BITE user comments - Hopsucker
Comments by Hopsucker
Occasionally over-tolerant of noisy babies (or, to be fair, of "enlightened" parents who choose to impose their squalling infants upon our intolerant ears).
Otherwise, much improved these days. Ale range varied and interesting and always in good nick. Former unpleasant elements among staff now gone.
30 Mar 2015 11:24
A strange place with lots of committee rooms. Once met the landlord, a strange gnome-like creature, who when I asked for more hops in my pint, told me the matter would have to be referred to "The Committee" and waddled off in search of a pint of McFullers Boring Brown Bitter (Well, Not Too Bitter).
10/10 for past effort but not really relevant these days.
14 Apr 2014 17:19
Cosy traditional interior but no beer - unless you count GK Abbot & IPA in tired condition. (IPA?? Trade Descriptions Act!!)
17 Mar 2014 11:57
The Rum and Crab Shack, St Ives
PAn oasis in the desert of St Skinners. No brewery tie. Penzance Potion #9 et al.
28 Oct 2013 19:46
Ale range somewhat predictable these days. Manageress seems disinterested in anything (apart from her own appearance). One particular barperson needs tutelage in manners and how to pour a pint. A pity.
9 Aug 2013 17:17
The Blacksmiths Arms, St Albans
2nd best in St Albans (after Farmers Boy) for variety and number of well hopped ales. Loyalty cards not as generous as a couple of years ago but still worthwhile for a regular. Service generally alert & friendly. Often good bands Fri / Sat. Plenty to offer.
11 Sep 2012 12:10
The Crooked Billet, Colney Heath
This is a village pub and a fine one at that. It does not claim to be an all-day diner. If the kitchen was closed by the time you arrived, that is not a reason to mark the pub down. How was the beer? This site is BEERinthe evening. Take your wallet and your petulance to the nearest restaurant.
4 May 2011 15:04
Before the paintpot must come the finger! Nevertheless, an excellent selection of ale and renewed activity at the brewery round the back much in evidence amongst the 5 pumps.
4 Apr 2011 13:23
A good pint of Landlord followed by an even better pint of Cairngorm Trade Winds followed by a piss. Nearly brought them back up. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE SCRUB THE URINALS. THE SMELL IS AWFUL.
16 Mar 2011 14:01
The Ferry Boat Inn, Felixstowe
I have no particular objection to children (got two myself) or dogs in pubs provided that that they are well controlled by their guardians (all too often, they are not). However, I do not wish to feel the need to moderate my language whilst in discourse with a few friends over a beer and, if in "quiet mode" with the newspaper, do not wish to hear the patter of tiny feet or whining children.
It is the publican's right to decide policy in these (and other) matters and, in this case to offer an environment which protects us from those who are expert in their own rights and careless of the rights of others and who choose to impose their little darlings on people who may just be enjoying a quiet pint away from their own loved ones. If you don't like it, it is your right to go to one of the (too many) pubs who allow kids in an effort to try and make a living. Now, go and leave us all in peace.
14 Mar 2011 14:45
Said jukebox (with its largely appalling selection) has been renovated, with the addition of garish flashing lights, and has reappeared to cause random irritation at the Farmers Boy. Meanwhile, the largely appealing selection of ales at both pubs continues regardless. Who won?
21 Feb 2011 12:42
This is a very special pub of character. Although the selection of ale is sometimes unexciting, I've never been served a bad pint. Dark Star made the last visit a particular pleasure.
Amused to note that Citizen Smiff's lager was flat - could have been sour grapes on the breath.
23 Sep 2008 11:24
The Brocket Arms, Ayot St. Lawrence
Lovely old pub but it is a lottery in terms of:
will there be a pint of something interesting and in good condition?
will the (usually solitary) duty member of staff be aware of the difference between arse and elbow?
will it care?
will the place be busy? (in which case you will get a pint more quickly in the Cross Keys (including journey time)).
Don't know why I revisit, but.....
27 Aug 2008 14:32
Strange smell from the toilets (well, I hope that's the source) now unmasked by government interference. A classic beer drinker's delight.
14 Aug 2008 16:24
The Cock and Dragon, Cockfosters
Very comfortable and well run pub. Interesting interior, pleasant garden, friendly attentive staff. A rare example of how to run a restaurant in the same building without sodding up the pub side.
Bombardier in excellent nick. Also GK IPA and a guest ale (something sweet from Davenports that night). A more interesting beer choice would merit a very high score. Nevertheless, best in the area.
14 Aug 2008 15:18
Savanna @ The Black Lion Inn , St Albans
Not exactly a traditional pub ambience! Nevertheless, amongst the fizz & cocktails, there is TT Landlord to be had and on 3 visits this year, have found it to be in good order (if a little cold). Bar staff welcoming and the place is clean and comfortable once you get over the initial shock of the decor. A worthy stop to break the journey between the Lower Red and the rest of the old village.
4 Aug 2008 14:49
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Huw. I am not one of the many to whom Brakspears and Harveys are similar (neither in taste nor appearance). I find the former rather more bitter and somewhat lighter in colour - not that I care particularly about that characteristic.
However, I'm happy to apologise: I should have said that the two pints looked and tasted exactly the same. Sorry if my flippancy caused offence.
Will mail you separately.
1 Aug 2008 15:49
The Elephant and Castle, Lewes
Having had enough Harveys by now, asked for Brakspears (whatever that comprises these days, it's usually a light standby). This was the same Harveys bitter that my companion had from a different pump. Aren't Y connectors handy! Not impressed. Good job we're not from Trading Standards.
17 Jul 2008 10:51
Basic boozer with an eclectic selection of ale. Barstaff pleasant, knowledgeable, and anxious to please (even though it was busy). Unless, you really love Harveys (small + local doesn't always add up to great), this is the best one in Lewes.
17 Jul 2008 10:34
The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury
No TV, no jukebox, just a very good pint of Spitfire in a lovely old pub.
4 Jun 2007 13:31
The Bell and Crown, Canterbury
TT Landlord in good nick, excellent jukebox, pleasant feel to the place. No last order warning given but it was 1am and time for a kebab anyway!
4 Jun 2007 12:46
Waiting for the limited attention of the barmaid gave us time to notice the smell of stale beer / b.o. / halitosis and the general air of dilapidation (both pub and inhabitants). The beer may have been excellent but I doubt it. Walked out into the fresh air. 1 point for being open.
4 Jun 2007 11:47
Solid looking building containing very little appeal. Staff(?) & locals appear to be killing time whilst awaiting the arrival of the mobile benefits van. John Smiths bitter on handpump undrinkable. Nearly tried the Deucharse but didn't want to get any more depressed.
2 Oct 2006 18:52
The Seven Stars, Chancery Lane
Beer excellent (Hophead) if overpriced and landlady's language entertaining although I can see why one may hesitate to bring WAGs. Visited twice now and found barstaff variable. Full measure on one day had to be fought for next time. However, on 2nd visit...
Paid for a round with �20, barmaid proffered change from �10. Stood my ground and had the balance literally thrown across the bar after only a brief shuffle in the till. (They don't usually give in that quickly!) Conversation with a local suggested this was not an isolated incident.
Bloody funny pub but worth a visit if you can count.
2 Oct 2006 18:08
Can't speak highly enough of the staff in this place. It was late, we had already had a few in other places, but they went to every effort to feed & water us, despite some very varied demands from the assembled company. Excellent meal, wine, and one good pint before it.
2 Oct 2006 17:25
Caught this one during a local music festival and saw two excellent bands in one day whilst enjoying a few pints of "Just the Job". Does this really come from the St Austell Brewery? Lovely beer in good condition.
One or two staff a bit uptight but Landlady and the rest very welcoming. Be interesting to see the place out of season.
2 Oct 2006 17:13
Attractive pub inside with an interesting variety of beer, some in barrels behind the bar, all in good order. Friendly service throughout our 3 visits. Along with the Sloop & the Lifeboat, one of three excellent St Ives pubs that we found.
2 Oct 2006 16:59
Wanted to dine in the Castle (qv) but rest of company preferred the look of the menu here - mistake. Typical tourist trap fare included the omnipresent "local 3 fishes" which seemed to represent a case of long time no sea. As to the beer, tried two but I don't think they care so......
2 Oct 2006 16:16
Pint of Sharps - Doombar, I think - tasted a bit tired. Didn't bother to try further because of the overpowering smell of old cooking oil in the place. (Well I hope it was that!)
2 Oct 2006 15:59
Always used to head straight here when in Redbourn but no more. On my penultimate visit we were served(?) by a vacant, humourless barmaid (landlady?) who took over 5 minutes to pour 3 pints in between gassing with her mate in the other bar. One more try a week later and we got an intimidating old besom, most reluctant to offer a sample of an unfamiliar guest ale. Sorry to have troubled you, ladies.
For those of you with more patience than I, still a pleasant old pub serving Brakspear (cooking & premium) and Adnams bitter - and an occasional mystery beer!
20 Sep 2006 14:41
Two people have rated this place at 5.5/10 without comment. Must be teetotallers or cocktail girlies (male or female).
This is an attractive, well run country pub with a good selection of beers kept in excellent condition.
19 Sep 2006 16:53
Always thought the only decent pub in LC was the Green Dragon. Recently finding that that place is rapidly becoming a licensed restaurant (Spitfire no more), tried the Bull. There is a very pleasant snug/lounge bar and both Black Sheep & Bombardier were in good order - a big improvement on past years. Returned on a Sunday lunchtime to find cheese, pickled onions etc on the bar - nice touch (and rare these days). A little more adventure with choice of beers would make a real winner here.
19 Sep 2006 16:23
Yes, it is a fine pub in a pleasant setting with what appears to be a decent selection at the pumps. However, I have rarely visited the place without being served beer more suited to the Sarsons factory (again, last Friday). Although they will change a pint, polite criticism is not usually received with good grace. The safest bet is to determine what the locals are drinking and try a half of that. Never visit at opening time unless you enjoy line conditioned ale. A pity.
18 Sep 2006 15:27
Lovely old pub this and current management & staff rather more welcoming than previous incumbents. Unimaginative selection of beer on offer, but the two I tried were in very good nick. (Better a perfect Adnams/Pride than a tired Old Triple Fart.) Menu looks interesting.
18 Sep 2006 14:42
Granted: the old Harrow needed a kick up the arse but this place does not qualify as a pub at all. Fizz & cocktails for those who need the light to hide their shadow.
18 Sep 2006 14:06
This part of town could do with a decent pub and this ain't it. Characterless fizz-house which presumably appeals to those types who "do lunch". Yes, life is too short to waste a drinking minute in a place like this. One point for being licensed but will somebody please do something useful with it.
18 Sep 2006 13:27
The Hare and Hounds, St Albans
New manager & staff have certainly done a number on this erstwhile bleak boozer. Reliable local source of TT Landlord and decent food served by friendly, on-the-ball staff. Uncontrolled kids in the main bar occasionally a problem but overall a vastly improved pub.
18 Sep 2006 13:00
Despite being in the grip of a pubco, manages to present a decent mix of ales in fine condition. Nearly always something amongst them to delight even this picky sod. Some think food is a bit pricey but you gets wot you pays for and this is high quality. Eclectic selection of bands / musos Tues @ Sun. Much well directed effort by the landlord has made this pub probably the best in St Albans.
15 Sep 2006 10:04
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
Fascinating old place which deserves better than what bland old Sam Smith has to offer. To be fair, bitter in good nick (and cheap). One for the tourists, methinks.
17 Jan 2006 15:47
Good selection of ale topped by TT Landlord in good order. No smoking policy sadly confirmed. Hardly seems necessary given the draught that blows through the place. Good for a quick one before the train departs. However, when Thameslink is in serious "we-regret-to-announce" mode, the Old Bell in Fleet St is a better option.
17 Jan 2006 15:21
Best in the area. A very good drop of TT Landlord in a comfortable little pub which doesn't (yet??) deny the complementary pleasure of a cigarette with a decent pint.
17 Jan 2006 15:06
Advertises itself as the last pub before the ferry. However, if you want a pint of bitter, you've gone too far. The walls may be interestingly decked out, but the bar is only decorated with fizz dispensers. Landlady / barmaid unfriendly.
12 Jan 2006 12:55
Charming old pub with a goodish selection on the pumps and never a sniff of vinegar. Fine garden for the hot days; winter fire not lit with the same enthusiasm as previous landlord. Overall, the best in Redbourn.
10 Jan 2006 18:43
Attracted into this one by sight of a Spitfire pump through the window: a welcome change from the usual selection in these parts. Condition very ordinary but compared well after the swill we had received at the previous stop. Anyway, unfair to judge on one visit.
Dark, comfortable little bar (pool table etc in a separate bar upstairs). A suitable place to build reserves before the short ascent to the Cock & Bull.
10 Jan 2006 15:57
The Cock and Bull, St Peter Port
The widest (and best) selection of draught beers that we found in St Peter Port (5 pumps). It is well worth the climb up the hill. Friendly and on-the-ball staff explained that brands are regularly rotated. Couldn't fault the range or condition when we were there (twice!).
10 Jan 2006 15:35
Reasonable selection of beers, quality usually OK. Ambience varies. Can be difficult to get to the bar at busy times. Certainly much improved in the past year. Don't quite know why I'm luke-warm about this one!
10 Jan 2006 13:32
The Crown and Anchor, Faversham
Narrowly won the best pub of the brewery-trip by four difficult-to-please pissartists. Excellent quality bitter, served by a most interesting character. You are unlikely to leave after just one pint.
10 Jan 2006 13:08
Quality of beer is increasingly variable. Barstaff seem generally indifferent to the ultimate source of their wages. Worth popping in to see how old the Spitfire is on a given night but have a half first!
This pub is slipping.
10 Jan 2006 11:56
Management change seems to have alienated most of the erstwhile locals, but my first impression is of improvement. Youngs Bitter & Special both in good nick. Let's see how it settles down. Worth a visit.
10 Jan 2006 11:14
Fairly ordinary interior much cheered in winter by a well-fed open fire. Enough. Being here primarily for the beer, full marks for the produce from the in-house brewery. Should be something in the range to please most palates. Personally, I regret that the Clipper IPA seems to have been made a little less aggressively bitter in recent months, presumably to broaden its appeal. Still a bloody good pint, though.
10 Jan 2006 10:34
Excellent back-street Fullers local which makes a welcome change from the lager-dispensing glitz-bars of the town centre. Football-free TV, used judiciously, merits an extra couple of points. Smokers not treated as 2nd class. (I have given up myself but dislike the Wetherspoon attitude.)
A proper pub.
3 Dec 2005 13:10
The Old Doctor Butler's Head, Moorgate
Despite location, this is not a back-street local so don't expect a cosy chat with barstaff - they are too busy pouring it at peak-times. In their haste, they tend to slop it about and do need nagging for a full pint - important at their prices. Normally excellent Spitfire etc. - should be, given the turnover. Had occasion to complain about quality once but that was not the regular manager. Strange, that!
Fine pub, worth diverting for.
29 Nov 2005 19:00
The Crooked Billet, Colney Heath
Four pumps dispense a changing selection of (usually) interesting ales. Quality consistently high. Bit cramped at busy periods, but the place has some character. One of the best in the area.
29 Nov 2005 17:51
Disappointing last visit. Served an awful pint - OK it happens but.... Got the "smells alright to me; nobody else has complained" treatment from a bod obviously more used to VB & Carlton. Why was this ill-equipped youth left in charge of such a (previously) fine pub?
Quick retreat across the road to the Wheatsheaf (8/10) to wash away the taste of vinegar.
29 Nov 2005 17:30
2nd visit since the management change. New lot again seem rather less blessed with product knowledge and yet less keen to offer a sample - a problem when only obscure fayre is on offer, Pride & JHB apart. Managed to find an excellent pint in the end but not sure it's worth the bother. Try again after Christmas when they are perhaps more eager to please.
29 Nov 2005 16:34
Stayed here a couple of nights and can't think of a better base camp from which to explore the area. Obliging publican rightly proud of his cellar. Damn fine pint of Landlord (nothing wrong with the others either). V comfortable bedrooms, if a little on the cold side (southern wussie!).
Agree with Alewhale re the train. Beer surprisingly good - why walk when you can view the whole valley with a decent pint in yer hand!
28 Nov 2005 15:38
Sept 05. Fine, welcoming little local serving the full Taylor range in top condition.
28 Nov 2005 13:21
The Bearded Man, St Albans
On offer: 10 various milds (well it was May, ffs!) and 50,000 "real ciders".
"Wot about something pale and hoppy?", I enquire. "Don't think he's in today", came the reply.
Whatever happened to the campaign for real ALE?
5 Jun 2015 12:29