BITE user comments - ChrisP87
Comments by ChrisP87
Odd Bar is part of a small Manchester grouping (alongside Odder, on Oxford Road, and Oddest, in Chorlton). I've been to Odder, and against my better judgement always thought it was quite reasonable, stocking a couple of decent ales. There was just one in Odd on my visit - Abbeydale Aledritch (�2.95) which was in fair nick. Odd is in much the same vein as its little sister, with bright colours, funky lighting and a vaguely scruffy film-poster decor. Its not bad, and probably one of the better ones in this part of Manchester city centre, but I think I prefer Odder, for reasons I can't quite put my finger on.
13 Oct 2010 15:50
The English Lounge, Manchester
A shame, this, as I clearly just wandered in at the wrong time (early evening on a Monday). There are six handpumps but every single one was off, as the barman told me with a shrug "well, we ran out at the weekend". Fair enough, obviously a popular place, but lots of pubs do a brisk trade over the weekend and manage to replenish their stocks fairly quickly. So my rating could have been higher - as it is, its quite a nice place to sit, with dark wood, bookshelves, attractive little booths and leather sofas. Appears to have a good reputation for its food as well; Only disappointing my craving for a decent pint went unsatisfied.
13 Oct 2010 15:46
A funny one this. I worked for 9 months immediately opposite this boozer and never once went in, for the purely aesthetic reason that it was on the ground floor of a council estate and from the outside it always looked a bit grim. Just shows you to never judge a book by its cover, because this is really a very decent pub serving standard lagers alongside a couple of ales (Sambrooks Wandle and one off). Its got a welcoming, convival atmosphere and an interesting, alternative interior of bare-boarded wood and assorted nik-naks. I didn't mind it at all and would return.
27 Sep 2010 10:28
Cloud 23 Hilton Skybar, Manchester
Surprised to find this on BITE I must say. This is a bar 23 floors up the Beetham Tower, AKA the Manchester Hilton on Deansgate. The view is spectacular, particularly to the north as you gaze across the fruits of Manchester's trendy city centre regeneration craze. There's lots of plush leather and metallic furnishing, and I can imagine at weekends its full of new money groups splashing the cash. I came here with a group of mates and had a bottle of Estrella Damn (there is no ale, which I must say wasn't a shock) which was �4.50. Really, you're not going to come up here for anything other than the vista, which is incomparable in the city - also possessing without a doubt the best view from a Gents I've ever seen. Nice bar, expensive and the service could have been better. I doubt I'll have much luck persuading my associate Sharp to come with me, though.
16 Sep 2010 13:08
Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York
Very little to add to Pablo's review below. This is a very pleasant boozer on Micklegate supporting a decent range of beers which on my visit included Leeds Pale, Black Sheep Bitter, TT Golden Best, Copper Dragon Black Gold and York Guzzler. Black Gold was a delicious dark pint and if ale's not your thing there's a large range of continental lagers. Seemed to be doing a good trade with the after work crowd which included a loud bunch of women drinking cider (groan). The room towards the back looked homely and appeared to have more character than the front, and pump climps adorn the walls alongside old style prints and brewery adverts.
7 Sep 2010 10:27
The first thing that catches the eye in this pub is the sympathetic restoration of the 1930's interior; A feat which has garnered this pub a CAMRA design award and a place on the national inventory of historic interiors. The lounge is a mixture of wood and tiling; the snug is smaller and sofa-oriented. Its a welcoming place with a relaxed atmosphere and, on my visit, featured Abbeydale Deception, Tetley's Bitter, Derwent W&M Mild and others beside. Deception, a straw-coloured pale ale, went down nicely. Another one in Sheffield that is definitely worth a visit.
5 Sep 2010 10:30
As mentioned below, this is a pretty bog-standard city centre bar enlivened by its riverside terrace overlooking the Aire. Black Sheep and Landlord are available alongside standard lagers, and there is a pool table. Food seemed reasonably priced and it seems to attract a fairly young crowd. Leeds city centre has a fairly good range of real ale pubs so this is not one to dash to in a hurry in that regard.
1 Sep 2010 15:11
The Commercial Hotel, Slaithwaite
As mentioned this pub has changed in the past couple of years, although this was my first visit so cannot comment on previous incarnations. There were seven or eight local ales on during my visit all at very reasonable prices. Interior was somewhat formulaic and charmless but nonetheless, if you're doing the transpennine ale trail this is a decent stop-off.
24 Aug 2010 09:49
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Really nice pub and a great find in the picturesque Colne Valley village of Marsden. The ground floor is the drinking area with dining upstairs; On a saturday afternoon it was busy indoors but took no time at all to get served. It also benefits from an enviable outside patio space next to the river, which proved to be something of a suntrap on a gorgeous afternoon. I sat on the wall adjacent to the nearby weir and marvelled at some of the fattest ducks I've ever seen, it was brilliant. As mentioned, Ossett Brewery appears to own the pub but Riverhead beers, brewed on site, take precedence and I had a very agreeable pint of Lockeepers Bitter (�2.40). This pub is 15 minutes from Huddersfield or 40 minutes from Leeds, and is very much worth the journey.
24 Aug 2010 09:46
Friendly traditional pub in Dorchester town centre. A number of ales available, including local brews in addition to the ever-drinkable Doombar. Comfortable seating in the one-room bar, which was busy with locals as well as our visiting contingent. I liked this place a fair bit and would return.
1 Aug 2010 20:29
The Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester
The Good Beer Guide listing for this place is a tad baffling. It is, as the name suggests, a hotel bar, with the traditional glacial service that seems to come with it. Tribute and two Palmers beers were available at the �3.30 mark, in addition to the standard lagers. There was nothing particularly offensive about this bar, but there's better in the area.
1 Aug 2010 20:25
Although I'm familiar with Huddersfield, I had never visited this place until Sunday. I have to say I quite liked it; Stocked as it is with an impressive range of local ales from the likes of Fernandes, Acorn, Golcar and Black Sheep. Acorn Green Bullet (�2.50) was very enjoyable. Reasonably priced sunday roasts were doing a brisk trade, and a blackboard behind the bar proudly displays the number of pints of real ale poured this year; Although without anything to compare it to I've not really got an idea if 77,000 (Sunday's figure) is that impressive; It probably is.
Huddersfield has a number of enjoyable establishments and I would rank this as up there with the best of them.
27 Jul 2010 19:07
After a two year gap I paid a second visit to this pub, part of the well-regarded Market Town Taverns chain. It was pretty busy on a sunday afternoon, mainly with diners tucking in to their roasts, but the staff were unfazed. Landlord, Black Sheep and other local staples were all present and correct, as well as Kelham Island Pale Rider and Hawkshead Windemere Pale, which were both in excellent form befitting a 2010 GBG listing. Slightly off the beaten track from the town centre but worth seeking out, this is a solid, reliable boozer which perhaps lacks a little of the 'traditional' feel other pubs in the town possess.
25 Jul 2010 12:21
I don't really have much to add to the previous reviews; This is a classic, traditional English pub which serves Taylor's ales really well in addition to a couple of guests - from Salamander and the Cottage brewery on my visit. It has a tiny, split-level layout with music memorabilia heavily prominent, not to mention some amusing risque prints in the Gents. Pints of Golden Best were greatly enjoyed. If you are ever to find yourself in Keighley, I strongly advise you pay this place a visit.
25 Jul 2010 12:16
Run by the same people as the North Bar, this pub is somewhat different to that tiny bar on New Briggate; A more traditional boozer layout which has been sympathetically refurbished, with exposed beams and low tables & stools. The outdoor courtyard was packed upon our visit so we elected to remain indoors. As with the North Bar, Roosters ales play a large part and Foghorn was the chosen ale. As my flatmate worked his way through the variety of exotic lagers, I enjoyed two delicious pints of Abbeydale Speculation. Little Valley brewery (Hebden Bridge) was also represented at the bar. I can see myself returning many a time; An excellent pub, modern yet still charismatic.
3 Jul 2010 17:10
This is a contemporary bar-style establishment, part of the Holbeck Urban Village development. It was thronging on our visit due to the weather and its spacious outside area, with tables and chairs, deckchairs and a small patch of grass. As the name suggests, it is run by Leeds Brewery and the interior bears a resemblance to its stablemate, the Brewery Tap. It features a range of premium lagers and stocks guest Ales, on our visit the hitherto-untried Eager Owl (a dark 4% beer which was much enjoyed). I thought the interior was a little bland all told, although I am glad that such a pub owned by a small local brewery is doing so well.
3 Jul 2010 17:07
An Enterprise Free House of local renown, The Grove Inn is tucked away on a sidestreet behind the new Bridgewater Place development which most Leodensians I've encountered seem to hate. They like this boozer though, if the mix of punters is anything to go by. Normally there is a good range of ales available, although they were running a little low on my visit (reflecting its popularity). Its got a traditional, multi-roomed interior and a pleasant space to sit for outside drinking. Leeds Pale in fine form; This is a good solid option just on the outskirts of the city centre.
3 Jul 2010 17:03
The Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge
I liked this place very much and would go out of my way to return. It was a lovely surprise to find this place after a walk along the Rochdale canal, and I retreated to find a good range of ales - Black Sheep, Landlord, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin and a couple of guests, including an excellent Empire Longbow (�2.50). Place was doing a brisk trade in hearty looking food and I very much enjoyed sitting outside taking in the afternoon sun. Lots of families dining as well.
27 Jun 2010 11:16
Located on the edge of the town centre, this posh bar/restaurant has a very contemporary vibe and was doing a fairly brisk trade on a hot saturday afternoon. Six ales were available from a variety of interesting sources, and my pint of Norman's Conquest MM (�2.80) was delicious and served at the correct temperature. The interior was quite modern and non-descript with a mixture of tables and sofas. Wimbledon was on the telly and it was a pleasant enough visit.
27 Jun 2010 11:11
A fairly recent addition to the Nicholson's stable, this pub has improved from my last visit (which to be fair was a good 3 years ago). It has a good, rotating range of ales as you'd expect, and my pint of Otter Mild was in good nick. Has a pleasant outside space but it is a little out of the way for the city centre so realistically you'd only come here if you were looking for it. Decent, but there are better, more central options (Foleys, The Hop, Brewery Tap, Adelphi)
21 Jun 2010 16:24
As detailed below, this place is very much open and has undergone something of a transition into what I can only describe as an 'ale bar'. Wood flooring, whitewashed walls and hearty pub food (burgers feature strongly) are in evidence, slightly off the beaten track down the side of John Lewis. Several, well-priced ales were on offer, from Elland, Kelham Island, Abbeydale, Dorset, Acorn and other breweries. Dorset Jurassic at �2.40 went down a treat. As Carl says, not the most charismatic of buildings but a worthy addition to the excellent Sheffield scene - fast outstripping its rivals as the best in the country.
21 Jun 2010 16:19
Enjoyed a decent sunday roast here after a walk along the canal - benefits from a lovely location overlooking both the river Aire and the nearby Roberts Park and Salts Cricket Club. The roast was fine and Saltaire Blonde was in good condition. It was a little dark inside but I imagine in winter this is a cosy, warm place to retreat to, and the fire in the dining area looked quite impressive.
16 Jun 2010 11:38
Fanny's Ale And Cider House, Saltaire
Built on an old beer shop (and a police station prior to that judging by the lamp as well), this is a funny old pub with a tiny square bar in the middle and seating in a variety of nooks and crannies, as well as an upstairs area with tables, chairs and sofas. I'm told this pub is nearly always busy, which doesn't come as a great surprise although I wasn't neccesarily bowled over by the selection (guest ales had run out largely by my sunday afternoon visit, leaving just standard fare on offer) but I'd certainly return if in Saltaire again.
16 Jun 2010 11:09
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
Pleasant station pub which was a delight to retreat into on a cold June (!) afternoon. I'd been recommended this place by a couple of different sources and as befits a boozer with a GBG listing it had an excellent range of real ales; TT Landlord & Mild, Black Sheep, Elland 872 Porter, Anglo Dutch Midsummer Ale (brewed locally), Springhead Charlie's Angel and Glentworth Lucky Star. The Charlie's Angel was good, a hoppy golden ale in decent nick. The interior is basic but well kept and the place was pretty busy during my brief visit indicating its popularity in the region. Definitely worth a look.
10 Jun 2010 09:07
Apparently now owned and operated by the National Trust, this is another one of those pubs that lays claim to being 'the oldest' in England. It has a sun-trap Courtyard which means it fills up quickly whenever the temperature peeks above 18C and a narrow, low-ceilinged interior. I seem to end up visiting this place quite regularly with friends but I nevertheless have two main gripes; One, the service, which is always slow, and two, the ale selection, which being Greene King is always quite limited. Its still worth a look but I wouldn't say its a London classic by any stretch.
31 May 2010 15:32
Wannabe trendy bar adjacent to Lambeth North tube; attracts a fair few of the adjacent office types and possesses an unremarkable beer range (Pride and Landlord, �3.40). Mainly went in because of women in the office wanting to take advantage of cocktail happy hour, and was a little peeved when charged 20p for tap water (which somebody else wanted) which I subsequently found it is possibly against the law. Spectacularly average.
28 May 2010 09:31
Very pleasant bar off Deansgate which always has one or two local ales on tap - on my most recent visit, Lancaster Blonde which was in good nick and perfect for a balmy May afternoon. On previous visits I've chosen to mainly partake in the lagers on offer, of which there are plenty, and this was my first visit to take advantage of the shaded outdoor patio area with a few pals. Nothing world-beating in terms of interior or beer range but well worth a stop if in the area.
28 May 2010 09:28
Disappointing really; Not one of Samuel Smith's better Central London pubs - lacks the old school charm of somewhere like the Horse & Groom or indeed the traditional, friendly localish feel akin to the Dover Castle. Also, no cask ale - whats all that about? Packed to the rafters on a saturday evening but still managed to get served reasonably quickly, so the staff deserve a pat on the back. Still, hardly one to go out of your way for.
10 May 2010 19:41
The Cat And Canary, Canary Wharf
Fair play to Fullers, they've had a go here at trying to inject something approaching a traditional pub into the most artificial of surroundings. The pub is organised into an L-shape and features sky sports prominently. Disappointingly London Pride dominates, although ESB and Discovery (�3.20) also on. I don't find myself in Canary Wharf often but if I did I would probably make this a regular haunt but that says more about the dearth of decent competition than the quality of this place itself.
10 May 2010 19:37
Incredibly cheap real ale pub which as mentioned is home of the Little Ale Cart Brewery and what I can only speculate as the best barman beard in South Yorkshire. It was massive. Packed on a thursday evening with aleheads sampling its wares, my pint was only �1.90 which is brilliant value by anyone's standards. Only stayed for one but my recollection is of a traditional layout and decor that looked a shade on the tired side. Other than that this is a worth a look and an essential component of the Sheffield ale trail.
2 May 2010 17:54
This is one of those baffling pubs Sheffield alone seems to possess; Situated off Penistone road, the Gardeners Rest is effectively based in the Middle of Nowhere since to the best of my knowledge no-one lives in the immediate vicinity, and most of the adjacent buildings are either empty or derelict. Its not an ideal location, which makes it all the more fascinating that it is home to a delightful pub with plenty of punters in. This place spent a long time closed following the 2007 floods but appears back to full fitness, with multiple Sheffield Brewery beers on as well as a range of excellent guests which were too numerous to try and list. My introduction to Bar Billiards in here was not altogether successful but the rest of the experience was top-notch.
2 May 2010 17:51
This is quite apart from the stereotypical 'station pub' and due to the deluge of praise it had been getting I felt in need of a visit. Inside it is a sympathetically restored boozer with classy tiling and a nice ornate bar as pictured above. Thornbridge dominates on the beer front and my pint of Lord Marples was okay (I'm not a huge fan of Thornbridge generally, it must be said) but what really struck me was the range of speciality beers in the fridges behind the bar - manna from heaven for Belgian enthusiasts I would wager. A useful and thoroughly decent addition to Sheffield's excellent and thriving pub scene.
2 May 2010 17:46
Likeable, simple real ale haven in a perhaps less than appealing part of Bradford, close to the university. An excellent range of beers, both regular and guests from across Yorkshire; Breweries represented on my visit included Abbeydale, Kelham Island, Allgates, Ilkley and Timothy Taylor. There's a couple of tellies and a fruit machine but little else; The interior could fairly be filed under the 'spit & sawdust' category. Its still pretty good, as the positive comments on here testify.
2 May 2010 17:40
rpadam provides a better summary of this pub than I ever could; An average example of the JDW chain enlightened by the discovery of the upstairs bar and a pretty good pint of Robinson's Young Tom at �1.99. I'm struck time and again by the unbeatable value JDW offers on food & drink but this is always somewhat mitigated by the poor lighting, samey decor and sterile atmosphere. Handy for the station though, if you have half an hour to kill.
28 Apr 2010 09:16
Refurbished Youngs' Pub on the New Kings Road, heavily food-orientated and quiet on a Tuesday afternoon when I dropped in. London Gold in good nick but expensive at �3.30. The decor in here is standard Young's modernisation; High tables & chairs, modern sofas 'n' benches and cream outdoor furniture. I left without it forming a lasting impression and perhaps this is due to its close proximity to the White Horse, which for my money is the best pub in London and outshines this place completely in terms of beer.
28 Apr 2010 09:13
Owned by the same people as The RIng 200 yards down the road, this pub has a rather artificial air and the same wall-to-wall grey decor as its sister pub, and an even less inspiring choice of ales - Doom Bar and Ringwood Best all hat they offer. On the upside, they were showing the Champions League football and we were perched on the bar without difficulty. Like The Ring, it also seems to do a brisk trade in Thai food which is presumably why most people visit it. Definitely lacking in character or atmosphere however; Don't get me wrong, I like the colour grey - just not terribly fond of it as an interior colour.
21 Apr 2010 11:57
Given that I work nearby, its a wonder its taken me so long to visit this place. The Anchor & Hope was one of the original gastropubs, unveiled to much meedja delight in the late 90's. I recall reading an extremely complimentary review in The Times by Giles Coren, a bloke who isn't easily impressed. I'm told you can't reserve a table here - you just turn up, drink and wait until one becomes available, an ingenious wheeze to retain paying punters. It still has its reputation for good (and bloody pricey) food, but me and my mate weren't here for culinary delights. We got stuck into pints of JW Lees Brassed Off, which was pretty tasty at the seemingly Cut-wide tariff of �3.20. There's a small, roped-off area outside with tables, chairs and a couple of benches which is a nice touch but fill up quickly. Inside it is decked out like a tapas bar and is rather small. I reckon if you're a real foodie with a penchant for beer you'd love it, but I'm unsure I'd return.
21 Apr 2010 11:52
Situated on a tranquil square off the main Brixton drag I was most surprised to find this spit & sawdust Youngs boozer, utterly unmodernized in comparison with most of its SW London contemporaries. In that respect, it reminded me alot of the Sekforde Arms in Clerkenwell; It filled up swiftly with locals on a saturday lunchtime and revels in its old fashioned ambience. I'm no expert on the immediate vicinity (despite growing up not far away) but I reckon this is probably the best pub in Brixton.
19 Apr 2010 09:46
Wandered into this friendly, fashionable modern pub on a sunday afternoon and was greeted by a reasonable selection; Pride, Landlord, Black Sheep & Leeds Best, priced around the �3 mark. The latter two were in good nick. The place has a mixture of traditional tables & chairs plus some old sofas which presumably cost a small fortune from some uber-trendy Islington antique shop. As befits the location a young 'n' trendy crowd but a pleasant place to escape the hubbub of Upper Street.
19 Apr 2010 09:44
Had heard good things about this pub and was pleased to stumble in following tins on the train back to Euston. Plumped for a very good pint of Kelham Island Easy Rider, and enjoyed the range of railway memorabilia on the walls which gives the place a more homely feel than the nondescript boozer within the station concourse. I can't see myself becoming a regular here by any stretch, but if pre- or post- train beers are your bag then this is a good place to have up your sleeve.
16 Apr 2010 18:02
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Those familiar with Fullers Ale & Pie houses in London will identify things easily here; High ceilings, wooden fixtures & fittings, ground & mezzanine split levelling, a large circular bar and an admittedly very impressive domed skylight. Unusually for a Fullers' pub, this one had guest ales such as Doctor J ale and Warwickshire Young Man's fancy (both in good form if dear at �3.20). I didn't stay long in Birmingham on my first visit but the impression I get with those more au fait with the city's pub scene this is one of the best in Brum; It didn't set my pulse racing but it is a perfectly reasonable option if you find yourself in the area.
16 Apr 2010 17:59
Twickenham is not an area greatly endowed for good pubs but this must surely rank as the best; A welcoming traditional boozer with a fair range of ales; Badger, Sussex Bitter and Hopping Hare all available at very reasonable prices and in good condition; London Drinker and other reading materials also available whilst I waited for my associates to arrive. A fine pub, decorated in traditional style and infinitely better than the substandard pubs closer to the train station. Definitely worth a gander.
7 Apr 2010 21:57
Interesting to see previous complains about the service in this pub; My family and I decamped to this boozer after a somewhat windswept walk along the adjacent seafront and the guvnor was definitely on the surly side. Its still a pleasant pub, with various trinkets adorning the interior and world currency stuck to the roof near the bar (including a 100 trillion dollar Zimbabwean note) plus a deceptively spacious garden. Ringwood, Flowers Original and Hobgoblin on cask. Not a worldbeater but decent if you discount the grumpy service.
4 Apr 2010 21:21
I'm rather surprised this place is featured on BITE - This is a proper, trendy, Shoreditch bar, and as such I didn't fit in at all, but its worthy of note perhaps for the beers of which many are of the Belgian variety; An acquired taste, one might say. I find Belgian beers quite heavy going and on a busy saturday night it took a staggering amount of time to get served, though this is partly because the type of female that tends to patronise these establishments don't seem to carry any cash around and as a result pay by card, thereby making things take 4 times longer than they need to. Change on a silver tray as well, a well-known BITE nuisance.
I'd go again with a group of mates on a night out, sure, but if you're after a traditional English boozer, I'd probably steer cleer.
28 Mar 2010 20:53
I've tried to visit here before, usually on days when Fulham FC are playing (not a smart move admittedly) so I was pleased to finally get around to it when it was less busy. Given the array of Timothy Taylor beers on you'd be forgiven for thinking this was owned by the brewery, but the selection of guests would suggest otherwise. Ram Tam and Best Bitter (�3.20) were in good condition and that is from someone who has previously been rather underwhelmed by TT output.
The pub itself is a pleasantly utilitarian affair with large wooden tables, a working fireplace and an outdoor smoking area which I took great pleasure in sitting in (in March!). There are various press cuttings and the like hung up on the wall which paint a picture of a proper traditional pub that inspires a loyal following. Definitely one to look out for in the area.
28 Mar 2010 20:46
The Zetland Arms, South Kensington
Heavily average Greene King pub (I think) a stone's throw from South Kensington tube. Tribute, London Pride and GK Suffok Ale (?) on cask and Tribute was in ok condition. Nothing really to raise this pub above the average; it filled up when the football started and lots of people including my mate and I were eating. I recovered a Spanish bloke's phone halfway through the evening when he left it on our table and, somewhat disappointingly, he didn't buy me a pint. South Ken is not an area I know well but there are probably better pubs in the vicinity
25 Mar 2010 08:59
The Railway Tavern, Liverpool Street
A friend and I chose to mingle amongst the Essex geezers in here to watch the Arsenal v West Ham match and the place was pretty packed. Still, service was good, allowing me to get a pint of Royal London with only the standard GK ales the alternative. Its main redeeming feature is its inventive layout, allowing different sports to be broadcast on the many plasma TV's. Probably does a roaring trade year-round due to its location next to the station and although I struggle to see when I'll be back, I reckon you could do alot worse.
21 Mar 2010 08:14
The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell
Enviously occupying a position in a set of Georgian terraces, this pub gets good vibes off here for one very good reason; It is a totally unmodernised Youngs pub in an area you'd least expect it. An unspoilt, locals sort of pub, I enjoyed my short stay in there without being totally knocked for six. Bombardier, Special, Bitter and London Gold were available, the latter in solid nick. On a saturday afternoon it was pretty empty, and I overheard the barmaid saying that was usually the case which is a shame because I imagine it is one of the few traditional boozers left in the area - which does beg the question, how long will it last in its current form?
21 Mar 2010 08:10
Retreated to here after a disappointing experience at the Fox & Anchor. The place was busy with a pre-wedding gathering at the Church around the corner, but it was still easy enough to get served and procure a well-kept pint of Chiswick (incidentally, the beer choice was not amazing here; Landlord, London Pride and an unavailable guest ale my only options). I found this a very pleasant boozer to sit down and have a drink in. Piped music was unobtrusive, and you get the sense this pub has managed to upgrade itself over the years to reflect its trendy location without compromising its appeal and atmosphere. My favourite pub I've so far encountered in the area.
21 Mar 2010 08:04
The Fox and Anchor, Smithfield
All the ingredients were here for a pub that I would ordinarily really rate; good reviews on BITE, smart location, nice interior and a good selection of beers. And yet, I was left disappointed. I arrived on a saturday lunchtime when most patrons were eating, and when I was finally served I got a look from the barman as if to say 'Not eating with us, you cheapskate?'.
On the ale front it is impressively stocked; Doom Bar, Adnams Stout, Meantime IPA, Nethergate Fox & Anchor Ale, Dark Star Golden Gate and Harviestoun Old Engine Oil meant an unusually difficult choice for yours truly. I went for the Engine Oil and was charged the quite astronomical �3.50. They serve beer here in ye olde fashioned Pewter tankards, a gimmick I probably would have appreciated more if I hadn't just been charged a kings ransom for the privilege of using it. There is a boutique hotel above the pub and on the wall near the door are lots of newspaper cuttings giving the place fancy reviews. I left distinctly underwhelmed, although since the barman was telling some punters they were 'fully booked' on the food front in the evening, they are obviously doing something right. I just resent being overcharged and then getting glacial service (and a suspiciously warm pint of ale) when all I want is a drink in a pub.
21 Mar 2010 07:59
In the heart of Theatreland, The Cambridge was packed when me and a mate showed up on a saturday evening. A few people filed out presumably for a show not long afterwards but we chose to chill outside while my mate enjoyed a few crafty fags. Doombar in satisfactory condition alongside a decent looking range of guests, which I couldn't really get close enough to identify but it was definitely 'not the usual'. A solid Nicholson's option but not as good as The Salisbury which is nearby.
15 Mar 2010 19:29
The Brunswick / B Lounge, Manchester
Bowled in here as the first stop on a mini-crawl of Manchester as it was just up the road from my hotel. Not that impressed to be honest; If you've been to the B Lounge off Deansgate it is more of the same here; Theakston's Best and Thwaites Bomber kept but I doubt in brilliant condition; I had a San Miguel and moved on fairly swiftly. Stank of disinfectant which didn't improve matters.
15 Mar 2010 19:25
The King William IV, Hampstead
Called in here for a beer and some lunch and was quietly impressed, at least with the food which, although at the top end of what I'd be prepared to pay for in a boozer, was extremely tasty. Less encouraging was the beer which consisted of Courage Directors, London Pride and Deuchars IPA, the latter of which was adequate if not as good as it could have been. This place has been refurbished recently in typical London fashion but it is still a pleasant enough pub and as mentioned, the food was well above your average pub grub style fare.
7 Mar 2010 09:04
Rather typical refurbished Youngs Pub in Hampstead, just off the main high street. On a saturday afternoon it was pretty busy with families and couples eating but there was space for non-drinkers and we perched on a spare table. The multi-room layout is fine and the original features are impressive, although I've had better pints of Youngs Bitter. This place was reasonable and I'd think about returning if in the area.
7 Mar 2010 09:02
Hidden away off Blackfriars Road is this example of a traditional English local; A cosy Shepherd Neame pub with Spitfire, Master Brew, Kent Best and Amber Ale on cask. Music is piped in and Sky News on the telly somewhat unneccesarily. Kent Best reasonably priced at �2.85 but something about Shepherd Neame beer, Whistable Bay excepted, just doesn't agree with me; They all seem to taste the same and it isn't a particularly flavoursome taste to boot. Nevertheless, its worth a look as its relatively unspoilt for the area and welcoming.
3 Mar 2010 19:10
This is not a pub; Its a bar attached to a hostel, and it is diabolical. It took four, count 'em, four attempts, to get the disinterested bar staff to turn the televisions over from the syndicated backpacker advertising they have on a loop onto the football, by which time the brilliant Diego Milito had already given Internazionale the lead, thereby rather spoiling my evening. There is no ale and a bog-standard selection of lagers served with awfully large heads.
I only went in here in desperation to find somewhere to catch the football and will not ever, in a million years, be returning. Utter rubbish.
27 Feb 2010 12:14
Went in here to catch the football. Bar staff couldn't get the TV to work for one of the most eagerly anticipated football matches of the past 12 months. And apparently charges ridiculous prices as well. Avoid, dear me avoid.
27 Feb 2010 12:11
SE1 is the best area of London for good pubs in my opinion, with many great examples packed all within walking distance of each other. Just around the corner from Borough Market lies the newly relocated Wheatsheaf, a large cellar bar that was a welcome retreat from the cold outside. It has one large bar which permanently serves Youngs Special and Bitter, and an impressive array of guests which on my visit included ales from Red Car, Wolf, Elgood, Nethergate and other breweries. My pints of Red Car Best and Elgood Copper Feelgood were �3.10 and �3.20 respectively, about standard for the area although I would agree with some of the other reviewers that it was a little on the cold side.
I quite liked it here and would return, and it would certainly figure as part of an SE1 pub crawl but my only gripe would be there baffling policy on showing football. The pub has sky sports, but upon my asking whether they would mind switching it to the Everton v Manchester United game, I was told 'we don't show football on saturdays'. I don't quite understand this; are they worried about trouble? This is borough market for pity's sake, the only trouble you get round here is some scallywag being overcharged for his organic free range fair trade Fennel. Are they happy to show football the rest of the week? They seemed perfectly content to show golf and cricket, which obviously are less troublesome. Or maybe they rotate depending on the day? Frankly bizarre. And left a poor taste in the mouth really.
21 Feb 2010 13:52
Hopeless pub that I was railroaded into going to one afternoon when my (female, non-ale drinking) chums refused the 8-minute walk to the immaculate Star Tavern.
Four handpumps greeted me on arrival, all but one accompanied with a tag across the front stating 'Coming Soon!' ruling out the possibility of a pint of Youngs Bitter, Adnams Broadside or London Pride. Since Greene King IPA was the only ale available, I miserably plumped for a pint of Becks.
This is a dark, uninviting sort of pub which number quite a few around London's railway hubs. The interior is a mess of mock brickwork and tacky shiny wood; If you voluntarily patronise here over the Star Tavern, the Cardinal or the Jugged Hare (worth the walk) then you need your head examined.
18 Feb 2010 21:36
The Common Room, Wimbledon Village
Bobbed into this Wimbledon Village establishment of an evening to catch the back end of the Porto - Arsenal Champions League game. As in the adjacent Brewery Tap, this was broadcast via an Italian Sky feed, the legality of which I am not entirely sure as I am far from an expert. The place was about half full, mainly with groups drinking wine - the wine list here is extensive and rather impressive. I spotted a bottle of (I assume rather vintage) French red which would set you back �100. Slightly cheaper was the Staropramen, �3.70 and the most obvious option as there is no ale; it isn't really that sort of place.
This bar is often busy when I go past and with the moneyed classes of SW19 as its target market, that isn't a surprise. Its not, however, my kind of place and, unless I want to catch a bit of footy, can't see myself becoming a frequent visitor.
18 Feb 2010 21:31
The Crooked Billet, Wimbledon Common
Situated on the road that bears the same name, next door to another Youngs House (The Hand in Hand) lies the Crooked Billet, as close to a country pub as I think you'll find in South West London. Its a cosy, welcoming sort of place, popular with the local residents and as such rather difficult to find seating in during the sunday lunchtime rush. Nevertheless I was able to perch on a stool and thumb through the News of the World to find out about John Terry's latest misdemeanours. Tribute in satisfactory nick. A bit out of the way, but worth seeking out for something a bit different.
10 Feb 2010 20:23
B Lounge @ The Bridge, Deansgate
Came here after a meal across the road and was somewhat surprised to find Theakston Best and Thwaites Bomber. Both of which I tried to order and was subsequently told were off, which wasn't a great start. A couple of suits who had obviously been in there since knocking off work were dancing around, absolutely smashed. Not many other punters in, and there's a reason for that: Deansgate has much, much better.
6 Feb 2010 17:47
Modern bar / restaurant joint in fashionable Castlefields. No ale from what I could work out, and the regulation lagers. Food was in decent nick and given the location reasonably priced; Still, not one I can imagine many BITE'ers would visit given the choice. Very much a 'young person' sort of hangout.
6 Feb 2010 17:44
Uber-trendy Castlefield hangout with a couple of local ales on cask, although I'd imagine they sell significantly less than the range of draught lagers such as Grolsch Blonde and the cocktails. Funky seating and pumping music; Not a place I'd usually frequent but reasonable enough on a night out with friends (suspiciously quiet on a Friday night).
Not a feature I usually feature on my BITE reviews but the bogs in this place are downright odd, with overhead lighting above the urinals constantly changing colour which doesn't really help when you just want to have a slash.
6 Feb 2010 17:42
The Briton's Protection Hotel, Castlefield
Unprepossessing from the outside, this lovely old pub has cosy rooms that on my visit were warm and comfortable. Jennings Cumberland, Tetleys and Robinson's Best were available, and the latter was in fine form. I can't believe its taken me so long to visit here on my multiple visits to Manchester; it is up there with The Knott as my favourite in the city.
6 Feb 2010 17:38
Met up with a mate in here to watch the football, as very few pubs in the area seemed to have sky. The refurbishment on this place, which appears to be recent, must have cost a fortune, such is the look of the wallpaper, furnishings and lighting. Adequate pint of Chiswick served alongside the usual range plus a guest ale which rather took me by surprise. If I was in the area again I'd probably give it a go but couldn't see myself staying there all that long. The Swan, a nearby Nicholson's pub, looks a better bet for a session on the ale.
1 Feb 2010 19:52
Chanced my arm on this one after work one evening, as I live fairly locally. As most BITE users are no doubt aware, All Bar One is not the sort of place you go for a fantastic selection of guests from local microbreweries. It also is lacking in that other great BITE tickbox - 'traditional atmosphere'. Fair enough, but I still think you could do alot worse. The only geniune ale on offer is nitrokeg London Pride (hardly an appetizing prospect at the best of times) although I spotted bottles of Meantime something-or-other behind the bar. Those willing to slum it on lager are spoilt for choice - Becks, Staropramen, Peroni, Heineken, Erdinger, Paulaner and also Duvel are all available. Paulaner was good as usual, although predictably steep at �3.60. This was fortunate, as I had almost exactly that amount in shrapnel in my wallet, which was good for me but the look on the barman's face was an absolute picture. No change on a silver tray for me this time. Agreeably busy with groups of extremely wealthy looking SW19ers, I may well pop back in if I don't fancy an ale after a hard day's graft (!)
28 Jan 2010 21:33
There's too much going on, decoratively speaking, in this pub. Some of the walls have got flowery wallpaper, some are painted, there's all kinds of different light features from spray painted chandeliers to low hanging fittings and in the middle of the front bar there's a whacking great blackboard telling you what the specials are. It feels like you've walked into the studio of a particularly untidy art student. Worse still, my pint of Winter Warmer cost an exorbitant �3.47, when in arguably more well-heeled Putney it cost significantly less than that. A young and vaguely trendy air permeates this place but it hardly left a brilliant impression on me. I believe there are more traditional Youngs pubs in the area and these should be sought out in preference to this one.
21 Jan 2010 19:14
The Fire Stables, Wimbledon Village
This Youngs pub is a modernised and rather bland affair, with grey wallpaper and exposed brick and sky-high prices; With only one ale on handpump, I chose to go for a pint of Kirin Ichiban and was charged just shy of �4 for the privilege. Clientele comprise unsurprisingly of well-heeled Wimbledon village types. My dad tells me this once used to be a traditional locals boozer - bit of a shame it couldn't have stayed that way for a bit longer.
21 Jan 2010 19:10
Single room pub adjacent to the Curzon Mayfair which myself and a friend ducked into after a film. Pride, Courage Directors and Bombardier on cask, and rather disappointingly a music channel was on the telly rather than soccer saturday. If I was in the area again, I'd give it a swerve and duck into the Market Tavern nearby as it has a better selection of ales.
17 Jan 2010 09:32
Underwhelming pubco outlet, featuring Pride, GK IPA and Doombar at expensive prices, although this is Mayfair we're talking about. Sky sports on the TV and more seating upstairs from what is a fairly small room at ground level. Nothing special about this place at all, I'm sure the area has better.
17 Jan 2010 09:28
The Jack Horner, Tottenham Court Road
Tourist-heavy Fullers Ale 'n' Pie House on Tottenham Court Road. Chiswick Bitter in satisfactory condition and it provided welcome warmth from the chill outside. Were doing a swift turnaround on the food whilst I was in, but I didn't really feel like staying. Being a Fullers fan I'll always consider it an option but its hardly anything special.
10 Jan 2010 10:25
Went in on a saturday lunchtime to find only one ale on - Adnam's Old. I presume the students at the nearby College of Law drank it dry during the week although that might perhaps be a generous assessment. The place was near empty at ground level although there appeared to be something going on in the basement, perhaps a private function. For a while it was adequate enough, until the barmaid began fiddling with a portable heater or something and managed the short circuit the electrics, causing the Telly showing the darts to switch off just as it was getting good. She showed no real willingness to remedy this problem, which put me in a bit of a bad mood. I necked the Old and left.
10 Jan 2010 10:22
The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden
A good boozer and a heartening find in the middle of tourist rip-off central. Adnams Broadside in good condition alongside Harveys Best, Courage Directors and Youngs Special. Lots of interesting historical bits and pieces hung up on the walls, and I'll definitely come back to sample the Ploughmans lunch as I bet they serve a good one. I liked this pub and would return in a flash.
3 Jan 2010 11:02
I thought this place was decent, although I do share some of derekwinchester's gripes about the tall tables and chairs and the re-upholstered sofas, which, as well as not being terribly comfortable, sit completely ill at ease with the splendid Victorian interior of dark wood and etched glass, hinting at something interesting in years gone by. Quite busy with football fans before a Fulham match, I had pints of Winter Warmer and Youngs Bitter that were in solid nick. Not the sort of place I imagine having many 'regulars' though, which is a shame and something of a growing trend in the Youngs pubs I visit.
3 Jan 2010 10:58
The Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon
Standard JDW joint - big, spacious, entertaining some 'characters' and cheap ale. Not much to say about this really, had a pint of Sharp's Nadelik which was adequate, although it took ages to get served on New Years Day with one member of staff behind the massive bar. Not very smart if you ask me, or other disgruntled punters.
3 Jan 2010 10:55
This excellent, spacious pub is ideally located next to St Denys railway station so you can sup until the very last moment before rolling onto the platform. It has a split-level layout and the interior is a mixture of original brickwork and dark wood furnishings, surrounding one bar in the corner. During my midweek, evening visit it progressively got busy with a mixture of regulars and curious punters such as our party, who after ordering our beers got stuck into the worst game of arrows in history on the well located dart board. Ale-wise you really have a generous selection here, including on my inspection Andwell Gold Muddler, Ringwood Old Thumper, Hogs Back HOP, Traditional Scottish Blonde Ale and Sharp's Doom Bar amongst others. Southampton doesn't have many truly high quality pubs but this is certainly one of them.
30 Dec 2009 17:05
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
I can't believe its taken me so long to get round to visiting this place - its a London legend really. Split-levelled, historic and totally unique, its a real treat visiting this place for a first time. We grabbed a pew in the basement, which was not as cold in December as you might think, and the place was unsurprisingly busy on a saturday afternoon. The only word of warning I would pass on to newcomers is this though: mind your head!
22 Dec 2009 21:17
This is an idiosyncratic little time-warp boozer in the middle of Central London; but also strangely fitting given its location of Barbican/Smithfield, which has an altogether different feel to the more touristy areas. I liked it I must say, and think most people would regardless of their views on Samuel Smiths beer. Its an efficient, welcoming pub with a homely feel, a roaring fire and space for a dartboard, which members of my party appreciated. And with the beer as cheap as it is, everyone's happy.
22 Dec 2009 21:14
The Rose and Crown, Wimbledon Village
The Rose and Crown is an attractive old pub which proudly displays a blue plaque outside declaring it the Evening Standard Pub of the Year in 1970. A lot has changed since then, not least Youngs moving out of London and modernising most of their boozers internally to the chagrin of some older patrons. This is probably my favourite pub in Wimbledon, and even though its a fair walk away it counts as my local. Three Youngs ales plus Bombardier and Tribute are kept in good condition and the place is always pleasantly busy without being packed out, although I'm told come Tennis season you can barely move. I'm not surprised - its a pretty good drinking hole.
16 Dec 2009 20:06
The Camel & Artichoke, Waterloo
A fairly unremarkable boozer on bohemian Lower Marsh, this place had GK IPA and Abbot on cask as well as a guest ale that I didn't recognise. A friend and I chose here to try and avoid the office Christmas party stragglers, although there was a private function going on which made the upstairs bar off limits. It was fine really, though with its limited selection of ales I can't see it becoming a regular spot.
16 Dec 2009 20:02
Well preserved Nicholson's boozer, with as expected a decent range of standard and seasonal ales from Timothy Taylors, Tetley's, Acorn and Shepherd Neame. Absolutely rammed throughout a saturday afternoon session which affected queuing times, but I still like this place. It feels traditional and homeley, the sort of place you'd be delighted to take refuge in during a cold Yorkshire day.
9 Dec 2009 22:34
As rexrattus states below, this is a tourist trap pub in a tourist trap location. Its still decent though, and it gains novelty value for its McMullen's beers which were in good shape. Standing room only on a sunday evening; Staff were efficient and the beer decent but it just doesn't feel like a place you'd want to spend a lot of time in.
9 Dec 2009 22:31
After having this place built up by a couple of people, I left here a little bit disappointed. Sure, it stocks an impressive array of continental beers as well as some interesting ales from various micros (I had pints of Great Newsome Sleck Dust and Abbeydale Chocolate Stout) that are well kept, but the place struck me as a bit soulless. Maybe I caught it on an off night, for it certainly was not busy. Its also more than possible that my perception is coloured by its location in one of the less salubrious parts of Manchester City Centre. I'd give this place another go, for sure.
26 Nov 2009 22:16
Despite being a born-and-bred Londoner, I can't stand Camden - an area that manages to be both self-consciously grotty and pretentious at the same time - and this place does nothing to alter that view. Mainly a gig venue apparently, but only the regulation set of lagers available and no ale. As they say in Eurovision....nul points
26 Nov 2009 22:12
As usual rpadam has done a good summary of this pub - This is a rather unremarkable, small pub but keeps its beers well (a couple of pints of Chiswick in good nick during my visit) although at a pretty steep price. Staff were fairly attentive and it was busy with the after work crowd, but either I'm not as clued up or I used to be or I geniunely didn't see any MPs during my couple of hours there.
26 Nov 2009 22:09
Popped in here for a swift one prior to a lunchtime engagement; I thought it was alright. As the previous review indicates, bar service was slow - criminal when you consider the place was virtually empty. Quite a good selection of lagers and ales; I enjoyed a nice pint of Adnams Kolsch, and Harveys Best, London Pride and Tribute were also on. Worth one when passing but nothing more really.
26 Nov 2009 22:06
An odd place this: A Danish-themed bar. Didn't seem very Danish to me, and the service at the bar was bloody awful. 5 Ales were on though, which very much took me by surprise and I had two really very good pints of Thwaites Wainwright at �2.90 (I think). Not really my sort of place but adequate nonetheless.
19 Nov 2009 20:09
Standard issue big, modern JDW with a good ale selection - two pints of Green Flash West Coast IPA went down a treat and were in excellent condition befitting a pub with a listing in the 2009 GBG. Would return but this is in no way up there with the best Manchester has to offer.
19 Nov 2009 20:05
The Dog and Fox, Wimbledon Village
This pub is big, I mean massive; On a friday night you could arrange to meet a mate in here and spend the whole night looking for him. The emphasis on the place is very much on the food side which I don't really have a problem with - it is Wimbledon after all. Its probably the area's most popular boozer and that is reflected in the pricing which is fairly steep although my pint of Youngs Special was in reasonable order. Perhaps for a quieter, more traditional setting I'd suggest the Rose & Crown up the road.
19 Nov 2009 20:00
Not a bad pub this; I wandered in and was pleased to find the Twenty20 cricket on, so over a pint of Tribute I was able to watch England get a complete pasting by the South Africans. It was a sunday lunchtime got fairly busy during my stay, which was good, and I felt sure the barman undercharged me the first time around only to find out again that my pint of ale was indeed �2.10 - unbeatable value given the location. The interior itself is fairly standard and non-descript; It has not been given a conspicuous makeover like many of this brewery's establishments. Worth one when passing.
19 Nov 2009 19:58
The Clapham North, Clapham North
This bar opposite Clapham North tube is one of the darkest establishments I've ever visited; Everyone should be told to wear bright colours so you can distinguish from one another. There is no ale but a reasonable selection of decent lagers but this place is more notable for its regular Thursday evening Parmo slot and its for this in which our party (featuring two smoggies) chose to partake. It was pretty good, although the novelty aside there's little memorable about this place.
13 Nov 2009 11:50
Me and a mate ducked in here to escape the rain en route to the Royal Oak, which as Murgatroyd below states is absolutely superb. We entered, soggy and annoyed, into what a small one-room boozer with no ale - not a good start. We got some rather intense looks from the clearly more regular patrons so had little hesitation in necking our Staropramens and departing. One to avoid even if its chucking it down outside.
13 Nov 2009 11:47
Situated in Wandsworth, a short walk away from the site of the old Ram Brewery, this smartened-up Youngs Pub caught my attention straight away because it was so clean - I mean spotless, like I was afraid to put my pint down on the bar top just in case it left a ring.
Youngs Ordinary & Special were on draught alongside Tribute with more of the Youngs range in bottles behind the bar. Special was in good nick and at �3.15 about average given the area. Moving through the bar area you end up in the lounge, which with its abundance of leather armchairs and Chesterfields is quite opulent; Its like drinking in a National Trust property. There is also a dining area and judging by the menu this is the sort of place that takes the food very seriously. The piped r&b music seemd a little superfluous but I don't want to mark it down for that. I liked this place quite a lot and would definitely return.
10 Nov 2009 22:27
This place is now called Belgo, and is part of a chain that also has bars in Covent Garden, Chalk Farm and Holborn. It is quite popular with the trendy young things of Clapham (and those who aspire and ultimately fail to be, such as myself) with prices to match; A pint of the very reasonable Cristal will set you back �3.75 and be prepared to go much, much higher for the more specialised stuff. Not being a massive aficionado of Belgian Beer I enjoy this place to the extent that it is something a bit different and quite good for people-watching. Most BITE users would find this place completely soulless, however.
8 Nov 2009 10:31
The Brewery Tap, Wimbledon Village
Expensive cafe-bar type place in the posh confines of Wimbledon Village - a pint of Slater's Original (a Staffordshire brewery according to the pump clip) and a packet of crisps cost me the jaw-dropping sum of �4.05 and the state of the beer did little to improve my mood, although the staff were very friendly. Touts itself as a place to watch live sport (and has an Italian Sky package, for some reason - perhaps so it can broadcast premiership 3PM kick offs) yet turned away two groups of people who asked if the international rugby union was being shown which struck me as rather odd. I'd probably not return as the comparably priced Youngs pubs in the area are a decent bet for serving a better quality of pint.
8 Nov 2009 10:21
Big Marstons pub opposite Waterloo station. Like most boozers in the vicinity, gets very busy with a mixture of the office crowd and students/others before and after train journeys. As a result has something of a transient, anaemic atmosphere to it; This is hardly a pub you could call your local (in comparison, say, to the Kings Arms around the corner). Fought to get a seat at 5:45 only to be told a University Lacrosse Social had booked it from 6:15 and we'd have to vacate. Although this was irritating at first it actually proved a convenient excuse to move on as the beer (Brakspears) was in pretty poor condition. I'd be willing to give this place another shot but its not one I could imagine spending any great length of time in.
8 Nov 2009 10:17
The Mad Hatter Hotel, Southwark
Typical Fullers this - solid and dependable. Victorian interior (original? One would hope so) is welcoming if a little too dimly lit. The Seafarers and Chiswick were in good condition though expensive at over the �3 mark (though thats standard for the area). Quite popular with workers from the nearby offices and the odd wandering tourist who's trying to find their way to or from the Tate Modern. Worth a try if you find yourself in the area.
1 Nov 2009 14:25
I'm glad to report this place is still excellent. There was a beer festival on during our weekend visit, and it was drunk dry by thirsty rugby league fans. Excellent location right on Deansgate, I particularly enjoyed getting stuck into Veltins. Top drawer.
24 Oct 2009 12:24
Nice pub this - pleasant interior and cheap. Shame the beer wasn't up to scratch. The Mild was in pretty abysmal nick, as was the bitter. Our group beat a hasty retreat, a shame as with a bit more attention this could be one where we stayed all evening.
24 Oct 2009 12:22
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
I quite liked this place - nice leather armchairs and a well preserved Victorian interior. Rather middling pint of Pride was served (Adnams Regatta, GK IPA and Landlord also available) but I still think I'd give this place another go. Its certainly infinitely preferable to some of the horror shows down the road.
24 Oct 2009 00:22
The Betjeman Arms, St Pancras International Station
Really very reasonable new station bar, with a nice back courtyard arrangement backing onto the St Pancras terminus. Not a great selection if I'm honest - Holt's Mild (average), Sharp's Betjeman Ale (reasonable) and Adnams Bitter (off) but if I was waiting for a train I would certainly come here for a cheeky couple.
24 Oct 2009 00:20
Absolutely packed on a friday evening after work, this place served a good pint of Ringwood and the bar staff coped I thought very well with the hoardes of thirsty punters. Attracts generally quite a young, trendy crowd (oh well - one out of two ain't bad) with prices to match but nevertheless you could do alot worse. An attractive option in the first instance because you can stumble out and get on the tube/train in less than 5 minutes.
17 Oct 2009 09:14
Thought this was a decent, perfectly acceptable pub but probably not worthy of the 7.1 average rating. Adnams Bitter, Doombar and Pride on, so not a great deal of choice, but clearly a very popular establishment as the pavement outside was packed even on a chilly October evening. Relatively convenient for Southwark or Waterloo tubes, and better than the pubs on The Cut.
17 Oct 2009 09:12
The White Horse, Parsons Green
Fabulous modernised pub, a very upmarket feel to it and you prepare yourself to get well and truly stung as you peruse the ales......and then you're charged �2.60. In Fulham. For a very nice pint of Dark Star 'Over the Moon'. Then you recline in one of those handsome green armchairs and observe the food menu, which lists the beers that would go best with it. A very nice touch. Put simply, this place has lager and ale of the highest quality. Yes, its in a posh area - get over it! It left a great impression on me and I'll definitely re-visit, hopefully many times.
8 Oct 2009 20:25
The Princess of Wales, Charing Cross
Decent enough Nicholson's pub; Busy on a saturday evening and nice to be able to stand outside supping pints of Everard's Tiger, Morrisey Fox Brunette and Daleside Autumn Ale. Bit small and noisy inside, and didn't stay long as I wanted to show my mates The Harp. Worth a look if you're in the area.
4 Oct 2009 17:19
SE1 as a postcode is full of really good pubs, and this week I got to sample The Ring after a short period while it was closed for a small refurb. Its deceptively small inside, and still adorned with the boxing memorabilia which gives it a good character. Of less interest (and logic) is the hats and antlers they've also stuck to the wall - They'll have to talk me through that one.
Hobgoblin, Brakspears Bitter, Oxford Gold and Doom Bar were on, which is fine, but I was rather taken aback by the �3.25 I was charged for the Oxford Gold, as good a pint as it was. Even in central london that is a fair bit of damage. Would I go back? Probably, if I wanted a quick one before getting the tube.
3 Oct 2009 11:18
I was disappointed by this. 4 pumps on, but only Pride and ESB being dispensed, two from each. Judging by the below comments, this is a regular arrangement, and it is baffling considering the array of pump clips they have arranged around the back bar which indicates at a wide range of previous guests.
This is a small, one-room pub that was fairly empty on a saturday early evening with the Arsenal on. As a fullers fan I don't mind it, but it certainly isn't memorable or noteworthy in any way,
3 Oct 2009 11:14
If you don't have your wits about you, you'll miss this place, hidden down an alleyway off the congested, thronging Borough High Street. I had intended to visit The George to see if the reports of it becoming a NT tourist trap had come true, but in the end was glad I missed out because I thought this place was great. I caught it during 'happy hour' which meant a pint of Tribute was �2.40, and jolly good it was too. Harveys Best, Bombardier, London Pride and more were on besides. A sure-fire pub I'll revisit in an area full of good ones.
25 Sep 2009 19:34
The only thing I'll say about this place is that they charged me 9.65 for a pint of Steinlager (which passes for a good lager down under, I suppose), one of those little bottles of VB, and a pint of diet coke. I know its Central London but jesus christ, what a joke!
21 Sep 2009 18:39
Like some of the previous reviewers, I find the mediocre rating for this pub inexplicable. I had a superb pint of Davenport's 'The Fall' here at the by central london standards very reasonable price of 2.90. The food looks worth a shot as well. Its only downside is the gents khazi which is bloody tiny, but what kind of humourless bore seriously marks a pub down for that? A definite to try if you find yourself killing time before a show or a train from Charing Cross.
21 Sep 2009 18:37
I really like what Nicholson's have done here. They've smartened the place up inside and out, and as its only a short walk from my flat I reckon I could become a regular here. TT Landlord, Pride and guests are available, and I tucked into a pint of Harveys Sussex Best and Sambrook's Wandle, which is brewed locally. Pub interior nerds such as myself should enjoy the wood panelling and the gold, low hanging chandeliers.
16 Sep 2009 19:03
The Windsor Castle, Clapham Junction
I popped in here as it seems like the closest pub to where I live that possesses sky, and I wanted to catch some footy midweek. Ale was off due to 'a technical fault' so I plumped for pints of Kronenburg. It was busy with a mixed crowd of moody youngsters and older gentlemen. Put it this way - as soon as the football finished, I was out the door and straight down the road to the far more enjoyable (but telly-less) Falcon.
16 Sep 2009 19:00
This pub is a barn-like family restaurant affair which I stopped in along with a few cricket team-mates after a match. It is not a drinkers pub, although Brains SA and Ringwood Forty-Niner were available on cask. Much more food-oriented and predictably busy on the sunday of a bank holiday although we were served promptly. Unmemorable really.
31 Aug 2009 10:23
Heavily modernised Greene King pub opposite Chandlers Ford golf course. A fairly extensive range of ales for the GK chain, with Olde Trip, Morland Original, GK IPA, Abbot and a couple of guests. Outside deck area is a pleasant space and is probably worth a punt as there are very few other pubs worth recommending in the surrounding area. Not far from Eastleigh FC.
22 Aug 2009 10:54
Pretty rubbish Enterprise fleapit adjacent to Hoglands Park. Its a shame that a pub which occupies such a decent spot couldn't smarten itself up to reflect it's location - its dark and forboding inside, with the standard selection of lagers on offer plus one rather folorn looking TT Landlord pump. Southampton city centre is full of substandard pubs so this one is hardly unique, but its grim nonetheless.
14 Aug 2009 15:51
I'd say Mr Bonser has summed up this pub pretty well, it occupies an enviable location near the river which attracts alot of the Leeds Yuppies through its doors but credit where credit is due, they had good beers on and have for the most part kept things sensible on the inside, which has several rooms as mentioned. TT Landlord was fine and the service was good. I'd come back but its probably not a place I'd spend a whole evening in.
21 Jul 2009 21:14
Magnificent, is how I'd describe this place. No other word seems appropriate. Gorgeous Victorian interior and a peaceful outdoor alleyway area which were both good spots for a pint. Copper Dragon Golden Pippin was in terrific nick, and this stands out as one of the best pubs I've visited in Leeds, possibly only eclipsed by Foley's on the Headrow.
21 Jul 2009 21:11
I like visiting Samuel Smiths pubs in central London because they're in interesting locations and bursting with character and tradition. By contrast, The Angel is a rather uninspiring, spartan place which was nonetheless quite busy upon our arrival, and we were pleased to grab an outside seat, albeit in the rather grim confines of the alley it resides in. The round was cheap but unlike with the London SS pubs, there was little reason to stay beyond that.
21 Jul 2009 21:07
This is a very new pub and as such could (and I'm sure will) be attacked by some on here for lacking atmosphere or old school charm. Me, well I primarily go to pubs for the beer and the tap does not disappoint - Leeds Pale Ale in top form alongside Midnight Bell, Tetleys Mild and a couple of other guests. I think this place is excellent and well worth a look, one of many good pubs in the vicinity.
21 Jul 2009 21:05
The Barrowboy and Banker, London Bridge
Extremely busy at around 6.30PM, this is a solid if unspectacular Fullers' Ale & Pie House that served a good pint of Discovery at the right temperature (i.e. not chilled like lager, like some establishments serve it). It has a pleasant and atmospheric feel and I think it is highly likely I'll return at some point. Would be nice if they got the odd guest on though.
15 Jul 2009 21:53
The Bunch of Grapes, London Bridge
My impression of this pub from my short visit was extremely positive in stark contrast to some of the bewildering reviews below. The interior to this Youngs' house is splendid and would I'm sure be to the liking of a number of notable BITE users - witness the marvellous glass panels, vintage Bass mirror and some rather lovely prints of Borough Market and other landmarks of the surrounding area. Youngs' Bitter and Special were both served in tip-top nick alongside Bombardier and Kew Bitter. Excellent.
15 Jul 2009 21:50
Mediocre refurbished pub on the main road. Advertises a number of real ales but when I ducked in three out of four pump clips were turned round. The only available ale was Bombardier, which was unexciting to say the least. Utterly unmemorable in every way.
15 Jul 2009 21:47
Superb, modern pub situated on a side street of Clerkenwell Road. I made a particular effort to visit this place while visiting nearby Holborn and was not disappointed - a cracking pint of Triple fff Alton's Pride was served by a friendly barmaid and I took in the surroundings of a clearly popular establishment. I felt guilty staying for just one, but I'll undoubtedly be back.
15 Jul 2009 21:46
The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane
I have to say I thought this was massively above average for the JDW chain. The building is a spectacular baroque specimen, impressively detailed and really very nice to sit in. In contrast to other 'spoons I have visited, this was clearly well run - more staff on for the peak lunchtime rush and as a result I was served promptly. The food wasn't in brilliant shape but thats always an occupational hazard here, though my pint of Goldrush was excellent. Probably the best Wetherspoons I've come across.
15 Jul 2009 21:42
This is an idiosyncratic little pub in the chocolate-box Hampshire village of Cheriton, which serves as something of a brewery tap for the Flowerpots Brewery which is on the same site. It has an old fashioned two-bar arrangement and a pleasant little garden complete with a marquee which serves I presume as a smokers' shelter.
The Flowerpots beers were in pretty good form (Perridge Pale & Flowerpots Bitter sampled) and cheap for the area at around the �2.30 mark. This pub is clearly very popular with both locals and those passing but I feel I must draw something of a negative from the rather off-hand service - possibly a result of a busy Sunday lunchtime of trade. Still, I enjoyed my visit nonetheless.
13 Jul 2009 14:27
The Man of Kent Ale House, Rochester
I imagine this place polarises local opinion. Its frontage is marvellous but leads into a fairly unremarkable spit-and-sawdust interior - The decked garden is a much more pleasant space. On the ale front, my drinking buddy and I were impressed by the selection, all from Kent breweries such as Whitstable, Ramsgate and Goachers, an attitude to be applauded. Although I thought it could do with a bit of TLC inside, its nonetheless a good pub and certainly a lot better than the lager barns found towards the centre of town.
8 Jul 2009 21:27
The blinds, brass lighting and decoration of this pub's interior give it a somewhat continental feel and the deceptively spacious garden is also a plus. The Goachers on offer was in excellent nick and dispensed efficiently by the guvnor. More than worth a look if you're in the area.
8 Jul 2009 21:23
This is a terrific pub, the best I visited in Maidstone during a short visit. It reminded me alot of the Harveys pub in London, the Royal Oak, in both furniture and decoration. There's lots of artwork and niknaks dotted around that give it a pleasing, homely feel. The staff were more than happy to have a chat and my pint of mild was in solid condition. A lovely place to round off an evening's drinking.
8 Jul 2009 21:19
Ye Olde Thirsty Pig, Maidstone
This pub has an interesting tudor frontage but is rather uninspiring inside, which might just be me being hyper-critical. I was taken aback by the range of drinks on offer though, and the prices. �2 for a bottle of Quilmes is staggeringly good value, and is worth tolerating the dodgy noise that emanates from the jukebox.
8 Jul 2009 21:16
As soon as you go through the front door you are hit with the intense aroma of toilet disinfectant, and you are then charged through the nose for your pint of beer, despite the pub boasting of its membership of 'Finest Cask' whatever that is. I paid �2.95 for a pint of Inde Coope Burton Ale which had bits of yellow chunks swimming in it. I assume that this is not a geniune extra of ordering said pint and swiftly dispensed with my beer and exited. A hopelessly grim, charmless pub, and if you are ever in Romsey for god's sake avoid it and visit the Old House at Home, where at least they know how to keep and serve beer.
18 Jun 2009 19:16
I rather liked this place during my swift visit. Bateman's XB and Thwaites Lancaster Bomber, two beers you don't usually come across in this part of the world, were on and my pint of XB was in reasonable nick. Clearly this is a place that depends on the food and although the ale was nearly �3 I think I would return. Its a nice building inside and they had a decent range of lagers available.
18 Jun 2009 19:12
A dreadful town centre pub that could and should be so much better. Upon entering, I realised too late there was no ale available and chose a pint of guinness, for which I was charged the exorbitant sum of �3.40. I sat in a corner yet could not escape the twin invasions of trance music on the stereo and Jeremy Kyle on the television. I wolfed down my stout and made a quick exit. Truly one of the worst pubs I've ever had the misfortune to stumble into.
18 Jun 2009 19:10
The Old House is an exceedingly trendy, dimly lit bar that most BITE users, I am sure, will loath. It is expensive, and attracts a young crowd and I really like it. There's usually Landlord and a couple of local ales on (e.g. Moonshine) as well as an array of the more high-end lagers. Because of its size it gets busy rather quickly, but it is still worth a look and the pick of Division Street.
12 Jun 2009 15:42
I thought this was a very pleasant pub with an excellent largely Hop Back ale selection but also encompassing guests from Brains and Ringwood breweries. Prices started at as little as �2.25 for a pint of GFB, and although it was a friday afternoon the pub was moderately busy. I'd certainly make the effort to return and would include this in a mini-crawl with the Wellington Arms.
29 May 2009 18:20
Standard Greene King boozer, as I am not a fan of these places you won't get a glowing reference off me. GK IPA and Abbot on cask as well as a couple of anonymous GK ales. Give it a miss and walk five minutes up the road to the fantastic Wellington Arms.
21 May 2009 22:22
Welcoming food-oriented country pub a stone's throw from Shawford train station. Pedigree, Hogs Back TEA and Ringwood Fortyniner available on my lunchtime visit, where it was unexpectedly busy for a weekday. Clearly popular as it is also just off the M3.
19 May 2009 09:26
Utterly sterile PubCo outlet, only one ale (Ringwood Best) on and in questionable condition. Almost deserted upon my visit, barman seemed a bit pissed off that I'd interrupted his viewing of Bargain Hunt or somesuch. I do wonder how places like this stay open.
13 May 2009 22:46
The Wellington Arms, Southampton
This excellent pub hit the headlines in 2007 when it was anointed as the UK consulate for the tiny Carribbean island of Redonda in an attempt to circumvent the smoking ban ('foreign territories' being exempt). While this effort appears to have failed, it highlights the sort of place it is - a proper drinkers pub, with as mentioned a friendly, chatty landlord and a friendly local feel. It stocks an impressive array of Ales - Fullers ESB & Pride, Ringwood Best & Old Thumper, Adnams Bitter & Wychwood Hobgoblin as well as, on my visit, guests in the form of Brakspear Oxford Gold, Youngs Bitter and Triple fff Moondance. An excellent pub that I will definitely visit regularly.
6 May 2009 16:33
The Avondale House, Southampton
Watched a bit of last night's game in here as being a scream pub I thought it was a safe bet for having sky.
Run-of-the-mill Scream affair this: Sofas, tables and chairs all brightly (tackily) furnished and full of youngsters (presumably students). Still in my work attire I felt a bit out of place. Lots of lagers on draught - Budweiser, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Stella, Becks etc - but no ale obviously.
Even though I fit the age demographic for this sort of place I don't like these pubs and probably won't return unless needing to find somewhere with sky sports.
30 Apr 2009 08:50
Champs is a specialist 'Sports Bar' with a rather chaotic 2-bar arrangement and lots of televisions. As mentioned there is no ale but it is usually busy due to the ever-dwindling number of pubs that can afford to keep sky and setanta. I've watched rugby league here on a couple of occasions which was good but there's no real reason to stay once your chosen sporting event has finished.
27 Apr 2009 10:40
The Hallamshire House is one of the few pubs in Sheffield to offer a full size snooker table (and a room big enough to play it in without cueing into walls or asking punters to move out the way). There is little else to recommend it however - the ale selection is severely limited (Deuchars & Black Sheep if memory serves) alongside standard lagers. Draws a mixed student/locals crowd, but not one of Sheffield's finest.
27 Apr 2009 10:37
Visited this week for the first time in a while and this place is still as brilliant as ever - it perplexes me it only gets a 7.2 rating on this website. The selection of guests was outstanding - I had terrific pints from Acorn and Allgates breweries plus a very nutty mild from the Derwent brewery. Sharps, Thornbridge, Kelham Island, Abbeydale and Barnsley breweries also represented. This pub is stupidly good.
26 Apr 2009 12:32
The White Star Tavern, Southampton
Situated on trendy Oxford Street, which passes for upmarket bohemian in this rather soulless city, the White Star Tavern is a pleasant bar/restaurant which also doubles as a Hotel with some 'boutique' style rooms upstairs.
Inside its all polished leather and tasteful wood furnishing, and busy with suits (such as myself, in this instance) after work. This place is unlikely to become a BITE favourite, with only 2 ales on - Ringwood Best and Palmers Dorset Gold, a tasty golden ale which I quaffed two pints of (though at �3.10 a pop I'd expect quality). Standard lagers e.g. San Miguel are available but the emphasis of this place, as evidence by the carefully arranged bar area, is on cocktails and exotic spirits.
It was highly enjoyable to sit outside as Oxford Street has very little traffic and my only gripe would be with the staff, who seemed more interested in flirting with female clientele than serving me, but otherwise this is quite a nice bar and I'd happily go again.
15 Apr 2009 09:03
Thoroughly decent Fullers/Gales pub on the outskirts of the pleasant Hampshire village of Stockbridge. You know what you're going to get with Fullers these days; Efficient bar staff, well kept ales, gastropubby food with prices to match and a nice rural ambience to the place. Chock full of locals this Easter Sunday, with a busy program of events throughout April including live music which i've not come across in Fullers' pubs before.
6 ales on, no Fullers Hock sadly but two very reasonable pints of Chiswick Bitter and Gales Seafarer, of which proceeds go directly to the charity of the same name. If you're in the area, this is definitely worth a visit.
12 Apr 2009 19:37
On previous visits to this place I'd not been impressed. Average gastropub, and not a surprise when it closed.
Local paper down here reports that it will re-open Good Friday, under a new landlady. It will offer Black Sheep, Landlord, Adnams Broadside, Ringwood Best & Summer Lightning on cask, which sounds a bit more promising.
In an age of pubs closing down I hope they make a success of this, it will be difficult as this place is a bit stuck out on a limb and won't get much walk-up trade.
5 Apr 2009 17:44
The Charles Dickens, Southwark
This pub was virtually empty when my mates and I arrived on a saturday afternoon. And more's the pity, because we absolutely loved it. Six ale pumps, all on, all serving a variety of beers we'd never come across - Hogs Back Spring Ale, Nethergate Charles Dickens (I assume brewed for the pub), Wentworth Best, Brodie's English Best, Elgood Feelgood Factor and West Berkshire Dr Hexter's Wedding Ale. My pint of Feelgood factor was very nice and the barmaid was very accomodating, letting one of my mates have a taster to help him decide. A strong contender for the title of 'Best pub in SE1'
29 Mar 2009 11:05
I think the two previous reviewers are spot on, this is a good pub but is rather overshadowed by the fact there are better pubs in the SE1 proximity. The tiled exterior of this place is fantastic, and should be preserved for that alone, but the range of beers was a little predictable - Pride, Adnams, Youngs Bitter and the ubiquitous Greene King IPA, all priced at the �3 mark. My Adnams was in very reasonable form and it was filled with locals on a saturday afternoon. I'd consider giving it another shot but Borough has better.
29 Mar 2009 11:00
I can only echo previous reviews. I had a superb pint of Harveys' Mild in here yesterday lunchtime, and the other members of my party enjoyed their pints of Old, Porter and real cider. It is a fairly simple, traditional boozer in terms of layout with the two seperate bars and the wooden furniture. If I lived in London I could see this becoming a regular haunt.
29 Mar 2009 10:55
arf. Wetherspoons at its worst. A dark, unwelcoming boozer in one of the less salubrious areas of Southampton. Barge your way past the smokers blowing in your face out front only to find an understaffed and depressing interior. Not worth it.
24 Mar 2009 12:12
I have the dubious honour of affording this place the status of being my 'local' although thankfully not for much longer. This is a member of the Gusto Inns stable, and is a charmless, tacky barn of a pub, a purveyor of fighting juice for the questionably-bred inhabitants of this semi-rural backwater. Its only possible redeeming feature is that the Baddesley Arms (AKA Knights Cross) up the road is even worse.
You'd have no cause to visit the village but if you happened to be driving through, make sure you remain in your car and, if desperate for refreshment, make for Romsey which can at least offer a civilised pint.
17 Mar 2009 10:27
The William Web Ellis, Twickenham
One of the best Wetherspoons around. Modern and tastefully decorated, it always stocks a couple of Twickenham ales which are greatly enjoyed. Staff friendly and efficient. A good pub.
14 Mar 2009 22:00
Although I wasn't bowled over by this place I'd consider a second visit to try it again. 4 ale pumps, 1 clip turned round, the others were Pride, Landlord and Adnams Broadside. I plumped for Landlord and was once again unimpressed by this pedestrian ale that baffles me in its popularity. Lager drinkers are better catered for - Amstel, Heineken, Becks, Kronenburg and Fosters all available.
I thought the lighting in this place was spot on, provided by some low-hanging bulbs which was a nice decorate touch. I rather stumbled across this place killing time before catching a train and in that sense can't see myself being a regular visitor.
14 Mar 2009 21:38
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
An oddity of a pub. Busy early on a saturday evening with people watching the rugby yawnion, although I was served very promptly by an efficient barmaid. Sharp's Doombar, the ubiquitous Greene King IPA, Hogs Back TEA, Adnams Broadside and Youngs Bitter available. I decided to re-evaluate my opinion of Doombar and was glad as it was an excellent pint. Sat out in the beer 'garden' which proved strangely tranquil despite the trains overhead and the noise from the telly. You'd have no real reason to go here other than, like me, killing time before catching a train. Nevertheless, you could probably do a lot worse.
14 Mar 2009 21:33
Garish and tacky scream pub next to the Hallam uni (city centre). The usual bog-standard lagers available. Quickly fills up due to its size and, for that reason and many more, not worth bothering with.
11 Mar 2009 12:06
A generous rating judging by previous reviews; this is very much a 'rock' pub . There are a couple of standard ales on cask (pride, black sheep, landlord). There's a Henry Ford-like quality to the adverts on the walls for the music nights they do - 'any genre as long as its rock' kind of thing. Not my bag but popular nonetheless.
11 Mar 2009 12:01
As GK pubs go I suppose this place isn't bad. On a recent visit there were six ales on including guests from Everards and Kelham Island. A good place to go for live sport as they have both sky and setanta although I think the interior is pretty horrible
11 Mar 2009 11:53
Duke of Wellington, Southampton
Retaining an impressive Tudor feel both inside and out, the Duke of Wellington is definitely one of the best pubs in Southampton city centre. Several Wadworth ales are available as well as Ringwood Best. My pint of 6X was in good condition and the landlady was friendly. It is a little out of the way location-wise but worth seeking out, particularly if you like old interiors and Wadworth output.
17 Feb 2009 13:56
A rare find, a basement bar. Makes an interesting alternative to pubs elsewhere in Southampton which, barring a few exceptions, exude a generic chain quality. This one had a couple of Greene King ales on cask but I plumped for a lager as I didn't have long before my bus turned up. It depends really what you're looking for here - if you like something a little rough round the edges and don't mind the indie crowd, you'll probably like it. In terms of ale, I'll probably give this place a miss next time and head for Wetherspoons where the keep the Ringwood in excellent nick.
29 Jan 2009 10:05
I love visiting this pub but �3 a pint for Harveys? Don't Punch know there's a recession on? Somewhat soured my visit to this otherwise superb boozer. I suppose my �1.88 pint of OBB at Chandos next door balanced it out to satisfy my cheapskate tendencies.
28 Jan 2009 10:39
The Salisbury, Leicester Square
Busy this lunchtime with a mixture of visitors and the work crowd. Very reasonable selection of Bombardier, Deuchars, Rockin' Robin, Landlord and Sharps Doom Bar available, although my pint of the latter was fairly ordinary. Decent prices considering the location and a well preserved interior.
27 Jan 2009 18:45
Decent if small pub tucked away off Bedford Place. Wadworth 6X, Bishops Tipple and Old Sarum available, the 6X was in good condition. As mentioned it has a strict over-18's policy which is a tad unfortunate but its still amongst the best in the area.
24 Jan 2009 10:27
Hmmm....all but one of the reviews since the 23rd October written by posters with no comments for other pubs. A prime candidate for MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder) ? I'm sure Biker will be along in a minute.
20 Jan 2009 09:21
Samuel Smiths pubs tend to polarise opinion but really, I don't know why anyone would turn their nose up at the chance to drink here. Almost medieval in its feel, this place was very busy but not unpleasantly so at around 7 on a saturday evening. A private function was going on in the front bar so it was standing room only for us but none the worse for that. This place looks like it takes its food seriously and the OBB was fine and at �1.88, who's going to complain? not me.
11 Jan 2009 10:20
Interesting if a little cramped, this two-bar boozer has potential and my pint of OBB was in top nick. A nice touch with the Phoenix theatre posters on the wall and this pub is a classic example of Samuel Smiths and the people that go - a mixture of young and old, native and foreign. Not quite as blessed in the decorative sense as some of the other central London SS pubs, it is still worth seeking out.
11 Jan 2009 10:17
Quite busy on an early saturday evening, but was disappointed to be ID'd by the rather overworked barmaid. Not one of the more memorable establishments in the area but worth considering if you're desperate to escape the crush of Oxford Street for a half-decent pint.
11 Jan 2009 10:14
Unremarkable is the word that comes to mind when describing this place. Cask OBB on is a positive, but (and I'm not one to go on about toilets in my reviews) the toilets here were pretty awful and it is rather put in the shade compared to its other SS pubs nearby.
11 Jan 2009 10:11
Despite a lack of real OBB, this is my favourite Samuel Smiths pub purely on the strength of its stunning interior. There is nothing worse than a pub that is too brightly lit, and clearly the management have taken this to heart for the balance is just right, perfectly complementing the dark wood furnishings and those marvellous stained glass windows. Whilst my mates duelled on the excellent dart board, I simply sat back and took in my wonderful surroundings. Superb.
11 Jan 2009 10:09
On a saturday afternoon this place was busy without being overcrowded which made for a pleasant buzz of an atmosphere. It was a little on the cold side, but this minor gripe is outweighed by a typically ornate dark-wood interior, perfectly maintained as always. A real find in that area of town and no doubt one that gets incredibly popular later in the evening.
11 Jan 2009 10:06
I was looking forward to visiting this pub, particularly as it has a charming exterior and a cracking location. I left disappointed. Although the OBB is fine, the interior is, for Samuel Smiths, plain and unkempt. Fine on its own, but compare it to some of its contemporaries (The Cock, The Champion) it comes off much worse.
11 Jan 2009 10:04
The Horse and Groom, Great Portland Street
The photo of this pub doesn't really do it justice - it looks a little tired but once you get inside you encounter a perfectly preserved interior and various nooks and crannies hidden away. Its a wonder how some of these pubs survive but very heartening. As mentioned, no cask ale is a drawback.
11 Jan 2009 10:02
Without a doubt one of the best Samuel Smiths pubs I've ever visited. Cask OBB plus the full range of the brewery's products in the fridge, all served by a very welcoming barman. The food here is supposed to be excellent and it was all we could do to resist ordering a very appealing steak & ale pie. Sadly we had to move on, but undoubtedly I'll pop back in when in the area again.
11 Jan 2009 09:59
After initial scepticism this place has grown on me. Although it is tiny and it feels like everyone's eavesdropping on your conversation, the decor is fantastic, it really is a lovely place to sit. No cask OBB though.
11 Jan 2009 09:57
The Angel in the Fields, Bond Street
Always hard to gauge how good a pub is on a saturday lunchtime, but the Angel In The Fields has the makings of a decent one, if not one of Samuel Smith's best. Cask OBB and the upstairs bar are a plus but in terms of interiors I think there are better SS establishments.
11 Jan 2009 09:54
Mediocre but inoffensive Greene King pub in the city centre. Aleheads get ready, your choice is....Greene King IPA and....err.....Greene King IPA 'Chilled'. My pint of Becks was drinkable and it was filled mainly with students at lunchtime. Food menu reasonable and inexpensive, but I would sooner go down the road to Spoons for the better/cheaper selection of ales.
8 Jan 2009 15:01
In my experience, this pub is always busy due to its location in the heart of theatreland as well as being close to Somerset House (I've been here a couple of times before the outdoor gigs there). As its a Nicholsons you won't find a vast array of guests but the ales they do stock are extremely well kept. I'm not one to usually rave about pub food but the fish and chips here are amongst the best I've had. Not one to neccesarily go out of your way for but you could do a lot worse.
6 Jan 2009 15:37
Is indeed now part of the Slug and Lettuce chain. To my surprise ale was available - the unexciting choice of Bombardier or London Pride. Fans of premium lagers are somewhat better catered for - Peroni, Becks, Friuli, Staropramen and San Miguel. Usually full of suits but a far better option than the execrable Yates' next door.
6 Jan 2009 10:47
The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis, Southampton
middling new wetherspoons in Ocean Village, handy for a stop before or after watching a film at Harbour Lights. They've done a decent job of the refurb but the management could definitely make more of an effort with stocking Ringwood ales - the only Ringwood on offer last 3 visits has been Best, and twice its been off anyway with GK ales taking up most of the pumps. Still, there's bugger all decent pubs around there for competition so I will be a regular customer anyway.
6 Jan 2009 10:30
The Crown and Anchor, Winchester
The high rating for this pub mystifies me. I popped in on a saturday afternoon and there were two ales on - Greene King IPA and Greene King Fireside Ale. I popped for a mediocre pint of the latter and supped it in the background of a half-empty pub with christmas music that was far too loud. How this pub gets an average rating above 4/10 is totally bewildering to me. It is adequate, nothing more.
20 Dec 2008 20:42
The Bishop On The Bridge, Winchester
A fullers' house that has been given the full 'contemporary' decorative treatment, the Bishop On The Bridge has a warm fire situated in the middle of the premises that was well tended to by the staff. A solid range is on offer - Chiswick, HSB, Discovery, Pride, Peroni and Honeydew is on offer. I had a pint of honeydew for �3 but it was well worth it, as it is such a fine drop. This is a very trendily decorated establishment that will not please all, but it certainly ranks for me as one of Winchester's better pubs, inspite of the high prices. Top notch.
20 Dec 2008 20:40
The Blonde Beer Cafe, Winchester
A trendily decorated bar that was, on a saturday afternoon in December, absolutely dead. This place obviously depends on the student trade to keep going and when I popped in there was no such passing trade. No ale is available, and I nearly suffered a heart attack when I was charged �3.50 for my pint of Amstel. Good grief. I'll not be returning so long as the prices are ridiculously high. What a rip-off.
20 Dec 2008 20:36
This pub is a case of what might have been. For Winchester, this hostelry has what can only be described as an ecletctic range of ales on draught (Banks Original, Brakspears Oh Be Joyful, Jennings Cumberland Ale and Marston Smooth) but they are all priced at the frankly extortionate �3 mark, which is a shame as this pub has the potential to be good as it also has Staropramen on draught. On a saturday lunchtime the place was dead, and I'm not surprised when they are charging such high prices. A disappointment because when you get down to it the ales aren't half bad.
20 Dec 2008 20:33
I went in on a saturday lunchtime and it was encouraging to see the place so busy, there was obviously some sort fo christmas function going on. As befits a Wadworth house, 6X, Bishops Tipple, Henry's IPA and Butcombe Bitter were available on draught and the the whole place has an interesting wood-panelled decor with some reasonably priced food to boot. My 6X and Henry's were in decent condition and I would return again when I'm in the area.
20 Dec 2008 20:30
The Orange Tree, Havering Atte Bower
Pedro I'm still waiting for you to explain in what particular respects the Orange Tree's Becks Vier is better than every other establishment in England which sells this 4% mass-produced lager. Perhaps a distinctive aroma, a bit like that which surrounds your posts?
18 Dec 2008 14:47
The Dam House Bar and Restaurant, Crookesmoor
A reasonable bar set in the leafy confines of Crookes Valley Park. Popular with students and locals alike, although the more ale-inclined will be disappointed by the fare on offer. Usually a nice, unobtrusive place to watch the football on sky with a pint of Peeterman.
16 Dec 2008 15:30
The Benjamin Huntsman, Sheffield
A JDW pub off the end of division st that, by its own rather low standards, has been imaginatively decorated. There's a rather nice terrace at the back and plenty of space on both floors. The ales in offer can vary wildly in quality but, if ever in doubt I plump for a bottle of Singha, which I can't seem to find at many other Wetherspoons pubs.
16 Dec 2008 15:26
This is the kind of place I only go to if it's someone's birthday. I don't mind 'trendy' bars at all, if they at least make an effort to cater to someone who doesn't drink cocktails. This one, however, makes no such concessions and after a while you find yourself resenting that oversized, tacky Buddha statue that seems to mock you every time you trip to the khazi for paying �3 for a pint of Carlsberg. Give it a miss if you can.
16 Dec 2008 15:22
Apart from if a mate of yours was playing a set, I can't think of a reason why you'd choose this over other places in the Devonshire Quarter. As mentioned, its pretty pricey and lacking in ale (though they have recently got round to getting fosters and erdinger on draught - don't rush all at once will you?). A bar of this size doesn't easily lend itself to conversation, especially when the music is on. If trendy bars are your thing, head for the Forum or Bungalows and bears. If decent beer is your thing, head to the Devonshire Cat or the Old House.
16 Dec 2008 15:18
Hotel bar that does food. We had to wait an hour for some sandwiches, which doesn't exactly put you in the mood to give the place a good review. 3 ales on - Bass, Ringwood and an absolutely appalling guest ale that I didn't recognise. Another pub in Salisbury that greatly disappoints.
10 Dec 2008 10:49
The Orange Tree, Havering Atte Bower
PMSL at how obvious some of those 'reviews' are. How stupid do you think we are?!
note to Pedro - phrases like 'the lager was first rate' and 'The new management seem to go that extra mile to please you and it makes the world of a difference!' are going to raise suspicion on here. Its a pub not a hotel for christ's sake.
5 Dec 2008 10:20
Without a doubt my favourite pub in Romsey. Fullers owned, a product of the Gales purchase with the two sets of ales sitting side by side. I'm more of a Fullers fan, so I got stuck into Discovery and the London Porter, both of which were fine on draught. Tucked away on a quiet side street off the town centre, this is a good example of a country pub that, although it does do food, has not been completely consumed by gastropubby pretensions.
1 Dec 2008 10:10
The George and Dragon, Salisbury
Unremarkable boozer in the town centre that I stopped in for a very swift one after watching Salisbury v York. Barmaid seemed incapable of pouring a pint of Becks Vier without giving it a giant head and spilling it everywhere. For some reason, Location, Location, Location was playing loudly on the pub tellies whilst an obnoxious patron wearing a Llanelli rugby union shirt talked disparagingly of northern cities. Not brilliant.
1 Dec 2008 10:01
Bungalows and Bears, Sheffield
I like this bar. First impressions make you think 'pretentious hole' but once you actually get past the fact that most of the male patrons think they're a Russell Brand-imitating reinvention of indie cool, there's actually plenty to enjoy. Good beer on offer and a nice range of lagers on draught. Could be terrible - but it just isn't.
27 Nov 2008 12:01
The Frog and Parrot, Sheffield
The refurbishment has led to a definite improvement in my view. Tribute was in good nick (if served with a rather large head by the barmaid) and toning down the live music during the week is a good idea. Definitely worth a pop on division st.
27 Nov 2008 11:26
Stumbled upon this place after an open day at the university. Very impressed actually - cask ales (Copper Dragon, Flowers IPA and one other) were good and it had a rather nice bohemian feel to it. Looks a bit poncey from the outside I'll admit, but I rather liked it.
27 Nov 2008 11:25
Utterly unmemorable pub on Streatham High Road - one of many in the area. Head for the Holland Tringham or better yet the Leigham Arms if you're unlucky enough to find yourself drinking in Streatham of an evening in the first place.
21 Nov 2008 10:25
Your only reason to go in here would be to watch live sport as there aren't too many other places in the city centre that do. Other than that it is poor - devoid of character, grubby and with nothing of interest on offer to the discerning lager or ale drinker. Give it a miss.
21 Nov 2008 10:20
Very much a restaurant pub with the bog-standard lagers and ales on offer. Is nevertheless very popular, and it does a fun (if overlong) quiz on Thursday evenings.
18 Nov 2008 14:06
The Moon Under Water, Deansgate
You can't help but think with an interior this lavish (an old cinema if I'm not mistaken) this place deserves to be more than a lloyds bar. The food was in decent nick when I was there but really its nothing special.
6 Nov 2008 14:53
Multiple visits have led me to soften my attitude to this place. Although the service is embarrasingly variable (This lunchtime my mate was asked if he wanted ice with his Peroni, and there are rarely more than two staff on even at the peak times) they do keep half decent ales. Today, as part of the ale festival I quaffed a pint each of Everards Equinox and Brakspears Oxford Gold. The former was in much better condition than the latter. Pedigree and Courage were still on though, to my disappointment. The decor is quite nice but this pub attracts its fair share of scrotes in my experience.
6 Nov 2008 14:36
Skolars Sports Bar, Wood Green
Perhaps more worth a visit than the other pubs in the area due to the link with the Skolars. Fairly popular with away fans due to its proximity to the ground.
30 Oct 2008 15:08
A weird experience. Being a relative youngster I do not remember the period supposedly when all pubs were like this. The Gales HSB was in decent nick but the overall 'tatty' ethos of the place was a little bit depressing to be honest. Kudos, however, for being the only pub I have been in that does not use any form of cash register.
21 Oct 2008 14:56
The Cork and Bottle, Southampton
Now a Wetherspoons, called The Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis. Visited on a Saturday afternoon and was busy with lots of highly disillusioned Saints fans drowning their sorrows. Ringwood on cask but a disappointing selection of bottles behind the bar. Like the look of the refurb, though.
21 Oct 2008 14:47
Popped in for a swift pint one evening and it was virtually empty save for a couple of birds talking noisily with the barman. 6X and others were in decent shape but the music was unneccesarily loud and Channel 5 was on the telly despite no-one paying any attention. With better pubs in the vicinity, this will need work to survive.
21 Oct 2008 14:37
Nothing special but an absolute palace in comparison to the dives across the road. Relaxed atmosphere and the food seems reasonable but head for Bedford Place/London road for decent beer.
21 Oct 2008 14:33
The worst pub in the country, and quite possibly the world. Horrible location, terrible beer and a generally rotten atmosphere. Its horrible even waiting for bus outside.
21 Oct 2008 14:26
Has recently been turned into a 'bar and kitchen' called Dogma. A shame.
9 Oct 2008 14:34
Mr Foley's Cask Ale House, Leeds
I recently returned after over a year since my last visit - when it was previously called Baroque - and it is as good as it ever was. An interesting selection of ales (York Brewery sitting proudly alongside Kelham Island - very nice to see!) and a treasure trove of bottles behind the bar. It still has sky as well so this is a lovely, quiet, unobtrusive way to watch sport without Carling-swigging numpties spoiling it.
9 Oct 2008 14:25
I was very impressed with this place and will undoubtedly be returning. A fine selection of ales and foreign beers all at very decent prices really. Sitting on the roof terrace, inspite of the close proximity to the railway line, was very pleasant.
9 Oct 2008 14:22
went in on a fairly quiet afternoon and more than half the ales were off. Pedigree and Tetley's were still on - so I plumped for an expensive (is there any other kind) pint of Peroni. I was left disappointed, and my mood was only lifted when we moved north to the superb Foley's on the headrow.
9 Oct 2008 14:19
I've found precious few pubs in Southampton to get excited about but this one is definitely one of the better ones. London Pride, Landlord and other ales on draught (a tad expensive, but thats Southampton). Good staff and a good atmosphere. I'll be returning.
28 Sep 2008 15:50
Another lovely sammy smiths joint with a terrific-looking upstairs bar and a good selection of the bottled stuff behind the bar. The dartboard has seen better days, but thats part of the charm!
11 Sep 2008 14:14
Got real affection for this place - lovely secluded garden, terrific staff and for aleheads there are constantly rotating guests. Not a Thornbridge man myself but there's still lots to choose from. Plus budvar on tap and a small selection of Belgians too. For students it marks a more cosmopolitan contrast to the uni bars but beware running into your lecturer (as happened to me more than once!)
4 Sep 2008 14:45
Was never quite as enamoured with this place as others when I was a student round those parts but its reasonable enough. Usually a couple of ales on but sadly only the bog-standard lagers.
4 Sep 2008 14:38
Tucked away behind the wetherspoons in Huddersfield town centre is this bar, which has been 'trendily' decorated and has an intriguing selection of continental beers. There's a downstairs bar too. On recent visits to Huddersfield its not been open on sunday afternoons which is a shame to my mind. Certainly is a breath of fresh air compared with the revolution and other crap boozers up the road.
4 Sep 2008 14:35
You'll either love or hate the interior but its certainly a unique setting. Local ales were on offer and decently kept. Slightly out of the way of Winchester Town Centre but no worse off for that.
3 Sep 2008 10:51
quiet, dignified and appears untouched by civilisation since 1982. Another top SS boozer.
2 Sep 2008 13:10
The Soul Cellar 78, Southampton
Small venue but was pleasantly surprised by the drinks available. �2 peeterman on the after work special is a pretty damn good offer. Franzuschainer on draught as well which is a winner. No ales though.
2 Sep 2008 13:08
a quirky place tucked away behind the cathedral and a nice place to retreat to after exertions in town. The ales are on good form and the staff were very pleasant.
5 Aug 2008 17:37
Nice surroundings and the fullers' ales are on good form as expected. A convenient stop en route to the train station.
5 Aug 2008 17:33
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
I was left disappointed - A fair few of the beers were not available and some of the bottled stuff is very expensive. This is a great place to go if you're made of money, as one of my mates put it - hopefully i'll come back in a few years and enjoy it more!
8 Jul 2008 14:34
beer's not as good as the Loaf but what an interior - easily the grandest pub I've ever been in. Take that Wetherspoons! Even with the after-work crowd in attendance there was plenty of space, I would reccommend coming here just for the spectacular decor!
28 Jun 2008 22:26
The Fly in the Loaf, Liverpool
what an absolutely superb boozer. Well kept ales, magnificent array of continental beers and very spacious. Excellent - I know i'll be back.
28 Jun 2008 22:24
The Hillsborough Hotel, Sheffield
Been in here a couple of times and the range of drinks on offer is impressive, aleheads will really enjoy this place.
19 Jun 2008 15:13
The Nottingham House, Sheffield
Used to be brilliant (circa 05/06) but is now a shadow of its former self. Successive landlords have managed to perform the impressive feat of losing money from a pub that is slap bang in the middle of the most populous student area in Sheffield. This incompetence beggars belief.
13 Jun 2008 14:18
It shows sport now, principally football on many screens. Food is ok, but its main plus point is its size. Manages to retain a bit of a local feel despite high concentration of students (such as myself).
13 Jun 2008 14:14
Echo the comments before. Landlord is geniunely friendly, nice range of ales and a lovely garden. I always enjoy coming here.
13 Jun 2008 14:13
A bit too achingly self-conciously trendy for its own good, and too dark inside. Pricey lager.
13 Jun 2008 14:09
Good choice of lagers in the bar (Amstel and the rare sight of draught Birra Moretti - thumbs up) and the food is okay if a tad pricey. Nice interior, decent location and generally a chilled atmosphere.
13 Jun 2008 14:06
I too am surprised by the negative comments. My family visit this pub regularly and we've never had any complaints - the food is good and in summer the garden is perfectly positioned to watch cricket on the adjacent green, and its snug in the winter inside. In comparison to the pubs in North Baddesley this is an absolute palace.
13 Jun 2008 14:02
The Holland Tringham, Streatham
Its a spoons innit? It does the job, but its hardly going to win any awards. Mind you, Streatham High Road is almost devoid of decent/non-rough boozers at that end, so I suppose you could do worse.
12 Jun 2008 14:23
The Lescar Hotel / Hunters Bar, Sheffield
a serviceable establishment off the more poncey confines of Eccy road. Becks, Budvar, Friuli and Landlord available. The garden was quite good but beyond that I was hardly blown away.
12 Jun 2008 14:18
cracking pub. Plenty of choice, nice interior, plus table football and a cosy garden area as well. Also ideally situated for a curry at the international after.
12 Jun 2008 14:10
Really nice pub, beers in great condition and a lovely location. A nice stopping point before hitting the beer festival in town after.
25 May 2008 15:26
Huddersfield's best watering hole. Perfect for an afternoon/evening on the Quilmes. Superb.
7 May 2008 11:03
A nice pub, full of character and always a good place to while away an evening.
6 May 2008 11:38
A cheap but not especially cheerful establishment, this is a very popular city centre haunt on Park Row. Although, when there are so many better places only a short walk away, its a mystery why you'd choose to drink here other than being tight.
6 May 2008 11:36
Great pub - cheap as chips and loads to choose from, and I've heard great things about the food as well.
6 May 2008 11:34
Never eaten here but the interior is nice, and the beer selection not bad as Romsey goes. A nice place to go before or after a curry at Purbani.
6 May 2008 11:33
More of a restaurant than a pub these days, not much in the way of a beer selection beyond the usuals. Beer garden isn't bad though.
6 May 2008 11:31
Couple of visits have yielded very pleasant afternoons. �1.74 for a point of Westgate Gold is a gem of an offer, and its such a character of a pub. Was there in my capacity of Harlequins RL fan and was very warmly welcomed by home fans and staff. Very nice.
28 Apr 2008 14:38
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
I regularly make the trip to Huddersfield to go boozing, as its got some good venues - Vox, Zephyr, Lifeboat...and this is right up there. Great range, bargain sunday lunch and live jazz too. Waiting for the all-too-infrequent trains back to Sheffield is never a chore here!
28 Apr 2008 10:48
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Fast becoming a favourite of mine, this place has a superb array of beers at very reasonable prices, and a mint pub quiz with buffet snacks on a Monday. Worth going a bit out of your way for.
28 Apr 2008 10:43
In an area almost devoid of good boozers, this is, along with the Leigham Arms, as good as it gets. Decent.
26 Apr 2008 11:32
Been here on a couple of occasions going to the rugby as an away fan, and its a very welcoming atmosphere. Easy to find, reasonable prices but nothing special for the ale connosuier. Still, a decent pub considering the surroundings.
26 Apr 2008 11:16
The Hoop and Toy, South Kensington
Disappointing. Came her on a saturday evening at about 9 and half the clientele seemed wrecked already. �3 for a pint of London Pride is hardly mindblowing value and the rest was similarly expensive. Wouldn't go again.
26 Apr 2008 11:14
Nice refurb, still the, ahem, 'eclectic' mix of clientele (on last visit one customer was so off his face he collapsed right outside the door and paramedics had to be called) but just the place you want for a cheap pint.
26 Apr 2008 11:09
Cramped, but worth it. Super selection and unpretentious surroundings. Nice.
25 Apr 2008 14:40
A tacky, soulless, noisy chain bar, with a poor selection and a bad mix of chavvy locals and braying insincere students for clientele. When there are so many better places to drink in Sheffield City Centre, you may as well be committing a crime drinking here. Bungalows & Bears, brb, The Old House, Muse and the Devonshire Cat are all so much better.
25 Apr 2008 14:38
Used to come here when I was younger, best place to drink in the shithole that is Streatham. Does what it says on the tin, with an utter lack of pretension. Good memories.
25 Apr 2008 14:35
Old school! Good ale collection, lots of character in the place. You'll pay a fortune, just like anywhere down south but its a nice place to spend the fortune.
25 Apr 2008 13:53
Mr Foley's Cask Ale House, Leeds
Did an internship round the corner on Kings St and this became a regular haunt for a lunchtime beverage. Low-key, modern decor, good beers (including Amstel, my personal fave) and just a nice atmosphere.
25 Apr 2008 13:52
One of my favourite London haunts, slap bang in the middle of the action. Geniunely friendly bar staff, plenty of space. Took a party of northern mates here after the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley last year and they were delighted.
25 Apr 2008 13:50
Fantastic pub, a victim of its own success. Very crowded at weekends, but wonderful during the day. Superb selection, you're spoilt for choice. Heard good things about the food.
25 Apr 2008 13:48
The Frog and Parrot, Sheffield
Decent boozer, usually good selection of lagers and ales. Not the place to go for conversation however - the live music, in such a small place, can put paid to that. Reasonably priced food too.
25 Apr 2008 13:45
Simple, Manchester
Fairly bland cafe-bar on the edge of Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter. My first stop on a mini-crawl, it has no ale and insists on table service, which I find quite inconvenient and means I get my pint about ten minutes after I've ordered it, which isn't really what I look for in a pub. Staropramen (�3.70) was my choice. Not offensive, by any means, but not memorable and I pushed off fairly swiftly. Alongside nearby Apotheca is a venue for the upcoming Manchester Comedy Festival.
13 Oct 2010 15:52