BITE user comments - marcus_SE16
Comments by marcus_SE16
The Yellow House Bar and Kitchen, Surrey Quays
Not sure this counts as a pub (though the building once was...) but will review the bar, and the food incidentally.
The bar is perhaps 25% of the table space and is modern-kitsch in decor. This perhaps isn't quite hitting the look, but I'm at a loss to describe better. Sort of how your dad's trendy early 70's boss might have done his dining room or lounge. Comfy enough. Open areas and a corner to get lost in. Drinks: couple of draught lagers, and my favourite, Hoegaarden. Good wine list, available by glass and bottle. Service friendly and precise.
Food varies from pizza (all organic or similar ingredients) to varying stuff but usally has steak, burgers, some interesting fish. In general been very happy with all the food I've ordered - but it's not pub prices.
11 Apr 2011 16:15
I also feel some previous reviews were unkind. The beer (Fullers London Pride, ESB and visiting ones) plus usual lagers/Hoegarden etc are generally kept well. If your pint is cloudy or 'wrong', take it back before you drink half of it and I'm sure they'll change it! Food: Ok, this isn't a gastro-pub and doesn't pretend to be, and the prices relect that. But the food is usually fine, and the all-day breakfast (at greasy-spoon prices) should only be attempted if you are ravenous. I would however think twice about the chilli because as a confirmed carnivor I was struggling not to ask them to add "vegetarian" in front of the description. Nothing wrong with it - just not for me.
The views down Greenland Dock make this place special, and Summer afternoons/evenings were made for lazing at the tables, having a pint, nattering to friends and laughing at joggers doing their laps of the dock. In Winter, watching the rain lash against the floor-to-ceiling windows can be equally rewarding. You just get less lycra to admire.
11 Apr 2011 16:01
The Ship and Whale, Rotherhithe
This place has had its ups and downs - various management changes over the last 10 years have not always been for the positive. However, we've now had the better part of a year with Jon and his 'team' (notably the charming Pasha)and they have settled in nicely. Food has excellent before and I am pleased to say definitely heading that way again. Well-kept Shepherd Neame beers (notably Spitfire) are complimented by a great wine-list - probably the only pub in the area I would say this about! Monday to Wednesday they do food specials which generally are brilliant value (usually 2 for 1s), and there's a quiz (Wednesday I think) and poker (Thurs) for those seeking more than a pint or grub.
Decor is brightened from the deep red it was a year or so back, and whilst I'm not a massive fan of the wood floor, it's probably better than the old sticky carpet.... Outside there's plenty of space and a bbq for the coming summer. I'd get down there before all the tables are taken...
11 Apr 2011 15:47
The Blacksmith's Arms, Rotherhithe
I go in here regularly - both for a pint (well kept London Pride) and for a bite of Thai food with mates or the ball'n'chain (hope I'm annonymous on here to get away with that one...). It's usually around �8-9 for the food, which basically puts it into the take-away bracket so thumbs-up to them on that. Often has sports on a big screen, but this is in no way a "sports bar" and I would bet any unruly behaviour would get short-shrift. Doesn't have Sky Sports, but does get a feed from some other Euro sports channel that includes some Sky games.
Not sure about these references to the 'drunk' landlord! He's always seemed sober enough to me, and very polite with it. Other than him, the team behind the bar are basically the same lasses who act as the 'restaurant' waitresses. My only complaint is that, although efficient, they could be a tad friendlier. It really wouldn't hurt to crack the odd smile or to exchange pleasantries with the customer. Perhaps I'm being overly critical - or maybe I should be thankful for swift and accurate service and value this over friendliness but haphazard approach. Call me picky but can I have both?!
11 Apr 2011 15:31
The Blackwood Arms, Littleworth Common
This pub is under new management since mid-Jan 2011, having been empty on and off for a year or more I was told. The current tenants are very friendly and intent on ensuring their clientele receive a warm welcome with the landlady usually to be found behind the bar and the landlord splitting his time between the kitchen and chatting with customers.
We stopped for a lunchtime pint on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The pub is relatively small and fronts to Littleworth Common on a very quiet road, with facilities for horse riders to tie up their steeds (hay provided!) and an adjacent car park, and to the rear is open fields. There is a large garden with plenty of tables. Evidence of open fires can be seen, though we had gorgeous sunshine. Beers on tap are Brakspear, and the guest ale was a favourite of mine (Hobgoblin). Kept perfectly, I may add. The missus had a couple of different wines (white and a rose) and enjoyed each.
Sadly we couldn't stay for food but the comments coming back as we chatted with the chef/landlord were highly favourable, and the smells coming from the kitchen made resisting somewhat tricky! Sundays seems to be roast day, but otherwise expect sausages, fish pie, chunky sandwiches, ham and chips etc. The serving team are friendly and enthusiastic and don't be surprised to be given a playing card for a table reference - if you get the Joker don't take it too seriously!
To update a couple of the facts from the page, the pub seems to now be open daily except Mondays, and only til mid-tolate afternoon Sunday so I suggest you call to check if you intend a Sunday evening pint.
11 Apr 2011 15:18
The China Hall, Surrey Quays
Great pub - does exactly what it says on the box. It's a boozer. But a friendly one. Sports on the TV, darts, pool. Good beers - in fact one of the only pubs I can never remember sending a pint back in. Nice one Mickey! Tuesdays and Wednesdays from end-April to October it's busy with rugby folks from Southwark park from around 7pm, but as I'm often one of those I'm not complaining.
11 Apr 2011 16:23