BITE user comments - rockit99
Comments by rockit99
The review by EllieC08 is more indicative of the nature of the Red Lion. The other two are clearly by, with all due respect, 'outsiders'. The location is certainly not the most salubrious, being in the middle of a mostly now derelict industrial estate. But then again you don't go to the Lion for the view...
It's a live music venue, with anything up to 3 or 4 acts appearing at once, it even has a 'festival' stage in the garden. Terry, the landlord, has run this place for at least 25 years with a very sympathetic attitude to local musicians. Without the Lion the whole of North Kent would be the worse off for the lack of a decent venue.
What it lacks in niceties it makes up with friendly people, good music and a relaxed view of opening hours. It has the usual suspects for drinking, exotic ales are not something there's a huge demand for in these parts. Some people even like the curious post-apocalyptic setting...
In case you're wondering, I'm an ex-resident of Gravesend (ex for nearly 40 years) but I return here on the (very) odd occasion to meet up with old friends and listen to good local musicians. I've never seen any trouble here, anyone too drunk to behave is usually gently led away and given a good talking too (when sober).
It's most definitely not everyone's pint of real ale, but then again, it doesn't pretend to be.
4 Apr 2011 15:33
The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush
Have been there a couple of times, it's noisy but an interesting mix of people get there. However. Last Friday I arranged to meet 5 friends there at 7pm for a drink before going to see a band at the Empire. I was there first with my g/f and managed (!) to find a table and seats. Our friends got held up, the next two to arrive at about 7.20 were told by the doorman that they couldn't come in as 'the place was full'. It wasn't anywhere near full.
I asked the very supercilious doorman what was the problem and he said they had a big booking to fit in. There were no signs anywhere to say there was a private party and even as I watched for a while he seemed to think girls were ok to come in.
When the rest of my friends turned up I again remonstrated with the doorman (no swearing, no threats) pointing out that we were only there for about 20 minutes before going to the Empire. He eventually relented and said OK.
We're never going there again, the beers available are uninspiring and it's very noisy with crap music. Bar service was good though on this night, in particular the nice blonde barmaid with the lovely smile.
By the way, we were all well dressed, 40 to 50 year olds, of which there were many there.
22 Nov 2009 18:16
Used to be nice quiet (as in not noisy) place until the refurb. Prices rocketed overnight and it's become the haunt of hooray henrys and their tarts. Very noisy and unpleasant.
9 Feb 2006 23:32
Pleasant place, quirky layout, friendly. I can't quite understand the point of some other reviewers that somehow being in Chelsea a pub deserves a knocking. Surely if it's ok it doesn't matter where it is. I've only lived here for 4 years but I've far less aggro than I did in Kensal Green. And the girls are prettier.
Anyway, this pub is a pretty little place tucked away in quiet road off the Kings Rd. Relaxing.
9 Feb 2006 23:23
The Admiral Codrington, Brompton
Quite a characterful pub, as noted elsewhere here. Seems to attract city wide-boys and can get very loud (read - braying Henry's). Service is good though. It's worth a visit but if you don't like the area to start with then you won't like the pub.
9 Feb 2006 23:01
A very nice pub. Beautiful refurb from The Front Page. Staff very friendly and efficient. Good beers and wines. Food in the bar is excellent. Thankfully the big screen only comes out for big events and is swung away otherwise. Selection of papers to read if you just fancy a quiet pint. Can get quite busy but not objectionable in my experience.
9 Feb 2006 22:47
This is a very popular pub. At times it gets very crowded, inside and out, and that obviously affects the level of service. I've always found the staff to be friendly and pretty efficient. It has a lot of character with it's 'snugs'. It can get quite smokey and noisy, but it has a lot of charm. I've not eaten in the restaurant but friends say the food is good. Always worth visiting (unless it's heaving inside)
9 Feb 2006 22:41
The Surprise at Chelsea, Chelsea
Nice 'traditional' pub. Has nice quiet sections where you actually talk instead of fighting a sound system or blaring tv. Friendly staff, good beers, clean and tidy. Definately a place to go if you value the older pub and want to sit and talk with mates or your partner with no hassles
9 Feb 2006 22:30
Only went there a couple of times before it's refurb and it was very pleasant. The only really good things here now are the garden, which is a very nice respite from the hurly burly just up the road (Kings Road). On cooler days or nights there are the heaters to keep you warm. I say this because I'm afraid I agree the interior of the Phene is d u l l. No ambience at all and even worse since they put a TV in there. And the service at the bar is so slow, nice people, but absolutely no idea of how pub service should be.
Food was good though.
9 Feb 2006 22:24
The Dartmouth Castle, Hammersmith
Never went there previously, but the new version is very nice. Has nice ambience, staff very friendly (and attractive!), food is excellent. The upstairs part is very convivial, I believe they're thinking of having some acoustic nights, which is nice.
I agree it's getting harder to find the 'traditional' pub but this one is one of the nicer gastro variety.
24 Oct 2005 19:13
The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush
Singularly one of the worst pubs for attitude. I've been about 4 or 5 times, mainly through meeting friends to go to concerts at the Empire. They have thick meathead 'doormen' who seem to challenge almost everyone. On one occasion they refused entry to a friend joining us at 7.30 saying, they 'didn't like the look of him'. We're all middle-aged fairly well off so I don't know what his problem was. Even our barrister mate couldn't persuade the lunkhead on the door.
It's a very loud, very busy gastro pub, expensive too. Seems to be populated by Hoorays and wanker media types - and I used to work in the music business, that's how bad it is!
We've all agreed not to go here ever again. There's a fairly reasonable pub on the opposite corner, The Green, nothing fancy but much cheaper and attitude free. Ot the Bush Theatre bar just down Uxbridge Road if you fancy something quiet and a bit arty.
23 Jan 2014 11:04