BITE user comments - mattygroves
Comments by mattygroves
Once upon a time, pubs were places where the people provided the entertainment - not fruit machines, not large screen TVs, but people. Perhaps some live music, a game of shove ha'penny, a pint or three and lively conversation. Once upon a time has come again at the Sussex Arms.
This pub, just off Twickenham Green harks back to the old days. There are up to 12 (I think) real ales on offer and six real ciders. The ales vary constantly and there is no one 'regular' ale. Just a different selection, even from tiny microbreweries, every day. All draught beer and cider is (as of this writing) £3.50 a pint and they operate a superb loyalty card scheme. Buy 9 beers, get the 10th for free. I use mine regularly.
The food is good, though slightly pricey. The pies are made by AJ and are usually excellent, though the last couple I've had were slightly less good than usually (slightly over cooked meat and pastry).
The atmosphere is lovely. It is an old-fashioned pub - no posh gastro seating here. A long bar displays the plethora of ales on offer and also hides the record player (yep, vinyl) that supplies any recorded (as opposed to live) music. There is a large, decently tended garden.
There is live music many evenings. Again, like with the beer, there is something for (nearly) every taste. I attend with friends every second Monday for the Sessioneers (yep, not a great name, but you get the jist) - acoustic rock, folk, rock n roll and the like. You can also find Irish music, bluegrass, blues - whatever (older) music takes your fancy (I've never seen hip hop or the like, thankfully).
The clientèle varies from the stereotypical real ale drinker (beardy, male, older - including a guy who is the spit of Walder Frey from Game of Thrones) through to younger families and singles.
All in all, a pub I thoroughly recommend.
2 Sep 2013 15:42
Youngs have turned many pubs into slightly upmarket eateries. Thankfully, that hasn't happened here. The Fox and Hounds - a quick walk from Sloan Square tube station - is remarkably traditional and welcoming. And small. It's REALLY small. Being on a little side road though, it doesn't attract the hoards of tourists and so (at least on a Friday lunchtime) seems cosy, not crushed.
This pub is clearly frequented by locals. As I type this, the customers are happily chatting (having no problems with the occasional interjection by yours truly) on a variety of topics - just as a local pub should be.
One of the first things you may notice when you walk in is the presence of two large German Shepherds. Fear not, they are as friendly as the staff and locals...though you may struggle to stand up as they lean on you hoping for some love (be warned - one of them is white - not a good mix with black trousers!).
This is a Youngs' pub, so the choice of beer seems limited to Youngs' Special, Bitter or St Austell Tribute, but the beer is well kept and reasonably priced, especially for the area (around £3.70 a pint). Given its size, food is not its priority. I'm told there are sandwiches available during the day (though not in the evening). There are also the typical bar snacks on offer (crisps, nuts). I didn't sample a sandwich so cannot comment on them.
Despite its small size, there is a surprising amount and variety of seating, from stools, to tables and chairs to a couple of leather sofas. The toilets are adequate - clean and, predictably small.
All in all, this is a lovely, cosy little pub. I gave it a 7; it would have received a 9 from me had it been a free house. Ah well, you can't (always) have everything.
Highly recommended.
22 Mar 2013 14:04
Looking for a pub that serves fusion food at ridiculous prices, London Pride and a wine list as long as your arms? This isn't the pub for you. If, however, you are looking for a pub that serves VERY local beer (as in the beer is brewed upstairs...in the pub), dangerous home-made ginger-ale, pizza on a Friday and darts on a Thursday, has excellent staff and management and friendly locals (and friendly animals - hi Oscar the lab, Thomas the half-Bengal cat and Sam the British Shorthair) this really is the place for you.
The Chequers is a small-ish truly local, yet welcoming pub. The beer is brewed in house (with one guest ale) and beautifully kept. This is an old fashioned pub. The decor is lovely and recently refurbished, but fear not - it's not fru-fru nor trendy. It is a pub and a local one at that.
As I mentioned, in addition to the real ale, there is also a small wine list, the usual small selection of spirits and I'd imagine (I didn't check) the usual lagers on offer. This is not a foodie pub - you can get pizza on Fridays (home-made, apparently - I've not sampled it) and paninis on a Sunday. And that's pretty much it, besides crisps and the like on the food front. This suits me - many of the pubs in the area(ish) have totally turned into restaurants that have cute names and a couple of ales on offer. This is a local pub that instead occasionally has a bit of food on offer - and that's the way it should be.
Sadly, the pub is only open Thursday - Sunday. I would love to know how the landlord keeps his cask ale fresh given those hours, but I suppose as he brews it in house it's not too difficult. Another downside is there is no garden - if you're a smoker you're pretty much reduced to standing in the car park.
Besides the beer, there are two friendly cats and one exceptionally friendly dog. Dogs are welcome in the pub though there is a sign asking you to keep them on leads - I don't know if this is enforced, especially as there is also a sign asking you to keep children on leads.
This is truly an excellent pub which deserves far more custom (and reviews). I would be sad I don't live in the area, except for the fact a sneaky weekday pint is not possible. I do hope it goes from strength to strength.
12 Nov 2012 16:37
Still a lovely pub, nicely redecorated and it's good to see a real increase in custom, especially for food. I do realise the food trade is what is keeping pubs alive and it's grand to see... but...and this is a big but... the prices for beer are now shocking - far higher than anywhere else comparable in the area (such as the Coopers) and higher than other Enterprise Inns - �3.70 for a pint of Betty Soggs - ouch!
15 Feb 2012 10:15
The Rose and Crown, Nether Stowey
It is amazing how so many villages will have a number of pubs within spitting distance of each other. The Rose and Crown is next door to the George, and around the corner (near enough) from the Ancient Mariner. In all fairness, I visited neither of its neighbours, but then, I found the Rose and Crown charming.
I was visiting friends in the village, and this is their pub of choice. We were warmly welcomed (literally - they have a real fire), and offered tasters of the beer (and real cider too). The beer was well kept (I can't quite remember what I drank, but it was a stronger ale (around 5%, if I recall correctly).
The pub offers food, which I didn't try, but am informed it's good pub food. Charles, the landlord, was charming and friendly, and gave me a mini tour - they have a full sized skittle alley. I would imagine it's a bit of a challenge, as you are actually throwing the balls up hill. I wouldn't be good at it.
The pub is also a B&B, though I did not see the rooms. The garden is lovely - much bigger than you'd expect it to be. The bar itself is tiny, and more than one server would struggle to operate behind there. I could see this being a problem on busy days; however, both days we went in it was very quiet - at one point, the only other customer being the very affectionate pub cat. This is a shame, as the pub deserves to thrive.
I would gladly recommend the Rose and Crown, and hope to visit again next time I find myself in Somerset (said, of course, with a stereotypical Somerset accent).
Recommended.
3 Nov 2011 11:55
I stand (well, sit) corrected - we were at the end of a barrel - the problem wasn't the beer itself, but merely the fact it was nearly finished.
As I said, we were treated superbly, and served otherwise excellent beers (and we were especially impressed that we were immediately offered fresh pints even after we'd tasted and ok'd the previous ones).
A great little pub.
2 Nov 2011 17:45
It is variety that is the spice of life. There are pubs that are road houses, that are speciality houses and that are locals. The Mason's Arms falls into the latter category - it is definitely a local, but a wonderful pub. Yes, when we walked in, all eyes (there were maybe 10 customers) swivelled towards us, but in a friendly way. Indeed, it turned out I knew one of the locals, and even recognised the barman from the NPL Sports' Club.
We were immediately welcomed, and offered tasters of the beers on offer (there were four real ales - two guest beers, and two regulars). We tasted (billynibbles and I) and opted for a pint that turned out to be nearly off. The beer, as billyn points out, was off, and it was replaced, no questions asked. The barman knows his beer, and could make recommendations (and suggested I return some time this week for the latest guest selection). The beer is reasonably priced for the area, at around �3.30 a pint.
The pub is fairly brightly lit, thus highlighting the beer memorabilia. Not just beer, indeed, but items highlighting all sorts of drinks from times past and present. There is a digital jukebox, offering almost any music you could wish for - the evening we went, a good deal of folk and rock was being played - just up my street. We heard Fairport Convention, Supertramp, Jethro Tull, Hendrix, amongst others. Yes, it does miss some of the more esoteric music I listen to (no Figgy Duff), but it is superb - �1 for four tracks.
The loos are very clean - it looks like they had recently had a refurb. The corridor leading to the loos does slightly resemble a hotel corridor, but it is well lit and spotlessly clean. The garden is small and backs onto residential gardens, so I've no doubt that it is appreciated that the garden users respect the neighbours. The outside lights weren't working on the evening I was there, but it seemed tidy, if unremarkable.
This is a good, local, real ale pub. I can, based on one visit at least, heartedly recommend it.
22 Oct 2011 13:36
If you visit Woodies' website, it will tell you that it's 'New Malden's Best Kept Secret.' It's so secret, that we had to phone to find it. Boy, are we glad we did.
The superb experience began with the aforementioned phone call. The assistant manager (hi Ben) was so impressed with our determination to visit his establishment, he'd chosen two of the seven (I think) available real ales for us, poured them before we arrived, and bought them for us. He made us drool with a description of last weekend's beer festival (and it was a proper festival at that, with loads of beers on tap), and the brochure from it. We couldn't have been made to feel more welcome.
The pub is indeed hard to find - it is in a sports' ground, but not the LSE sports' ground (important to note - it's where we looked first). There is a large car park behind it, and the building is a single story oddity - it doesn't hugely resemble a pub. Once you walk in though, your eyes will be assailed with ... stuff.
The pub is football themed, but not in the kind of eight-million tellies blaring the Chelsea game at full volume. Whilst there are a couple of LCD televisions, indeed, showing the footy, they are not hugely obstrusive. Instead, what makes this a football pub is the sheer amount of memorabilia on the walls, ceilings, tables, bar - indeed, every available space. It is, even for a non-football fan like me, fascinating.
The beer is superbly kept. I had a couple of pints of one Redemption's offerings (I had tried their beer before when they first opened at a beer tasting). It was just right - the temperature was spot on (just a little below room temperature), and it was clear and tasty. This is clearly a pub that values its real ales.
The staff - all of them (even those not working but using the pub as their local) were amazingly friendly, kind, funny and welcoming (if a bit squeaky - you know who you are! mwhahaha).
There is a small beer garden/smokers' corner. It is neat and tidy, though not amazingly interesting (compared to the pub's interior, especially).
This is a pub I will certainly be visiting again - if I lived a bit closer, it would be a pub I'd be happy to call my local.
Visit soon.
26 Aug 2011 13:30
There are times when what I want is a local pub, with no TVs, no fruit machines and quirky locals (and, of course, good beer). Other times, I simply want a pub that is easy to find (crucial if you're meeting friends and want to describe the location/pub), has a decent selection of beer and is not a dive. The Globe falls into the latter category, but is not an awful pub for all that.
The Globe is part of the Nicholson's chain - one step (sometimes) above a Weatherspoons. However, like the Weatherspoon's chain, there is a good, ever changing selection of beers. The staff seem competent though not overly friendly (not unfriendly, however). The prices are dearer than a Weatherspoon's (around �3.35 for a pint of White Horse), but cheaper than many pubs in the City.
Were I looking for a charming pub to have a quiet drink, this may not be my first choice. For a quick pint or two with a friend or two, you could do worse.
8 Aug 2011 15:18
Each Tuesday, I travel around six miles from Hampton to Norwood Green specifically to visit this pub. It seems a bit of a trek, does it not? It is worth it.
First, the pub itself. This is a friendly locals pub. It caters to all the locals, and you'll find young people from Southall and Heston, older chaps with their ties and their dogs, and everything in between. The decor is traditional and clean - not earth shattering, but pleasant. In the winter, the Plough has a real fire (which I cannot resist poking and prodding). The bar itself can get cramped, and because it is small, there are rare occasions that you'll have to wait a few minutes for your beer, but this is not an issue. Service is friendly and generally competent.
Derek (the landlord) is a superb host, and has a good sense of humour. Unfortunately, there do appear to sometimes be supply problems. This is a Fullers house, occasionally serving guest ales (well, rarely actually guest ales, but rather HSB and other disguised Fullers offerings). When all is well, you'll have a choice of around four hand pumps; when all isn't well, you may have to resort to bottles. Having said that, that does seem to have improved lately. The beer is well kept, and reasonably priced (though hardly cheap) for the area (expect to pay around �3.50 a pint).
All this is well and good, but would not keep me travelling each week to visit on a Tuesday. You see, Tuesdays are acoustic night with Jeff and Bob (and often guests). I am a folk music fan (as my username may indicate to those of you of similar ilk). Da Boys play folk, rock, country and requests (though top tip - don't ask two blokes to perform Kate Bush - it's never going to work). There are a range of instruments on show to suit any hardcore folk fan (guitars, mandolins, 4 and 5 string guitars, pipes...and whatever people fancy bringing). It never fails to be an excellent evening. See you there tonight!
5 Jul 2011 19:49
A B&B in a pub seems the best of both worlds, particularly when the pub in question is a drive away from anywhere. Ideally, you have good food, good beer, good company and a nice room. The Duck Inn provides most of this.
The Duck Inn is a true country pub near Canterbury, in the wonderfully named 'Petts Bottom'. It is surrounded by fields, and indeed, the back garden contains chickens and a thriving vegetable patch (though the hose wants to be careful - the Malamute dog attacks it mercilessly).
The interior is well appointed. The rear has a restaurant feel, whilst the front feels more like a traditional country pub. The bar isn't huge, but, notably, behind the bar sits gravity fed barrels of beer (and cider). Sadly, on my visit, not all were in use, and so we were restricted to the sadly ubiquitous in Kent Shepherd Neame Master Brew - not one of my favourite ales. However, on the second night, they had the Tiger on gravity feed, which was a much nicer pint. It would be good to see a larger and more consistent selection of ales, however, speaking to the young landlord (Jon), they normally do have more. Just our bad luck, I guess.
The food is good. There is a wide selection, from pub standards such as pizza and burgers, to more 'gourmet' style offerings of steak or monkfish. The food was good, though, in truth, not amazingly so (sorry Jon and Vicky!). The breakfasts, on the other hand, were superb. We couldn't have asked for fresher eggs, as they came for the aforementioned chickens.
The room was airy and pleasant, though it is worth noting that the bathrooms are not en-suite, but there is a large bathroom next door to the double room we occupied, complete with both a bathtub and an independent shower unit, along with two sinks (and, of course, a toilet). The bedroom had a low to the floor, but large double bed, and a sofa. The furniture was, I believe, modern Ikea, but it was comfortable and inoffensive. The room had a couple of major lacks though - a lock on the door (not that we were worried about theft, but it does give a feeling of privacy) and a mirror. Also, whilst there were tea and coffee making facilities, there was no milk, so it was black coffee all around.
This doesn't yet sound like a ringing endorsement, does it? The welcome we got was unparallelled, and more than made up for any deficiencies. Not only were Jon and Vicky (and their baby son) warm and hospitable, but the Friday night locals treated us like long lost relatives (the good kind). They bought us drinks, played Jenga (there is a good selection of books and board games. As an aside, many of the books are James Bond books, because Ian Fleming apparently drank there, and wrote one or two of his novels there), laughed with us, and made us feel more welcome than I can remember feeling in a long time. The pub stayed open late, and Vicky even brought out bacon sandwiches for the hungry yet wobbly patrons still remaining at that late time.
You do need a car for this pub. There is nothing around it. However, it is within easy reach of the nearest village (Bridge), and close to both Canterbury and Whitstable - two very pleasant Kent cities/towns. There is a good sized car park in the back.
It would be good to see more beers there. The food could have been slightly better. A lock on the room would have been ideal. Yet I spent a thoroughly pleasant two days there. I would go back at the drop of a hat, and recommend you do the same.
24 Apr 2011 09:35
The Frog & Wicket, Eversley Cross
Oh, I do like BITE. Whilst not every recommendation has been to my tastes, this one definitely has. I just spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon there, and will be back.
We decided to visit there for Sunday lunch. After reading the recommendations here, I visited the website, and, following its instructions, duly phoned to make a lunchtime reservation. Am I glad I did.
I live in SW London, so it was around a 40 minute drive, down the M3 and through country lanes. Opposite a cricket pitch (is that a surprise?) you'll find the Frog and Wicket. There is a layby in front of the pub, and a bigish (well, by British standards) car park in the back - I'd hate to try to get into and out of it if it were any busier than it was today (and it was pretty busy).
There are a surprising number of doors to get in, for the relatively small size of the pub. If you come in the main door, you'll see a bar right in front of you, with several (four or five) hand pulls for real ale in front of you. The ales aren't thrilling - Doom Bar, Youngs, 6X and Pride greeted us, but there is a choice, and the service is superb.
Despite the busyness of the pub, we were greeted immediately. We mentioned that we had a table booked; the barman took our beer order (one Youngs Bitter shandy for my husband and a mediocre 6X for me), insisted on starting a tab, and showed us our table, right near the bar and the kitchen. Normally, I'd moan a bit about being seated near the kitchen door, but the pub was full, so I wasn't disgruntled.
There were three roasts on offer for �9.95 each, or you could have a bit of each (beef, pork and lamb) for the same price. My husband chose the pork, and received a stonking great piece of meat, complete with a bit of bone, and loads of crackling (yum - I had a bit), along with lots of potatoes, parsnips, gravy and a Yorkshire pud, and, sadly, some insipid looking veg (though the red cabbage was nice). The pork was lovely (yes, I nicked a bit) - tender and juicy, and the crackling was superb. The menu offers you additional gravy, potatoes, parsnip or veg simply for the asking. It's just as well he didn't ask; he had quite a full plate as it was. I chose to order from the specials board, and so had seared duck with potatoes, spinach and balsamic onions. I'd have liked the duck a wee bit less cooked - it wasn't overcooked, per se, but I just prefer it rarer, and perhaps not quite so many potatoes (I thought I was going to grow extra potato eyes had I finished them all - I left loads), but the onions and spinach were delicious, as was the duck itself and the sauce.
The beer was well kept - I had Doom Bar after my slightly disappointing 6X; I suspect the 6X was disappointing because my tastes had changed - it was not off or stale. The staff were friendly and efficient, and the locals were very friendly.
The pub clearly caters for a mixed clientele - there were locals at the bar and in the smoking area, families with small children dining (though not too many, and they were well behaved), a few groups of elderly folk - a real mixed bag. I did not, however, spot any 'oiks' - I have no idea, though, whether such folk are around during the week. There were signs scattered around admonishing the customers to not deal in drugs, nor to use foul language. Whether this prevents such behaviour, or is there because such behaviour exists, I cannot tell. I can only say I saw no such behaviour on my visit.
The loos were clean, though unremarkable. The first time I went into the ladies, the toilet wouldn't flush; the second time presented no problem. Apparently, the men's loo has a rather interesting painting over the urinals - a few of the pub from the cricket pitch opposite, featuring rather buxom women in a state of undress. According to what I presume was the landlord, the painting features a number of people who were locals at the time of painting. Needless to say, I cannot verify this, for a number of reasons.
Out back, there is a tented and heated smoking area, with several tables and chairs. Sadly, the tent only covers three sides (I think this is a legal thing), so on a windy day, as it was today, the protection isn't quite what I'd like.
I would love to revisit this pub in the summer, when there is cricket on the green, and birds singing in the area. On the basis of my first visit, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
6 Feb 2011 18:24
Back in the dim and distant past, I used this pub a lot. Sadly, over a couple of changes of landlord, the quality had deteriorated. I am pleased to say, now, though, that the Dowager has come on in leaps and bounds.
Andy, mine host, is a friendly and engaging landlord. It would be lovely if there were a larger selection of real ales - as it is, there is Youngs' Special, Bitter and, as the guest ale, Tribute - I'd like to see more (Twickenham ales would be nice). The pints will set you back just over �3.00 - not cheap, but on par with other pubs around here.
The food is good (the burgers especially), and less expensive than many other pubs in the area. Service is usually prompt (though occasionally it helps to nudge them if you are on your lunch hour) and always friendly.
Andy and his staff will always give you a warm welcome, and all seem competent. The staff are young and bubbly, which is nice to see.
The d�cor is still...odd. Following a refurb some years ago, the pub has lost the tradition pub decoration, and as such, feels very open and pseudo-trendy. I miss the traditional style bar. There is a telly, which usually has Sky Sports News on silent - I wish it didn't, but I expect I'm alone in that.
The garden is still lovely. The apple tree (cookers) is still there, and the garden is kept well. It is a very pleasant spot, on a summer's day, to eat, drink and relax.
I am thrilled that I can once again recommend the Queen Dowager.
21 Jul 2010 15:44
It can be difficult, can't it, to find a nice real ale pub in an unfamiliar city? I don't know Reading at all, but found myself there (for a Jethro Tull concert), and so did a bit of research for a drinking establishment not too far from the Hexagon that did good ale.
I am very glad I found the Hobgoblin. My first clue that this was going to be right up my street was the discreet 'no mobile phone' sign (showing, amusingly a picture of a 90s brick of a phone). I find people chattering away on a phone in a pub very irritating, so the idea that a pub is for chatting with the people actually IN the pub was very appealing.
Walking in, the bar is in front of you, serving a variety of ales - ales which were, by and large, new to me (and many which were local). There is evidence everywhere that the Hobgoblin has an ever-changing selection of ales - there are pump signs covering every available wall surface.
The front of the pub is small - a handful of stools, and a small bar. Delving into the back (watch your head - the passage between front and back has a low ceiling - I could walk through no problem, but anyone taller than my 5'7" would have to duck), you'll find a number of small snug areas - seating between two and around six. Very cosy these were too. The pub is dimly lit, with a bare floor - no garish carpet or bright strip lighting here.
I had a different beer each time, and to my shame, cannot remember what I had, but they were all well kept, and delicious. The staff were friendly and happy to help me choose my tipple - asking me what I liked, and recommending ales based on that.
The clientele is indeed beardy, though mixed. It surprised me not a whit that a group by the bar were envious that I was seeing Tull that night. It can, I'd imagine, seem a bit intimidating if one is used to the normal Whetherspoons/lager type pubs, but I found it charming and pleasant.
The loos were cold, and tired, but clean - nothing special, but nothing awful.
I will certainly be re-visiting this pub should I find myself back in Reading, and would happily recommend it to any ale fans, and any fans of the quirky, intelligent and unusual.
16 Mar 2010 16:53
Amazingly, I have lived in Hampton for the last 16 years, and never set foot in this utter gem of a pub.
Before even stepping in, you know this pub will be a little different - the exterior is a shocking red, and stands out. It appears to be a large pub on the corner on the road between Hampton Hill and Teddington - it is not immediately obvious, however, what will greet you inside.
The Roebuck is one of those pubs where you just want to wander around looking at, well, stuff. From a wicker motorcycle (could that be a prop for the new movie The Wicker Escape? Or perhaps The Great Man?), to (as has been pointed out) an H25 Request Bus Stop sign, to a little model airplane made of Stella cans, you'll find a host of interesting and quirky items to gaze at. Under the glass tops of the tables are old (WWI and WWII, as far as I could tell) newspapers - these can get quite distracting, and cause you and your companion to read instead of chat. Just as well the interior is quite dark, thus discouraging a concerted read. Moving further into the pub, you'll find a little, yet pretty (though it was night when I went in) garden, with a small (very small) covered area for the inevitable smokers.
Of course, you don't go into a pub just for the decor. There are five real ales on tap - I drank the Hopsback Red Amber, and it was beautifully kept and very tasty. I believe the selection changes regularly, though I was offered Youngs Ordinary, Hopback Red Amber and Elf n' Happiness and Sharps Doom Bar and Special. There is also a selection of speciality lagers (in bottles I believe) from a number of countries, including speciality brews such as banana beer.
This is a locals pub, and very middle aged male. This is not a criticism, but it is worth noting. The landlord was handing out little gifts (2010 diaries) to the regulars, and it was clear that the vast majority of the punters there were regulars. There was one chap who clearly had enjoyed his beer, and felt himself to be the re-incarnation of Tommy Cooper, but in general, the regulars were friendly and approachable, at least to me and my drinking companion.
All in all, I highly recommend the Roebuck (despite the cold yet clean loos), and, indeed, hope to visit again. They do food - I haven't yet tried it, but today may well be the day.
18 Dec 2009 09:11
Last night, a colleague and I found ourselves in Hammersmith. Using the excellent resource that is BITE, I searched, and found this gem of a pub (when I say 'found', it took some looking - the postcode given here is incorrect - it's much further down Greyhound Road than Googlemaps would have you believe - the actual postcode is W14 9SD).
It was worth the search. Not exciting from the outside, once you step inside you enter a lost world. You'll see lots of intricately carved dark wood, an open fire (though gas), and a small bar with a couple of snug(ish) rooms to either side.
The welcome is unparalleled - the Landlord (Jon) is truly an old school landlord - welcoming and jovial. The ale (my companion and I had Doom Bar - expensive at �3.40 a pint, less so when aforementioned landlord buys you a pint) is well kept and served in jugs (they have both dimpled and non-dimpled glasses). The beer tasted fresh and was served, as is right and proper, at just below room temperature.
There is, apparently, an outdoor area at the back, but probably due to the frigid conditions, this was shut during our visit. Though the pub itself was cosy and warm (the gas fire undoubtedly contributing to this - they also have another fireplace which looks to now be decorative), though the ladies' room was rather chillsome (though very clean).
The landlord challenged us to find the television on which they apparently show major sporting events - we were flummoxed. There is, however, a flat screen above the fireplace - utterly unobstrusive, as they only turn it on for said events - you won't find a rolling Sky Sports newsfeed here. Nor will you find loud music (in fact, there was no music playing during our visit) nor fruit machines. That is most welcome these days.
The pub is not large, and can get quite busy - when we arrived, nearly every seat was taken, and getting from one of the snug rooms to the loos can involve a bit of a slalom. But those little niggles aside, I can truly recommend this pub - it is worth seeking out. I hope to visit again when I'm in the area.
2 Dec 2009 12:09
Bow Road isn't the most exciting place to find real ale pubs. However, step but a a hundred metres (or maybe even less - my ability to judge distance is shaky at best) down Coborn Road, and you'll find this gem of a Youngs pub.
I should note that I've only been in lunchtime and mid afternoon - I've not visited this pub in the evening. However, I cannot fault the Coborn Arms as a lunchtime pub. Both the front outside patio and the interior are spotlessly clean. There is a vegetable garden out the side (which punters sadly cannot trespass on, though I was allowed to nick a wonderfully sweet and ripe cherry tomato after its harvest), and the interior of the pub is large and airy. There is a mixture of seating, from a few comfy sofas, to 'normal' pub chairs and tables. The patio has large, clean benches with enormous canopies over the top. I have been once in the early evening (getting to darkness) and the outside is well lit and welcoming.
I drink, in a Youngs pub, Youngs Special, and have never had a duff pint. The beer is kept beautifully and served well. The beer is a tad dear, (around �3.00 a pint), but this is to be expected for a London pub (even East London).
The staff are friendly (very much so) and efficient. The bar has reminders for staff and customers alike to smile, and signs containing pithy or poignant quotes and sayings.
There is a large(ish - not as enormous as a Wetherspoons, but that to my mind is a bonus) menu. I've eaten here at lunchtime a couple of times, and the food is very good, if brown (I had a burger one time and shared a Sausage Feast the second). I'm surprised not to see more vegetable offerings, given the existence of the vegetable garden at the side.
The loos are clean and well stocked (I like the individual hand towels piled next to the sink in the ladies', and a wicker basket to place them in once you're done). Needless to say, I cannot speak for the men's rooms!
I have tried a couple of the pubs along Bow Road - I needn't do so again - this is by far the best. Well done.
25 Oct 2009 15:09
The Prince Albert (Rose's), Woolwich
The word 'unprepossessing' may well have, as its dictionary definition, a picture of the Rose in Woolwich. The inside is a bit tired (and by 'a bit' I mean 'very'), dark and slightly tatty. The side door leads into an allyway littered with cigarette butts and garbage, and the loos are in desperate need of updating. However, don't let appearances put you off.
A friend and I have nicknamed this pub 'The Mended Drum' - many, if not most of the clientele seem to have an injury or ailment of some description. Yet, I have rarely been so unconditionally welcomed by staff and punters alike.
I have at times been the only woman in there, and yet, I have never, ever felt uncomfortable. There is an aging male Staffy as the pub dog, who couldn't be friendlier (and a recent addition of a Staff puppy bitch - so cute!)
They normally have two or three real ales on. We have had a couple of 'duff' pints, however, these have been exchanged upon request with no questions asked.
The prices are London prices, at around �3.00 a pint of bitter. This is a tadge steep, but not out of the ordinary. They do not, as far as I can tell, do food, and nor do they take credit cards.
SE London is not really my 'patch', so I've not often visited, yet despite its appearance, I would happily visit the Rose again, and, indeed do when I am in the area.
2 Oct 2009 12:32
The Coopers is a pub of two halves - in the front, there is a traditional looking bar, serving excellently kept real ales (though slightly dear), with people who are clearly regulars sat at the bar and the narrow room surrounding it. The clientele and bar staff/land-people are friendly and helpful.
In the back is a light, airy restaurant (and the door to the garden, which is nice but not hugely special), serving Spanish inspired dishes. The prices are a bit on the steep side (around �10 - �15 for main courses), but the food was delicious. I and my auntie (who was visiting from the States) had the mixed fish platter, which was superb, and came with tons of fresh vegetables and roast potatoes. My husband had the seafood paella, which I had a taste of, and was equally yummy.
There is a telly in the bar, which for me is a bit of a downside, but you take the bad with the good - they also have a bookshelf of paperbacks, that you can read at your leisure.
All in all, a good (if dear) local - though the bar area is small.
20 Sep 2009 18:40
When looking for a country pub, I usually seek at the small, local, traditional variety. The Jolly Farmer's is not of that ilk, but it is, nevertheless, a good find.
From the road, this looks to be a large, modern pub, almost ala Weatherspoons. There are lots of signs outside advertising it as a 'food emporium', there is a big(ish) car park - two things that worry me slightly when looking for a country pub. However, that first impression is mistaken.
Going in through the front door, you can see a shop immediately in front of you, selling jams, jellies, chutneys, vegetables and other 'artisan' foods (including a scrumptious looking cheese counter). There is a small bar, on which sits some cakes and cupcakes, along with two hand pumps, a large shelf of wine behind, and the typical lager pumps. Near the windows at the front of the pub are some comfy chairs and a very comfy sofa, along with some high stools and matching tables. This bit, however, is a very small part of the establishment.
Delving further in, you realise that this 'pub' is more accurately described as a restaurant. Despite the traditional trappings in the front, the restaurant section (which is the bulk of the building) is modern, bright and airy - parts of it almost resembling a front room; this is probably due to the seemingly domestic beige carpet. There are light coloured modern(ish) art paintings on the walls, all of which are for sale. The chairs are high backed and comfortable, and the tables are a decent distance apart.
When I was there with a colleague on a weekday lunchtime, the client�le were ... mature ... this is likely to be a result of a combination of the time of day, the location and the day of the week. I would also guess the restaurant has a local reputation (a good one!)
The staff were mostly uni students (I saw a memo when I went to pay asking the staff to let them know when they were going back to uni), and friendly and efficient. We received menus very quickly, and our drinks' order was taken quickly (two pints of Summer Ale - very refreshing they were too), and when they took a few minutes to arrive, we were kept informed as to the progress (at one point they had to change the barrel).
The food is mostly sourced locally, and much of it is also available in the connected shop. We shared a ploughman's and a deli platter - truly, we could have shared either one and had plenty to eat. The cheese was strong and crumbly, the chutney tart and delicious, and the cured meats very tasty. Both platters also included wee little soft cheese stuffed peppers, artichoke hearts and tomatoes - again, these were lovely. We also (not realising the size of the portions) shared a plate of chips, which were utterly superb - hot, crispy outside and fluffy inside - perfect. Looking at the plates of the other diners, the hot food looked equally as tasty, and the portions equally as generous. I can see why this is a popular restaurant.
After eating (and we both left a fair amount of food), we took our pints into the shop and had a browse (though bought nothing), sat outside briefly (nice, but unremarkable garden, split into a drinking/smoking half and an eating section) - sadly, it was wasp season, so we soon decamped indoors to the comfy sofa near the front. The staff had no issue with us doing this, even with our pints in hand, and never pestered us to pay.
I settled the bill (just over �30 for both meals, two pints each and the chips), very full but happy. Whilst this isn't a typical 'drinking' boozer, it had an excellent restaurant, clean and spacious loos (at least for the ladies' - I can't speak for the mens') and friendly staff.
Recommended (as a restaurant - I wouldn't necessarily chose it just to have a quiet pint).
19 Aug 2009 11:05
Speaking terribly generally, real ale pubs seem to fall into one of a few categories. Some are resolutely boozers - bare floors, threadbare upholstery, a bunch of bar stools, and a choice of ales (the Fox in Twickenham sort of falls into that category). If they do food, it'll be of the rolls, crisps, and if you're lucky, ham, egg and chips. Then there are the olde worlde pubs, with thatched roofs, horsebrasses on the wall, and reasonably comfortable seating. Plus, there are the 'trendy' pubs - all polished wood floors, gastro-pub food (probably involving pies), a varied wine list, and, of course, ale (many of which will have cod-amusing names).
Then, there's the Wheatsheaf. I can honestly say I've never seen the interior of a pub quite like this one. It reminds me of an eccentric (and rich) old woman's lounge - every nook, cranny, corner and surface has stuff on it - and interesting stuff (some of which is for sale - like the insect shaped lanterns). No two chairs are the same, and some appear to be antique living room furniture. Going into the bowels of the pub, you actually have what appears to be someone's front room, complete with bookshelves, chachkis and a bicycle. Heading out into the large garden, you'll find a chicken run and a couple of pig enclosures (free range, of course - more on that in a minute). It is eclectic, to say the least.
And I love it. I noticed four real ales on, none of which I had heard of. There were two definite session ales (at under 4%), and two slightly more robust offerings (at 4.0% and 4.5% respectively) - sadly, I cannot quite bring to mind what they were (shame on me) - I gather, however, these change regularly. There is also a good wine list (though I did not sample any wine). Needless to say, there was the normal lager selection all pubs seem obliged to carry.
The Wheatsheaf keeps its own pigs, and these are not pets. They are free range (there was a sow suckling her young in the mud as I watched), and they are used for all the pork offerings (and there are many) on the menu. They are justifiably proud of these pigs. My two friends and I visited today - a Sunday - and so we all three had the roast pork. Whilst one piece of the three was slightly dry, the rest was utterly superb. I had no idea that pork could have so much flavour. The roast was served with a Yorkshire pudding which looked dark, but was flaky and delicious, two large, unpeeled carrots complete with a bit of greenery at the top - these, I believe, were honeyed and were extremely tasty, some broccoli (still crisp and green), home made apple sauce and, of course, crackling. And it was all delicious, and there was plenty of it. Each roast was �9.95. Other main courses on the menu were comparatively priced, ranging from �8.95 through to �16.95 (or �18.95 for the Slimmers' Platter - "Our famous slimmer�s platter: absolutely nothing on a beautifully glazed plate, garnished with a knife & fork!! You�ll lose pounds ! " Indeed.) They also do a gourmet burger day on Wednesdays - that's something I'd love to try.
The service was VERY friendly. When investigating the beer selection, I was offered tastes before I bought (which I took up), and advised what to expect from the brews. The young man who took both our drink and food orders was polite and endearing - he explained that he joined the staff a year before so that he could eat for free, the food is that good. He also remarked that he keeps running across little surprises in amongst the quirky stuff hidden in various shelves and corners.
There are only a couple of niggles, and one kind of goes with the territory - pigs have a distinctive smell. Fortunately, the do not put but one bench near the sty, so you are not sitting right on top of them, but had the wind been blowing in another direction, you'd have wanted to sit inside. When we ordered a coffee, this took sometime to come; because we were on a time limit, we ended up cancelling the coffee (which they did with good cheer). Apparently, they were having trouble with the machine. They could have told us.
The loos were clean, bright, airy and well decorated, though unremarkable (I cannot, of course, comment on the men's rooms). The pub has a decent sized car park.
All in all, this was an excellent country pub, complete with living country. The beer was well kept, with a good choice. The food was excellent. The setting was superb, if a bit malodorous at times. I'd love to spend longer there.
Recommended.
2 Aug 2009 18:49
The Princess Alice, West Thamesmead
Sometimes you visit a pub because the building is quaint, or the location is picturesque, or the pub is historic. Sometimes, you choose a pub because it's there, and it has a car park. The Princess Alice is one of the latter.
Sitting in the middle of a modern (yet somewhat rundown) shopping centre in the less than glamorous Thamesmead, the Princess Alice doesn't look promising. There are invariably folk standing outside smoking. The client�le can best be described as mixed - it represents, to be fair, the area in which the pub sits. Because the food (a carvery) is very, very cheap, there are often lots of families with lots of kids running around.
This is a large pub, and rather 'plastic-y'. Being a modern building, it has a modern (though not nicely modern) feel - having said that, there is an attempt to pander to traditionalists, with framed pictures depicting the eponymous ship (the Princess Alice, natch). There are lots of tables, both low and high (bar stool height), and a few booths.
This so far doesn't sound a glowing endorsement, does it. Ah, there is a rub. The Princess Alice has a good choice of real ales, decently (though not splendidly) kept. When I've been there, there has been a choice of up to four ales...and they are very, very cheap. At less than �2.00 a pint for actual, named, branded ale (as opposed to that in Sam Smith's pubs), this is a bit of a find if you are in that area in need of a swift half or two. This isn't a Weatherspoons, and the beer is kept better than many of the branded pubs manage.
Although a bit raucous, I have never felt unsafe in the Princess Alice. Admittedly, I am unlikely to have anything in common with the regulars, but the staff and punters seem friendly enough.
I've not tried the food, and I suspect it's not my cup of tea, however, the customers who were eating seemed to have large portions, and enjoying them. The food too is extremely cheap, and I can see why it's a popular dining establish amongst the families of the area.
All in all, this isn't a great pub, but given its setting, it is a good one.
28 Jul 2009 11:18
Wow. I can honestly say I have never, ever paid for poorer food and service in my life. But I am getting ahead of myself.
From the outside, this looks a charming, village centre real ale pub. how wrong that impression is. The decor looks to be around 20 years old. Despite boards advertising a number of real ales, there was but one session ale (at 3.8%) on, and nothing else. When I asked, no apology was given. The ale was in decent condition, but was nothing special.
The woman behind the bar appeared uninterested, and the bloke wearing cooks' checks actually scowled when I misread a sign (thinking both rice and potatoes came with a meal). They do a lunchtime special - �7.95 for two meals. The meals wouldn't have been worth 7.95p. The Chicken Cacciatori I had was vivid red, came with rice but not the promised veg, and, worst of all, was cold in parts. It had been microwaved...badly. The chicken was dry, and the sauce bland. I ate some of the rice, and maybe three bites of the chicken, and couldn't stomach any more. I, however, was lucky. My friend got the beef pie. The beef resembled dog food more than it did meat from an actual named animal (it even appeared slightly green). The pastry was just bunged on top, and again, it was imperfectly heated.
The service was more than surly, it was rude. Bringing our food over, she just pointed randomly to a corner, where we were told we could fetch our cutlery. We had not been told this when ordering. When the barmaid came to take our plates, she did not enquire how the meal was, even though both plates were nearly as full when she took them away as they were when she brought them.
I have never been quite so grateful to leave a pub. I recommend you avoid this pub at pretty much all costs. Don't eat there, and don't drink there unless someone is holding a gun to your head.
Avoid.
23 Jul 2009 19:10
It turns out Farringdon and Clerkenwell boast some fine drinking establishments. The Gunmakers, tucked away and hidden (I ran into it whilst roaming the streets on the phone) is a real gem.
The bar staff are unfailingly friendly and knowledgeable. Jeff chose to get his soul of of hock and retired from law to become a courteous, interesting and expert landlord. He introduced himself to me, and has never forgotten my name since.
Jeff typically has four real ales on, and will gladly let you taste before buying, and make recommendations based on what he learns of your taste. The beer is immaculately kept, and often served in branded appropriate glasses. They also serve a cloudy cider, and, of course, the typical lagers. Still, I have observed relatively few people drinking lager in there! They have a good wine list, at reasonable prices.
They serve food both at lunchtime and in the evening. I've never had occasion to eat there in the evening, but the lunchtime food is very good - and there's tons of it. I had a burger there yesterday, and left feeling like I'd eaten a baby. The menu (on blackboards) changes regularly, and has a couple of starters, a bunch of mains, and a couple of deserts. The food is served fresh and promptly.
The interior is plainly and tastefully decorated. It hovers between the gastro-pub look (particularly in the back, though the floor is askew, so no table has a totally flat surface!) and more traditional (albeit bare floored - no pub patterned carpet here) pub. There are a couple of bar stools, and I have often found folk who are clearly regulars sitting at the bar, passing the time of day with Jeff. Uniquely, there are large windows that open totally in the front, allowing a welcome cooling breeze blow through. They are at bar height, and have a couple of shelves under the window, thus allowing smokers (and smokers' friends) to still feel they are part of the pub inside, rather than just pavement hoverers.
Having said that, the outside area, apart from that bit right up against the pub itself, is meagre - after all, it really is just the pavement. The road the pub sits on isn't particularly busy, but it's still central London, so I'd probably not choose to spend a whole session out there. The ladies' room was clean but unremarkable.
The pub is not big, and unless you want to sit in the back (which has a much more restaurant feel), you may find yourself hard pressed for a seat when it's busy (and it gets busy at times, though not necessarily at predicable times).
This has been a real find - definitely one to add to a hypothetical pub crawl in Farringdon, and one I will be drinking and dining in at many a lunchtime.
22 Jul 2009 15:19
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
Tucked away near Smithfield Market (indeed, near the Smithfield pub), there is a gem of a pub. But shhhh. Don�t tell anyone.
I am torn. Part of me dreads writing about the Fox and Anchor, as it�s such a wonderful and secret find, I�m afraid to share it, in case it should become inundated. It is a treasure.
I am a bit of a pub aficionado. I love real ale (despite being American) and traditional English atmosphere. The Fox and Anchor serves several real ales in pewter tankards (nice touch), including one of its own. You can buy your beer at the bar or one of the incredibly friendly bar staff (or even what seems to be the world�s greatest landlord - a young Irishman who clearly took landlording lessons from a master) will come and serve you with an actual smile. You�ll pay around �3.30 for a pint of ale, which is a tadge dear, but not unexpected for the Farringdon area.
The food is a bit pricy - I paid just over a tenner for a burger, for example, and a fiver for soup, but it is excellent. It is home made - my burger was requested medium rare, and lo - medium rare it came! Again, the food service is excellent. If you are eating, as you sit down (and there aren�t that many seats - it is a narrow pub, with displays of oysters and the carvery cart near the back of the main room, and then a bunch of snug rooms, including the stunningly signed 'Fox�s Lare� - that spelling is theirs) you are given some very nice bread with stunningly good butter and a little bowl of salt to start - like I say, classy. My friend had a lamb and pea pie - the crust was freshly cooked, though the filling a wee bit runny (but tasty and obviously freshly cooked).
Apparently, the Fox and Anchor also does rooms - they have six 'boutique style� rooms, ranging from �95 a night on the weekends to �165 a night on weekdays (and going up), but I�ve neither stayed in them nor seen them.
All in all, this pub should be held up to show how good pubs should be. The staff and landlord are amazing, the beer is well kept and immaculately served, and the d�cor is charming and old world.
Highly recommended.
11 Jun 2009 09:09
Since I wrote my last review of the Royal Oak, back in 2006, I'd pretty much stopped visiting this pub, even though I live right around the corner from it. I revisited last night for some live music. I know why I no longer frequent the Oak.
First, let me say the music was excellent, even though the musicians clearly had to bring their own lights and AV kit - the lights were more for effect than actual illumination, and were simply propped on chairs and the like.
There was London Pride on offer, which was drinkable, but not especially well kept. The 'regular' client�le all seemed to display more body art than skin colour.
This is a very low class, chavvy establishment, and despite its proximity to my home, one I will not be often revisiting.
Avoid.
25 Apr 2009 13:41
This is a tiny pub nestled behind Cannon Street station. It is very traditional - wooden floors, central bar, and a seating area upstairs.
The chap who served me (I assume he's the landlord) was a very friendly and efficient Australian, who clearly loves and knows his beer. He clearly knew many of the punters, and was on good terms with then.
He keeps six ales on (at least that's how many I counted) - I drank several superb pints of Tribute. There is also a selection lf lagers (though expensive, from what I could see - they were advertising Peroni at �4.00 a pint!). The beer is pricy - �3.15, I think for the Tribute.
The ladies' toilet is downstairs rather wants refurbishment - whilst it wasn't filthy or anything, it was grim. There are a bunch of televisions around, including one widescreen - these were showing news yesterday evening.
Despite the prices, I would heartedly recommend the Bell. The landlord is excellent, the beer is well kept, and the atmosphere cosy.
11 Feb 2009 10:49
I really, really hate this pub. I hate it so much, this is now the second review I've written. The beer (Sam Smiths) is poor - there is no real ale on tap. The staff are astonishingly unfriendly and unhelpful, and service is glacially slow.
Avoid.
26 Jan 2009 10:52
This has the makings of an excellent pub. There is a good selection of wine, a decent selection of real ales, and a superb selection of bottled beers and ciders from around the world (I favour the Liberty Ale). The lunchtime burgers and chips are excellent (I�ve also had the club sandwich which was good, though not as noteworthy as the burgers), and the prices reasonable for the area (though the beer is a little steep). They have a promotion on - on Mondays, most wine is �10 a bottle.
What lets this pub down is the service. Whilst it�s largely friendly (with one exception), it is cripplingly slow. I have waited 6 or 7 minutes just for my change, whilst the ever changing bar staff attempt to fathom out the till. If this were the exception, you�d smile and shrug it off, but it happens every time I go.
This is a shame, as this pub would get a solid seven out of ten from me otherwise - the mix of drinks, seating styles (from high stools to cosy chairs; from window-airy to niche dark and cosy) suit a wide range of client�le. I have gone in with folk my own age (40ish) and much younger (20ish) and all have found something to amuse (including a selection of board games). They just need to sort their service out.
19 Nov 2008 09:57
The Bleeding Heart, Clerkenwell
The Bleeding Heart has apparently been around nearly forever. It is, on the face of it a pub, however, it is better known as a French bistro cum/restaurant, and, I have to say, I wouldn�t fee all that comfortable sitting there just for a drink at lunchtime.
As you might expect, it�s full of city types at lunchtime. The food is very good, though arguably expensive for a pub (but, as mentioned, if you think of it as a bistro, not so much). The food is good, and the portions are reasonable. They have daily specials on a board - I do try to choose from those when I�m there. I�ve had grilled mackerel there, and it was very good. I�ve also tried the lamb burger, which was also excellent. I�ve also had breakfast here, which, I have to say, was superb. I had scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on toast, and it was beautifully cooked with generous portions. They also have excellent coffee.
The prices are on the high side, but not crippling so - around �14ish for a main course. They have, as you might expect, a good selection of wines, and a decent selection of Adnams real ales.
I would not like to go to the Bleeding Heart just for a drink. However, I�d happily take clients here, and have eaten here with colleagues.
19 Nov 2008 09:38
The Bowler Pub and Kitchen, Clerkenwell
I've been here for lunch a couple of times, drinking wine both time, as the real ale selection is paltry at best. The food is, for the area, very reasonably priced - around �6 - �7 on average for a main course, and it is quite palatable. I've had the burger and the fish cakes, and whilst neither will set the world alight, they are value for money.
The staff have always been friendly, though last time failed to recognise the difference between cider and lager, serving my colleague half a lager in error.
The d�cor is stark, and it is cold in there (at least this time of year - November). Again, lots of hard surfaces. The first time I went in, it was noisy and busy, the second time much less so, but still, the d�cor is charmless, if functional - it does look like they are aiming for the gastropub look, but not quite making it.
Still, an adequate eatery for a lunchtime meal and drink. Not bad.
18 Nov 2008 12:52
I have been to the Adelaide on numerous occasions now, admittedly always on a Sunday.
This is another Shepherd's Neame pub, which for me is a slight shame, as that is not my favourite brewery. However, there is always a decent selection of hand pulled ales on, and a good wine list.
The menu (at least on a Sunday) is truly comprehensive - from the traditional Sunday roast through to mussels and soup and even sandwiches - even on a Sunday. I've only tried the mussels, but they were good (though not superb).
As used to be traditional in more places, this pub puts nibbles on the bar on a Sunday, including roast potatoes. Yum.
The pub is clean and pleasant, and attractively and traditionally decorated. There are benches, chairs and leather sofas, as well as bar seating. The garden too is well kept, though as is normal these days, full of smokers. It's not huge, so does get crowded in the summer.
I've found Dermot (the landlord) unfailingly charming. he always appears in shirt and tie, and greets everyone - he treats us like regulars, even though we visit maybe once every six weeks. I have heard that he can have a temper, but I've never witnessed it. He runs a tight ship, and won't tolerate bad behaviour or excessive swearing. This, to me, is a good thing.
All in all, an excellent pub, well suited to Teddington. You can find it near the station, though it does hide a little bit behind foliage. It is, in my opinion, worth seeking out, especially on a Sunday lunchtime.
27 Oct 2008 16:47
I drink in this pub on the first Thursday of a month, as there is an informal meeting of Doctor Who fans. This is the only reason I visit this pub.
As this is a Sam Smith's pub, the drink is astonishingly cheap, but deservedly so. There is no real ale - indeed, no branded beer at all (apart, of course, from Sam Smiths). The staff are indifferent at best, and rude at worst (though I do realise it can get very crowded, and for health and safety reasons they have to keep the outside crowd from blocking the pavement).
There are pubs with better (though not cheaper) ale - and if cost really is your issue, you might find a Weatherspoons more to your taste, if you want a selection of real ales. It's a shame, since the location is good, and the building is nice.
Ah well.
1 Nov 2007 11:25
"The Dip" has come a long way lately. The management have changed (so the betting slips above the bar are gone) and the bar has been refurbished, There is now a new bar (literally), a non-smoking room complete with fireplace (and the non-smoking room really IS a seperate room, not just a little area supposedly smoke free), a pleasant garden, and the cleanest windows I have ever seen.
There is a good selection of beers and wines (I favour the Autumn Blaze, I think it's called), and a full menu (burgers, bangers and the like), along with a barbeque in the summer.
The loos could do with re-doing - whilst they are clean, they are old and tired. The smoking area is VERY smoky, and not refurbished to the same standard as the non-smoking.
Other than that, it is a very nice pub, with a mix of clientele (when I've been in, it's been mostly over 30s, but not exclusively).
Recommended.
27 Oct 2006 14:14
Whilst the atmosphere is self-consciously trendy and bistro-y, the food is very good (the chips in particular are worthy of mention), the lunchtime service is quick, friendly and efficient, and there is a good selection of wine and beer (though with an emphasis seemingly on the wine).
The food isn't amazingly cheap, but nor is it hugely expensive - my chicken and bacon club wrap with chips and salad was around �6.00.
A few of the tables are REALLY small, but by and large, the tables are well spaced out, so you don't feel too cramped. On the down side, this can mean that seats are hard to come by at busy periods. There is outdoor seating both to the front and to the rear, though it is a bit uninspiring.
There is no bar seating, which fits with the trendy wine bar/bistro feel. There are however high tables, stools, plus low sofas and comfy chairs.
15 Aug 2006 17:40
The Colonies has bags of potential. It has a wide selection of beers, ales and wine (very good wine selection for a pub, as well). The food is really quite good (I've only had the lunchtime selection, and can recommend the salmon and prawn salad). The seating is varied - from tall tables with bar stools to more normal pub benches, and standing areas with convienient shelves. However, you cannot sit at the bar (and one peek on a Friday night should explain why) - it gets PACKED.
It is an office pub - it fills very quickly, especially at 5.30ish. It is a popular haunt for the local office staff (of which I am one), and on a Friday night, you can barely move for all the warm bodies - indeed, both front and back heave as well.
There is a concrete courtyard in the back, with a couple of heaters. However, the heaters are quite pointless, as they are too small and too high up on the wall to be effective.
All in all, a decent office pub - though I'd imagine it'd be dead on weekends, if indeed it opens at all.
4 Apr 2006 13:04
We used to drink in the Dowager every Sunday - both pre Norman (Bill-the-perpetually-puzzled and Betty) and post Norman. Norman spent a good deal of time (and no doubt someone's money) refurbishing the pub.
It is clean and 'pretty', but as has been pointed out, characterless. The Sunday crowd was largely 'older' folks (40+ I'd say, many quite a bit older - including a pair of old dears - must have been over 90 - who always wore knitted hats and gloves that didn't fit), yet the decor is very 'trendy wine bar'.
On the up side, there is a lovely, spacious pub garden. My daughter, in Bill's day, used to be given permission to climb the Bramley apple tree and take home whatever she could carry. There both paved and grassy seating areas, and it is fenced off from the road, so it is fairly safe for children (apart from children who climb the apple tree, of course).
The Dowager serves food, and has a reasonably busy (if elderly) Sunday roast trade. I've eaten there a few times - the food is good and wholesome, if sometimes unadventurous.
All in all, not a bad pub, but I wouldn't hold it up as a 'typical' British pub, and wouldn't (now) travel to get there. If in Teddington, I'd probably choose the Adelaide. Even though Norman does (did) know my name.
10 Feb 2006 14:34
The Royal Oak is a very male oriented locals' pub. During football matches (especially Chelsea games), the pub is full of football fans, as there are three screens that show football - two televisions and a big screen. There is also a Portugese sattelite channel, so football can be shown all day at weekends.
There is a free juke box with a variety of music (and an electic selection there is.)
There are few real ale drinkers - ales on offer are Courage Best, London Pride, and an occasionally changed guest ale. The majority of customers are lager drinkers - Fosters, Budweiser and Kronenberg are the lagers on offer, along with Strongbow cider and 35ml measures of spirits.
Apart from bar snacks there is no food served (there are rolls on occasion), but given the type of pub and clientel, this is to be expected.
The customers come from Hanworth and Hampton by and large, and are mainly working class (indeed, many are personal friends of the landlord).
To sum up, the Royal Oak is a male, sports mad local. Whether that sort of thing floats your boat is really a matter of personal preference.
24 Jan 2006 10:45
The Rifleman, Twickenham
Despite having lived in and around the Twickenham area (for a somewhat generous definition of 'area'), I'd never visited the Rifleman. This has now been rectified.
To have two excellent pubs (this and the Sussex Arms) within a (say) two mile radius is indeed a treat. The Rifleman is a small pub with eclectic seating, a couple of benches in the front and a lovely rear garden (complete with a wildflower bed). There were four (I think) real ales on when I visited, including Twickenham Vanguard, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Buttcombe and one other (a session ale) whose name I can't remember. These ranged in price from £3.30ish - £3.55 (Landlord) - good prices for SW London. They focus on wet sales - unless you want crisps or a toastie, this is not the place to come for food.
The barman was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, both about the ales and about the pub itself. There are a couple of televisions which were on but on silent (one showing cricket the other Grand Prix) - this, ideally I could do without though I know many people welcome such things.
The loos were clean (and completely intact). In fact, the pub itself was clean and comfortable - a pub I would certainly be pleased to visit again.
9 Sep 2013 14:42