BITE user comments - Dartitis
Comments by Dartitis
The Surrey Cricketers, Croydon
Hadn't been here for a three of four years - and the Surrey Cricketers was as exactly as I recalled it. Lots going for it - busy with a good atmosphere, darts/pool facilities, sport on TV - but a badly kept Harvey's Sussex Best. Will definitely return though.
26 Apr 2011 17:44
First visit to this pub a couple of Saturdays ago, and thus I can only report on what I experienced: no obvious recent refurbishment; a terrible half of something purporting to be Courage Directors, leaving a very unpleasant aftertaste on ones' palate; extremely grim lavatorial facilities, devoid of soap and hot water; and finally - if I had booked the function room for my wedding reception, my prospective fianc�e would have quite frankly been within her rights to break off the engagement.
Once again the only redeeming feature seemed to be the bar service. There is a paucity of decent boozers within the West Croydon area, and I just can't fathom why in this economic climate some of them don't appear to be trying harder. If the Gun does the job for some people then fair enough, though personally I'm just unable to recommend it.
26 Apr 2011 17:33
Only one other customer on a Saturday lunchtime - nice little boozer, good jukebox selection, though the one disappointment was the unavailability of any Young's draught ales at all (so made do with Bombardier). Hope this was a rare one-off, but it really wasn't good enough for a Young's pub.
26 Apr 2011 14:55
Only a slight improvement from a dreadful visit last year. Promise of a previously never seen Tetley's ale (the sole draught bitter) shattered by it being off, though at least (like the Gypsy Tavern beforehand), the barmaid service was friendly. Welcome moment of humour as a customer reversed his mobility scooter past the pool table.
26 Apr 2011 14:51
Bizarre place - small one-room bar, including two horse racing themed cubicles featuring handpainted jockey's colours. More foul-mouthed locals in the West Croydon area, and possibly the worst example of Guinness I've ever had the misfortune to imbibe - hideous chemical aftertaste.
Sole redeeming feature was the friendly, efficient barmaid, though quite frankly - avoid.
26 Apr 2011 14:45
The Old Fox and Hounds, Croydon
Agree with some of the comments - fairly interesting interior, friendly barman - though the GK IPA was no more then average at best, quaffed to the soundtrack of a chap at the bar whose overly loud diatribe was littered with profanities.
26 Apr 2011 14:28
Slightly above your average Wetherspoon, though Saturday morning visit marred by the irritant "Coming soon" pump clip sign on all of the more interesting ales.
26 Apr 2011 14:20
The Captains Cabin, Piccadilly
Perfectly reasonable boozer in the heart of Piccadilly; quick, friendly service and good pint of Batemans Hooker, which I think was one of, or the, guest ale(s).
7 Mar 2011 14:19
Over-indulged on Jenning's Cross Buttock on my last visit to what remains Bromley's best pub; if only the town centre boozers could strive towards this level.
7 Mar 2011 14:14
Well kept Fuller's ales and good service in one of the better Bromley pubs. However in grumpy old sod mode - the middle section did resemble a creche during recent Saturday late afternoon visit.
7 Mar 2011 14:09
As good as ever, and more than happy that this is my local. Best pint of TT Landlord south of the river.
7 Mar 2011 13:58
Great location in terms of the river view, typical (and thus good) Samuel Smith style interior and friendly locals, though my visit was ever so slightly let down by a lack of bar staff (the one barmaid was doing a sterling job), lengthy wait for food, and wailing children. Only small criticisms though and will definitely return.
23 Feb 2011 14:04
The George, Great Portland Street
I hadn't patronised the George for what seemed like donkey's years - and was very pleasantly surprised. Spruced up interior, excellent pint of Cairngorm Culloden 1746, and a busy atmosphere for a Monday evening. Will return sooner rather than later.
23 Feb 2011 13:51
And other people have visited the Harp to vouch for themselves - and, oh look - it's won CAMRA National Pub Of The Year. Many congratulations - a huge achievement!
16 Feb 2011 13:13
First ever visit to this pub last Saturday afternoon - no startling revelations to add as previous reviews more or less say it all - good service and enormous range of single malts. Combined with the Whitesmiths Arms a good contrast for a mini-crawl of this vicinity.
11 Feb 2011 16:59
One wouldn't come here for a wide range of ales, though in this instance this isn't a dealbreaker for me - a good little back street boozer which I fully recommend.
10 Feb 2011 14:04
The Horseshoe Inn, London Bridge
Brief visit - an OK experience and a good place to watch televised sport and play darts, though the Jennings Cumberland Ale was decidedly average (in fact it tasted remarkably like Greene King IPA).
10 Feb 2011 14:02
To be frank one would not patronise the Windsor Castle specifically for its ale (the 6X is OK), though where else can you have your crisps decanted into a plastic bowl, whilst eyeing a photograph of John Inman and the aforementioned Wendy Richard playing cricket? A pub with unique character.
19 Jan 2011 16:43
ESH?! Of course I did mean: "and not just the usual Pride/ESB/Discovery on tap."
18 Jan 2011 14:41
Easily my favourite Fuller's pub. Superb interior, efficient service, and not just the usual Pride/ESH/Discovery tap.
18 Jan 2011 14:39
The Royal Exchange, Paddington
Good little side street pub near to Paddington station. Not too busy on a Saturday night, welcoming atmosphere, live football on TV, and a reasonable pint of Brakspear.
18 Jan 2011 14:34
Yet another warm welcome and great service in the Harp. All the best of luck for the National Pub of The Year award - down to final four from around the UK, which surely ridicules Chav_man's pointless and malicious posting even further.
18 Jan 2011 14:28
Bung Hole Cellars and Wine Room, Holborn
An OK experience, though it is somewhat of a disappointment to assume one is drinking a potentially interesting ale in the Old Wallop, only to find Davy's have simply renamed Courage Directors...
14 Sep 2010 13:21
The Carpenters Arms, Marble Arch
Great back street pub (as noted previously), much needed in this area, with efficient service. However it does pain me to say - the beer quality has been up and down in my past few visits.
14 Sep 2010 13:02
Not the greatest experience: most of the more interesting, harder to find real ales sported the anti-climactic "Coming soon" sign on their pump clips, whilst the two I did sample were served at near Arctic temperatures, which seems to be a policy at most Wetherspoons I visit. This admittedly was noted by a sympathetic barmaid, though of the other staff - disinterested and gum chewing was the order of the day.
The pub atmosphere itself wasn't that unacceptable, but this won't be one I'll return to in a hurry.
14 Sep 2010 12:58
Very good all-round visit yesterday evening for a couple of pints: quick, efficient service, no short measures, excellent Rudgate Ruby Mild (one of several available ales either on draught or stillage), in a busy, friendly atmosphere.
18 Aug 2010 13:55
Pleasurable visit last Saturday evening: a well kept Dark Star Festival on tap, and (ill advisedly...) three bottles of the 9% Hercule stout. The Half & Half remains a good bar option just slightly away from the main drag.
12 Aug 2010 17:06
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Paid my first ever visit the other Saturday,and can only second recent comments made: very impressive microbrewery ale range, helpful attentive staff, handled jars by default(!), good atmosphere, plus a very tasty pie with pickle condiment. Thoroughly recommended.
12 Aug 2010 16:56
Yet another very enjoyable visit to the Harp - Binnie and her staff continue to provide a marvellous pub experience. The Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde mild was in superb condition, as was the Dark Star India Pale Ale (despite an ABV of 6.2% it wasn't too sweet and cloying as many beers of that strength tend to be).
With regards to previous comments about the place being packed - quite appreciate this, though one could argue it's a relection of the Harp's popularity, and sometimes it is all in the timing - nearby theatre show times probably have an effect.
19 Apr 2010 17:38
Lovely pub in a great setting, with helpful, friendly staff and a pleasing range of cask bitters. The only drawback during my visit was having small children wandering around the public bar - though this is a personal opinion and only slightly detracted from what was otherwise an enjoyable visit.
19 Apr 2010 17:24
Quite frankly a must for pub aficionados; full of character, fascinating interior (think it's in the CAMRA National Inventory), albeit with a small, unspectacular range of well kept beers.
10 Nov 2009 14:32
The Surprise at Pimlico, Pimlico
Walked into the Surprise, only to discover Greene King IPA as the sole draught ale, and a mother (presumably) and her three small children and pushchair taking up the large sofa right by the bar. Made my excuses and left.
Probably does a very good job for the locals, but not for anyone else.
9 Nov 2009 14:36
The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
I popped into the Old Monk last Saturday afternoon on the strength of its recent London Drinker adverts. Large screen showing live football, and four real ales on tap, though both the Bath Barnstormer and Sambrook's Wandle I sampled seemed to be a little below par compared to previous experiences elsewhere. I applaud the pub's new direction in providing a better range, though the execution was a little lacking - however I may have been unlucky and will certainly visit again in the near future.
9 Nov 2009 14:24
Since my last visit in November 2008, the Palace seems to have remained a solid, reliable, real ale option in the city centre. Enjoyed a good pint of Coach House Gunpowder Mild (there were about six ales on draught), and a swiftly served snack. The chalk board also advertised two upcoming "Meet the Brewer" type events. Definitely recommend.
6 Nov 2009 14:06
Good range of Leeds ales and friendly informative service, though something not quite right regarding the interior as others have stated - perhaps slightly bland. Popped in two nights running - very surprised to find it so quiet on Halloween evening , though the lack of atmosphere was tempered somewhat by the DJ's excellent musical selections
4 Nov 2009 15:07
The North is one of my first ports of call when I visit Leeds. Extensive range of bottled beers from Europe and the States, and a very pleasing line-up on draught - I had an excellent Durham stout one particular evening. It's also one of the few venues which serves pints in dimpled jars wihout one even needing to request the receptacle.
The only downside from my visit at the end of October was to discover that the DJ named Paul ?? no longer appears there - it was this bloke and venue who got me seriously into the Hammond organist Jimmy Smith!
4 Nov 2009 15:00
The Speaker continues to be a haven of very well kept, interesting ales - there's a couple of interesting festivals coming up in the near future. Always a friendly welcome from Dennis upon arrival.
12 Oct 2009 17:03
Virtually empty when I visited here last Friday evening. Add to that a seemingly disinterested barman and an unpleasant half of Adnams bitter, I'm afraid I have to continue a theme from previous reviews - depressing.
12 Oct 2009 15:42
I had occasion to visit the Flower Pot last Saturday upon having to abort the shambolically organised Maidstone Beer Festival at the Kent Life Museum (perhaps an over exaggeration on my part, but the ill-advised short bar length resulted in waiting times of over thirty minutes to be served).
In any event this turned out to be a blessing in disguise - the Flower Pot is a good local's pub situated a few minutes walk from the town centre, with an interesting selection of real ales and and friendly welcoming staff. I enjoyed my stay and will return when next in Maidstone.
22 Sep 2009 14:17
What a difference since my previous visit to the Pelton two years ago. Five ales on tap, including three guests(?) from the York, Mordue and JW Lees breweries, a bar billiards table - and many more customers on a Saturday afternoon.
A good model to follow seemingly for those backstreet pubs feeling the effects of the current economic climate. Recommended.
1 Sep 2009 16:48
Popped in for brief visit on Saturday - very busy, and certainly not what one would term a locals' pub as it seemed to be filled with tourists sampling the food. However good beer range (think it's a Nicholson's boozer), and will definitely try again soon.
20 Jan 2009 16:54
Never had a problem with service, and the Rake is in my opinion an essential stop-off for any beer lovers in this part of London. I wish there were more establishments providing such an extensive range (still lament the loss of the Beer Circus in Croydon) - though �7.40 for a half of Sierra Nevada Celebration and a pint of Thornbridge Jaipur IPA (whose brewers were in residence on Saturday giving tutored tasting sessions) is unacceptable. Unsurprising pricing strategy though given that it probably attracts stragglers from Borough Market who have just willingly paid extortionately over the odds for a burger or foodstuff containing the phrase 'organic' (anyone guess I'm in grumpy old man mood today;))
20 Jan 2009 16:36
Grenadier surprisingly packed (even for such a small pub) last Saturday afternoon.
Good pint of Landlord, and friendly service from the bar staff, though following on from previous comments, they didn't seem to be quite on the ball, including an apparent inability to ascertain which customer was next in line to be served.
Looks like the interior has had a smart redecoration, though generally I have to concur with the review "theregent".
15 Jan 2009 17:04
The Nell Gwynne, Covent Garden
On the minus side: the dominant aroma does remain of a lavatorial nature (or at least it did on my recent visit), and the bitters could be kept to a better standard, though at least Deuchars has been added to the range.
On the plus side: one of the most atmospheric and iconic pubs in London.
Good friendly service.
Great jukebox.
And above all else - I gather that the Nell's future has been secured (as a pub) for at least a good period of time.
15 Jan 2009 16:55
The Hillgate, Notting Hill Gate
Mediocre. The Deuchars was off, as was then the Broadside, both of which were poured with a degree of ineptitude. One other ale available (or should I say the clip was on), so we decided to cut our losses and leave. Far superior options in Notting Hill, and not just for the beer.
24 May 2008 16:06
I was inexplicably unaware of this pub's existence despite having lived 10-15 mins away for the best part of 25 years; had never seen it mentioned online and only found it via a random Google Maps "pub" search. Was surprised to find a fairly large pub (two bars) in a suburban Hayes estate. Only one ale on (a reasonable London Pride), darts, pool and a good jukebox. The service was also welcoming and friendly, though not sure if this was the same barmaid noted by pubcollector!
26 Mar 2008 14:53
Proper back street pub; very pleased that I live nearby. Small in size, though has six well kept ales (range somewhat unexciting, though have seen one occasionally dispensed straight from the barrel), and respectable clientele.
Unless my eyes were deceiving me there doesn't currently appear to be a pub sign outside?
26 Mar 2008 14:46
I would echo the comments posted by weakbeermonster, and it's good to see an interesting selection of ales at such low prices. The Skylark also shows live sport in the first floor bar, though one very minor quibble from my recent visit is the usual Wetherspoon irritation of not turning the pump clips around when a beer isn't available.
5 Mar 2008 14:12
The Claret Free House, Addiscombe
Great ale range (though wish more milds were regularly on), and atmosphere has improved since the smoking ban. However the "betting shop" ambience still prevails, and indeed a recent Six Nations showing on the big screen was aurally obscured by some of the regulars turning up the racing coverage on the small TV to a decibel level approaching last night's earth tremor. Moan over though - because of its ales the Claret is a must in the Croydon area.
27 Feb 2008 15:02
Will start to include the Bricklayer's more regularly on London crawls; a good solid back street boozer with the range of TT ales.
Also attended last weekend's Yorkshire Beer Festival, and the fact that a pub can organise such a great event is testament to how much the Bricklayer's has improved (I believe it has won CAMRA London Pub of the Year). Agree the lavatories are not ideal when so many oversized beer guts are crammed into such a small space...
27 Feb 2008 14:54
Would agree with recent comments. Despite winning Fullers Pub awards in previous years, I feel the character of the Tom Foolery recently just hasn't hit the spot; it's on its way to becoming another run-of the mill town centre boozer. Big screen for sport, and well-kept beers, though never seems to have the range of seasonal Fullers ales which the Partridge a few doors down has; plus I've often had to ask for a short measure pint to be topped up. Hope it returns to its former glory days.
27 Feb 2008 14:39
Excellent pub approximately 10 minutes from the centre of Bromley (320 bus stops more or less outside), with a very friendly, safe atmosphere. Indeed it is the sole Young's pub in the area, though irrespective of whether one is fan of their ales, they've always seemed to have an excellent St. Austell Tribute on each occasion I've popped in. Would second the comment about the beer garden, which is possibly the nicest in the area.
27 Feb 2008 14:32
Recently came across this backstreet gem. Popped in last night to sample ales from the week-long festival - had a particularly good Cotleigh Barn Owl.
It's a shame it isn't open on Saturdays, though appreciate the reduced trade wouldn't make it worthwile.
Note to mib: the Harp in Covent Garden (which can be classed as a decent pub) also has its toilets upstairs!
20 Feb 2008 14:26
I hadn't been to Glamorgan prior to its refurbishment, but can say it's a mandatory stop on my regular Croydon crawl; interesting (albeit small) range of well-kept ales (the Harvey's Sussex Best is always solid), good service, plus darts and pool facilities.
20 Feb 2008 14:18
Reasonable, small, friendly local north of Wandsworth Common. Somewhat quiet, though our visit was at 11.30 on a Saturday morning. Very nice pint of Gale's Seafarer, though would have also liked the option of Fuller's Chiswick. Not a bad jukebox either.
21 Sep 2007 14:04
Completely different type of hostelry to the Buxted Inn a few minutes walk away - and of the two I have to say I prefer the White Hart. Wider ranger of ales, nice dining area, bar billiards table - all in amiable surroundings.
3 Aug 2007 17:10
The Red Lion fully deserves the accolade of SE London 2007 Pub of the Year, and indeed this has been my favourite local pub in Bromley for some now. Well-kept range of ales (including a regularly changing guest), friendly welcome, good jukebox and of course a well-positioned dartboard with a good standard of opponents often on hand (though alas my last visit the Saturday before last was yet again hampered by my frustrating inability to release the dart...)
16 Jul 2007 14:55
The Jolly Farmers (ex jordan), Lewisham
As I'd heard that change in management had apparently improved this pub, I visited the Jolly Farmers on Saturday evening in what must be the first time in about six or seven years. I have to say that as a result of what I found, it won't certainly won't be that long before I return: friendly barstaff, a convivial and friendly atmosphere, and three real ales. One was on tap, and two straight from the barrel (a rareity in this part of the world); from one of the latter receptacles, I had an excellent St. Austell Tribute, though inebriation from a Greenwich crawl beforehand unfortunately prevents me from recalling what the other ale was. A great pub in an area otherwise bereft of good hostelries.
16 Jul 2007 14:36
It's good to see that backstreet locals such as the Pelton keep going. As per a previous comment though, it's difficult to see how, as during two Saturday afternoon visits over the past year there were hardly any customers in what is quite a large establishment, unless the evening trade is completely the opposite. Reasonable pint of Bombardier, and hope to return.
16 Jul 2007 14:15
The Claret Free House, Addiscombe
Fairly quiet for a Friday evening (can only assume it was due to being a public holiday). The barmaid obligingly allowed me to increase the volume on what transpired to be a dreadful Leeds United/Reading encounter, during which I had two very well kept ales in the form of Nethergate Essex Border and Whitstable Oyster Stout.
26 Apr 2011 17:51