BITE user comments - vic_of_india
Comments by vic_of_india
The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington
Busy Saturday night, nine drunk people on a pub crawl, we got quick service and a lovely pint of (unsert name of real ale here). And my mate left his bag outside, came back 15 minutes later and it was still there. Can't complain.
5 Jan 2010 19:02
The London Stone, Cannon Street
Nioce little pub, petty about the lack of ale, but the Guinness was lovely. Worth it just for the decor.
5 Jan 2010 18:59
This pub was a pleasant surprise. Obviously recently done up, with a nice pint of Deuchars and decent enough service. It looks skanky from the outside, but don't let that fool you.
5 Jan 2010 18:54
The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street
Not bad for a stop on the Circle Line pub crawl...beer was drinkable, but in a plastic cup due to the volume of Spurs fans in situ. Avoid when the Spuds are at home!!!
5 Jan 2010 18:52
We went in to The Shakespeare in December on the Circle Line pub crawl, and it was okay. The Black Sheep was a little ropey, but the new owner replaced it without a blink, and had a bit of a chat with us. If I recall correctly, he is an Aussie who has never run a pub before and we were there on his second day. So..I'm not going to give a rating as he was a nice bloke and he deserves the benefit of the doubt. I'd be interested to hear how he's doing.
5 Jan 2010 18:51
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
This was the first pub we visited on a Circle Line pub crawl, and it was by far and away the best. Lovely ale, n ice barman, and I'd go out of my way to come here again. ALso the only pub in Farringdon open at 11am!
5 Jan 2010 18:46
The Old White Lion, East Finchley
I have never had a problem with the beer in here, but oh Lordy! There is no such thing as a 'quick pint' in this pub. Be prepared for a good long wait for your drink, while the staff think of almost any excuse not to serve you. The phone ringing, putting change in the tills, standing waiting for another customer to choose food....I really feel like bashing some heads when I come in this pub. It is such a shame. I am a local,and I love the ale selection, and would drink here more often, but as it is I only come in here when I get off the tube and need to loo...
5 Jan 2010 18:28
I came back in here a few weeks ago after moving away from the area, and I have to say it's not a bad pub now. About 18 months ago ago they changed managers and the beer took a terrible dip for the worse, but it seems to have gone back up to it's previous good standard. A nice selection of ales...usually about 5 on at any one time, and certainly no more expensive than anywhere else around here. It is better than the competition without doubt.
5 Jan 2010 18:16
The Pack Horse Inn, Highbridge
Fairly average, though cheap, food, but a very nice pint of Tribute. A good place for a mid-journey stop over, but I couldn't imagine staying here for more than a couple of pints.
4 Jan 2010 20:11
The Smugglers Roost, Rustington
No ale, big TV screens, comfy sofas. Sadly, it is probably the best option for watching football in the wasteland that is Littlehampton. Unless you want to brave the Nelson...
4 Jan 2010 20:02
The Arun View Inn, Littlehampton
Not the best food in the world, but it is fairly cheap, the beer is drinkable, and it is usually a chav-free zone, which is unusual for L'A!
4 Jan 2010 19:55
Dignity (Taylors of Finchley), Finchley
A bit pricey, but I've never had a bad pint in here, the music is good and the staff are friendly enough (despite the departure of Paul). The best pub in Finchley Central, certainly, and better service then The Old White Lion. Usually a couple of guests on.
4 Jan 2010 19:29
Great tunes on a Saturday night, nice staff, I think I was on lager/JD last time I was there but am reliably informed they had Broadside too. The least pretentious pub in Camden.
4 Jan 2010 19:17
The Cock and Lion, Bond Street
The best pub in London to watch Newcastle games, and probably the only one that will show Newcastle over and above the top four. A great pint on Tribute and/or Black Sheep, and although the landlady can be a little scary if you don't know her, she is a diamond if you don't piss her off! Also usually tourist free, which is a bonus.
4 Jan 2010 19:15
BITE need to update this to 'The Gaff'. It's a great goth/rock pub,. but I came here after an Arsenal game the other day and didn't feel out of place. The decor and music are great, the beer (Well's Eagle IPA) is more drinkable than many other non-ale pubs, though I tend to stick to Guinness when I am here. Probably the best pub on the Hollaway Road, and the decor keeps away the less desirable Gooners!
4 Jan 2010 19:05
The Great Western Hotel, Exeter
Several hand pumps, a great pint of Yellowhammer (O'Hanlon) and Jail Ale (Dartmoor), and nice staff who didn't mind the brief invasion of a bunch of Newcastle fans en route to Plymouth. And after the game, they gave us a carry-out to drink on the train. It doesn't get much better than that!
4 Jan 2010 19:01
The Fox and Goose Inn, Parracombe
A bit of a trek and tricky to find, but worth it. A lovely pint of Otter Amber, followed by Cotleigh Barn Owl, almost made me wish that I hadn't eaten and had left room for more beer! But we did eat, and the food - all locally sourced - was lovely, and very reasonably priced (at least when comparing with London). They do serve big portions though, so you may not need a starter. I didn't have enough room for any of their great cheese selection either, so this is a pub I will definitely be coming back to.
4 Jan 2010 18:52
The George and Dragon, Ilfracombe
This is a lovely pub! Very warm and invitinbg, with very friendly staff, and a welcoming 'no phones policy'. Also very dog friendly, which is always a good thing. We drank Betty Stoggs (Skinners) and Proper Job (St Austell). Both pints were lovely, only complaint was that they were a little cold...but then again, it was minus 4 outside, so I can't blame them if their cellar was a little chilly! They also sell Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger beer, which went down nicely.
We spent a week in Devon, and the George and Dragon became the meeting point in Ilfracombe, and will be again should we ever come back.
4 Jan 2010 18:47
Ye Olde Globe Inn, Berrynarbor
We popped in for a few on New Years Eve, too early to catch them being busy. Have to say, it seemed to be a lovely little pub. Very warm and hospitable, with a lovely pint of Exmoor. I'd come back to Berrynarbor just to spend longer in this pub!
4 Jan 2010 18:42
The Elephant Inn, North Finchley
I last posted a review of this pub in December 2004, and I am pleased to say that nothing has changed...this pub is still fantastic. Actually, it may even have got better. A great pint of Pride, a relaxed atmosphere, good food if you want it, and wonderful bar staff. Lucy is the best landlady in the world, and Fullers should be proud! I love this pub!
16 Nov 2008 21:00
We came here this afternoon to check out the possibility of booking this pub for our wedding reception. We were overwhelmed. The pub is wonderful! The decor is tasteful and classy without being too 'poncey'. The beer is very well kept (currently Black Sheep/London Pride) and the managers (Sarah and Andrew) are helpful and very friendly. We stayed for lunch while pondering, and had a great three course meal for a very reasonable price. The Cavalier manages to be a good pub with great food without crossing the line into being a gastro pub. We came for a rekky, and stayed for 5 hours, and have booked the reception! I cannot say enough great things about this pub; it is a little gem, and we will be back here to drink before long.
16 Nov 2008 20:39
Okay pub for a pre match drink, and a few post match drinks whilst watching Sky, but other than that, no real reason to come in here. The AK isn't kept too well, so beer lovers should stick to the Red Lion.
Never actually seen a fight here, but that's probably because away fans can't come here on match days.
9 May 2007 16:55
An okay pub for having a jar or two in after work. Beer is kept well, nothing spectacular, and the outside standing are is useful in the summer, if a little crowded. Usually full of politicos and media types, but not poncey ones.
20 Apr 2007 14:57
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
This is a good pub. I came in on a pub crawl a few weeks ago and I stand by my previous review.
4 Apr 2007 16:25
Red Stripe and Jaegermeister. Ouch!
Surprisingly excellent vibe and amazingly nice clientele, even if not a goth/punk/metaler. Despite the lack of cask ales I'd certainly come back here for a session, if only because the place is sooo chilled and soooo friendly, and because the juke box is so amazing (even if they cut it off when I put on 'Freebird').
3 Apr 2007 18:17
Directors good? Not usually! I normally wait 15 mins to be served and then the beer is far too cold and overpriced.
It's still a wicked pub though! Great people, handly place to meet, great music and excellently chilled vibe. I've been here before and after football matches, and before nights out, and never had anything other than a warm welcome. The only place trendies and goths can mix.
3 Apr 2007 18:12
The Garden Gate, Hampstead Heath
Nice pub with comfy sofas and good beer, but so busy on a Saturday night.
One of the best curry houses in London is just across the road though.
3 Apr 2007 18:03
The Bald Faced Stag, East Finchley
VERY useful for its location... right near the 143, 102 and 263 bus stops, so I can pop in to use the toilet after Barnet matches before strolling down the the Old White Lion to actually have a drink.
No beer, no atmosphere, no point.
3 Apr 2007 18:00
The Catcher in the Rye, Finchley
Nice enough pub, with good enough beer. Not sure about the TV screen showing a film of a log fire though...
Terrible music.
3 Apr 2007 17:56
The food is okay and fairly cheap, and it's handy when there is football on.
3 Apr 2007 17:49
I heard a rumour that they have taken off the cask ale...was Landlord, now just lagers....
3 Apr 2007 17:47
Two bottles of Magners and Two Packets of Crisps for a tenner.
No thanks.
Try the Greyhound round the corner instead. It's cheaper and the beer is better.
3 Apr 2007 17:46
The Three Wishes, Winchmore Hill
Currently closed for refurbishment...VERY excited to see what it will be like....
3 Apr 2007 17:09
Pretty awful pub these days.
I have no doubt that the food is good, and if you want a Thai meal and a bottle of wine it may be okay, but if you want good beer while watching the footy, forget it. The only cask ale is Greene King IPA, and it is kept so badly...cold and nasty...that I always end up on lager when here! The back bar is a bit crap and too smokey, and the clientele are a bit too chavvy (though one guy did give up his seat for my mum during Man Utd v Arsenal at the beginning of the season, which was nice).
The decor in the main bar is the best asset!
3 Apr 2007 17:08
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
Another pub on my St Paddy's day pub crawl. Very nice beer, nice decor, and I will certainly be coming back here when sober!
3 Apr 2007 17:03
The Salisbury Arms, Winchmore Hill
'anonymous' has a point...it is VERY like the Old White Lion in East Finchley, and it is probably a chain pub. But so what?
5 years ago, chain pubs were O'Neal's, Walkabouts and All Bar One's. We had ONE cask ale on tap if VERY lucky, and the same old Brakes Brother's food to eat.
Now, we have 'chain' pubs like the Salisbury, where we can get Timothy Taylor's Landlord PLUS a guest, and food which is (for the most part) freshly cooked and carefully sourced.
I used to drink in the Salisbury in 1995, and I know that this is a major improvement.
3 Apr 2007 17:01
The Kings Head, Winchmore Hill
I came here on St Paddy's night...mini pub crawl of Winchmore HIll...and I was pleasantly surprised. It's been trendified since I was last here (circa 1995) and I will certainly be back to try the restaurant at the back some time. It was busy but not too busy, there was a good atmosphere thought the lighting is a bit bright, but they had two guest ales on, both of which were well kept.
3 Apr 2007 16:56
The Orange Tree, Winchmore Hill
Just brilliant. Really, really brilliant. Can't go to Sainsbury's without popping in for a quick pint (or six)...
3 Apr 2007 16:47
Beer's okay though a guest ale would be nice. Teh Young's is kept well enough.
Can usually get a seat after work, but it's usually full of people who work for Transport for London, so don't come in here if you are a fare evader/hate Ken Livingstone.
3 Apr 2007 16:43
Wow these reviews are harsh!
I work next door, and this is the best pub in the area. It gets very crowded when the upstairs is closed, but we can usually get a seat and they do excellent beer, especially the Timothy Taylor's Landlord. Most of the other pubs around here are Greene King, so this makes a change.
I also came in here on Sunday, after camping out for 3 hours in my office trying (successfully!) for Glastonbury tickets, and I can't fault the Bloody Mary's or the Fish Finger sandwiches.
3 Apr 2007 16:41
I see there hasn't been a review of this little gem for some time, so I am happy to confirm that it is still a great pub. I was there last summer; the beer was great (Sussex Gold I think), the staff were friendly, the band in the front bar was excellent and the juke box in the back bar rocked too.
Will be drinking there again this weekend. Beats most pubs I know in London!
3 Apr 2007 16:37
Chavtastic.
Bloody awful pub.
I expect to be dragged here again on Friday night, oh joy of joys.
3 Apr 2007 16:25
The Strutton Arms, Westminster
Spent a good evening here watching Newcastle play...the London Toon Army seem to have migrated here from the now refurbished Barley Mow in Duke St. The beer is okay, the staff are nice, and there are a lot of screens, so it's the perfect place to watch European footy, as the staff will bend over backwards to make sure that as many games as possible can be shown.
3 Apr 2007 16:23
The Old White Lion, East Finchley
Great choice of beer - Landlord or Deuchars - a nice big fire, sofas, and the food looks good too (though I go there for the beer!) Best pub int he area without a doubt, and worth making a detour for.
3 Apr 2007 16:18
Dignity (Taylors of Finchley), Finchley
I hadn't been to this pub for a while, but it's rapidly becoming one of my favourites.
A good pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord (though a little on the cold side) a good range of interesting lagers (including a nice strawberry beer), good food and a great ambience. Very nice.
3 Apr 2007 16:11
New North London rhyming slang -
'The Beehive' = 'dive'.
VERY locals-only, and even though I am a local, I wouldn't come here again. Too smoky, too run down, and the beer was not good.
Not a single redeeming feature about the place.
14 Mar 2007 12:02
Nice food and a really good selection of real ales, but not big on atmosphere. Certainly the best pub in this area though. Friendly staff too.
No problem with air conditioning during the winter, and sitting by the fire was lovely!
14 Mar 2007 12:00
Used to be my favourite pub in Camden. Now, just too pretentious. Bye bye Hawley Arms, I enjoyed our summer together, but, alas, it's over...until the trendies bugger off somewhere else, anyway.
14 Feb 2007 16:15
kingston_toon....rubbish! I'm one of your housmates, and I've been trying to drag you in there for months!
Well, we finally made it for a swift one on Wednesday, and it wasn't bad. The ales were off, so had a reasonably priced Magners. The staff were friendly, and the table of locals didn't seem to mind us singing along to the music TV on the big screen.
I'd go in again, and bearing in mind the low standard of pubs near here (ie crap or none) then this place should really be busier than it is.
8 Sep 2006 16:36
Having just started drinking in Hendon, the Greyhound is already a firm favourite, and looks to be the best pub for miles. A nice atmosphere, especially on a Sunday afternoon, with friendly locals and excellent beer. The Magners is reasonable priced, and the Youngs is well kept.
The Sounds of the Suburbs exhibition next door is great too.
I think I might just pop here for a pint tonight...
8 Sep 2006 16:27
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
A nice pub, and worth coming to for a few before settling in the White Bear down the road for the evening.
I found the regulars very friendly, and although the service was slow (only one person working on a Bank Holiday Sunday!) the quality of the beer and the chilled atmosphere made up for it.
31 Aug 2006 17:06
What a wicked little pub! An excellent range of well kept real ales, friendly staff and clientele and a cosy traditional atmosphere. I had a lovely few pints in here on Sunday night, sipping my beer and playing Connect 4. I didn't get to eat, but having seen the massive pile of nachos the people on the next table had, I would say the food is probably value for money too!
31 Aug 2006 17:03
Peroni and Pimms and Lemonade on tap...as well as the usual good range of beers from Youngs. Vauxhall has been crying out for a decent pub for years, so this is certainly a bonus, despite all the suits!
21 Jul 2006 15:06
Is this the same pub I spent a lovely, sunny, lazy Sunday afternoon in last week? The very bored staff were lovely and chatty, the atmosphere, though quiet, was typical Brighton and very chilled, and we will definitely come here when we next come to Brighton.
5 Jul 2006 14:53
The best pub in Wimbledon...yeah, I know how bad the others are...but still. I like the fact that half the pub is split so as to be more of a 'bar' than a 'pub' (the 'Smart Alex'), so it can cater for different tastes. It's been a good place to watch football in, and the beer is well kept. I found the staff to be okay, and the old blokes in there are better than the chavs in Edwards, and as much as I love Aussies, I sometimes want a quiet pint rather than a party in The Walkabout, the only other bearable pub in Wimbledon, and The Alex is perfect for this.
Vicky
5 Jul 2006 14:48
When I die and go to Heaven, please make it like The Hawley Arms...
I've been there three times now. The first was a very chilled Sunday afternoon, sitting in what we now call 'John Peel Corner', listening to The Clash, lounging on the collapsed sofa, just soaking in the great rock memorabilia, fantastic jukebox and great beer.
The next two times were for football matches. England v Sweden, where it was full but not heaving, there were a fair amount of tv's around so everyone could watch, and the staff still managed to serve us in a reasonable amount of time (most pubs seemed to go onto a go slow during England games). Last week I was in there to watch Argentina v Germany, again on a big comfy sofa, and with most of London's Argentianians on the back terrace. Again, a brilliant atmosphere, great clientele, fantastically friendly staff, a sun terrace, only the best tunes on the jukebox...my God, I love this pub!!!
Vicky
5 Jul 2006 14:37
Further to my last review of The Falcon, it has now changed hands, and is, frankly, a truly awful pub. The staff have all changed and the new guys are slow and unfriendly. The beer isn't kept well, and the 'no smoking at the bar' policy is incredibly restrictive as the bar takes up most of the pub!
Sadly, there is no other pub worth going to near the station, as Edwards and The Slug are unspeakably nasty, so The Falcon is still the best place to meet in the Junction.
10 Feb 2006 12:44
A lovely pub. Central enough to be handy, but off the beaten track enough to avoid tourists. Very friendly staff, great landlady and landlord, and very well kept beer - Green King IPA and a smashing pint of Pedigree. Always has the footy on, but the lads who come to watch it are friendly, and non footy fans need not shy away. The best pub in London to watch Newcastle games, without a doubt!
28 Jul 2005 00:23
By far the best choice of pubs near the station, and the best pub in Battersea/Clapham Junction to watch football (usually an Arsenal/Chelsea mix, but very tolerant of others). It gets very busy on match days and some Friday/Saturday nights, but the staff are friendly and the wait is never long. The food is ok, but the beer is excellent (and good value). Because it's near a Yates' and a Slug & Lettuce, the Falcon seems to escape the presence of most of the local chavs too, so there is never any agro.
22 Dec 2004 16:26
The Alma Tavern, Wandsworth Town
This is a really nice pub, and worth making a detour from the town centre or Clapham Junction to visit.The beer is well kept and the food is really nice and very good value. It is a rugby pub, so be prepared on match days for the toffs, but they are friendly toffs and it doesn't get rowdy. They are currently making a principled stand against the vast fees Sky make pubs pay for England games, and good for them!
22 Dec 2004 16:17
The Elephant Inn, North Finchley
This pub is magic! One bar is quiet and friendly,one bar is a bit louder and has a big screen for footy. The beer is kept well, the bar staff are great, and Lucy, the new manager, is an absolute star.The regulars are friendly, and I have never had a bad night in here. It's one of those places where you pop in for a swift one, and stay all night!
There is also a great Thai restaraunt upstairs, and an excellent quiz on a Monday.
22 Dec 2004 16:12
Still the best irish pub in Heidelburg...and a genuine Irish pub, rather than a 'plastic Paddy' pub. The beer is a little more expensive than in German pubs in the town, but the extra cost is worth it. Friendly staff, Premiership football on the screen, and good Guinness.
12 Dec 2004 00:56
Page's Bar (featuring '10-forward') is, alas, no more. It wasn't as bad as the others say...the beer was alright, there was a big screen to watch the footy on, and despite being so central, it was never full of civil servants or politico's...though, to be fair, it was never full!
It is now 'The Westminster,' and I've not been in since the refurbishment. But it no longer shows football, and the foot prices have gone up.
7 Dec 2004 13:42
Back to vic_of_india's profile
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
The word on the street is that the QA has had a pretty major revamp, and will be opening soon (ish), under new management.
9 Mar 2010 18:07