BITE user comments - reala
Comments by reala
Cheap, cheap pints in here and some well known brands but the experience as so often in these country RA pubs is soured by the sight of mournful publicans suspicious of anyone whom they haven't seen before - traditional British approach but somehow always surprises me.
A barman palmed off one of my young friends with a pint which I expect could only have consisted of "slops" as it tasted of vinegar and when I returned it, the morose governor regarded me with suspicion. He almost wretched when he tasted it: despite this, he didn't apologise but agreed that it should be replaced. When I asked if there was a price differential between this pint of cat's urine and the replacement pint he dismissed my concerns with a wave denoting largesse on his part. In fact, it turned out that the replacement pint was cheaper!
Other details: a large courtyard if you like a smoke, brightly lit interior somewhat retro. Difficult to get to and cramped parking.
I may have been a tad unlucky or caught them on a bad night, but I will not be returning.
30 Aug 2013 13:13
the governor has big plans to refurbish this place which is a pity as it jack shit else going for it other than its authentic Tudor interior. I popped in while waiting for a taxi a few weeks ago (my first visit in six years after a similarly wake-like experience) to find two other customers and myself in the novel position of being the only object of conversational note. They left soon afterwards, as did I but not before warning the enthusiastic by somehow doomed young governor of the pointlessness of his mission. Would love to see this bar with some people in it and maybe a less vapid custodian.
13 Jun 2010 21:57
Sky sports? I think not. That would be the cokehead paradise down the street. A traditional pub and unquestionably the best in town despite its huge dip in form following the retirement to Spain of the great governors a few years back. It's seen a bit of refurb since then but not too drastic.
This is a pub for quiet reflection, a chat, a great pint and real characters. Glad it's got such a shit rating (I'm afraid I will score it low therefore too!) as it keeps out the gobshites.
Don't bring any small dogs in here. You have been warned.
13 Jun 2010 21:41
was here last Friday with John Floyd (a real local character) discussing his new contract with Glentoran. Top service, lovely food and a great spirit. I highly recommend it.
13 Jun 2010 21:32
The Airport Inn, Templepatrick
can't understand why this has no reviews and a 4 rating. Not been there for a while but seem to recall a very comfortable bar in a nice hotel setting. Very handy if you like a proper drink before flying.
13 Jun 2010 21:26
The Anglers Retreat, Marsworth
As a local, I would direct you to beer monster and bucking f's spot-on reviews. And please do heed the warning - the same people cooking the same food 100 yds away but a/ a lot better here and b/ not as much of a rip off. A rather cliquey pub which I am avoiding mainly for that reason. Changes character in the summer with the tourist trade and not unpleasant sitting near the aviary quaffing a beer in the garden. But you will nearly always be accompanied by a tatooed boat dweller pulling on a roll-up while their slavering rottweiller adoringly "hygienes" its private parts.
13 Jun 2010 15:15
Abteilung isn't joking about banging your head: you really do need to watch out for that low ceiling between the loo and the bar! Good reliable beer and undisturbed reverie from the Withnail like collection of mainly farmer locals (haven't seen that many pond life types there). Low key but courteous service from a very nice couple which is my preference (they're not dealing with the easiest clientele). Beer garden is in the premier division of the pub beer garden league.
13 Jun 2010 14:45
alfnoax: with you all day in your comments. The dour and downright rude service is even more tragic when you consider the quality of the customer service before the ageing current incumbent arrived. This used to be a buzzing happy and busy bar, now it is deserted most evenings and run-down looking.
Last week, I sat outside when the unsmiling hag arrived to collect some glasses (they had been there for an hour) f ignoring the fact that the few people there had been using their coats to wipe the seats and table tops following a recent shower. Even though there were still pools of water and detritus on the table, these were left behind. My last visit, as I have found a couple of very nice pubs nearby which I will review here soon. Avoid like the plague!
13 Jun 2010 14:30
The Akeman, Tring
I agree with davvac re the low rating for this pub being unfair, but what makes it more remarkable is the extremely high ratings for at least two other local pubs which I would consider (having visited recently and been shocked at the poor service, poor management and poor beer) as lower scorers than this place. Who knows why that is.
pub is far from my favourite but does have a good selection of beers, plenty of options as to where to sit in quite a well refurbished bar and has an acceptable beer garden. I agree with juwwi re the service which is similar to that Love Restaurant programme where desolate couples meet on blind dates while the staff regard them with disdain while canoodling with one another in the corner. But quite agreeable pub overall. I rate as 8 to try to restore the balance - otherwise a 7.
26 Jul 2018 14:02