The Temperance, Putney Bridge

I can 100% support the comments of porcus_volans regarding the service and quality of beer here. On a visit last week I too received a pint which tasted of dishwasher chemicals, so evidently they need something fixing, pronto. And haven't done so in two and a half months.

My visit was on the day of a match at Fulham, and the three (matchday, thousands of thirsty punters in town, extra staff? No.) people serving were about as slow, rude and unhelpful as could be imaginable. When a barman passed by fleetingly and was asked for service, we were informed that we were at the wrong place at the bar to get served and would have to go round the other side. Even though the area we were stood in was equipped with barstools, presumably if you occupy one you have to get up and go round the other side of the square bar to get served. This was not a dish collecting area, but actually one whole side of the square bar, therfore 25% of the available serving area!

If you're in Fulham for the football, give this one a miss as they have no idea how to manage busy periods. Serve the next customer's pint whilst processsing a debit card? No chance. Stand there and bog your punters out, then serve whoever's nearest, regardless, slowly.

12 Aug 2009 14:08

Nags Head, Reading

The pub Reading has been waiting for for as long as I can remember. Not much I can add to that which has been said by others - they are all right and this pub is exactly what a pub should be. It's a bit of a trek from my house but I'm making this a regular haunt. Fantastic.

11 Dec 2007 15:59

The Pack Saddle, Chazey Heath

A solid pub with very well kept Wadsworths ale and usually a nice guest beer too. For cider drinkers, they have the wonderful draft Stowford Press from Westons, which is a rareity this far East of Herefordshire. There's a very comprehensive playground for children, so the garden can be over-run with ankle biters in the afternoons, but these disappear in the evenings leaving a good old country pub feel about the place. But I do have to agree with the most recent review that the bar staff can tend towards the surly sometimes. It would really cheer me up if they'd change the name though, it always strikes me that the name is a rotten attempt to steal business from the Pack Horse, which is half a mile further up the Woodcote Road as you head out of Reading. They should have the courage to be judged on their own, instead of trying to trap people who are heading for their more famous neighbour.

7 Aug 2007 16:37