The Rowbarge, Woolhampton

I popped in for a pint and a pie this evening and found the service quick, polite and efficient.

beer, Chubbs, excellent and food likewise.

All in all a very pleasent experience and I would have no hesitation in going back.

30 Aug 2009 00:16

Bankes Arms Hotel and Country Inn, Studland

I first visited this pub about 30 years ago. It has both the benefit and the curse of being a lovely pub in a picturescue setting, which attracts hoardes of visitors regardless. The pub has always under acheived in my experience - probably for this very reason.

I returned as I was curious to try the output of the new "on site" brewery; an exciting prospect that might lead you to ask has the pub changed its ways? Is it now offering anything resembling quality, service, style? Does it make you think you matter - even though plenty of other folk will replace you when you've gone?

I was greated by staff who did not appear to be old enough to drink on the premises, never mind work there, and who subsequentially prooved to be totally clueless about the products on offer. TIP - If you want to know anythig about the beers on offer then read the labels, the staff can't be bothered.

This seems to be a shame in a place where presumably someone is enthusiastic enough about beer to actually want to brew it and yet this enthusiasm is not communicated to any of the front of house staff on even the most basic of levels.

The greatest dissapointment however was the prices. Other pubs in the area have to buy their beer from brewers, who build in profits and transport costs. These two elements would seem to be missing from the equation here - so why is it around 50p/pint more than other pubs in the locality?

I'll maybe pop back in another 30 years, I don't expect I'll be missed.

19 Feb 2009 00:23

The Plough Inn, Croydon

I happened to be in the area tonight and so popped in, haven't been here for some years.

The interior is dissapointing, large pub with a lot of different corners but the same bland lighting across the whole place lets it down.

I was very impressed with the staff, who were very friendly and helpful. I managed to get fed quite late on - basic but wholesome pub grub at reasonable prices - and the beer was very good indeed.

I understand that its just changed hands, so not a bad start in my opinion.

I would visit again - but only if in the area.

18 Feb 2009 23:25