The White Horse, Whepstead

Huge improvements in the building and a transformation from its previous grim existence - but sadly it's no longer a real pub and drinkers seem to be poorly catered for.

In spite of the gushing comments by Julie Millar - incidentally a PR woman who sent the very same press release out to local media - and the promise of a bar, there was nowhere at a weekend lunchtime simply to stand around and drink without getting in the way.

The much-touted "zinc" is simpy a small table-filled service area used by waiting staff.

The sadly-unstoppable surge towards gastro-pubs in this part of Suffolk has been relentless and it is terrific that some horrible time-warped places are being saved and dragged into the 21st century

But unfortunately few of these "make-over" places continue to give a nod to the traditional drinker who may not want a bowl of soup for a fiver, a bit of fish for a twelve quid or pud for another fiver.

But if you are looking for a village pub that has successfully achieved the knack of being both somewhere to eat simply but well - and a proper pub - go that extra mile or two to the Queen's Head at Hawkedon.

31 Jan 2010 11:04

The Crown, Southwold

Frankly my dear it seems Adnams no longer gives a damm.....

Sadly the Crown is not the place it once was and is clearly coasting bloatedly on its former reputation.

The beer is good - as you would expect from what is effectively the brewery's second "tap" - and the wine list first-class - again to be expected.

But locals driven out/discouraged by a previous manager have not returned.

And the staff may be enthusiastic but they are clearly not getting enough direction from the current management.

Service is sloppy and cavalier - complaints about the state of the loos were ignored.

It's not good enough - Adnams must do better because even with their monopoly in Southwold they take customers for granted at their commercial peril.

15 Sep 2008 18:26

The Masons Arms, Bury St Edmunds

A recent menu overhaul now makes this excellent off-town centre boozer even more of an attraction. Food is good and reasonably priced - and staff are first-class.

15 Sep 2008 15:55