Curry night on a Thursday is VERY popular, be prepared to wait ages at the bar to order. It does tend to arrive pretty quickly and comes with a nan the size of Wales. Unfortunately the gnomes at Ember Towers decided that the quiz should be on the same night so finding a seat can be difficult. Eating a curry standing up is tricky to say the least.

All in all a pretty good pub. If you fancy a real laugh pop over to naughty corner (right hand side of the bar).

19 Apr 2008 16:44