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BITE user comments - mrdruse

Comments by mrdruse

The Edinburgh Arms, York

Owners are terrific! There has been a major refurbishment in the last year and the place looks great. Usually 3 real ales on at any one time. There is live music several days a week which isn't too bad either. Very good food and reasonably priced.

26 Jun 2017 20:22

The Snickleway Inn, York

Snickleway is a nice auld venue. 5 real ales on at any one time...does live music and the staff is friendly.

26 Jun 2017 20:18

Ye Olde Shambles Tavern, York

The rating for this pub is far too low. Cozy front bar that has 4 real ales that are all well served and rotate fairly frequently, Also, it has a very nice bottle selection! The staff have always been kind and attentive. I am returning soon and will surely stop in!

26 Jun 2017 20:15

Pivo Cafe Bar, York

A great pub with fine range of 4 rotating real ale's on tap. Good friendly staff who care about doing a good job. Well worth a visit.

19 Mar 2011 17:44

The Maltings, York

Best pub in York with great real ale selection. Always like going...and make it a point to stop in each and everytime I am in York...

19 Mar 2011 17:36

The Golden Slipper, York

A good pub with a good selection of 5 real ale's available: Deuchars, Wells and Black Sheep were the standards with 2 guests. Good clean lines! Landlord is very attentive and keeps the place in good shape. Several smaller rooms are available to relax in (my favourite is the snug with the variety of books and old post cards in it).

19 Mar 2011 17:33

The Blue Bell, York

Always worth a visit when in York. Good variety of micro brews that rotate frequently and all of which are kept in top shape.

19 Mar 2011 17:26

The Victoria Vaults, York

Accommodating and friendly staff. It's an Old Mill brewery pub that has 4 hand pumps with Old Mill brews available-- and they were in good nick. Cozy pub with a lot of space to move about. Apparently the Monday quiz night is very popular there. I liked it a lot, and would return to patronize it.

19 Mar 2011 17:13

The Star Inn, Bath

Was there a bit back and enjoyed the Star! Smallesh interior but has a great atmosphere and good fire. Good selection of ales and likely the best damned pour of a Bass I've ever had-- straight from the barrel. Lovely. Highly recommended!

3 Feb 2011 19:42

The Star Inn, Crowlas

David- I wanted to add on to your Sept comment about the Star Inn. It's been a year since I was last in but whenever I did go I received 1st class treatment all the way around. In fact, Steve was impressed to hear that I had set aside some time on my visit from Texas to check out the famed Star Inn and told the landlord, Pete-- who promptly came around the bar and invited me to talk with him as he showed me the microbrewery. He spent quite a lot of time talking with me and showing me the 'odds and ends' of the breweing process, then invited me to stay as long as I wanted...which I did; sampling the many real ales that were available.

Great pub! Great time-- and I would return without hesitation!

22 Dec 2010 17:10

The Royal Oak, Bath

Went a bit back when in Bath and really enjoyed it. A proper real ale pub with 9 rotators all in good nick. Landlord freely gave us samples and answered our questions about the various beers. Would return for an evening without hesitation!

26 Oct 2010 02:00

The Maltings, York

I miss my local......the Maltings! Will be back soon enough, however. Best pub in England and a must visit when in York. Gotta get me a pint of Roosters (or 5) and watch 1st Leeds Utd game when they play in Championship League next season.

19 May 2010 22:47

The Maltings, York

One of the best pubs in England. Consider the Maltings to be 'my local' and I live 5600 miles away. Always a great selection of real ales-- all of which are spot on and well kept and cared for. Top notch food at good prices. But the best part about the pub is the effort that goes into making it good. Landlord is the best and is concerned about the overall quality of his place...that's why it's always packed full of customers. They do all of the little things well: clean glasses; clean tables; make conversation; know customers; etc. A good example of that is whenever I walk in the place, whoever is behind the bar will immediately start to pour me a Roosters. To bad I live in Texas and can't get there more often, but the fact of the matter is that when I am there, they know and I am cared after. Ten rating for me! Don't forget: Big Vern says 'Bollocks!'

17 Feb 2010 21:42

The Three Cranes Inn, York

After wandering by on consecutive nights and seeing arguments outside, I decided to steer clear.

1 Jan 2010 18:11

Pivo Cafe Bar, York

Stopped in to see what Pivo's was all about and thought it was pretty pleasant. Shipman and Porter are right, though, as the place can get so packed that it can be hard to get service. It's an ancient building, however, and luckily, I was able to get served and get a look around despite the Christmas crowd. Pivo's is 2 stories so after chatting up the barman for a brief second, I got my prize (Wadsworth) and headed upstairs. Again, it's pretty tight there, too, but I did find a spot and perused the multipaged beer menu.

Had several interesting international beers on draft including the Californian Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Harvest (winners in my book! We cannot even find these on draft in the states); various Belgians and a Schnieider Weiss from Germany which sadly was off. Also had 3 real ale selections (Rooster and Wadsworth) and the Wadsworth 6xmas was spot on.

Visited the gents after being told that there was a gargoyle being used as a urinal but sadly, that had been removed and you could tell that there had recently been some work done there.

1 Jan 2010 18:09

The Royal Oak, York

You know I have always liked the Royal Oak but it has sadly changed. Had a few standard ales on hand pump (Landlord, Greene King) but aside from that was a shade of its former self. I still did like the fire, however, but the place was empty other than my wife and I.

1 Jan 2010 17:58

The Old White Swan, York

Called in the Swan a few days ago and found it to be very nice. 8 real ale pulls this time which is quite a few more than I remember from before. There is a large sign above the Tudor Bar which targets the Old Swan having 200 guest ales as a goal for 2009 (the 2010 goal wasn't up there yet). Nonetheless, it seems that the standard is John Smith (bollocks) but that the guests are varied and quickly rotate. Had a very good Thwaites Nutty Black (mild) and enjoyed it very much! Also found the Rudgate Viking and the Cameron's White Christmas to be good as well.

The pub in split into 3 sections, all of which are very accommodating, so you can always find a place to plop oneself. The outside beer garden had a heater so even though it was -1c outside, you could still be fairly comfortable and have a few there. I thought that was a nice touch.

Barstaff were welcoming so I'll return one day to do some more sampling!

1 Jan 2010 17:55

KoKo International Bar, York

Lovely tucked away international beer boozer right around the corner from the Minster. Although it doesn't look it, the place is actually 3 stories high and is a very olde building so watch your head! Very nice foreign beer selection, mostly Belgian, but also had 3 German lager selections on draft. Also had 2 real ale choices: Rooster Yankee and a Daleside Morroco Ale- which were both spot on. I'll be back!

1 Jan 2010 17:46

The Hole in the Wall, York

Stopped in Dec 23rd and caught the tail end of some carolers-which was a nice touch. Cozy atmosphere and does have some space although not a lot. Has music and a few games so not a traditional real ale pub per se. However, having said that it did have 5 pulls available and served a very nice 49er.

1 Jan 2010 17:39

The Golden Lion, York

Popped in again to see what was on. Per usual, 9 real ale pulls and being Christmas, most ale's were of the seasonal variety. Had a good Wentworths Snowman's Revenge. I have always found the ales to be well kept here. Of course, the place can get very crowded given its locale, but the waitstaff has always been professional when I've been there. Worth a stop in for a few!!

1 Jan 2010 17:34

The Gillygate, York

Popped in to see what this place was like. Was nice olde style pub with two separate rooms. 2 real ale pulls: Hobgoblin and J Smith. Preferring the good Wychwood ale, I found the Hobgoblin in good shape and the place was very hospitable. The bathroom was clean..but cccoooooollllddddd when we went. I'd stop in again.

1 Jan 2010 17:29

Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York

Traveled there with our friends from Birmingham (hi Gill!) and found this place to be very lovely. 6 real ale pulls most of which were guests I believe (Leeds Brewery, York, Hesket, Hawkshead) but all of which were in good shape. The Hesket Imperial Russian Stout at 8.3 was nice...for a half, but we all were surprised to see the Belgian gem Kwak on draft and had a sampling! Friendly and helpful bar staff and very clean surroundings make for Brigantes a place well worth visting!

1 Jan 2010 17:23

The Dolphin, Kings Cross

Stopped in to see what the deal was. Tim Taylor Landlord was only pull on but was good. Interesting interior but somewhat tight for me...but then again I was busy drinking my pint and writing a nice postcard to my wife in the States. Seemingly a locals pub but unlike the Sherminator above, no one paid me any mind.

19 Jul 2009 23:46

McGlynns, Kings Cross

Popped in to see how it was. Had 3 good pulls on which were in good shape. Mostly a local's pub but the atmosphere was good and welcoming. About a 5 minute walk from the Kings Cross tube station albeit somewhat hidden. Still, worth a stop in.

19 Jul 2009 23:41

The Mexico Inn, Penzance

Being from Texas....I just avoided based on general principles.......and namesake......

19 Jul 2009 23:30

Fountain Tavern, Penzance

TV..games...and a very average pint of St Austell's. Clientele was mostly locals who were aloof. They didn't bother us, but it was a fast drank pint to say the least.

19 Jul 2009 23:29

The First and Last, Penzance

A gem. Well kept real ales (3 at any one time) and a welcoming bar staff. We had a pint or 2 in here and likely should have had more. No punters and off the beaten path.

19 Jul 2009 23:27

The London Inn, Penzance

Best to avoid..unless you have a mouthpiece.

19 Jul 2009 23:25

The Alexandra, Penzance

The Alex was one of the best pubs we visited in Penzance. GREAT owner who cared whether we were enjoying our stay there. Well kept real ales with a nice beer garden out back. Good atmospehere and-at all times- welcoming. Lastly, The Alex is about a 1 minute walk to the shorefront, so that's nice, too.

19 Jul 2009 23:24

The Admiral Benbow, Penzance

i like it. Was ecclectic to say the least. Space is tight in there and there was only one real ale on at the time. Still, the service was good and hospitable and friendly.

19 Jul 2009 23:20

The Raven, Bath

Had the best pint of Vanilla Porter I have ever had before. The landlord remembered me (all the way from Texas) and was willing to discuss his real ale selection. Of course, there are at least 5-10 on at any one time and all are well kept (trust me I know). Ambiance is good..no blaring music..no tv's..just right for a proper real ale pub. Well worth a stop over for a few....

19 Jul 2009 23:18

The Harp, Covent Garden

Visited last fall and enjoyed my stay a lot. The place was packed but the lady behind the bar served me with no problems. In fact, she was doing the work of two people: answering the phone, claening tables of glasses and serving--so I was impressed. Several good real ale's on at any one time and a good atmosphere. I'll get back to London again and visit--worth it!

19 Jul 2009 23:13

The Beckets Inn, Glastonbury

A real shame about Beckets. Sounds like the bar wench is a total turd...we didn't have any dealings wtih her when we visited. Always like to have a few pints there when I visit. The Landlord is spot on and the real ale pints are always well kept. The UK's green police are making the landlord "fix" his fireplace as they claim it emits too much CO2--what a joke. So, we didn't have the benefit of having the great fire this time around.

8 Jul 2009 15:36

The Raven, Bath

This is a dated post as I visited last year, but the Raven had 9-10 real ales on tap at any one time. These tended to rotate quickly so you were always able to sample a new beer. Landlord was spot on--doesn't put up with loud talkers, chavs, troublemakers, etc. so I felt good about being in there.

The Raven hosts real ale festivals on occassion and the last time we visited had no less than 30 ales that were represented. I tried to sample then all, but gave up after 8 or 9......but it was worth the effort!

I will return!

17 Feb 2009 03:50

The Old Green Tree, Bath

This is dated as I visited last year, but each time we were in, staff was helpful. The Green Tree real ale was one of the best in Bath (great session beer at 3.9). Very well done real ale pub--few distractions such as TV's, loud music, screaming chavs, etc. Only drawback is that it can get crowded around lunch and right after the end of the work day.

Worth a stop in, though!

17 Feb 2009 03:46

The Blue Bell, York

Really good real ale pub. Several good pulls on at any one time and all are well kept. Can get packed when it's busy, but it's worth a stop in!

16 Oct 2008 02:10

Ye Olde Starre Inn, York

Always good. Lots of space and always 5-6 real ales on at any one time. Good history here and very accessible to the rest of York!

16 Oct 2008 02:08

The Three Legged Mare, York

Great pub and fun quiz night. Try the Wonky Donkey- very nicely done!

Good selection of York Brewery ales including some lagers.

Worth a stop in for sure!

16 Oct 2008 02:06

The Slug and Lettuce, York

Avoid this Douglas at all costs.

16 Oct 2008 02:04

The Royal Oak, York

The Roayl Oak is a very nice pub. 3 separate areas to sit and enjoy a good pint. The Hobgoblin was superb- if I had known it were there sooner, I would have spent more time there!

Interestingly enough whilst there several German stonemasons were in and ordered 'das boot-' the 4 pint glass boot that is over the bar. The barmaid got it down, washed it out and filled it up (with Carling- ug) whilst we all looked on. Luckily for me, I was able to drink from it! I would have filled it full of Hobgoblin or Bombadier, however!

16 Oct 2008 02:03

The Old White Swan, York

An interesting pub indeed with 3 parts to it including outdoor seating. Interesting history of the place as well including a peice of an old Roman column that was used to build it way back when! Several real ales on including a Bateman's brand.

16 Oct 2008 01:57

The Minster Inn, York

I agree with Carl above. I popped in for a pint and found the Minster Inn very welcoming. I thought the cork covered wall near the fireplace was interesting, too. Of course, what was more interesting, to me, were the 5 real ales they had. Not sure what the standard pull would be, but there was a nice selection to choose from! Good location and friendly staff. I'll return!

16 Oct 2008 01:54

The Maltings, York

This is my local pub- and I'm 5600 miles away. GREAT selection of very well kept real ales (7 on at any one time) as well as a variety of lagers and ciders. Great staff who care a lot about the patrons (Big Vern says 'Bollocks'). The kitchen is very good, too. All in all a 10. I would very much recommend a stop in if you are in York or have a long lay over at the train station! Be careful, though, not to miss your connection!

Too bad The Maltings can't be in Texas.......

16 Oct 2008 01:52

The Cock and Bottle, York

Went in to watch the Leeds match a few weeks ago. The place was packed but it was a good time. Good spacing in the pub and a nice selection of beers to choose from including a well kept Deuchars IPA. I'll be back next year when Leeds wins again.

LEEDS! LEEDS! LEEDS!

16 Oct 2008 01:46

The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York

Very nice pub. Good staff and good selection of real ales to choose from! Everything was in fine order when I was there last week. A fine real ale pub. Highly recommended for a stop if you are in York!

16 Oct 2008 01:44

The Guy Fawkes Hotel, York

Local drinker told me that the Guy Fawlkes had been refurbished in April and several real ales added. VERY good pub with 6 pulls and all in well kep condition. Helpful bar staff! I will return to have a few more pints there! Well done.

5 Oct 2008 13:01

The Speaker, Westminster

Nice pub with good bar staff who were helpful and friendly. Very nice wooden interior. Had an upstairs but I was too lazy to go up (had a long plane ride earlier and just wanted a few good pints). 4 real ales all in well kept condition. The Buffy's Bitter is a very nice session beer and if I would have had more time I likely could have had several very easily.

Worth a stop if you are in the area!

2 Oct 2008 18:31

The Skinners Arms, Kings Cross

Not a bad pub. 5 pulls all seemingly well kept. Had a Landlord and Abbot Ale and have no complaintes against the cleanliness of the lines. Had a juke box and I couldn't really tell if it was more of a locals or a trendy pub or a combo. Still, had a Victorian designed ceiling which was nice and had a friendly staff that was willing to help me.

2 Oct 2008 18:23

The King Charles I, Kings Cross

Just got here from Texas and went to KC to see if it could live up to the rating. I must say YES. 4 pulls all well kept and a friendly/helpful landlord. Likely a locals pub but I was able to easily have good conversation with those around me. I'll return before I get to York.

2 Oct 2008 18:12

The Angel, Rotherhithe

Went there a while back and was introduced to the "Holy Grail" of cask ale- Sam Smith Olde Brewery Bitter. Great prices here. Fantastic view of the Thames River and best of all, even though it's a local pub, no one bothers you. Good waitstaff and very reasonable prices!

2 Mar 2008 21:09

Wetherspoons T4L, Heathrow Airport

Had to fly out going back to the States early in the AM. Was very depressed knowing that I couldn't get another good cask ale for quite a while but ran into this Wetherspoon's. Had 5 pulls with a nice selection of cask marque ale's- I got the best of them the Caledonian IPA. Wife got mad at me for drinking so early (9AM) and so much (3 in 30) but it sure helped the flight go by faster. Service was good. Bar area was clean, too.

30 Dec 2007 16:56

The Hansom Cab, York

Very nice pub. Interesting & well kept interior. Can get pretty crowded, however. Still, though, great cask ale selection in the Olde Brewery Bitter. I found the regulars pretty friendly. Definitely worth a visit.

12 Aug 2007 05:46

The Last Drop Inn, York

Back again recently. Real ale selections still very, very good-Stonewall great, again. Barstaff very professional. Not too crowded and best of all no chavs.

12 Aug 2007 05:42

The Roman Bath, York

The Roman Bath underneath the pub is well worth a good look. Really makes you wonder at the marvel of Roman knowhow. The pub, however, is a different story. Serves John Smith cask ale which is enough for me to steer clear. Good thing is that there are a few better pubs (Last Drop, 3 Cranes, Olde Starre) in easy walking distance.

12 Aug 2007 05:20

The Golden Fleece, York

Liked the decor & the haunted history of the place. Served a nice pint and is centrally located within York.

12 Aug 2007 05:10

The Slug and Lettuce, York

I would rather fall on a my sword than visit this place. Best thing is that the Maltings or Kings Arms aren't far away.

10 Aug 2007 20:37

The Royal Oak, York

Thought it was a nice pub. Went in March so enjoyed a good fire with my pint. Was pretty busy during our visit, but the landlord was very helpful and courteous. Several good selections of real ale on tap. Good atmosphere.

10 Aug 2007 20:25

The Seahorse Hotel, York

Very friendly pub with bar area and adjacent sitting room which is smoke free. Good service & great prices. Friendly locals.

10 Aug 2007 20:12

The Punchbowl, York

Not a bad pub. A little crowded in the from bar area, but the pint of Bass was nice. Reasonable rates for food! I was surprised to have gotten so much in the order so that was a bonus. Only negative were a few punters screaming at each other in a constant barrage of fighting threats. We just steered clear and went to the back for our pints and dinner.

10 Aug 2007 19:45

The York Arms, York

Perhaps being a huge Sam Smith fan I was oblivious to the 'gay bar'thing. Each time wife and I went in, it was not very full so we were served very quickly. Pints are the least expensive in York (1.40) and the cask ale is wonderful. Two nice sections of the pub provide whatever venue you might prefer. The bar area is relatively small, so we preferred the larger sitting room-which was never full.

10 Aug 2007 19:37

The Three Legged Mare, York

Very well done. Very nice selection of guest ales and very helpful waitstaff. Of course, the York Brewery selctions are excellent! Can get pretty busy given its locale to the Minster, but you can sit outside. Staff frowns on those who wander around the 3-legged mare outside, however, as I found out! They were very polite nonetheless and I resumed with my normal battery of pints afterwards!

10 Aug 2007 19:33

Varsity, York

Too many punters for me here. When we went, all cask ale choices were out. A definite negative. Typical plastic pub with very little character. I'd rather stick with the more traditional pubs around the area (Blue Bell, York Arms, Maltings, etc).

10 Aug 2007 19:28

The Yorkshire Terrier Inn, York

Great pub. I found it a lot quieter than most in that area. VERY good staff and landlord was very hospitable to us. Of course, the real ale selections at the bar were superb. York Brewery does an outstanding job with its brews. I must agree that Centurions Ghost is a great pint, but the Stonewall is worth a go as well. When we visited, the Terrier had a guest beer-Damson Porter-which turned out to be quite lovely.

10 Aug 2007 19:12

The Chicago Rock Cafe, Swansea

Haha-Chicago bang! bang!

Bad beer. Try the Queens Head instead.

27 Dec 2006 20:35

The Bridge House, Belfast

Was usually packed with Chavs crowding the bar and drinking their share of swill (Stella). Still, served a few real ales (Caledonian and a few guests). Caters to the younger crowd hence the blaring music and 10 security guys at the door. Not a bad place in the daytime, but in the evenings you'll take your chances. Because of disturbance, we got a chance to see the Belfast police and their armoured vehicles. Man, those are guys that you DON'T want to mess with.

27 Dec 2006 20:31

The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast

Nice interior. First class indeed and worth a look. Served a good Belfast Ale. Wasn't very crowded when we went, but then again that was at 11AM. I have been told on more than one occasion that the Crown can get crowded with tourists. Nonetheless, worth a stop in.

27 Dec 2006 20:25

Whites Tavern, Belfast

Very old and quant. Good service and nice selection of lagers on tap. Historically began in 17th/c and reputed to have been an old brothel in the olden days.

27 Dec 2006 20:21

Kelly's Cellars, Belfast

A Belfast institution for sure. Aged but well worth a visit! Great selection of lagers, fine Irish stew and good music. Locals were very amiable. Was a nice place to relax have 6 pints and discuss Belfast. Highly recommended!

27 Dec 2006 20:17

Crown Posada, Newcastle

Finally found it in the Quaysides and had a great experience there. Hosts a nice variety of real ales and the waitstaff was great: they helped answer all of our questions and the manager sat with us and discussed some of the other good pubs with real ales within the area. Great interior setting! Well worth a visit!!!

27 Dec 2006 20:12

The Golden Lion, York

Good pub with great range (9) of real ales to choose from. Pub lay out is wide open so you have plenty of room to relax and have your fill of good ale's without being bothered by any punters. Good & knowledgeable staff but the bathroom was something to be desired. Dunno what happened from one visit to the next, but the bathroom was definitely a downer to an otherwise good pub.

27 Dec 2006 19:59

The Maltings, York

Great pub. Fine selection of real ales that are well kept and rotated frequently. Black Sheep is main pull and is the anchor. Very nice selection of ciders and perries-watch it b/c they are strong. Bar staff is professional and courteous. Can get busy but is still a good place to find a seat and drink your fill! Big Vern says, "Bollocks," but is a very good manager and runs a tight ship. Well worth another visit from Texas and I am looking forward to it.

27 Dec 2006 19:48

The George and Dragon, Beaumaris

My favourite pub. Former owners Rosie and Griff made this experience the BEST! They did everything they could to make our visit enjoyable! 600 year old pub has an interesting history ranging from Cromwell's visit in the 17th/c to the archeaological study that is progressing upstairs by Oxford prof's. The walls of the old place are still intact and host a variety of old pics and odds and ends. Great fire in the winter time and a variety of lagers to choose from (I, of course, had my fill of Robinson's Unicorn while there: nice bitter served in a clean line). The Welsh 'mafia' of Pete the F******, Machete John and Machinegun Lou are terrific drinking companions. No trip to Beaumaris can be complete without visiting the G&D. Thanks Rosie and Griff-YOU'RE THE BEST!

27 Dec 2006 19:36

Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris

Again, another very old hotel/pub. Very cozy atmosphere. Hosts a nice fire in the winter time and always has a nice selection of real ales (Bass, HB Hancock, & local Welsh brand Crwr). Being a real ale drinker, I was impressed with the choices and prices. I was alos impressed with the patrons-very nice and talkative-as well as the bar staff-very helpful. Interesting to poke around a see the old ducking stool, weapons, etc. that line the walls. Right around the corner from Castell Beaumaris so it's an easy stroll to have a pint and sit by the fire after examining the castell.

27 Dec 2006 19:28

The Liverpool Arms Hotel, Beaumaris

Very nice indeed. 2 good real ale pulls (Flowers & Old Speckled Hen) that are well kept & served in clean lines. Hotel/pub is several hundred years old, hence the atmosphere is very interesting (e.g., old pics, architecture, etc). Very friendly & helpful staff that are very accomodating. Lastly, there's an interesting old chap that frequents the Liverpool named Dave. He's 80 something and has been coming to the place so long, that he has his own chair at the bar! The bottom line is that this hotel/pub is well worth the visit when in Beaumaris!

27 Dec 2006 19:22

The Angel and White Horse, Tadcaster

After we toured the Sam Smith brewery (thanks, Simon) we saundered over to their signature pub and enjoyed a round of all the Sam Smith varieties. Of course, I am partial to the real ale-Old Brewery Bitter which is excellent-but the pub was a great experience. Friendly barstaff and good atmosphere. It has a nice wood-finished interior with outside seating available. Also has a very good lunch buffet.

16 Dec 2005 15:50

The Maltings, York

Excellent pub. 7 pulls with Black Sheep Bitter being the solid fixture. The real ale's are all excellent and change pretty quickly always to be replaced by another nice choice. Their guest ale list now is over 40 strong, so the patron will get a lot of variety. Also, the real ale's are great b/c the lines are clean and the staff is very professiona. It's a bit cozy, and does get full, but it's well worth the sit down for several pints.

16 Dec 2005 15:32

The Snowdon, Llandudno

If you would like to fight your way though a thick blanket of smoke and through the stares of the locals for a bad beer (lines not cleaned regularly) then this is your place. Has 2 real ale pulls, one of which was a Bass which had been done a disservice for being taken care of so poorly by the tattoo covered staff.

20 Jun 2005 19:48

The Postern Gate, York

This is the worst Weatherspoons that I have been in. Food quality was poor at best. After being served, the food was found to be lukewarm and more greasy than usual for a plate of fish and chips. Of the 5 real ale pulls available, only 2 were functional for 2 days thereby leaving us to drink the somewhat questionable guest ale, Footslogger. I am normally a fan of the Wetherspoon pub, but this one does not live up to expectations. This is puzzling since York thrives on tourism and since this pub is at the bottom of a Travelodge, you would think that these guys would uphold a better quality all the way around (e.g., The Palladium in Llandudno). So, to quote SMW above, I rate this a 2 for having drinkable beer. I would, however, advise you to go across the street to the Red Lion for a better experience.

20 Jun 2005 19:40

Tafarn Y Porth, Caernarfon

Nicely kept Weatherspoon's just outside the town walls. Several nice real ale's to choose from including Director's, Abbot Ale, Marston's Pedigree and several well kept guest ales (e.g., Workie Ticket). Staff very helpful and pub offers-in addition to its pub meal specials- the chance to order authentic Welsh dishes for very moderate prices. Outside seating is available as well, so that is a bonus, especially when wanting to enjoy the nice evening at the end of a castle crawl.

20 Jun 2005 16:53

Ye Old Mail Coach, Conwy

Pretty nice pub, but with only 2 pulls: Marston's Pedigree and a local brewery ale called Castle Bitter. The atmosphere seemed pretty good and it does have outside seating as well.

20 Jun 2005 16:48

The Last Drop Inn, York

A very nice pub with a variety of York Brewery choices (e.g., Centurians Ghost, Stonewall, Yorkshire Terrier, etc). as well as a few guest ales. The staff was very helpful and friendly and better yet, the pub does not allow large party groups in the evening b/c it simply cannot provide the space- a definite plus. Outside seating is available and the crowd there was always very pleasant and talkative. Lastly, it's in the center of York so you can have a pint (or 5) then easily head down the road to your next location! I believe that they will be having a Beer Festival in August as well. Too bad I'll miss that.

20 Jun 2005 16:45

The Blue Bell, York

Very nice inside decor which features early 20th wood paneling and six real ale pulls to choose from. The staff was helpful, but this pub can get very crowded to say the least and you may have very little elbow room to enjoy your pint. Several locals recommended that we see the pub, not only for its history, but also for the way in which they treat the beer (very nice-lines well cleaned and cared for).

20 Jun 2005 16:38

The Tyburn, Marble Arch

We called this 'the plastic pub.' Very modern, I guess you can say, so it detracts from the atmosphere if you're a traditionalist pub goers. Wetherspoons does a good job, though, no matter what. Plenty of pulls, very few punters (when we went) and a pretty good location in London.

29 Mar 2005 00:19

The Black Bull Inn, Bangor

Very nice pub indeed. Tends to get a bit crowded on evening the college students are free, but otherwise has a nice selction of real ales and reasonable prices.

27 Mar 2005 22:16

The George and Dragon, Conwy

A very nice pub indeed. Small, but big enough for a great time. Crowd was mostly older, and the pulls were good (Bass & Old Speckeled Hen). The pub's decor is good enough for a pop in and a pint. The fire is very nice and the older interior adds a lot of flare to the place.

27 Mar 2005 21:57

The Palladium, Llandudno

Great pub right on the 'main drag' of Llandudno. I totally agree with glowman above. Like other Wetherspoons, this pub has a great selection of real ale's on tap at extrememly reasonable prices (typical mainstays Rev James, Spitfire, Abbot Ale and 2 guests). If you're a person who likes beers on a gas pull, they have a good selection as well. Very friendly staff, great scenery, and very pleasing food prices (2 dinners for 6GBP) is very nice.

27 Mar 2005 21:51

Cross Keys Hotel, Llandudno

I guess a decent pub if you want to be surrounded by tourists and club goers. The real ale selection seemed OK but THE LINES ARE NOT CLEANED REGULARLY. Therefore, the normally relable Theakstons Cold Cask was terrible. I am going to credit the bad lines to the terrible Rhuddles that they served (worst real ale I have ever tasted). After drinking 1/2's those two ale's I knew that my drinking time would be spent better somewhere else.

27 Mar 2005 21:46

The Kings Head, Llandudno

Best pub in Llandudno for a few reasons. First, it is off the beaten path so you won't be bothered by tourists. Second, a very nice selection of real ales are available (Abbot Ale, Tram Driver-local special and Tetley's Bitter). Also, the pub has a great atmosphere. Mostly older crowd and it has a great fire to sit by an enjoy a pint (or ten). Very reasonable price structure.

27 Mar 2005 21:43

The Last Drop, Edinburgh

A fine place to stop in and have an extra cold Guinness. Varied clientele, but good atmosphere and is in a good location: close to the Royal Mile, other pubs in the Grassmarket, etc. Place has a great history to be discussed.

18 Aug 2003 02:55

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