The North Star, Ealing

Used to be my favorite back in the days. Wish they reinstated the music and DJs at least over the weekend - that attracted better clientele, and more ladies - it seems to be an all men pub sometimes. Agree with comments regarding the closing of the town house - much rougher people frequenting this place than before.
I think that the service improved, and the wait is not as long before - probably the new staff is less weary. - Lovely blonde waitress is very friendly and keep your eyes enterntained while you wait. :)
Something should be done about the smell in the front room - and indeed it wouldn't hurt to staff its bar when the pub is busy or mark clearly when it is not staffed!

5 Jan 2012 12:39

The Grove, Ealing

Impersonal service - been greeted once in a more friendly way after maybe a year where I'd been having a pint there at least twice a week in the afternoon when it's not busy.
The place is rather large, and nicely decorated, but it get's busy only on Friday evening with after work crowd, or sometimes during university holidays with students - so the rest of the time it lacks atmosphere, and appears empty even when there is a normal occupancy for a weekday in a suburban pub.
When the pub is packed, you probably have to wait too long to be served.
Haven't tried the food but I never heard a good thing about it.
Pints are OK, and the Carlsberg I found to be the cheapest lager in Ealing.
Overall very reasonable compared to other options in the area but nothing to write home about.

5 Jan 2012 12:24

Roebuck, Chiswick

Last time I visited, the miserable waiter hasn't brought napkins/cuttlery with the chips (standard practice? have seen this before, in other pubs. We may have different standards in the continent) but probably that wasn't necessary as there was not really a chance to get your fingers dirty with the few dry samples that were offered (half as much as I get from my local, which is also Gastro and charges less then the Rbk for twice as much).
Bar was busy, and it seems that people where having a good time.
Drinks where good, but expensive even for Chiswick.
value - so, so. Service - hit and miss (see further). Atmosphere - OK (a tad too noisy for my taste though)
Unfortunately I discovered on my way back home, that I have lost my phone - when coming back to the pub, the bar staff has changed, and the boy who was behind the bar didn't think he could ask the staff from the previous shift if they found my phone because they were having dinner. Surely you could disturb their dinner to keep a customer happy? I stepped three steps to the side where I spoke to TWO different waiters who were serving before, while I was there and were more helpful. (Probably something the boy could do himself) I did find my phone the following day when I could actually see something in day time. No complains about the lady who worked then, in fact she suggested to call somebody else to find out if they know something. Otherwise it's quite a good place but I was put off by the experience with the boy behind the bar.

5 Jan 2012 12:12