BITE user comments - purpleronnie
Comments by purpleronnie
I've been to this pub a few times and the best I've found the ale is average. I have never had a pint that is crystal. On one occasion when I arrived just after opening time, I was given a topped up glass from some ale that was in a glass sitting on the drip tray? The pint was warm and tasted old, when I questioned it I was told that there was nothing wrong with it and it wasn't replaced. I should know what's good or bad - I'm a brewer by trade.
I have not been back since.
20 Oct 2009 14:30
From what I remember the current landlord has now been in just over a year. In that time he has turned the pub around, into a great pub.
The ales (Wadsworth) are very good, but I did notice that during the summer (busiest time) that although drinkable they hadn�t stood long enough.
The food has improved big time - Everything looks and tastes as though it is cooked fresh!!!
The prices aren�t cheap but you do get value for money.
As an experienced ale drinker and someone who likes a friendly pub with good ale and nosh, I would recommend this pub before any other in Basingstoke..
1 Oct 2009 23:11
This place is the dump of all dumps!! Thought I would have a pint in there whilst waiting for my Chinese from the takeaway next door (recommended) had to walk past about 30 chavs smoking on the very small patio in front of the entrance. As I walked past them they all stopped talking and stared at me. I could smell they were smoking weed. Got inside the Pub and it was empty and smelly. No real ales on and the Grolsch I was given was tanny and served in a dirty glass. Landlord was more interested in the telly than being a friendly publican.
Whatever you do in life � AVOID THIS PLACE!!!!!!!
16 Aug 2008 04:20
The Beach Arms Hotel, Church Oakley
Dined here yesterday. 4x carvery (with Roasted ham, Turkey and beef) 4 huge puddings, 1 Pint of Stella.(they only had had John Smiths or Bombardier in Keg) 2 cokes and a special fruit drink for �30.00
The food was of good quality and the service was good. I think that people having to queue for food at 16:45 on a Thursday is a sign that this is a good place to dine.
Tell me anywhere else you can get a meal for 4 for �30.00
16 Aug 2008 03:56
Great pub for sunny days. Well equiped garden for children. Beer and food are good.
7 May 2008 03:07
The food and drinks are very expensive. The owners and locals are very clicky and tend to snub strangers.
The Village bar (public bar) can be busy with aircraft maintenance workers from up the road - stinking of oil and grease!!
29 Mar 2008 02:10
Only 1 pump for real ale and most of the time it is rubbish(they don't shift it quick enough)The place is starting to look tired and the toilets could do with a deep clean - they stink.
The Landlord is friendly but could curb his language.
This pub with the right management could be a goldmine!!
17 Mar 2008 10:00
The Soldiers Return, Basingstoke
1st I will start with the good - The Real ale is top class.
Now the Bad - The Landlord appears to sample the top class ale far too often. Most nights he can be found far the worse for ware. When he has had one too many he becomes one of the most annoying people you can meet!
The pub its self has become very tired and is in need of refurbishment. Unfortunately I don't think that the money is there to do it.
The public bar most of the time is occupied by what I can only describe as Chavs.
If you want to enjoy a good quality real ale in nice surroundings I suggest you go to the Crown at Basing.
13 Mar 2008 11:12
Back to purpleronnie's profile
The Crown, Old Basing
I went in this pub last night, not for the 1st time and I have spoken and been served by the bar Manager (Adam) before. On entering the pub we were closely followed by a group of 4. Adam completely ignored my Wife and I, to great the people behind and when I asked him for a drink, he huffed, turned around and asked a barmaid to serve us and then took the rude people behind (who announced they had a table booked whilst we were trying to order) through to the restaurant. We felt as though he thought, we were just lowly scum who shouldn't have been in the way. In 32 yrs of drinking in pubs this is by far the rudest, any barman has been towards me.
We told the barmaid how upset we were by Adam's rudeness, turned and went to the Bolton Arms and were greeted by friendly courteous staff.
This is a pub that is only interested in people, willing to pay for extortionately over priced food. I will not be returning!!!!
30 Jun 2012 08:22