BITE user comments - Martinsh
Comments by Martinsh
The Morse Bar has no real ale. Colin Dexter will be turning in his grave !
11 Jun 2018 23:22
Service is indifferent, but if you complain about it you wil get banned ! [ Happened to bloke in front of me ] They also seem to have removed TYolkein's seat since last time I was there. Beer is reasonable, but I won't be coming back unless I have to.
10 Jun 2018 22:10
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
This place keeps opening and closing with monotonous regularity ! Currently up for sale / to let. It does appear to be open at the moment, but never when I expect it to be, so haven't tried it out to see what beers are now served
10 Feb 2018 22:24
Just to say they now have expanded the range of craft beers on tap. There are now 10 available, plus one cask beer (not always available) and a "Lager tap".
Nothing else changed ...
10 Feb 2018 22:12
Now reopened as the Blind Beggar. Empty pub with very loud music, though I am told they do now have real ale
10 Feb 2018 22:06
Had a change of ownership recently, and has morphed into a sports bar. Now only sells Green King IPA and Doom Bar. Still does food, but I refuse to drink / eat here any more.
[NB it doesn't seem possible to submit a review without a rating any more ]
10 Feb 2018 22:02
Platform Ale House, Albrighton
Another old review for a newly added pub
As the name implies, this is a new micropub, set up in the former station building at Albrighton. There is an inevitable comparison to be made with the next station down the line (Codsall) which
Is also now a pub. Because the two buildings are exactly the same size and shape – and also we had just been to Codsall !
Unfortunately, initial impressions are not so good. The building looks rather scruffy externally, and if it was for a handwritten sign saying “yes we are open”, we might have thought it was closed.
Inside however, it has all been spruced up, with white painted wall, and solid chairs and tables. These seemed to give an impression of more space than at Codsall – I don’t know why. Plus a real coal fire, and a few items of railway interest on the walls.
The bar was straight ahead from entrance, and featured six cask ales. I had been led to expect a number of beers from the local Newbridge brewery, but there weren’t any. I assume that all those available were changing guests. Those I can remember were two from Fixed Wheel, one from Rowton and Coastal Cornish Merry Mild, which is what I had and rather nice it was too.
Food appeared consist of sandwiches and pork pies.
The landlord was very friendly, and spent most of his time talking to a couple sitting opposite – mainly about the Egyptian National Railway Museum !
7/10 – certainly worth another visit
9 Sep 2017 00:33
Bit of a strange one this. A former private members club, that has recently reopened as a bar. From the outside it looks like a modern brick building (which it probably is), with arches at the front and large plate glass windows. Step inside however, and you encounter huge Doric columns and a mural on the ceiling ! [ Also large ventilation ducts ] There are various types of seating scattered around, all in two different colour schemes.
There were 7 handpumps, serving mainly well recognised beers (Doom Bar, Tiger, Old Speckled Hen etc). I chose the Hook Norton Old Hooky – which was reasonable.
However, the most striking feature was at 2pm on a Saturday the place was almost completely deserted ! [ I believe it gets really busy in the evenings when they have a DJ on ]
I may go back, but wouldn’t be heartbroken if I didn’t !
22 Aug 2017 23:33
Hmm, just discovered this review on my PC, which I wrote back in March, but don''t seem to have uploaded ...
There has been a change of management / ownership here, and the place has been spruced up. There are now 7 or 8 beers on tap and, on the occasions I have been in, has included one or more dark beers. On one occasion it was Ashover Moscow – a 9.7% imperial stout ! [ This wasn’t included in the “Monday specials” – selected beers for £2.50 a pint, though ! ]
There is no more food, except for Sunday Lunch, and the large screen TV has gone as well. Not sure if it was always there, but there is definitely now a “classic rock” jukebox – but volume isn’t too loud.
Having said all this, on my last visit the first person I saw was the previous landlady – now on this side of the bar !
Incidentally CAMRA discount is available again as well.
Bumping this back up to a 7
16 Aug 2017 23:22
The final old review of pubs recently added to BITE ...
This Pub occupies what is obviously an old building on the main street, but inside it has been fitted out as a cafe-bar. This must have been a fairly substantial conversion as it looks like they knocked at least one wall down and replaced it with some thin wood panelling. At least there’s still a real fire – we sat next to it !
There were two beers available, Wye Valley HPA, and Wickwar Bob. I had the latter, which was entirely reasonable. However, the drawback is the price ! My pint of beer plus a sandwich (the cheapest thing on a restricted menu) came to over £10 ! Still it was fairly substantial and very nice as well.
6/10 – may be the best pub in town – but I hope not !
16 Aug 2017 23:17
Wrote this after my first visit back in January. Been here a few times since - and it''s about time I went again !
As the name implies this is a newly opened craft ale bar, in the centre of town. The place is long and thin, stretching back from the road. Inside it is dark, but with lighting to give it an atmospheric glow.
The bar is on the right hand side by the entrance, with some shelves of bottled beers further on on that side. The bar itself appears to be made out of old wooden crates. You can either sit at the bar (using the most uncomfortable metal bar stools I’ve ever encountered !), or there are a few tables and benches, further back on the left. There is also a wine rack and several barrels scattered around.
There are usually 4 craft kegs on tap, though the only indication of what they are is the small keg-clip, and no prices are indicated. I didn’t fancy any of the ones available, so took to perusing the shelves. Came up with a bottle of Marble’s Portent Of Usher – a gorgeous 9% oak aged imperial stout. I sat at the bar, and sipped slowly !
7/10 – I like it now – perhaps I’ll learn to love it later ?
16 Aug 2017 23:13
Another old review - been here a few times though
I have to admit that on previous visits to Alsager, I had ignored this continental style cafe-bar in favour of the more traditional establishments in the vicinity. It may have had something to do with the CAMRA Whatpub site saying there was only 1 real ale available. However, a few months ago I popped in (with the local CAMRA chairman !), and was pleasantly surprised to find 4 cask ales on tap. Therefore I resolved to visit again, and sample the food – which I did today.
On entering through the (very wide) main doors, the bar is on the left and very long. The building is open-plan, but clever use of varied levels means it is divided into several areas. Unfortunately, unless you sit by the windows the lighting is rather dim – meaning I couldn’t read my paper.
As previously stated, there were 4 handpumps – though on this occasion one had run out. I tried the Black Heart Stout from Salopian – and very nice it was too ! The other ales were from Weetwood and Lees.
On looking at the menu, the first thing I realised was that this place is in the same ownership as Alberts Corner in Crewe. This is because the menu layout is exactly the same – several separate sheets including mains, light bites, breakfast and “afters”, all of differing sizes so they display as a sequence when placed in the holders on the tables.
Unfortunately, whilst the beer is the same prices as Alberts (£3 a pint), the food is considerably more expensive ! I went for the first item on the Lite Bites menu – the steak & onion ciabatta (£8.20), which surprisingly had a number of “options”. And it was very nice as well, certainly a very large bite in my opinion ! Only complaint was that it came in the weird shaped dish that was really too small for it, so for the first few mouthfuls I had to be careful not to spill it all over the table !
Finally, a mention for possibly the most enthusiastic bar staff I have ever met !
7/10 – definitely one to keep an eye on. Probably the best place in town for food.
16 Aug 2017 23:10
A review from my last visit here in February 2017
This canalside establishment describes itself as a “cafe bar / bistro”, which is probably a more accurate description than a pub, because most of the space is set out for dining with a waitress service. However, there is space at the bar for people only wanting to drink. Which means you can avail yourself of the most unusual feature of this establishment – a bar stool made entirely out of Lego ! [ It does have a cushion on top for you to actually sit on though ]
Being in the ground floor of an old warehouse, it has thick beams, giving more of the feel of a basement bar. The floors are polished wood and the walls bare brick with a number of “abstract” paintings featuring racing themes.
There are 4 handpumps, which have a changing array of local beers. On my latest visit, I tried the Cheshire Brewhouse Engine Vein which was too cold for my liking, and initially had a strange metallic taste (suspect due to it being first pint of the day ]. There are also 10 keg lines mostly featuring less than usual continental beers, but I also spotted Titanic Stout.
As I said, the place is mainly set for dining, though the chairs looked plastic and uncomfortable. I had a quick sneak at the menu (divided into starters, “classics”, grills and pizzas), but hurriedly put it back when I noticed the prices !
6/10 – reasonable, but better places nearby.
16 Aug 2017 23:06
Another review from my Congleton trip back in January
Formerly the Phoenix Tap, this has been taken over by Joules, and renamed back to its original name. If you are familiar with joules pubs, then you will know what I mean when I say it has been refurbished in the house style. [ For the rest of you, it involves a large amount of pale wooden panelling everywhere, jokey notices about the benefits of Joules beer, and prim and proper seating ]
One change from most Joules pubs I noticed was that, besides the usual 4 beers from the home firm, there were a couple of guests available. In fact, I tried one - Woods Ebony, allegedly a stout, which was quite nice.
I’m not sure about food. I didn’t see any signs referring to it, but I did see one chap eating a large pork pie (well sharing it with his wife to be exact !).
6/10 – reasonable, not spectacular
16 Aug 2017 23:03
Review from a visit in January 2017
Ancient town centre pub, that has recently been taken over and refurbished by Titanic. Unlike joules, Titanic don’t have a house style for pubs, but for me, there was one giveaway that it was one of their pubs. The range of handpumps on the bar is quite distinctive. Unfortunately, as is often the case, they had a large number of their light beers (which I generally don’t like) and hardly any of their dark beers (which I love) ! Also, the range of beers was somewhat down in number. Apart from their own beers, the only ones available were Everards Tiger (a must, given this is a Project William pub), and Hobgoblin, with three unused pumps. As expected, I tried the Plum Porter ...
Other impressions are of dark low hanging beams, and a roaring fire – which I snuggled up to ! The main part of the pub was open plan, with the bar at one end, and the fire at the other, but when I went to the loos, I noticed a couple of other smaller rooms at the back.
There were a number of other people in the pub when I arrived, but, strangely, they all left within about five minutes ! Landlady was very talkative, but a raving Stoke City fan ...
I didn’t see any mention of food, but it might have been available.
6/10 – not the best Titanic pub by any means
16 Aug 2017 23:01
No wonder the Litten Tree is 0.0 miles away - it's the same pub renamed !
Here is my review from February 2017
This pub (formerly known as the Litten Tree) is a Wetherclone ! And I suppose it has to be regarded as one of the most authentic Spoons copies, because it has fooled several of my friends (including some who should know better). Anyway, popping your head instead should easily dispel the notion, because it has music playing, and big screen sports TVs. The place is large and open plan, but with seating grouped into separate areas.
There were 5 or six beers on tap, but most were Marstons / Banks in some form or another. I had the New World Pale, with was OK, if a tad on the cold side for my palate.
Food is available, but I didn’t eat there. I did notice that the menu was of similar style to other establishments in the same ownership (Stonegate) e.g. Hogshead. However, the details were different. For example Wednesday was Mexican Cantina night. If that was just a special offer on price for the normal Mexican offerings, it was basically burritos and nachos.
And another difference from Wetherspoons is that the barmaids have shorter skirts and more tattoos !
5/10 – passable, but not much more
13 Aug 2017 22:36
Ooh ! They've actually add some new pubs to BITE !
Here is my review of this one from October 2016
Newly opened Wetherspoons in a converted Methodist Chapel next to the bus station. The whole building is open plan, and has a very airy spacious feeling inside. The downside being that acoustics mean any noise (e.g. loud laughter) is amplified to the discomfort of all. Plenty of tables and varied types of seating, with the bar on the fight as you enter.
One drawback is that I visited when the Spoons beer festival was on and, despite having 12 handpumps, they could only manage to offer 3 festival beers (all “international” ones). Still there were plenty of other local ales to choose from.
And a word of warning – the Gents and Ladies are at completely opposite ends of the building !
5/10 – run of the mill Spoons
13 Aug 2017 22:34
Little Chester Ale House, Derby
Just to say that this place has had an internal alteration so that the bar is now on the right and enlarged. There are now 6 handpumps (previously 4), though I was told that only 5 are usually ever in use at once.
As previous posters have alluded to, the place is now run by the Hartshorn brewery (I believe Wentwell no longer brew and just run a micropub in Burton-on-Trent). Yesterday there were 4 Hartshorn beers on tap plus a guest (Brunswick Black Sabbath). Since I didn’t fancy a 6% beer for my first of the day, I went for the Hartshorn Reaper (4.9%), which was eminently drinkable.
And there are now two loos – though the ladies requires a key !
16 Apr 2017 23:49
The Bell and Castle Inn, Derby
Thought I’d better report that they definitely still do food at lunchtimes. On my latest visit there were people eating ! However, I couldn’t actually see a menu, and didn’t ask because the beer range was decidedly uninspiring. Only 4 beers on out of 6 handpumps, and one of those was Doom Bar and two were from Salopian’s “standard” range. I had the Oracle which was OK.
6/10 – going downhill IMO.
16 Apr 2017 23:46
Now been taken over by Deva Craft brewery and renamed DEVA CRAFT TAP. Has been totally gutted inside. More details when BITE acknowledges the renaming.
No more Mr Putin the Octopus ... :-(
16 Apr 2017 23:44
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
Just a short note to say that this place is still as great as ever ! The only obvious change I noticed on my recent visit was that the room to the right of the entrance has been opened out with the intervening wall knocked down. [ Not sure if much in the room had changed ]
This time I wasn’t restricted in my choice of meal, and went for the “beef stew with dumplings” (as did my brother). I think we arrived at the end of thelunchtime rush, because there was a long wait and most people had left by the time ours arrived. (we didn’t mind waiting) And a bit of a shock we got too when it arrived – a huge plate piled high with mash (which we both left) and just about every vegetable you could think of. Very nice it was too – though I couldn’t manage it all. However, at £12.95 it was definitely on the expensive side.
As for beer, we both went for the Ashover Fabrick which was pretty decent, if not the sort of beer I would normally drink (a 4.4% golden ale).
Finally to note that though the pub was almost empty by the time we left, the car park was still full !
9/10 – I’m going to have to find room in my top 10 pubs list for this one !
16 Apr 2017 23:40
My Golden Rule is "never drink before midday" !
Occasionally broken ...
Never been to this pub, but it's on my list for the future
16 Apr 2017 23:38
I needed to find somewhere in Chesterfield near to the station to wait for about half an hour before I met my brother. Found this place in the Good Beer Guide – and am very glad I chose it !
Up the hill from the station, turn left at the top and it’s directly opposite the famous crooked spire. A substantial building which wouldn’t obviously be a pub if it didn’t have the sign outside. The interior is a lot more modernistic that you would expect from the outside, but none the worse for that.
The bar is at the far end, and the rest of the space is divided into three roughly equal portions. Nearest the bar the seating is all high stools and small high tables, with plenty of space for standing by the bar. Further away from the bar, are some normal sized chairs and tables. These have been set out for dining (though every table has a menu). Finally, nearest the entrance / main road, there are some comfy sofas.
There is also a fourth area – but it’s outside ! A terrace with a great panoramic view, that was pretty popular when I was there.
The main attraction though is the beer. There are no less than 12 handpumps. For the unadventurous there was Greene King Abbot Ale, and Caledonian Edinburgh Castle. The rest of the beers were all from small local breweries. The pub serves as the Raw brewery tap so there were three of their beers available, also a couple from Blue monkey, and Barlow. For a change I didn’t have a dark beer, but instead chose Mitchell’s Hop house (from Sheffield) Dennis Pale Ale. Not my cup of tea normally, but it was quite nice.
There was an extensive menu, but it was too early to eat. I remember a huge range of burgers and the usual suspects in the pub grub section. I will certainly consider eating there in future, but I know what the previous poster means about the square plates !
The only downside I could see is that the pub is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success. IT was more or less empty when I arrived shortly after it opened (12), but by the time I left 30 minutes later it was pretty much full – virtually standing room only.
8/10 – this is my kind of pub
11 Apr 2017 22:58
A lot of money has obviously been spent on this place – TO TOTALLY RUIN IT ! The bar has been moved from its central location to one side – as far away as possible from the one entrance that you are still allowed to use. The whole decor has been redone in a hideous colour that can only be described as pale olive. The lighting is very subdued – which always make me think that they don’t want you to be able to see what you are eating / drinking !
The beer range is also reduced, though to be fair there are still 6 handpumps. However, these all serve local beers that are very much alike – golden ales the lot. I tried the Ludlow Boiling Well – which was far too cold for my liking.
This place has gone from being (arguably) the best pub in town to easily the worst of the five places I visited on the day.
11 Apr 2017 22:55
This place used to be run down, and I believe was closed for a time, but has been done up and is now thriving. There are two rooms at the front, and one on the right at the rear opposite the bar. All feature a good mixture of assorted sizes of tables, and the one on the left has a real fire (when appropriate). The room at the back is rather dingy, but maybe this is just in contrast to the bar which is brightly lit.
The cask ale range is not very exciting. There are 3 handpumps serving Ludlow Gold, Black Sheep and Three Tuns Clerics Cure. I tried the latter and it was OK. The focus of the drinks range can be judged by the number of keg fonts on the bar, and the amount of space behind it devoted to describing the wine list.
The place is also pretty much focused on food. Having already eaten, I didn’t do any more than take a brief look at the menu. It seemed to be pretty expensive, and not wildly exciting. The most unusual dish I noticed was chicken kiev (something of a Ludlow speciality it appears).
6/10 – OK, but not the sort of place I really go for.
11 Apr 2017 22:53
Well I think the best adjective to describe this place is “quirky” ! The first thing to watch out for is to make sure you turn left when you enter the building – if you turn right you go into a tattoo parlour !
The first room you enter is pretty much a shop selling a small range of traditional English bottled beers. Mainly local but I did spot some from Dancing Duck in Derby. For draught beer and room to relax, you need to head upstairs.
At the top of the stairs you will meet “mine host” standing behind a counter. There is a board with a list of todays beer range (2 or 3). There’s also draught cider I think - but certainly none of that fizzy continental rubbish ! Beers are usually local. On my latest visit I had the Hobsons Mild which was very nice and tasty for only being 3.2%.
Seating is now behind you. Either traditional tables and chairs in the centre of the smallish room, or comfy sofas around the outside. Whatever, it’s pretty certain the place will be almost (if not completely) empty ! Mine Host will make up for the lack of conversation by talking 19 to the dozen though ...
7/10 – idiosyncratic is another applicable word
11 Apr 2017 22:50
Taken over and refurbished by Joules, this is possibly now the best pub in Ludlow following the “demise” of the Church Inn (qv). It lies in a small courtyard off narrow Church Street. The entrance is at the far end of the courtyard – it’s not until you get inside that you realise that the rest of the buildings round the courtyard are part of the pub as well !
Inside it is large and rambling with thick stone walls, wooden roof beams and stained glass windows. The bar is to the right as you enter, and the area around is fairly spacious. However, the further away you get, the more tables you find ! There is even outside seating both front and back.
With all this choice of accommodation, its no surprise that people are constantly wandering about. After a while though you start to realise that quite a few of them are staff members ! [ no uniforms here ] Many of the others are looking for the toilets – and don’t seem to notice the sign saying “washrooms upstairs”. [ At the top of the stairs the signs points to “Washrooms and Meeting Rooms” – I don’t think they are the same place ! ]
There are six beers available on tap, the usual three from Joules plus their seasonal guest. And also two guest ales – beware these are behind a pillar and not immediately obvious. When I was there one of the guests was from Purple Moose. I had the Joules slumbering Monk, which was entirely acceptable.
The food available as somewhat limited. A range of about half a dozen main course plus “sandwiches made to order”. It isn’t cheap either. I had the scampi (£8.95) which arrived promptly and was very nice. They then had to search for a bottle of vinegar for me ...
The place seems to be a hive of activity. Various events were advertised, and I noticed that the next day would see both Live Jazz and a Quiz Night !
8/10 – pretty much what a pub should be like
11 Apr 2017 22:47
I was due to be travelling through Ruabon with possibly time for a stop-off, so I had a look in the GBG to see whether they had anything listed, and spotted this place. Very glad I made the decision to drop in.
As expected it is next to the bridge on the main road – but also about 5 or 6 feet below the level or the road, and the grandly named “Bridge Street” (the official address) is very small and insignificant. On entering through the front door, you are immediately presented with a choice of unmarked doors – to left or right ? Choose the one to the right, as that leads to the main bar, which is long narrow and low beamed with (as per the season), a roaring fire at the far end.
There was a choice of 6 or 7 real ales on tap, most of them of some interest. I went for the McGiverns Matt Black a 5.3% stout, brewed on the premises that was very nice.
There wasn’t any room to sit at the main bar, so I was ushered through another door into a smaller room at the back, on a higher level. This also had a fire, and also a hatchway to the bar, though you weren’t allowed to order there (a notice said so). Both rooms had newspapers, brochures, leaflets and bookcases full of well thumbed books. Very much a living collection.
I’m not sure about food. Nothing I saw advertised any, but when a couple opposite me got up to leave, they cleared some plates away. I suspect the food might be of the “pork pie” variety ?
7/10 – a warm welcome, I will be back
7 Mar 2017 22:55
A Sam Smiths pub on the edge of the city centre (just the wrong side of the inner ring road). Although genuinely old, it has apparently only been a pub for about 40 years – though I can certainly remember it from the early 1980s, when I started drinking. It’s a bit of a rambling warren of a place. From the main entrance, you pass directly into the room, with the main bar almost immediately on the left, BUT you have to turn sharp left before it and pass through a passageway to get to another room with a smaller bar. On the right from the entrance you pass down some steps into another smaller open plan area (with toilets hidden behind a corner). In season the main room features a large real fire, but unfortunately there is nowhere to sit to take advantage of the warmth !
As I said, a Sam Smiths pub, so I don’t need to say anything about the beer. Except that on my latest visit, my OBB was far too cold.
Not sure about food. They certainly did it in the 1980s, but I couldn’t see any sign of it on my latest visit.
28 Feb 2017 21:52
You can see this pub from a long way away, because it occupies a huge area between the inner ring road and the walls / racecourse. The actual building isn’t so impressive though, and the inn sign is pretty nondescript. Whichever way you come to it you have to pass a large number of outdoor tables before you reach the entrance to the building (must be getting on for 50). And the entrance isn’t immediately obvious – it’s in the join between original house, and the newer extension.
When you find you will see a notice board saying “everything revolves around the bar” (!), instructing you what to find where. The main bar is on the left from entrance, in the newer part. That is open plan and is on two levels, with old prints on the walls and a couple of bookcase eyecatchers. Although large the area gets full very quickly, as there is only a small number of very large tables.
To the right is a smaller bar, and beyond that several rooms that are set out for dining.
There are 8 handpumps on the bar, but the choice is limited because they are almost all 4-4.5% golden ales. On my last visit I did find Tatton’s Ruck & Maul (a porter) available, but I suspect that was only there because of the Rugby related name. And it was rather on the cold side as well, plus rather expensive at £3.90 a pint.
Food is definitely available, but I know nothing else about it – though I suspect it’s hideously expensive !
6/10 – reasonable, but not my cup of tea.
28 Feb 2017 21:49
First of all please note that this place is in LITTLEOVER, not Derby – a good two miles from the city centre. [ No wonder there is a lack of reports ! ]
Recently went in this place for the first time in about 35 years (my grandmother used to live just down the road), only to find that the clientele were discussing what the pub used to be like all those years ago !
Anyway, what it looks like now is pretty tidy. Unlike some pubs it hasn’t been converted into open plan, so it feels smaller and more intimate than it actually is. The bar is on the right as you enter, with a small drinking area in front of it, with a large selection of chairs and tables in another room to the left. There is also a “lounge” at the rear, but I didn’t venture that far. Both rooms at the front have large screen sports TVs.
As far as the beer goes, there were 4 or 5 handpumps available. Since one of them was Brains Rev James, that is what I went for, and very nice it was too. The other beers I can remember were Bass and Robinsons Trooper. You certainly wouldn’t have had a Brains beer in here 35 years ago !
Food is available, but I was saving myself for the White Swan (q.v.). In fact it was the menu which enlightened me as to the ultimate ownership of this pub (Stonegate). It was EXACTLY the same as one of their pubs in Wolverhampton.
6/10 – a good solid locals pub
19 Feb 2017 22:40
Remember this pub in the 1970s/80s as being rather basic, if genuinely old. It has certainly moved up market a bit now, whilst retaining its local identity. This may partly be explained by being on a quiet street (though it is a bus route) away from the village centre.
As I said this used to be a spit and sawdust place, and you can still see the dark wooden panelling round the lower half of the walls. The upper half is pretty much covered in old local photographs (a common feature in Derby pubs). Some of these I’d seen before, but most were new to me.
There are two rooms, the front one of which is set up to cater for drinkers, and the rear one for diners. You can however, eat in the drinking area – as I did. The bar is directly behind the front door - though you have to make 2 sharp 90° turns to actually get there !
There were 6 beers on handpump. I was going to go for a beer from the local Littleover brewery, but then I noticed that next to it was the legendary Heritage brewery Offilers Best so I had to try that. [ Offilers was a large Derby brewery that closed in 1966 ] Unfortunately, it wasn’t particularly nice, but I suspect that was more to do with the nature of the beer itself, rather than anything the pub had control over. The other cask ales available were three from Greene King, and one from Blue Monkey. There was also the usual range of keg fonts on the bar – and I noticed they had their own White Swan Pilsner.
Foodwise, there was an extensive range of dishes on the menu, though some did seem a bit expensive. [ Starters from £3.25, jacket potatoes from £4.45, pub classics from £7.25, grills from £7.95, fish dishes from £7.95, salads from £7.45, burgers from 37.25, lite bites from £5.25, wraps / ciabattas, baguettes from £4.60 ] Since I was only moderately hungry, I went for one of the “lite bite” items – gammon and chips. When it arrived the portions turned out to be enormous ! It was all very nice as well, except there were some rather strange mushrooms. I will certainly eat here again.
One slight down point is that the front room contains two enormous big screen TVs, which were showing football. It would however, be possibleto avoid them – certainly by sitting in the dining area.
7/10 – a very welcoming local, I may revise the score upwards in future !
19 Feb 2017 22:39
Architecturally, this place is a gem. Lots of coloured tiling on the walls, stained and leaded glass in the windows, leather upholstered seating, bare floorboards, etc. Fronting onto the street, there is one small room with a curved bar, with room for about 3 tables. Behind that there is a room with looks just like someone’s Victorian parlour, plus a snug off to the side, and another room behind.
Unfortunately, the beer doesn’t live up to the surroundings. There are 4 handpumps. When I was there one was (temporarily) out of use, and the others had beer by Marstons, Hobsons and Wadworth. I tried the Wadworth 6X, which was reasonable, but it took the surly barman a couple of goes to top it up.
There was also background music palying, which normally I detest, but this time it was jazz which makes a pleasant change.
6/10 – nice pub, shame about the beer
14 Feb 2017 22:37
Goose In The City, Wolverhampton
Now back to being called The Goose. Another Wetherclone type of place in the city centre. Of the three local outlets run by this company, this one is perhaps the medium. For instance, it has 6 handpumps, less than the Hogshead (10) but more than the George Wallis (5). Similarly the number of bigscreen TVs is midway between the other two. Unfortunately, I don’t think Goldilocks would think this place “just right” though !
The place is enormous, and it seems the further you get from the bar (on the left as you enter), the grottier it becomes, with tables very much the worse for wear.
As previously stated, there are 6 cask beers available, but they are all national brands, that are very much of a muchness. I tried the Robinsons Dizzy Blonde, which was reasonable.
I ahve eaten here in the past, but it was a long time ago, and I can’t remember anything about it. The menu is in the typical Stonegate house style – and may even be the same as the George Wallis.
14 Feb 2017 22:34
As the name implies this pub is a converted Warehouse, which occupies a prominent place outside the northwest corner of the city walls. Although it can be seen from a long way off, it isn’t until reach it, that you realise the frontage onto the street has no door ! Instead (and there are no signs) you have to go through an archway, down a worn and narrow flight of stairs, past a plie of about 100 used beer kegs, and round the back where the entrance is.
The bar is in a room to the right of the entrance, along the far wall. You can sit at the bar, or there are number of tables here, plus various objects (including a well winding mechanism), and a huge window looking out onto the moorings of the canal. There are laso other rooms, up and down stairs – but I haven’t explored those yet !
There are six changing beer on handpump – usually including at least one dark beer (hooray). Last time I had the Liverpool Organic Kitty Wilkinson Stout – which was reasonable. There are also a number of continental beers on keg. The ones I remember being La Chouffe and Warsteiner.
Food is available though the place doesn’t emphasize it. From the platter delivered to the chap next to me at the bar, it looked very nice. Then I saw the prices on the menu – virtually nothing under £12 ! One item cheaper was advertised on the wall behind the bar – Moulesona Monday ! [ Plates of mussels with various vegetables / sauces, including recommended beers for each style ]
There is also various live music events advertised - seems to be about 3 nights per week. The acts sounded interesting. I’m not sure whereabouts they hold the gigs – presumably in one of the rooms I’ve yet to discover. However, I have to report that there is rubbish background music playing most of the time.
A final word of warning, although there are none of the ubiquitous Sports TVs, as I was leaving they were unveiling an enormous flat screen to show the rugby – but seemed to be having trouble getting it to work.
8/10 – worth the trek out of town
13 Feb 2017 22:40
I keep meaning to post about this place, but then forgetting what I wanted to say about it ! Well for a start, it is genuinely old, with low wooden beams abounding. Having said that though, after the entrance has been negotiated, it is fairly open plan inside. The bar is on the right, and has around 6 beers on handpump. Three or four of them are their own brews, and the others are varied guests. I usually drink their own beers, and on my last two visits have had Taurus (a stout – very nice) and Red Bull (quite nice also).
Food is available (at a separate counter), but I’ve never eaten here. Posters on the wall advertise a Burger Monday and a Sunday Roast, so I may try in future.
For those who need their megasport fix, there is an unobsrusive TV, which may be on for big events. There can also be background music – on one occasion it was all by Pink Floyd – you have been warned !
It can get busy, but I usually manage to find a seat. There is also a new beer garden / smokers corner out the back, which I’ve heard good reports of, but never actually visited.
7/10 – one of my favourite pubs in the city, but marked down due to the Pink Floyd connection !
13 Feb 2017 22:39
Ye Olde Custom House Inn, Chester
Bit of a strange place this. From the street it looks like two completely buildings, one brick, the other half-timbered. And the illusion continues when you enter, because there is no sign that there is another entrance in each of the small rooms they lead into. To get from one to the other you have to go round the back where there is another (larger) room and bar linking the other two together.
I’m afraid that is about the most interesting feature of the place. The beer available is straight blah Marstons – and not even the most interesting ones of their. Each room has a separate bar, so it’s difficult to count up, but I think there were 5 different beers in total. On my last visit I had the Ringwood Boondoggle – which was WAY too cold.
Food is served, but I didn’t see a menu, so can’t tell you anything more about it. Also, it’s the kind of place that shows big sporting events on TVs, though they aren’t as intrusive as some other places.
Anyone who goes here rather than the many other great pubs in Chester needs their head examined !
13 Feb 2017 22:37
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
It’s a Joules pub, Jim – but not as we know it ! The sort of place where a bloke stops in the middle of his game of pool, and starts dancing drunkenly to the very loud music playing on the jukebox ! Meanwhile, the TV is showing some obscure football match that nobody is watching. AS mentioned the beer is from Joules, either 2 or 3 of their limited range. I tried the Slumbering Monk. My friend (a local CAMRA guy) raved about how good it was, but it was way too cold for my liking
12 Feb 2017 00:13
Was surprised to find that I hadn’t reported on this excellent converted station building before, but that just gave me an excuse for another visit ! It’s been about 6 months since my last visit, and I didn’t notice much change, but there was a sign saying “under new management”.
As others have commented, it is decorated with all manner of railway memorabilia. There is also the most realistic fake coal fire I’ve ever seen.
I couldn’t fault the service which was very pleasant and efficient. There were 6 beers on tap, 4 from Holdens and two guests. Unfortunately they don’t appear to do the Holdens Mild any more (it used to be gorgeous), Instead I had the Holdens XB, which was very nice.
The menu is one thing which does seem to have changed. It appears to be more restricted now and consists mainly of burgers, sandwiches, and a few “classics”. There is also a specials board – if you can find it ! Strangely, yesterday all 3 specials contained chilli ! I had the stir-fry beef chilli – which turned out to be more like a beef curry. Very nice – but rather hot !
There are also pre-prepared baps available on the bar counter. Note that lunchtime food now stops at 2pm.
8/10 – a really great place to visit on a brisk winter lunchtime.
29 Jan 2017 23:28
The Young Pretender, Congleton
After almost two years, I have now made another visit, and am pleased to report that the door has been fixed and now opens normally. [ To be honest I can’t remember what was wrong with it ]
This time I sampled the food. It was actually difficult to see a menu - until I noticed they were on all the tables ! The range is restricted. Besides the pies previously mentioned, there was chilli, sandwiches and a couple of other items. Nor was it cheap, apart from the sandwiches, everything was over £7. I tried the club sandwich (£6.50) and is was very nice, being a large portion served with salad.
As I said before, there are 5 cask beers available on tap, plus a couple of craft kegs. None of them sounded very appealing – all much of a muchness. I tried the Blackjack Bramling Cross, which was entirely reasonable. One item I didn’t notice before is that on the wall opposite the bar (i.e. directly behind your back if you are ordering) is an extensive list of the bottled beers they stock. It seemed a bit garbled, partly being sorted by type and partly by country of origin.
Finally, I’ve remembered some more of the special events they have on – including a film night, a knitting evening and a monthly metal detectors night !
Oh, and there were more people in than my last visit – though still not crowded.
27 Jan 2017 23:16
On my latest visit, I noticed that the area near the bar now has small circular high tables and stools, rather than the normal seating. Also noticed that the two sets of (5) handpumps had exactly the same beers on – so one of them was obviously fake. And the number of screaming kids was particularly high – unfortunately it turned out that the worst offender was with the manageress !
27 Jan 2017 23:14
Now closed and converted into flats unfortunately. Always did seem a bit of a strange palce to me ...
11 Jan 2017 22:52
Small pub bang opposite the Theatre Severn, so naturally tending to cater for that trade. Inside it has been done up with 7 or 8 large wooden tables taking up most of the space. With low ceilings, there are various notices (some humorous, some not) on the walls, but not much decoration besides. There is also a large screen TV at the back – unusually not showing Sports !
All the tables had menus on them, but nobody objected when I sat at one, and didn’t order food (I’d already eaten). I did take a look at the menu, and it seemed to be more or less standard pub grub (including jacket potatoes and sandwiches), and wasn’t cheap. Other seating was bar stools round the bar BTW.
And now to the best part – the beer. There were 4 beers available. Naturally I had the Brains Rev James, and had a long discussion about how he was my great great great grandfather. And it was in tip top condition as well – the best kept beer I’d tasted all week. [ Other beers were Castle Rock Harvest Pale, Wye Valley Butty Bach and Hobsons Town Crier ]
The only down side was the place was rather understaffed, with just one girl having to do absolutely everything (except cook the food), and being run off her feet.
7/10 – a good choice for my first excursion into Frankwell – I shall be back.
9 Jan 2017 23:08
The Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury
It’s been a few years since I last posted about this place, so I thought I’d better bring the story up to date. Although nothing in my previous review was actually incorrect, subsequent visits have shown it in not such a good light. At one stage, it was usual to see unoccupied tables piled high with empty plates / glasses that no-one was bothering to clear away, and (as Wezzielad said), the barstaff always served their own mates before anyone else – and completely ignored people at one half of the bar. Thankfully, a change of management, has meant that things have improved, but quality of service still depends on who is in charge that day.
Beer selection is variable, with less guest ales than some Spoons, but more than others. On my last visit I had the Lancaster Black. Unlike Wezzielad, I thought it was reasonable, but rather too cold for my liking.
Latest development seems to be a lot of normal tables and chairs replaced by high tables and bar stools. Also seemed to be darker than I remembered – but maybe that was just because it was such a miserable day outside.
6/10 – average Spoons, but with potential to be better.
9 Jan 2017 23:06
The Admiral Benbow, Shrewsbury
Didn’t realise that I hadn’t reported on this pub before, so I forgot to make nay notes, and I’d had a few by the time I got here, so the memory is rather hazy ! However, here goes
The Benbow is located in the quiet backstreet, just a short walk away from the main shopping streets. On first entry it appears rather small, with the bar more or less straight ahead and drinking areas to the left and right. However, if you go to the toilets to find there is another room behind the bar (on the left) and a beer garden / fag alley on the right.
I do remember being confused by the handpumps being covered in clips – about 3 to each pump ! In all I think there were 7 real ales available, but the clips were for ciders as well. Like Wezzielad, I had the Ludlow Gold which was reasonable. Most of the other beers were localish, but not very exciting.
I also remember candles on the tables, and discussions with the locals about the difference between Stockholm and Stockhausen !
6/10 – reasonable pub, but not the best in town.
9 Jan 2017 23:05
The Litten Tree, Wolverhampton
This is now called the GEORGE WALLIS, and is a "Wetherclone". Not been in so I can't rate it.
2 Jan 2017 22:18
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
People who drink halves BEWARE ! On my visit here I was charged £2 for a half of a beer that was only £3.30 a pint !
Apart from that, it is more or less as previous posters have described it – a magnet for Metalmaniacs ! The whole place is very dark, most of the clientele wearing leather and chains, tables made out to look like occupied coffins, and a large chair that looks like something straight out of a wargames workshop !
There were 2 cask ales available, but it was difficult to spot them through all the other clutter on the bar.
I won’t be going again.
2 Jan 2017 22:16
Been here a few times now, but never got around to reviewing it before. Well if you want somewhere to go that is quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre outside, then this is the place for you ! Of course there is a downside as well ...
The pub is long(ish) and thin. Seating ranges from comfy sofas by the door, through chairs and tables to a couple of long benches at the rear. [ These are to cater for when they occasionally have major sporting events shown on the rear wall ] Decoration consists of posters and murals on the walls.
Beer is from Station House brewery of Oswestry. On my latest visit there were two pumps in use, but there are 4 in total and I have seen them all being used on occasion. I tried the Station Butter, which was OK, but nothing inspiring. A comment that could apply to every beer I’ve drunk here ...
5/10 – there are far better pubs in the vicinity.
2 Jan 2017 22:14
What ? No reviews for this place in the whole of 2016 ?! Just to confirm that it continues to se as excellent as ever. Today I had the Rat Black Death - a wonderful 6.5% Brandy Porter. Expensive, but only 20p a pint more than a 3.8$ beer ...
Am thinking of giving this place an unprecedented 10/10 !
2 Jan 2017 22:12
Having now located my previous review of this place (it was missing from my index), I can see that there is very little I need to add or correct.
Firstly, on my latest visit I noticed the “reserved from” signs had disappeared – hopefully that is a permanent change. They also now do CAMRA discount (probably to bring their prices back down to a manageable level !), though you have to ask for it before you get served. Beers are pretty much the same. I believe there is always a dark beer on, and that Dark Drake alternates with Indian Porter – which is what I had on my last visit.
Things I didn’t mentioned before include the “beer garden” out the back which is nice and secluded, but a bit of a liberty to call a garden. Nor did I mention that several school photos from the 1930s on the walls – one of which includes my aunt and uncle !
20 Nov 2016 00:37
Newly opened venue in railway arch directly underneath Wigan North Western station. Definitely catering for the beer enthusiast market.
The centre of the arch is clear, and leads directly to the bar. Down the left hand side there is some (normal) tables and seating. On this wall there are real-time displays showing arrivals and departures from both Wigan stations. On the right hand side, the tables and seating have been arranged in the form of 3 railway compartments, complete with luggage racks ! There are also fake windows showing the “view” outside the train. [ We were disappointed these weren’t also animated ]
The beer consisted of 5 or 6 real ales on handpump, plus a similar number of craft keg lines. These are also shown on the large slowly scrolling screen above the bar. There is also a cupboard of bottled beers, with a beer list being available on the tables (the list isn’t as long as it looks as it is indexed both alphabetically and by style.)
On looking at the beer, I saw a brown ale, and asked for a pint of that, only to be told they didn’t serve it in pints – it was 11% ! In the end I had beers from Prospect and Siren, followed by a third of the aforementioned brown ale (Ay Hop Code Brown), and they were all excellent.
There is a newer second arch, but we didn’t go in there because it was “recovering” from a recent beer festival. They also do beer tasting sessions (10 beers for £17.50), and we will definitely be trying one of those soon.
CAMRA discount is given, though not widely advertised
9/10 – a must for anyone in the locality
20 Nov 2016 00:35
Didn't actually manage to get inside here, as we were sworn at by the inebriated doorman for suggesting that his beloved Budweiser wasn't the greatest thing since sliced bread, and we preferred real ale
Avoid like the plague !
20 Nov 2016 00:23
The most striking thing about this pub is its wonderful art deco interior. It looks original but I’m told it is a recent renovation. There are several types of red themed light fittings and at least 6 different styles of wallpaper in similar colour.
Unfortunately, the reddened lighting makes it difficult to make out what some of the beers are ! There were about 4 or 5 real ales available, I had Moorhouses Black Cat, and my friend had a fruity beer from Coach House, both of which were reasonable.
20 Nov 2016 00:19
Large Wetherspoonesque pub on Wigan’s main drinking street. Several semi-separate drinking / eating areas with a central bar. For some reason when we were there, although there were plenty of people in the pub, a couple of the areas weren’t being used with chairs turned upside down on tables. Shows sport on large screen TVs. After we sat down, we wondered why no-one was watching our screen. As we were leaving we realised that was because there was a truly enormous screen besides the entrance.
A reasonable range of 4 or 5 real ales available on handpump. I had the Bank Top Port’o’Call. Unfortunately this was served way too cold for my taste, but was really nice once it had warmed up.
There was a wide range of food available, which looked interesting enough for us to consider eating there on our next visit (we had already eaten this time).
6/10 – reliable not revolutionary
20 Nov 2016 00:16
As promised / threatened, I’ve now been back, and smapled the food. As previously mentioned, the lunchtime food us basically burgers or toasted sandwiches. I chose the lamb-burger, and it was very nice, complete with raita mint dip, and chips in a separate coffee mug. However, the downside was the length of time I had to wait for it. To be fair I had been warned that it would take 20 mins, but it was well over half an hour before it arrived. All this with only one other group of people (who had just ordered) in the place.
This time there was only one cask ale available, Orkney Red MacGregor – and very nice it was too.
I’ll be back – but probably not to eat.
10 Nov 2016 22:53
A strange place this. For start it looks like a normal house with a little outhouse / extension on one end. It’s not until you’ve walked around the whole building that realise the only entrance is via the far end of the outhouse ! On entering the first thing you have to do is brush past several unused advertising hoardings. The next thing I did was tread on a cuddly toy ! The only inhabitants were the landlord and his two (very young) children. The whole place was rather dingy and the furniture had seen better days.
Having said that the beer was actually quite nice. There were two beers available, Marstons Pedigree and EPA. Not being a Pedigree man, I opted for the latter – and it was by no means the worst beer I had during the day’s pub crawl (and was served at the correct temperature).
Worth visiting for the culture shock !
10 Nov 2016 22:52
Newly opened micropub on the edge of the town centre. First impressions are good – a row of nine handpumps greet you as you enter. That as you get closer you realise that half of them are either cider or blank. Then you notice the 8 carks behind the bar – still not worked out whether they were on sale or not – as they were definitely different from the handpumps. I tried the Wye Valley Headless Jack which wasn’t wildly exciting.
The place is small with only 3 tables – and not helped by one of the tables being occupied by the bar staff talking to their friends ! There is also an upstairs, but I’ve not ventured there yet. Decor consists mainly of the ubiquitous old pump clips. There is also a dartboard where it appears if you don’t throw straight you either hit a wall to one side, or a window to the other !
6 Nov 2016 22:28
This place was closed for a long time and since it reopened hasn’t looked inviting enough for me to try – looked like it might be keg only. However, I’ve now sampled it and I’m glad I did. It’s long and thin and furnished pretty much like a standard Marstons pub. I’m told it can get pretty rowdy at weekends, but on a Tuesday night it was quiet.
There were three beers available, Hobgoblin and two Purity beers – who I’m told have some connection with Marstons. I tried the Pure Ubu and it was easily the best beer I’d had all night (5 pubs).
4 Nov 2016 23:20
I’m not sure why I’m reporting about this pub, as it’s just about to close for “refurbishment”. Anyway, this is one of those “impossible to find” back street boozers, that are becoming very rare these days. There’s probably an easier way to get there, but I was led down an unmarked alleyway off Beam Street (by bus station), and after 5 mins walk arrived there.
The pub itself is on a corner, with rooms down each street, and the bar down the inner side of one of them. Plainly furnished with a pool table and dartsboard – plus the obligatory Sports TV. Plenty of people using the facilities too. It is a Robinsons pub, and the two handpumps were serving their Unicorn and Trooper. I tried the latter and, whilst it was OK, it wasn’t as nice as the keg Dark Smooth that was also available.
4 Nov 2016 23:18
Now CLOSED and awaiting demolition [ planning permission given for housing on site ]
4 Nov 2016 23:17
Bad news ! The old tables, chairs and upholstery have been replaced by new ones. I’m sure they will weather into much cherished items, but at the moment they stick out like sore thumbs. They also don’t seem to serve Old Hookey any more, but since they now have Brains Rev James (named after my great great great grandfather !), I wasn’t complaining. Tasted pretty good too. Otherwise not much has changed since my last visit – they still do a mean chilli con carne !
2 Nov 2016 22:59
For years I’ve been meaning to visit this place out of season, and see what it was like without the crowds. Well now I’ve kept my promise, though it was a Monday in October rather than a “foggy November Tuesday”. And the answer is – pretty much the charming quirky place it used to be. Some of the few people there were still foreign tourists, and the food prices were out of this world, but never mind.
The beer range appears to have shrunk, with only 6 being available, but it was still a good range, with no Greene King beers at all, and a couple of dark beers. I tried the Cottage Black Diamond ( a mild) which was quite nice. People have complained on BITE about poor service and short measures, but I didn’t see any evidence of that. I did notice that the seating in one of the courtyards had been rotated through 90% though !
2 Nov 2016 22:57
Never realised this place was here before ! I’ve been coming to Oxford for 40 years (and lived there for 1 year), and never noticed the gateway on Cornmarket next door to the Carfax tower, that leads to this pub. Looks like I’m not the only one either, as it is a quiet oasis a mere 20 yards from the bustle of the main street.
There is a courtyard with some tables in it, and inside there are low beams and brasswork. The pub is long and thin and, beware, there is only one entrance !
So far so good, but I’m afraid it goes downhill from hereon. #the pub is a Nicolsons, and has pretty much there standard range of bland beers. I tried the Brakspear Oxford Gold, which was OK, but rather too cold for my liking. Food was available – the menu looked interesting, but pricey (from £10 up). What’s more, service was pretty poor, as one chap seemed to doing absolutely everything, including delivering mountains of food. The bloke waiting behind me had time to go to the loo and come back before I got served. [ there was no queue when I arrived ].
6/10 – worth going once for the experience
2 Nov 2016 22:54
Back street pub that has certainly seen better days. Most of the seating inside was pretty dishevelled, and what few customers there were, were gathered at the central bar watching the TV. There was also a pool table. There were 4 cask beers available. I tried the Thirst Blood, which was entirely reasonable. The only other one I remember was Sharps Atlantic.
30 Oct 2016 00:43
Small back street pub, that is really just a converted house – and could be mistaken for one. In fact I wasn’t sure if it was open or not until the person in front of me on the street went on – so I followed him !
And I’m glad I did. There were only 2 cask ales available, both from Banks. I tried the Amber Bitter, and it was absolutely excellent ! I don’t normally like Banks beer, but I could quite happily drink that. It was also cheap - £2.60 a pint.
From the entrance the bar is straight ahead, with seating in front of it. There is also another room behind at a higher level. Strangely all the seats in the front half were very small and low – maybe they were secondhand from a kindergarten ?! This meant I sat at a bar stool. There was a large screen TV, but since it was showing some Vintage Music channel, with stuff from the 1980s, I didn’t mind. In fact it was one of the few occasions when I could have done with it being louder !
7/10 – a cracking little place
30 Oct 2016 00:40
Now reopened as a Brewhouse & Kitchen. Will report when listed under that name.
25 Oct 2016 20:41
The William Withering, Telford
Can’t believe that I haven’t reviewed this Wetherspoons yet. Maybe it’s because whenever I am there there is a beer festival on, and I don’t remember much afterwards !
I’ve been there quite a few times because I have a friend who lives locally. His rating of the places varies from “best Spoons in the country” to “absolutely awful” – sometimes on the same day ! Whenever I’ve been there though, it has usually left me with a positive impression. The beer range is certainly better than normal, with the 12 handpumps usually displaying a good range of guests – and no Doom Bar.
The food is standard Spoons fare, but I’ve never had a problem with it, and the staff are normally pretty clued up.
The whole atmosphere is pretty welcoming, with the large open plan room being broken into discrete areas by careful positioning of furniture. As usual with Spoons there are posters on the walls giving information about the local area, but these seem to be more prominent here.
However, a word of warning for those with weak bladders – the way to the toilets is long and precipitous !
7/10 – top of the range Spoons
25 Oct 2016 20:35
Visited for the first time in a long while last weekend, And I’m afraid it’s definitely gone downhill. Now only 2 beers available, GK Abbot and Marstons EPA. I tried the latter and it wasn’t too bad. No food at present as “new menu coming soon”. Large screen sports TVs have made an appearance as well. The staff seemed to be all preoccupied with preparing for their Halloween party – which was still a week away, and not even on October 31st !
5/10 – will be giving it a miss in future.
25 Oct 2016 20:33
NEPTUNE, DERBY
This pub isn’t as bad as the reviews and rating would lead you to believe ! Having said that, the previous reviewers hit the nail on the head – there are plenty of much better pubs nearby.
Anyway, the bar is straight ahead as you enter the door. However, you can’t actually get to it – it’s behind an opaque glass window ! [You have to turn either left or right and double back on yourself ] Typical locals pub with Sky Sports TV (and thus Doom Bar), but not unwelcoming in any way. I was lucky that the TVs were showing cricket, and there was also also another beer on (2 handpumps). Marstons Pedigree, and it was quite reasonable.
Also, I believe it opens at 6am to cater for shift workers.
5/10 – perfectly reasonable, but better places nearby.
25 Oct 2016 20:31
Well, nothing in my previous review was actually incorrect, but I’ve come to rather like this place. It certainly is very convenient for a quick half (or two !) on the way back to the station, with a better choice of beer than others nearby. There is nearly always a dark cask beer on tap, and keg Titanic Stout is usually available. There is a list of beers on the left as you enter (opposite the bar), but it should be taken with a pinch of salt – there will almost certainly have been one or two changes since it was written. [ Gives you a good rough guide though ]
The main problem is the prices ! On my last visit I was struggling to find anything under £4 a pint ! And some of the weird & wonderful craft ales can be up to £5 for a half. Thankfully they do CAMRA discount on Sundays – Thursdays !
7/10 – it grows on you
25 Oct 2016 20:28
Now reanmed the Corner House. I'll place a review when it appears under that name.
25 Oct 2016 20:27
I reckon it must be about 10 years since I last went here. I’m not sure why because it’s a great pub and only a 15 min train journey from home. It may have been because it used to only open at 7.30pm on weekdays, plus limited luncvhtimes at weekends. Anyway, thanks to Whatpub I discovered it’s now open all day on Sundays (and from 4pm weekdays), so I ventured over last Sunday.
The pub is in a great location, slap bang next to the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Macclesfield canals. There are a couple of benches you can sit on by the canal, but due to the angles, it’s likely you’ll be in shadow. Inside, well they say the place is under new management (previous landlord retired), but I could really see any difference. It is very plainly but comfortably furnished, with the bar on the right, and two other rooms on the left. But the main attraction is the beer !
There were 6 beers on handpump. I couldn’t decide between two of them (Falstaff, Fistful of Hops and Beowulf Dark Raven) so tried both – and they were both in absolutely excellent condition !
The only downside I could see is that the landlord spent most of the time sitting in the corner chatting to his mates, rather than serving behind the bar !
9/10 – a cracking boozer !
12 Oct 2016 22:33
Wetherspoons in a magnificent building that is just across the road from the station. It used to be easy to find, but now seems to have been swamped by the building site next door which is a “student hotel”. Only went in because I had a few minutes before my train. The main bar had a very uninspiring choice of (six) real ales. Then I saw a sign pointing to the “back bar”. Thought it worth investigating, and lo and behold there were 4 handpumps there as well – all from the Allendale brewery. It being 4pm on a Saturday, the place was heaving with shot-drinkers, and service was very slow. When I finally did get served (I chose the Wolf), it turned out to be VERY cold and had an unpleasant taste. I gave up the unequal struggle halfway through !
4/10 – nice building shame about the pub.
12 Oct 2016 22:31
No visit to Newcastle is complete without a visit to the Crown Posada, or so I’ve heard many people say. So I set off to find out for myself...
And the trail led down an ever-steepening hill until viaducts soared high above me, stopping outside a quite unremarkable small building in a tall terrace. I think this must be one of Count Draculas favourite pubs, as it is even narrower inside, and the place goes quite a way back. So very little natural light reaches the furthermost depths ! They say the pub is an architectural gem, but it isn’t well enough lit to really appreciate it. [ By contrast the gents out the back are very well lit ! ]
Anyway, the beer is good, and the place is popular with genuine Geordies. I think there were 5 guest beers on. I’m afraid I didn’t go for a local beer this time, instead having Rudgate York Chocolate Stout (the only dark beer I saw all day). And very nice it was too.
Another thing to note was the background music. This appeared to be genuine vinyl LPs selected by the customers. However, the acoustics were such that the only people who could really hear were those behind the bar !
And a final word of warning, steep streets down to the pub mean steep streets back up ...
7/10 – a good pub, but doesn’t live up to its legendary status
11 Oct 2016 23:28
I had to “phone a friend” for this one ! Unexpectedly landed up in Wallsend, which I didn’t realise had a Wetherspoons, so I asked my friend Alan (who’s been to ALL of them) for directions. [ and it was easy enough to find, being on the main street ]
As the name implies it’s a former cinema, with an impressive art deco frontage. However, when you enter you discover the frontage is a fake, and there is a semi-open smoking/drinking area before you get to the real pub, which is a newer building.
As for the pub itself, all it can say is what a contrast to the High Main in Byker ! The place was full on shaven-headed lager swillers jostling for a place at the bar, and there was only one person serving. And real ale appeared to be an afterthought. Despite there being more pumps than Byker (12), there were definitely less guest ales (4 or 5), and those were more of the blander nationwide variety. I tried the Mordue Workie Ticket, as the most local beer there was. Unfortunately, it was far too cold to really appreciate. Since I was short of time, I grimaced and swigged it !
One interesting feature I’ve not mentioned is that on the way to the loos you get a view into the “cellar”, with a large number of barrels and pipes.
4/10 – on the lower end of the Spoons scale.
11 Oct 2016 23:26
The Magnesia Bank, North Shields
Got stranded unexpectedly in North Shields, so paid a visit to this place as it sounded the more interesting of the two entries in my (old) GBG. Started off on the wrong foot by going through the first open doors I came to. This landed me up in the conservatory, so I had to negotiate some steps down and through a heavy door marked “Public Bar” in order to find any beer.
There were 4 beers on tap, but they were all of the pale ale type. So I went for the “house beer” Cullercoats Maggie Bank, which was nice enough.
The whole place was pleasant, without being remarkable, with an olde worlde feel and victorian style furnishings. However, it seemed to be geared up to being a music venue with large numbers of posters advertising forthcoming gigs. Thus during the afternoon, there appeared to be only one person besides me in the place. When I came to say goodbye, even the barman had disappeared !
6/10 – reasonable for a quick visit
11 Oct 2016 23:24
Chose to stop here for lunch on my North East trip last weekend, and I’m glad I did. In may only be a Wetherspoons, but it’s certainly one of the better ones. Looks small from the main street frontage, but when inside it goes a long way back. Although open-plan, I’m not sure you can see from one end to the other due to objects in the way.
Anyway, the bar is on the right and the section round it has been sort of cordoned off, with the seating inside it being all high stools and shelves for resting pints on. The rest of the seating being normal chairs and tables. Other unusual featurs for a Spoons are a fireplace and logs for burning (not actually in use), and abstract artwock on ceiling panels.
And the beer is good too ! Perhaps most importantly it is a Doom Bar free zone. Although it only has 10 handpimps (less than some Spoons), they managed to have 7 guest ales available. And all local as well – I’d never heard of any of them ! I chose the Firebrick Trade Winds, which was a very nice IPA.
They were even doing special offers on curries, but unfortunately I didn’t notice before ordering my chilli.
7/10 – it’s a Spoons Jim, but not as we know it !
11 Oct 2016 23:22
This is one of the better pubs in Liverpool, but it also serves as a reminder of how identikit most of the city’s pubs are. There are invariably on a street corner, and the bar is along the long side of the building with tall shelves and mirrors behind it. There are just a few chairs and tables at one end, and most room is given over to standing.
What marks this place out though is the quality and range of the beer. There are 7 or 8 cask ales on tap, with usually another couple of craft kegs available. I agree that George Wright Mild, Titanic Plum Porter and various Rat beers are pretty much regulars but since my local vary rarely stocks Rat despite our constant pleading, I can’t argue with that.
7/10 – you can’t beat Plum Porter
5 Oct 2016 22:27
Vibrant micropub in a shopping arcade just around the corner from the station. Seems to manage to pack a quart into a pint pot. A small number of tables of varying sizes and heights with some seating and recycled beer crates for foot-rests. Two large display units and a fridge full of interesting bottles – most of which have their history handwritten on a label. A small bar with 4 handpumps, and (I think) 8 craft keg lines (some on the bar, some on the wall behind). There were also some crates of bottles on the floor – not sure if they were coming or going.
I tried the Wily Fox Black Pearl which was very nice. In fact, I was so impressed I stopped for another one, this time BAD Dazed and Confused.
As for food, I saw a sign saying “beer tapas” but I’m not sure what that consisted of.
Unlike a previous poster, I noticed the CAMRA discount sign, and got 10p of my first half (it’s 20p a pint). No discount on my second beer, as it was craft keg.
Finally, I was shocked to read on BITE that there was an upstairs – how could I have missed that ?!
8/10 – not a traditional pub, but thoroughly recommended.
4 Oct 2016 23:14
A Wetherspoons that used to be a Lloyds no 1, but has now lost that branding. But you can still tell it used to be, with emphasis on keg lagers, and large screen TV. Not particularly large, and tables have been shoe-horned into every space. There is also an upstairs which has a separate bar (no real ale at all there), and the loos are up a grand total of 32 stairs.
4 Oct 2016 23:12
Bit of a strange one this. On entering you would file it as a typical “continental cafe-bar”, with large tables and comfy sofa seating. Then you find out that the “cafe” part doesn’t apply as they don’t serve coffee or food ! They call themselves “beermongers” and I’m happy to use that description . The frontage is all modern with large plate windows, but the toilets at the rear seem to belong to a much older building !
There were 5 handpumps serving 4 nationally-branded beers. When I was there, there was Old Speckled Hen, Greene King IPA, and 2 from Robinsons. I tried the Robinsons / Hartleys Cumbria Way. Unfortunately it was way too cold, and I spent the rest of my time trying to warm it up !
There is also a bottled beer “alcove” , but again this is pretty much run of the mill stiff.
6/10 – nice place shame about the beer quality !
4 Oct 2016 23:11
Has recently been refurbished and is now branded as a “Craft Union Free House”. This means nothing as it’s still an Enterprise Inns pub. Very much sports TV orientated with 2 enormous screens dominating the whole place. It’s only small with about 3 or 4 tables, otherwise you have to stand at the bar.
Among the array of keg fonts, there are 2 handpumps, serving Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic. Obviously I chose the latter, which was nicer than I was expecting.
The sort of place where everyone knows everyone else.
4 Oct 2016 23:08
A pretty bog-standard micropub adjacant to Freshfield station. Only distinctive feature I can remember about it is that the promotional signs were done in the form of old British Railways “totem” station nameboards.
Had 3 cask ales on tap. I had the Parkers (a Southport brewery) Golden Sorachu – which was reasonable. Unusually they also had 3 keg lagers available. Indeed the person entering the pub just behind me ordered 3 pints of the stuff – all for himself ! (“I’m thirsty”).
However, the vest feature is the fact that you can comfortably get the train (southbound), have a quick beer, go to the loo, and get on the next train 15 mins later ! [ No toilets on Liverpool – Southport trains ]
2 Oct 2016 21:58
Newly opened Wetherspoons in what passes for Formby town centre. [ A good 10 min hike from the station – there are buses but they are infrequent ] Is really one enormous open-plan area, with the bar down the right hand side from the entrance. Only items really of note were a wall of books down one side and a wall of wine and spirits down the other. Also there appeared to be a special little lodge out the back for smokers.
Pretty much standard food and beer selection. Out of 12 handpumps there were only 4 guest beers though – no less than 3 being completely blank. I had the Peerless Full Whack which was reasonable.
2 Oct 2016 21:57
Went in this the other day for what must be the furst time in over 20 years. Not much seemed to have changed. There are still old bookshelves around the place, and the food is still overpriced. What does seem to be new(er) is the tables outside by the canal and round the corner into the next street. There are two sets of 6 handpumps which sell mainly (but noy completely) different beers – so 9 or 10 different in all. I tried the Manchester coffee Stout which was very nice. The main drawback of this place is that it is firmly on the “bright young things” circuit, and gets packed out with very loud lager drinkers.
29 Sep 2016 23:43
Historic pub literally in the heart of the Rows. Only accessible from the Rows themselves – though there is a small sign on the main street if you know where to look. Anyway, entering this here you are instantly sucked into a timewarp. I don’t mean into the 16th century, due yo all the low wooden beams, and extremeky dim lighting (no windows !). I am referring to all the Sam Smiths keg fonts behind the bar ! Relics of the 1970s, that you just don’t see elsewhere these days. About the only concession to the 21st century is the CCTV behinf the bar – and it was this which alerted me to the fact there is actually another room further on. The main room is long and thin, back bar is squarer and has an ancient tiled floor.
Beer (as said above) is Sam Smiths. Last time I tried the Extra Stout which was entirely reasonable.
29 Sep 2016 23:40
This used to be a Marstons pub, and had a bit of a chequered history. Opening and closing several times, and going under a dew different names (one I can remember is Three Lamps). I quite liked the previous incarnation, and used to eat lunch there regularly. It was noticeable however how the number of real ales available gradually crept downwards until it reached zero ! (at which point I stopped going).
Anyway, it has now been sold to Amber Taverns who have converted it into a sports bar, which involved completely gutting the interior and installing several large screen TVs. Not as bad as it sounds however, and the beer is certainly cheap. There were 4 real ales available when I visited – all at £1.95 a pint ! I tried the Caledonian Flying Scotsman – which was OK.
29 Sep 2016 23:36
This place can be a refreshing oasis. A bit off the beaten track, but literally just across the river from the many pubs of Lower Bridge Street, yesterday it managed the incredible feat of being totally free of racegoers on raceday.
It has a modernised glass frontage, but inside is more or less a traditional pub. The bar is on the right, and there are three semi-separate areas on the left, at the front are some igh stools and tables, next some comfy chairs surrounding a real fire (obviously not lit yesterday !), and at the back some normal chairs and tables. There is also various paraphernalia littered about ; two large clocks, a giant abacis, and several mirrors for example.
The normal range of beers is 3 from Thwaites plus a guest, but yesterday (to celebrate Cask Ale Week) they were having a “mini beer festival” – up to 6 beers ! I tried Moorhouses Pride of Pendle which was pretty nice. They also claim to serve craft beers, but since two of the examples they gave were Moretti and Blue Moon, you can yell they haven’t quite got the right idea.
As for food, well it is available – hand cooked to order. Pretty much standard pub-grub menu, but not cheap. I also noticed that some of the “light bites” cost more than some of the “main courses” !
Menus are not on the tables – you have to ask for one from the food monitor ! I ordered the scampi – coincidentally about the cheapest item on the menu. I was told it would take 40 mins, but un the end it was more like 14 ! Entirely reasonable, with large portions, but nothing special.
Finally, a notice outsie advertises “coffee, newspapers, breakfast, free wifi from 10am”. I don’t think they mean you have to pay for wifi before then, but you never know. Yhere is also a pie night and a pub quiz night.
7/10 – e welcoming retreat – especially on race days !
25 Sep 2016 22:24
Bit of a strange one this. It isn’t a student pub despite being slap bang in the middle of Derby’s student quarter. It’s more like a traditional local’s bar – with the addition of large screen sports TVs ! Luckily last time I was there they were showing cricket. The bar is on the right as you enter with some seating (and a TV) to the left. More seating further back, plus a smokers courtyard.
There are usually 4 real ales available – though the regulars are only Bass, Pedigree and Doom Bar. I had the Bass last time, and it was entirely reasonable. Food is limited to “crusty rolls £2”, though they may do more on match days.
Can get very crowded when Derby County are playing at home – despite being on completely the other side of town from the ground !
21 Sep 2016 23:13
Well I’ve heard of pubs being “wet led” and “dry led” – but this one is definitely “testosterone led” !! Went in there around 4pm on a Saturday afternoon, and the place was heaving – but the only woman in there was the barmaid !
As you might deduce from the above most were clad in football shirts, and there were several big screen sports TVs, but only showing “final score”, not any action. There was also loud music playing the whole time. The only other thing I remember about the decor is the large number of horse-racing prints on the walls.
Beerwise it wasn’t too bad. There were 4 cask ales on, one from Sharps (not DB), Tiger and 2 from Black Sheep. I ordered a half of the standard Black Sheep, drank up quickly and left !
21 Sep 2016 23:12
Been past here a few times before, but it has always been closed. Wasn’t planning to go in this time, but thought I’d better take the opportunity on seeing it was open !
Anyway, it’s a bit of a quirky place. It’s trying to be a cafe bar, but still has all the accoutrements of a pub. The bar is on the right when you enter, with cafe style seating to the left. There are only 2 pumps serving beer. I had the Burton Town brewery Swan, which was quite nice. The other beer was from Flipside. Most of the rest of the bar was taken up with cakes !
My tables had several flyers on it. The first turned out to be a Tea Menu (e.g. Earl Gray). The food menu was divided unto sections for breakfast (mainly eggs) and lunch (mainly sarnies and burgers). I may eat here in future – but not at breakfast.
There is also an attached theatre, though I couldn’t see where it was. Was disappointed to have missed the previous night’s performance of “One night Degree – the total student experience” !
I shall return next time I’m in the area.
7/10 – nice place shame about the limited beer choice.
20 Sep 2016 22:48
Under new management, but not much has changed. Latest visit saw an extended range of beers, though still only Dancing Duck. However, the beer I had (Quack Addict), was much TOO COLD. Food now only serving weekday evenings or Saturday lunchtimes.
19 Sep 2016 23:10
Was closed for a while, but has now been refurbished and reopened under the name of The WICK. The decor is sort of minimalist grey (not very inspiring). The bar is straight ahead as you enter – to the left and right are narrow areas featuring gidh stools and tables. Further back to the right is “the Little Winery” – a new area with cage stule plastic chairs and wine bottles arounf the walls. There is also (to the front) an old fireplace which is completely occupied by an enormous sofa !
There were 5 handpumps, but only two of them appeared to be in use. I tried the Dancing Duck Ay Up – which was OK. They are now concentrating on food here, and the menu featured sections headed Pizzas (all £8), burgers and “nibbles”. I didn’t eat so can’t comment further.
I have to report that service was pretty dire. Despite there only been one other couple in the pub, it took me almost 5 mins to get served.
19 Sep 2016 23:07
Recently opened micro-pub, not far from the station in Stafford. Possibly the nearest pub to the station – turn right outside the station, left at the lights, past the turning for Tesco, and it’s on the left just before the next lights. About 5 mins walk from Station.
As a newly established business, they are still fine-tuning their opening hours – it seems to change every week. Currently they are CLOSED at the following times ;- all day Monday, Tues / Wed/ Thurs lunch/afternoon. That is the first challenge to overcome when visiting.
The second challenge is to open the door ! Despite several attempts by the owner to fix it, it is still very stiff, and requires a good shove.
Anyway, once you’re inside you’re laughing ! There are few tables with upholstered seats down the lefthand side, the right being kept free for the path to the bar, which lies on the left beyond. There are number of signs on the wall, two of which list the beers currently available, and those “coming soon” – make sure you realise which is which ! There are also several references to the place being liable to flooding (an ongoing joke with the local council), including a pair of large oars.
Anyway, to the beer, which is the main focus of any micropub. There are 5 hand-pumps selling a constantly changing range of real ales. There are usually at least 1 or 2 local ones, and a variety of styles. The ones I’ve had have almost all been very nice. One unusual selling point is that all beers are the same price - £3.00 a pint (£1.50 a half). [ The strongest I’ve seen has been 6% ] There are also a number of bottles available from local breweries – again at the same price.
Besides beer there are also the following drinks available cider (2 or 3 unusual ones on draft), whiskies (about 10 different), tea and coffee. Food is limited to the usual bar-snacks of crisps, nuts, scratching.
As you would expect in a micropub, both management and clientele are very friendly.
8/10 – best pub in town.
19 Sep 2016 00:15
This place is really set up for dining but I had already eaten, so can’t really comment on that side of things. As you enter from the road, there is a small room with pool table on the left, the bar is to the left straight ahead, and there are rooms for drinkers / diners to the right. Decor in pretty minimal and mainly black, but very comfortable. I saw a couple of large screen TVs, but mercifully they were switched off !
Five nationally branded real ales were available, of which I had Cumberland Ale, which was OK.
16 Sep 2016 23:02
Well if you like cheap beer this is the place for you ! There were four real ales on two at £2.30 a pint and 2 at £1.95 ! Admittedly they were all national brands, but at least the dreaded Bar of Doom wasn’t included. I had Courage Directors, and it was entirely reasonable. There were sample jars and prices on the pumps as well, and signs advertising craft beers.
I believe the place has been done up recently. Certainly it looked very smart inside, with plenty of nooks and crannies to secrete yourself in. Unfortunately each nook and cranny contains an enormous Sports TV showing football ! Therefore it can be difficult to avoid getting in people’s line of vision. And the people attracted by this sort of entertainment, are somewhat dubious.
There is a nice beer garden / smoke zone out back. Surprisingly tranquil for the town centre. I noticed that the pub itself looks much smaller from the back than the impressive road frontage would suggest.
16 Sep 2016 23:01
The Bell and Castle Inn, Derby
Just a short note to say that I understand they don't do food any more here. Certainly my recent visits were a bit hit and miss in that regard
29 May 2016 22:11
Now called the RAILWAY INN. Umpteen Greene King beers - not particularly exciting. Will post proper review in due course
2 Apr 2016 22:19
Another place I seem to have forgotten to report on, despite have been there a number of times. Maybe it’s because it’s usually in the middle of a pub-crawl ?!
The friends I take on these crawls seem to regard this as one of their favourites, nut I feel it isn’t quite so much of a local’s pub as some others, and has a few pretentious features that grate with me.
Anyway, there are usually about 13 real ales available – enough to make anyone’s mouth water. There is a bit of a tendency to concentrate on the grapefruity hoppy IPAs, but usually at least one dark beer available. On my last visit I had the local Littleover Gold, which was very nice. There are also 3 real ciders available – these are on the other side of the central bar.
The interior is open-plan and not particularly large, but with a number of nooks and crannies – I don’t think any two tables are the same !
My last visit was also the first time I had eaten there. The range isn’t enormous, and is mostly standard pub fare, but I have to say both the quality and quantity are excellent. [ I had the plaice & chips – for £6.95 ] The one drawback being that the food is presented in a rather pseudo manner, with everything being served separately in it’s own specially shaped container.
7/10 – a really good pub, but not a great one.
29 Feb 2016 23:09
The first thing to note is the correct name of this place is PATTENMAKERS ARMS. Largish brick built building in a back street of a mainly stone-housed village. Easy enough to find once you know where it is.
The first impression when you walk in is of a lot of empty space – that’s because you are near the darts board, and are in danger of getting hit ! There is a central bar around which everyone seems to congregate, so I took my seat there. There were a few tables around the edges of the room, and I believe there were another couple of smaller rooms off the end. [ Actually the whole place looked smaller from the inside ]
There were 6 real ales available, Bass, Doom Bar, Pedigree and 3 guests. I had the Hook Norton Hop To It (an easter golden ale) which was nice enough without setting the world alight.
Football was being shown, but unobtrusively on a smallish TV. I suspect that’s because it was Derby County, and the sound would be turned up once the match actually started. I suspect that was also the reason for the free bar-snacks (tortilla chips, pork pies) that were on the bar. I believe they do larger food at lunchtimes, and I may well eat there next time.
There was also a “meat raffle” in progress – which my cousin & I regard as a sure sign of a BAD pub, which this definitely isn’t. The landlady did look very sheepish though when it turned out she’d won it !
Almost forgot to say the clientele are very friendly.
8/10 – definitely adding this to my list of list of watering holes !
29 Feb 2016 23:04
The sort of back street terrace boozer that you didn’t realise still existed ! [ Though there seem to be a few in this area of north Stafford ] Visited there on a Friday afternoon when it was really quiet, and obviously the locals all knew each other. But I was made more welcome there than some other places nearby that I could mention ...
There is a central bar around which everyone seems to congregate – though there is plenty of other seating, mainly in the “fag-stain green” plush vinyl that I remember from the 1980s !
It’s been a while since I visited, and I didn’t make any notes, but I do remember that I was spoilt for choice with the 4 beers available all being ones that I liked. I think they were Bass, Black Sheep, Castle Rock Harvest Gold and Thornbridge Kipling. Anyway, I chose the last (partly because it was the one I would least expect to see in an establishment like this), and it was entirely reasonable.
The main drawback is that Sky Sports is shown on (a couple of) large screen TVs, with sound on – even though nothing was actually happening.
A few other miscellaneous bits :- there is a darts board, though no-one was playing ; the barman spent most of his time sitting on the windowsill with his laptop ; I believe they do bar-snacks, but will check.
6/10 – “I will return next time I am in Peel Terrace” – as Arsenal Fan 36 would say !
29 Feb 2016 23:01
This place seems to be a bit hit and miss whether it is open or not. In fact I was led to believe it had closed down, but I noticed it was open when I went past, so popped in. Not really my sort of place, as it had futuristic decor, and emphasis seemed to be on lagers and food. [ Lunches served 12- 2.30 according to notice outside - not cheap though as special offer was two meals for £15 ] However, there were two handpumps available (serving Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharps Doom Bar), so I pressed ahead, despite there being virtually no-one else in the pub on a miserable Saturday afternoon.
Naturally I chose the Landlord, and I was most impressed when the barmaid, having poured my drink called her superior over because she didn’t like the look of it. We all had a taste, and concluded it was fine – but they poured another one for me anyway. That was entirely reasonable, if a bit cold. I was also impressed that I was shown (without asking) somewhere to hang my umbrella.
6/10 – extra marks for personal attention !
21 Feb 2016 23:28
The is pretty much the epitome of a local’s local. Not “spit and sawdust”, not flashy modern, but traditionally comfortable. At least 3 large screen TVs showing (different) sport. Has probably been opened out internally sometime in the past, but there remains a semi-separate “games room” to the right of the main entrance, with pool and darts. Various posters and notices on the walls, I remember one of Mohammed Ali and a notice saying “please don’t allow your pets to climb on the furniture” ! Fairly popular on a miserable afternoon, with welcoming locals.
I’m afraid the beer is a bit of a letdown though. Only two handpumps serving beers that are pretty similar Thwaites Wainwright, and Salopian Lemon Dream. I tried the former and it was OK.
21 Feb 2016 23:26
To expand a bit on my previous report, I went back here yesterday as CAMRA seem to rate this place, and I must say I revised my opinion upwards. They had 5 real ales on tap, including their own Brunning & Price house beer. U went for the beer which had travelled the least distance (from Crewe) Offbeat Antipodean Pale. Not the sort of beer I would normally choose, but it was very nice indeed. I didn’t venture much beyond the bar, but I could see other rooms with bare beams and old wooden furniture, and I suspect there were other nooks and crannies to explore.
It is mainly geared towards food, but the casual drunker is catered for too. In fact they have their own menu ! Behind the bar was a board saying “bar bites menu”. I’m not sure of the prices for the main menu (I wasn’t planning to eat there), but the bar bites one seemed very reasonable, though I can’t vouch for the portion sizes.
However, there are two drawbacks
1) Beer prices are NOT cheap – I was charged £3.80 for my pint (4.8%)
2) The place is frequented by the types of people who like to congregate in front of the bar supping their hin & tonics, and preventing anyone else getting there ! Having said I was served pretty promptly.
6/10 – may grow on me
21 Feb 2016 23:25
The Augustus John, University of Liverpool
Student bar on the University campus, commonly known as the “AJ”. My local CAMRA friends seem to rate it, but I’m not sure why – maybe it’s the low prices ! Anyway, it’s exactly like you expect a student bar to be – with the addition of real ale. There are 3 or 4 interesting beers on handpump, but I’m afraid the quality is somewhat variable. On my recent visit, my friend had a pint that was very nice (Daleside Leg Over) , but it ran out before I got mine, and the one I then chose (New Plassey Midnight Mild) was absolutely foul !!
21 Feb 2016 23:22
Somewhat isolated pub that will be very handy for the HS2 terminus, when it opens. Was closed and derelict, but has been restored to its Victorian splendour. We believe that the interior layout has been simplified from those days, but it is still a bit confusing. There was one room which I couldn’t work out how to get to.
A range of 7 or 8 real ales available – mainly from lesser known breweries, but I plumped for the Hook Norton Double Stout – rather nice ! Also, some continental lagers available. Food was being served, but I didn’t look at the menu, so can’t comment further.
Was a bitterly cold and wet afternoon when we visited, but still there were rooms where the radiators weren’t working. Also, U felt it lacked a bit of atmosphere, though my friend assuers me it’s often packed, so I expect that’s all it’s really lacking.
7/10 – worth passing a few pubs to visit – but not an Antarctic trek !
18 Feb 2016 00:17
Been to this a couple of times with my friend Philip. After the last visit, last Saturday, I thought I’d have a look what BITE said about this place. Found myself generally agreeing with the last poster – then realised it had been posted by Philip himself !
Anyway, the first thing to note about this place is that it is on more than one floor – so if it seems crowded when you first enter, don’t give up ! In fact the first floor is a lot larger than the ground floor, and includes one room where the walls are covered in maps.
More of a cafe-bar than a pub, so the beer isn’t the main focus – but is a very good range none the less. They seem to have a few of everything – 3 or 4 real ales on handpump, and similar numbers of continental lagers (e.g. Schneider Weiss) and UK craft beers. Also, a large range of bottled beers. There is a beer list, but it doesn’t include everything ! For the specials, you have look at the list above the bar. On my latest visit I tried the Hopcraft Profits of Doom (a stout) which was very nice.
[ There is also a another bar upstairs with a lesser, but still substantial, range ]
The main things I remember about the food menu are breakfasts, burgers and pancakes, though what I actually had was a club sandwich. There is also a specials board, but only downstairs.
For both food and beer, prices aren’t cheap, but quality is excellent, and is much better value than some places. The main drawback, is the stairs, which are rather steep and certainly not recommend for carrying more than one drink at a time up !
7/10 – not the best at anything, but a good all round favourite
18 Feb 2016 00:14
The Bull's Head, Newcastle under Lyme
Came back here sooner than I expected, as I was briefly in Newcastle at lunchtime last Saturday, so decided to try the food. I had the chilli (with rice) for £7. Not cheap, but the portion was enormous ! Very nice and pretty damn hot too. I needed warming up as well because it was an utterly miserable day, and it seemed almost as cold inside the pub as outside ! I sat in the “snug” next to the fire, but it didn’t help much. Still a pretty good pub though.
9 Feb 2016 22:53
I’m afraid I will have to revise my score for this pub downwards. On my latest visit, there were no guest beers available – only the two sets of the same 6 Dancing Duck beers. [ I chose Dark Drake, as it was my favourite of the ones available. ] Food is only now available in the evenings. Some of the traditional seating has been replaced by comfy sofas. There isn’t even a magic eye picture in the gents any more ! Still a good pub though.
9 Feb 2016 22:51
Recently given a new blue coat of paint, internal refurb and renamed the WATERSIDE INN.
The first thing to note is that you can’t use the entrance directly onto the main road. You have to go round the side through a glass lobby (car park entrance I guess). Once inside you find the pub rambles all over the place, with steps and doorways up and down everywhere. Luckily, the bar is right by the entrance. The girl behind the bar wasn’t pleased to see me – I stopped her canoodling with her boyfriend !
Anyway, there were 4 real ales available, but a blander selection you would be hard pressed to find ! Abbot Ale, Doom Bar, Pedigree & Ruddles. I tried the Abbot and it was OK. Food was available, but I wasbn’t hungry, having just eaten. Seemed to be standard pub grub type of fare. Have to admit the Childrens Menu looked more attractive – both visually and gastronomically.
This place is probably better to visit in the summer when you can sit outside by the river. Otherwise hardly worth the effort.
9 Feb 2016 22:47
I think I visited this place at the wrong time ! It looked the kind of place that is lively in the evening (various live acts were advertised), but at 2pm on a Saturday, there was only one other person there ! Dark colours predominate, red and brown and black. Tables are arranged around the sides of the largish room, but with a standing area by the bar. The tables had very large heavy candle-holders on them (complete with candles), but they weren’t lit. There were only 2 real ales available (one other pump was blank), Doom Bar and Timothy Taylors Landlord. Obviously I chose the latter, and it was reasonable. I had read that the jukebox was “excellent”, and during my visit, blues was being played, which made a nice change.
1 Feb 2016 22:35
The Bull's Head, Newcastle under Lyme
BTW, the official address is Lad Lane (a narrow alley off Ironmarket) and the postcode is ST5 1RE
1 Feb 2016 22:34
The Bull's Head, Newcastle under Lyme
This now appears to be called the OLD Bulls Head and is a Joules pub. Has had some of the usual Joules “treatment”, but not as much as most of their pubs – perhaps because it’s genuinely old with low beams and uneven floors. The bar is to the left from the main entrance, and the area to the right had a roaring fire. Some of the tables had lit candles on them too, which was a nice touch. Various old prints / photos on the walls and a row of old toby jugs above the bar.
The beer range was a bit different from the normal Joules range, in that as well as the usual 4 Joules beers, there were also two guest ales. I’m not sure if this was intentional, but there were beers types that Joules doesn’t produce themselves. I had the Seven Brothers Stout Porter – and very nice it was too. They also were served Joules own keg lager and IPA – the latter I’d never seen before.
I didn’t eat there, but the menu seemed to have a reasonable range of pub food, lite bites, a few mains, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and burgers. Will probably try the food next time I visit Newcastle – and I definitely intend to be back
7/10 – a pretty good pub
1 Feb 2016 22:31
Bridge Street Ale House, Newcastle under Lyme
Oh dear ! If I’d realised I would be the first person to review this place for BITE, I would have made some notes to remind me. As it is I just have hazy memories ...
What can I say ? This place is an archetype micropub. Small, no lager, just real ale, no recorded music, just good conversation, no food, just snacks.
So the obvious place to start is with the beer. There were 4 real ales available. I can remember not being wildly excited about any of them, but they did represent a range of different beer types. I had the Happy Valley Blackout (a porter) which was nice, without being excellent. The main thing to note is that it’s a bit difficult to tell what beers are available. The bar area is immediately to the right of the entrance, but the pumps are against the right hand wall, so the barman has to stand in front of them obscuring your view !
The beers are listed on one of many lists on the wall, but it can be difficult to tell which list is which ! Other lists are for beers “coming soon” and “in transit”. Not sure what that latter means, but it included beers from a brewery that had already closed !
Seating is convivial – mainly on high benches with shelves to rest your beer on, and beer barrels to rest your feet. Clientele is friendly, and ready to advise on various matters (including your next pint).
7/10 – the epitome of a micropub
1 Feb 2016 22:30
From the sublime to the ridiculous ! If the Felix Holt epitomises a good Wetherspoons, this is about as awful as you can get. On first arriving I was wondering if the place was closed as it looked absolutely dead from the outside – none of the usual chainsmokers outside the entrance. On going in I saw there were quite a few people inside, most of them were gathered around the bar. [ And a pretty miserable lot they were as well ] There appeared to be only one member of staff on duty. Also only 5 handpumps, of which only one was a proper guest ale. After waiting for about 7 or 8 minutes, when I still wasn’t even the next person to be served, I gave up and walked out !
22 Jan 2016 22:56
Not sure why I haven’t reported on this place before, because it’s one of my favourite Wetherspoons. Shows an example to some of the other branches as to how a place should be run. It’s not the largest branch, and only has 9 handpumps, but there are always 6 guest ales on, never a “coming soon” or blank clip. Often a reasonable range too – today there were several which appealed to me, I ended up with the Belhaven Burns Brown Ale and Sadlers Mud City Stout – both very nice. I can’t fault the food either. I usually have a curry – and there are none of the chewable poppadoms or warm mango chutneys you see elsewhere.
The place is light and airy, and the clientele is reasonable and friendly (none of the lowlifes that other branches seem to attract). Staff are attentive, and tables are kept clean. The barmaids are quite nice as well – including the obligatory redhead !
7/10 – about as good as it gets at Spoons.
22 Jan 2016 22:55
Robinsons pub in the town centre which has recently reopened after being closed for a couple of years. Very much an old-style traditional local. Prior to my recent visit, I hadn’t been in for 25 years – and would be hard pushed to spot any changes since ! [ Except for the big screen sports TVs of course ]
There were two Robinsons beers on tap (a third handpump was out of use). I tried the Wizard which was reasonable. I think they are missing a trick here, because it is halfway between the two premier “real-ale” pubs in town (Hops and Borough Arms) and they would surely get more passing trade if they had a more adventurous beer range.
Anyway, there are many of the traditional pub games available, pool table, darts and some tables set up for cribbage scoring. Plus wallpaper in one section consisting of pages from old racing papers (!), plus old racing prints on the walls there and elsewhere.
There were also notices advertising “starter or dessert for 5p” – but this was the only indication that they did found, as couldn’t see any menus anywhere. However, from what was being delivered to other customers, I can tell you that soup and bowls of chips are included !
7 Jan 2016 23:16
Formerly a lap-dancing club – hence the name. More of a cafe-bar than a pub, but a good range of beers is available. Just about the only drinking establishment on one of Wilmslows main shopping streets. Part of a small chain, they have similar establishments that I’ve already visited in Congleton & Macclesfield, so I knew what to expect.
The seating is at wooden chairs & tables, with a wooden floor. There are various murals on the walls. The bar is on the right as you enter, and features 5 or 6 handpumps, plus a similar number of craft keg beers. I tried a couple of local real ales from Deva and Cheshire Brewhouse. Whilst nice they weren’t particularly thrilling – and cost significantly more than other places in town.
So far so good – so why wasn’t I impressed with the place ? Well for a start, the predominant decor was black, which made it hard to see much. And I’m afraid the place lacked atmosphere – perhaps due to the fact it was almost empty on a Saturday lunchtime. There is also the matter of the Beer Menu. I noticed a number of bottles in the fridge behind the bar. On each table there was a beer menu, giving details of these bottles, descriptions and little boxes where you could enter your ratings for things like aroma and taste. The one thing not mentioned were any prices ! [ I might have tried a bottle otherwise ] Also, wasn’t impressed by the toilets being signposted by a metal plate saying “Urinoir” – too pseudo by half for me ! Oh yes, and there was background music as well – set at the level where it is just too quiet for you to identify the song !
They also do food, but I had already eaten so didn’t investigate further. I believe there is also another bar upstairs, but I didn’t realise there was more than one floor to the place.
7 Jan 2016 23:13
This is a bit of a strange one. At the main entrance it’s clearly a pub, but the further you venture inside, the more it seamlessly merges into the Wilmslow Lodge hotel ! There may also be a restaurant in there somewhere as well, because the pub is laid out with sections for dining (fully laid tables), non-dining (high stools, with shelves for placing drinks), and “intermediate”, (normal tables with condiments, but no other dining accoutrements).
Luckily the bar is straight in front of the main entrance, so there’s no problem getting a beer. There are 6 or 7 handpumps, but almost all of them selling Hydes in one form or another. I had the Beer Studio Old Indie (mild), which was quite nice – and cheaper than I expected (£2.70 a pint).
The place is quite extensive, but feels smaller, as the ceilings are low and it is partitioned off into several discrete areas. I chose an “intermediate” tables, and noticed that the Table Number took the form of a small bottle filled with pebbles – I thought it was some kind of sauce until I looked ! The one think I didn’t notice was a menu.
One final warning – there is low level muzak playing which some may find off-putting.
7 Jan 2016 23:12
Have been meaning to into this pub for some time, and being caught in a rainstorm yesterday gave me the perfect excuse. On entry there are a couple of handpumps immediately in front of you, and another 5 or 6 stretching away on the left at rightangles. These are difficult to see / identify as there is very little space between the regulars sitting at the bar, and the outer wall of the pub ! However, they are all Banks anyway, so it doesn’t really matter. Moreover the two “guests” also turn out to be Marstons in a different guise as well. I had the Wychwood Snow Belle which was reasonable.
Altohugh the is a perfectly deceent pub, you should be warned that there is loud music being played through a sound system which makes Billy Joel’s “Pianoman” sound like a banshee wailing ! Note also that the Gents is an unmarked door (!) next to the ladies.
1 Jan 2016 10:59
Largish Black Country Ales pub in the centre of town. Very much in their house style, but somehow not quite up to their usual standard. It seems to larger and more open plan than their usual establishments, and thus lacks the cosy feel. While there are the usual 11-12 handpumps, unusually 3 of them were not being used. Stull I had very nice pints of both Hearty Hercules and Beowulf Killer Stout. Had a regular supply of local CAMRA literature too.
1 Jan 2016 10:57
Iconic brewery tap and shrine to Victoriana close to the highest point in the West Midlands. My recent visit was (I think) my fourth, so I’m surprised I haven’t reviewed it for BITE before.
Entering from the front, you are immediately confronted with the central serving hatch – and I do mean hatch. It was obviously built when people weren’t so tall, I had to bend down a way to see in. The pub retains the classic 4 room layout. To the right on entering is the Tap Romm, which is very basic with dark wooden settles, and not much else. To the left is the snug which is also fairly plainly furnished, but contains a piano. Straight on past the hatch is another open plan drinking area, but the most ostentatious room is to the left beyond the server – full of items of Victorian splendour. There is also a conservatory, full of tropical plants, and a large outdoor drinking area at the back (behind the brewery).
As for the beer, it is legendary ! They usually have 3 or 4 of their own beers on, and on my recent visit I noticed a couple of (interesting) guests as well. The 6.0% Dark Ruby is one of my all-time favourite beers, and the Surprise and (seasonal 8.%) Snowflake are very nice too.
The main downside to this place is that it isn’t open all day, so you have to time your visit carefully.
8/10 – a real local’s local, but also a magnet for beer nuts from far and wide !
1 Jan 2016 10:55
Very much a dining orientated pub, whose name describes its location perfectly – being on the edge of the “village” and countryside. Appears small from the road, but once inside you find in sprawls back with all sorts of odd corners and rooms. Food is on the quality end of “pub grub” and prices range from the reasonable (scampi £6.50) to the ridiculous (lamb rump £14.95). Portions aren’t huge and quality can only really be described as average. Three real ales on tap. When I was there they had Black Sheep, Marstons Pedigree, and a christmas beer from Butcombe (which I assume was a guest). I had the Black Sheep which was definitely drinkable.
1 Jan 2016 10:54
Has now been refurbished, and reverted to it's original name of The Imperial. Now has 2 or 3 national branded real ales available. I've not been in since the refurb, but I know someone who has.
21 Dec 2015 00:15
Has it really been 5 years since I last commented on this place. Doesn’t time fly when you lose both your parents ?!
Anyway, it continues to be one of the best pubs in town. There have been a few minor changes recently, which I think are for the better. Firstly, in addition to the six handpumps, there are now 2 or 3 beers available on gravity (the casks are in the room behind). There have been a few teething problems with this, in regards to advertising the existence of these beers, but hoe there is a board with pimp clips, next to the handpumps. Also, one of the keg-fonts is now dedicated to “Craft keg” – usually English. Not noted before is that the left-hand pump is usually reserved for dark beers. Today it was the gorgeous Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout.
I’ve not noticed the bar being “clogged up with locals standing”, but I can understand how it can easily become so, as it isn’t very big. In fact the whole place could do with being larger. Size not being helped by the tendency to have a small number of large tables, rather than a large number of small ones. There is a room upstairs, but I’m not sure if it’s normally open. Luckily, good weather means the place rapidly spills out onto the terrace outside. This must be the most relaxing place to drink in town, the only drawback being the view, which was a car park, is a building site, and will be a leisure centre.
8/10 – probably the best beer in town
21 Dec 2015 00:12
I’m surprised no-one else has reviewed this place as it is one of the best drinking establishments in town – and the nearest decent place to the railway station. Anyway, just to say that this place has now been extended upstairs, provided much needed extra seating – and higher quality loos ! The decor up there is a bit minimalist, and I prefer to sit downstairs amongst the shelves of bottles. The extra space has enabled them to start up some regular events. Wednesdays are “bring a curry” night, and there are occasional gigs on Mondays or Tuesdays.
21 Dec 2015 00:10
Been a few minor changes since I last reported on this place. There are still 6 real ales available (3 in each bar) but they now don’t appear to be so local – my latest visit included Black Sheep Blitzen and Brains Rev James. They now do food again, but it isn’t cheap (£8.50 for chilli con carne). I can’t comment on the quality as in the end I didn’t eat here.
I don’t seem to have mentioned that this pub also suffers from the “Nantwich disease” of showing football on TV. However, it isn’t obtrusive (one in each bar), is often without sound, and sometimes switched off. The “piped music” I complained about before does seem to have got louder though.
21 Dec 2015 00:08
To expand on my previous brief report, this is a Robinsons pub directly opposite the bus station. Most of it is genuinely old, with low hanging beams and nooks and crannies (and unexpected steps as I discovered to my cost recently !). Only Robinsons beers are served on handpump – usually 4, and sometimes including Old Tom. Food is available, but isn’t cheap (£7 for a salmon sandwich). I have eaten here in the past, but don’t remember much about the meal – so I guess it must have OK.
Best feature of the place however, is that it is one of the few pubs in Nantwich which DOSEN’T have a large screen TV to show “football”.
21 Dec 2015 00:07
I thought I had reported on this place before, but never mind. It is now a Joules pub and has been done out in their house style. Lots of wooden panelling and, in this case, a large number of mirrors and other items featuring “big cats”. Has the usual range of Joules beers. Does food which is reasonable, but not cheap. The cheapest thing on the menu was the deli sandwich (£6.95).
However, there are a number of drawbacks to this pub. Most heinously it has succumbed to the dreaded “Nantwich disease” of large screen TVs showing football. [ I’ve been in a number of Joule’s pubs, and can’t remember any of the others having a TV ] There is a tendency to mark off large parts of the pub as “reserved”. On my latest visit, there were at least 4 empty tables thus marked at around 2pm. I was forced to eat at a high round table that was very wobbly, and I saw others eating at upturned beer barrels. Also, despite being some distance from the town centre, it has a tendency to attract a rather rowdy clientele.
21 Dec 2015 00:05
The Black Country Arms, Walsall
There is only one thing wrong with this pub – but we’ll come to that later ! First of all we need to note that the name is actually Black Country Tavern, not as listed on this site.
The pub is located on a hill, so one side is higher than the other. The entrance is on the lower lever, and you turn immediately right to get to the bar. And what a bar ! There are I think 12 handpumps dispensing a widevariety of beers, including 3 or 4 of their own Black Country Ales. I was tempted by the M & B Brew XI (a blast from the past), but eventually settled on halves of Fixed Wheel Coco Mocha Stout and Dow Bridge Praetorian Porter – both were gorgeous.
As a Black Country Ales inn, it is note out in their recognisable house style. Plenty of polished wood furnishings, and brass around the bar. There is also an upper floor (where the toilets are situated) which is almost as large as downstairs, and is in much the same style. It also includes a dartboard.
Food is served (lunchtimes and all day Saturday, I think). It is basically “pub grub”, but there is a wide variety, and the prices looked very reasonable. I did eat this time, but will certainly do so on my next visit.
And now to the fly in the ointment. Although the bar is pretty big, in front of it are a number of chair/stools which are unvariably occupied by people drinking at the bar – making it almost impossible to get there and order your drinks ! For that reason I have marked it down to 7/10
13 Dec 2015 22:34
Now called The Cheshire Inn - but still a dump with no proper beer
22 Nov 2015 23:24
Was closed for 2 years, but has now reopened. Not been in yet, but will report back when I've done so.
22 Nov 2015 23:22
Has now reopened as "Ye Olde Angel" (built in 1978 !). Only open at lunchtimes, basically serving "carvery lunch" (for £2.99 !) and pizzas. No decent beer
22 Nov 2015 23:20
Went into this pub because the Victoria next door was shut (on a Tuesday evening). Pleasant enough I suppose, but no real ale available. So we steeled ourselves and asked for two halves of Carling – and got served two pints !
22 Nov 2015 23:17
This pub failed our “bad pubs test” ! In fact the main thing that was wrong with was that it was completely empty ! (7pm on Tuesday). There was also only one real ale available, though there were a couple of other handpumps that had run out, and the one left was a very nice pint (well half) of Adnams Ghost Ship. This is the one pub on our crawl that I might actually go back into – though I hear it does tend to attract football crowds so will need to be careful with timing.
22 Nov 2015 23:16
The third stop on our “bad pubs” crawl of Derby – and I think this one took the biscuit. The whole demeanour of the place was tatty. There were a few drunkards making amorous advances at each other, and the bar staff were wearing coats. Then after we’d been drinking for 5 minutes, all the lights went out ! They’d decided to have a disco – so there were lights flashing, and the music was turned up louder. No-one was dancing though – in fact besides us, I think they were all either too old or too inebriated !
To be fair, there were a couple of plus points. They took great care in pouring our halves of Pedigree (the only real ale available), making sure they were topped up (even though we weren’t really bothered). And the music was good stuff from the 1960s/70s.
22 Nov 2015 23:13
Having read about this on BITE, I was dreading visiting. In the end, I was disappointed – it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected ! Yes the place is a dive, with the worst kind of 1970s architecture, and the only beer available is pisswater, but the atmosphere wasn’t intimidating at all And at least this time we didn’t have any problems getting served with halves (see Merry Widows). There were a couple of blokes playing pool, a few people watching the sports TV, and a juke box playing some music , but not overloud.
22 Nov 2015 23:12
I read somewhere (not sure if it was on here or not), that this place had “gone downhill a lot”. Well all I can say is that person must have a steel bolt through their head ! It is still as wonderful as ever.
I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves. The board listed no few that 19 “cask ales” on tap, together with 15 “craft keg” beers. And if that wasn’t enough to satisfy you, there is a list of bottled beers as long as your arm (kept in a strange wooden box locked on a chain !). The range was varied as well, I had no trouble finding something I liked (a stout and a porter) nor did my friend (a bitter and golden ale). The ones we tried were in tip-top condition.
There was a lively atmosphere, and live entertainment as well.
9/10 – still one of my all time favourite pubs !
21 Nov 2015 23:17
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
Well, there’s no doubt that this is a really good pub. There are about 10 beers on handpump, including some from the Rat brewery (on the premises), Ossett (own the pub) and some guests. Beer quality is pretty good as well. And they also have a couple of “craft keg” Rat beers. The place has a large drinking area by the bar, numerous little alcoves for groups to congregate in.
However, I was distinctly disappointed with the place ! Maybe it’s because Rat beers have such a reputation in my local (Beerdock, Crewe) that I was expecting the brewery tap to be something quite extraordinary. And the exterior proclaims “home of the Rat beers, including our flagship White Rat” – err never heard of that one ! I did try it there, and it’s nowhere near as good as the ones we get in Crewe (King Rat, Crazy Rat, Rat Against the Machine, Rat Poison).
Also, there was annoying music being played, which made it hard for me to hear what my softly spoken friend was saying.
7/10 – maybe it’s better when they have a Rat beer festival on ?
21 Nov 2015 23:16
This inn has been around under this name for a very long time. The fake half-timbered front dates from the 1920s, but the low beams and alcoves inside are much earlier.
Unfortunately that’s about the only good thing I can say about it ! Everything is just urgently screaming out for renovation / investment. From the wallpaper featuring cases of wine to a traditional large fireplace with a very small gas fire, a TV that is switched off, low level muzak, and a board proclaiming “live acts” which was otherwise totally empty. A miserable clientele taking up as much space as possible without actually being with anyone else !
There were two handpumps, serving Doom Bar and Bass. Needless to say I chose the latter, and it was reasonable.
You’d be better off in the White Horse next door !
14 Nov 2015 00:17
This is a Wetherspoons, but one of the better ones in my opinion. My recent visit was both a) during their Beer Festival and b) on Halloween, so service was a bit different to what would normally expected. I’m sure I wouldn’t normally find a) a special bar with 10 extra handpumps (making 20 in total) or b) my food delivered by a werewolf !
It is a fairly large building, but less tables than would otherwise be expected, as the whole of the centre is given over to a winding staircase leading to a (small) upper floor. There is also a lift to the upper floor which some people seemed to take delight in riding up and down with pints in hand !
Another feature that I’ve never come across before in a Spoons is that, although there were 3 or 4 staff serving, there was just one long queue of people waiting to be served. Since this queue was perpendicular to the bar, it took up rather a lot of space ! Judging my the looks / comments of some other people, I suspect this isn’t a normal feature of the pub
6/10 – as Arsenal fan would say “I shall be going back next time I visit Ormskirk” !
14 Nov 2015 00:15
I’m afraid to say this place is definitely going downhill. The last few visits have seen the same four beers available, and the place is getting a down at heel appearance. Furthermore THEY HAVE STOPPED DOING CAMRA DISCOUNT in revenge for being left out of the latest GBG. Not sure what has replaced them, but they definitely weren’t the worst in the previous (2015) guide. [ See Rowditch ! ]
6/10 – they need a kick up the b**kside !
29 Sep 2015 22:46
Made my second visit to this place recently (well third if you count a visit 30 uears ago !), but I haven’t reported on it before. Probablt vecause ut has now reverted to its original name of WHITE HORSE. Anyway, it does seem to be on the up and isn’t nearly as bad as soem of the previous posters have made out. There are now 6 real ales on handpump, though they are mostly bog-standard ones like Abbot and Doom Bar. I tried the Castle Rock Harvest Pale which was reasonable. More u7nusually they seem to be majoring on ciders. Besides the usual suspects on tap there were now frewer than 5 ciders in casks on the bar. There are various signs around the place saying how many ciders they had available – either 9 or 22 depending on which sign you believe ! Food is served which sounds reasonable from the menu, but I’ve not tried as yet.
Unfrotunately there is a down side. Firstly the ubiquitous large screen sports TVs – wall to wall football even at 11.30 am ! And the clientele is a bit dubious as well.
5/10 – not at all bad, just not very exciting
29 Sep 2015 22:44
Have been in here several times now, but don’t seem to have got around to reporting on it before. Unfortunately I didn’t realise this before my latest visit, so I only have vague memories to go on (well it was my 7th pub of the day !). Anyway, it odes seem to be going down hill a bit. The range of real ales seems to have declined and now there isn’t much more than the Derby Brewery standard range. Because of that, on my last visit I decided to have a “craft keg”. Unfortunately the first one I chose (Kostritzer Schwarzbier ) defied the efforts of the barman to pour it. My second choice (Titanic Stout) got into the glass Ok, but unfortunately was so cold I spent the next 10 minutes trying to warm it up !
They also have a number (abour 40 ?) of bottles available, thoug I have never sampled those. Food is available though I can’t remember anything else. I expect it is rather pricey though. In general the place is designed to appeal to people who like to think they are hip, sampling the latest craft beer, and prepared to be ostentatious about showing how much they can afford to spend !
5/10 – rather too fashion conscious for my liking !
29 Sep 2015 22:43
The Blessington Carriage, Derby
Paid my second visit to this place recently, but I don’t seem to have filed a report of my first trip. The first thing that struck me was how large this place was – and how empty ! I have a feeling that it’s a student bar, and Saturday lunchtime isn’t a peak period. The selection of ales was down from my last visit, and now had 4 handpumps available with another couple out of use. Can’t remember exactly what was on tap, but it can’t have been very interesting as I was reduced to having Pedigree ! Although a small frontage on the road, the place seems to go back and back and depending on which direction you head in you might come across, an enclosed courtyard / smoking area, a pool table, or a DJ mixing desk. I’m afraid to say, most of the seating has seen better days.
Food is available, and appears to be “burger led”. I didn’t try it, and am reluctant to do so in future.
The girl who served was pleasant enough, but I got a right telling off from the landlady for looking for the gents in totally the wrong place. I just followed the sign which said “toilet” ...
5/10 – not exactly bad, just unexciting
29 Sep 2015 22:42
Opinion on this one is going to be divided I’m sure. Between those who remember the Head of Steam as it used to be (magnificent building and a huge array of real ales on tap), who will think this is nowhere near as good, and those who remember the Head of Steam just before it xlosed (very dowdy, with no real ales available), who will think this an improvement. Not sure where I stand on this. The quality of surroundings and choice of beer is definitely better, but for me they’ve ruined the building but inserting a mezzanine floor with extra seating. The bar has been moved into the middle of the premises, and now occupies both sides of a wall that used to separate two rooms. That means it’s by no means obvious there’s another bar (serving different beers !) on the other side of the wall. Staff are also pretty clueless when it comes to working out who to serve next.
At least the beer is good (Stonehenge Old Smokey) and the food (standard Spoons fare) arrived quickly.
5/10 – nothing special
29 Sep 2015 22:41
Backstreet local just around the corner from the Rowditch. A small bar completely dominated by sports TV screens. Only 2 handpumps in use, both selling Pedigree – so I gritted my teeth and had a half. Two other pumps had recently been selling Landlord and Doom Bar. The plus side was that at halftime, the landlord produced two plates with a large amount of free bar snacks (onion bhajis, samosas, pork pies etc0. Very nice, though I felt a bit guilty, as I had never been there before in my life !
5/10 – saved from oblivion by the bar snacks
16 Sep 2015 22:36
Well, I’ve heard of “quiet pubs” but this is ridiculous ! The place wasn’t empty by any means, with about half a dozen other customers, but it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop ! [ Or in my case, my tinnitus ] An old fashioned down at heel kind of boozer. Brews its own beer, which was really the only reason for my visit. There were only 3 beers available from 5 pumps, and only one was their own beer. This was St Andrews Ale – a boring golden ale.
6/10 – not as good as CAMRA seem to think it is !
16 Sep 2015 22:32
Large roadside pub in the centre of Mickleover. Part of Spirit’s “Flaming Grill” chain, not a brand that I’d encountered before, but something tells me this might be one of the better examples. For a start the areas which are allocated to drinkers / food orders are obvious (even if not officially designated). There are a large number of tables adjacent to the bar which have no menus / cutlery, so it’s clear these are meant for drinkers. There were a total of 8 beers on handpump, though most of these were national brands like Doom Bar and Speckled Hen, with only 2 being genuine guests. I tried the Nottingham Car 85, which I believe is specially brewed for them to commemorate the ex Brignton Belle Pullman Car which former stood outside. Unfortunately, the name was more interesting than the beer – it was a pretty standard golden ale. As you might have guessed already, I didn’t sample the food, but it did look good, and the prices were reasonable.
Thats the positive side. However, I also have to report that the place is very popular with young families whose parents cannot control their offspring. They were running everywhere ! Including round the bar, and attempting to play the fruit machines. Also, there was one area by the bar which had a large screen TV showing football. The problem with this was the sound was so loud it could be heard everywhere in the pub, including areas with absolutely no view of the TV.
5/10 – not bad but could easily be better
16 Sep 2015 22:31
Now taken over by Muirhouse Brewery from Ilkeston, and I have to say its not as good as it was. Only one of the 4 beers on tap was a Muirhouse one. It was called Kray Twin, and was yet another instantly forgettable golden ale. [ One of the other beers was a mild, though within 5 mins of me arriving, 23 of the three beers had gone off ] Seems to be a little shabbier than before. Now sells bar snacks such as pork pies and baps.
5/10 – needs to get its act together or I will start going elsewhere
16 Sep 2015 22:28
The Wheatsheaf, Stoke on Trent
Having reread my previous review, I think I was unduly harsh. This place has smartened itself up a bit. The No Smoking notice on the door to the loos has gone, service is prompt and efficient (well for Wetherspoons anyay), and the range and quality of beers good. On my last visit the 11 handpumps in use contained 6 guest ales, 1 house beer, Abbot, Ruddles & Doom Bar. I tried the Rhymney Export and Jurassic Dark which were both very nice. The most unusual feature I noticed was that the staff were all wearing what appeared to be matching blue butchers aprons ! Never seen that in any other Spoons. Unfortunately, this is Stoke, so the clientele are still somewhat rough, with many chainsmokers congregating just outside the doors.
5/10 – run of the mill Spoons
14 Sep 2015 22:32
The White Star, Stoke-on-Trent
An entirely civilised place, done out in what has to be Titanic’s house style – very much like the Sun in Stafford. 10 handpumps serving 6 Titanic beers, and 4 guests. Unfortunately (like the Sun again) the only dark Titanic beer was the Plum Porter, which I’d drunk elsewhere the previous day, so I settled for the Steerage which was bearable. Plenty of Titanic memorabilia on the walls. I didn’t tru the food, but it looked good – if expensive. Since the road outside has been pedestrianised, there are now some tables and benches out front.
7/10 – a good pub but not outstanding
14 Sep 2015 22:30
Bit of a strange place this one. The bar is immediately on the left as you enter, and the area around it is very dark. So much so that although there were 5 beers on tap, I couldn’t make out what one of them was ! Luckily one of those I could see was Bank Top Port o’Call, so I chose that it was very nice. Further away, the pub was much brighter inside. I chose to sit about halfway between the two areas, in about the only palce that was out of reach of the many dogs around ! Judging by the looks I got from some of the clientele, I suspect I was sitting in the seat of some regular – it was that kind of place. There was a heavy metal jukebox playing constantly, which managed to achieve the almost impossible feat of making Waterloo Sunset sound rubbish !
6/10 – nice beer – shame about the pub
6 Sep 2015 23:49
A Lloyds No 1 that never fails to disappoint ! I think it can be summed up by the fact that centre stage is given to a large DJ mixing desk. Has very little commitment to real ale, with several of the 10 handpumps usually being out of use. This time there were only 2 guests available. I hadn’t intended to go in here this time, but needed to use the loo. Nonetheless, I did decide to have a drink there – but the bar staff were so dilatory that in the end I walked out !
6 Sep 2015 23:48
By far the better of the two Wetherspoons in town – though that doesn’t make it particularly good. Bit of a strange building, like somebody has plonked a single-story warehouse on the back of a suburban semi-detached ! One of the cheaper Spoons for both food (Sunday Lunch £5.49) and drink (fuest ales £1.99). Only had 2 genuine guests out of 10 handpumps when I was last there, partly due to 2 pumps selling Pedigree. I had Vyatts Regal Blonde which was perfectly acceptable. Have eaten there on occasion in the past, and it has been OK, though once I was told they had no jacket potatoes !
6 Sep 2015 23:47
Have passed by this place a number of times, so yesterday I finally decided to venture in. From the outside it looks small and quiet, inside it is large and lively. Is sort of a cafe-bar more than a proper pub, but still has reasonable range of beers. Seating at the front and rear is via small wooden tables and chairs, there are a couple of comfy sofas, and the area around the bar (straight ahead) has high tables and stools.
There were 6 handpumps but only 4 were in use. Unfortunately, they were all selling beers which were very similar. I chose Blackwater Torque, as it was the only one I didn’t know I wasn’t very keen on. And it was OK. There were also a number of keg fonts, but they were mostly global brands, plus something called MAP from Titanic. I didn’t eat but the menu looked appetising, though I suspect rather pricy.
There was one large TV showing cricket. I decided to stand up (in the corner by the bar) to watch this. The staff insisted on beinging over a stool from the other side of the bar so I could sit down !
7/10 – pleasant enough, but could do with more variety in the beer offerings
6 Sep 2015 23:46
This pub was nearer to the station that I expected, and not as hard to find either. It has “Wetherspoons” and “Free House” blazoned across it in big letters. It is said to be a Lloyds No 1, but it doesn’t have the undesirable features that some of those branches no. It looks a big building from the outside, but is much smaller inside due to all sorts of pillars and posts getting in the way, so tables are scattered here and there. The bar is small and only had 6 handpumps – very low for a Spoons. There were only 2 guests available, but I did have a nice half of Vale Black Beauty Porter. Other posters have commented on it being down-at-heel, but I didn’t notice that. It was certainly pretty busy at 1pm on a Saturday – but it looked like a wedding reception was being held ! I didn’t eat there, but noticed from the menu that it was fairly pricey for a spoons (Sunday lunch £7.49).
6 Sep 2015 23:45
Have been to this Wetherspoons a few times now, and it is my favourite of the two in town. The interior has been done up plushly, with the main drawback being a huge empty area around the bar, meaning less tables than expected – so it can be hard to find an empty one. There are 10 handpumps on the bar, meaning about 4 or 5 guest ales usually. On my latest visit I had a pint of Goffs Lancer. Despite being more central than the Gatehouse, food prices are cheaper (Sunday lunch £6.49). I was going to order my usual Mexican Burger, but noticed some “mangers specials” of curries for £2.99 – so I ordered the Sweet Potato curry. Unfortunately O forgot to specify, so it came with chips instead of rice ! Finally, a word of warning, the place does tend to get crowded with families with small children, though my latest visit was OK.
6/10 – better than the average Spoons.
6 Sep 2015 23:43
Large roadside 1930s pub that was built in the anticipation of a housing estate that is only now arriving 80 years later ! Have been going here for years, and it is almost my local (10 mins walk). Always used to do an excellent Sunday lunch, but a few years ago it was renamed the “Coconut Grove carribean experience” – and when rapidly downhill. Has improved greatly since it escaped the clutches of a pubco, though it still mainly appeals to families with young children – with an outdoor play area.
On my latest visit there were 3 real ales on offer (though there have been more in the recent past), Caledonian Deuchars, Thwaites Original and Yorkshire Terrier. I opted for the latter which was entirely reasonable. The menu is extensive. The main section is basically pub grub, with the most interest items being a range of risottos. I chose the steak and ale pie from this, and it was very nice. The pie was meaty and juicy, and there were plenty of vegetables. The only drawback being that it came with mash rather than chips. Even so, I managed to eat most of it.
They also do lunchtime special on weekdays (a very restricted selection of the main menu), jacket potatoes, baguettes and sandwiches. There is a specials board, though I didn’t look at it closely. A Sunday roast is still offered. Unusually as well as the full roast (£8.99) there is also a “half roast” for £5.99. [ I noticed that neither had mashed potatoes ! ] The first Tuesday of the month is Curry night, and the last Tuesday is steak night.
There were some large screen TVs that were showing Formula 1 – thankfully silently. Also, at one end of the pub is a darts board and a pool table, and both were in use (at 1pm on a Sunday).
7/10 – I could well become a regular again.
6 Sep 2015 23:41
THIS PUB HAS GONE SERIOUSLY DOWNHILL !! No more popping in for a quiet pint, there are now no less that four large screen TVs blaring out Football, totally dominating all corners of the pub. Whats more it is watched by the type of clientele that , when you point out the match is destined for a nil-nil draw, urge you to “keep the faith” ! I could have won £10 in a bet, but instead downed my half of Hydes Manchesters Finest in one, and walked out.
I will not be going back to this place, and I’m not the only one. After leaving I saw another ex-regular coming out of another pub !
23 Aug 2015 23:02
Another place I’m surprised I haven’t reviewed before. Basically an upmarket hotel but with a reasonable range of real ales in the bar. An historic black and white timbered building on the main street adjacent to town square. To reach the bar you have to go past the hotel reception, and can then reach it by turning either left or right.
The bar usually has a range of 4 or 5 real ales on tap. This has varied, but nowadays there seems to always be two Salopian beers available – and I’m not very keen on their beers. On my last visit I tried Rudgate No 20 (a kaffir lime wheat beer) – a bit strange ! A regular in the Good Beer Guide, but I don’t really know why.
On my last visit a noticed a few changes. All the tables were set for dining (at 2.30pm on a Saturday) – I’m sure they weren’t before. There was a pianist playing lice “muzak” that no-one was listening to. And the dreaded Big Screen TV Football had made an appearance.
6/10 – not bad, but not as good as CAMRA like to think it is
23 Aug 2015 23:00
This is a nightclub - which has been around since the 1970s at least.
23 Aug 2015 22:59
Have now been back and sampled the food. The menu is made up of “pubgrub “ (£5-6.50), burgers (£5-6.50), sandwiches (£3.50), jacked potatoes (£5) and salads (£6.50). I had the scampi, which was a large plateful with chips, very nice – definitely not reheated microwave. The only unusual feature being that it was served by someone who appeared to be wearing my old University lab-coat !
Once again three beers on tap, Doom Bar, Specked Hen and Castle Rock Harvest Pale. I tried the latter, and have to say it was in excellent condition. Whilst there was football on the TV, it was only in one corner and not intrusive.
7/10 – I like this place more on each visit. Just a pity about the restricted beer range.
23 Aug 2015 22:57
Met some friends in here the other day. The building is historic black and white timbered, but I didn’t see what it was like inside, as the bar was immediately by the entrance, downstairs was full, so we went upstairs, right by the entrance as well. There aren’t many tables / chairs upstairs, but those those that are a very plush, and it was a very civilised relaxing atmosphere. The bar had 4 real ales on tap (I later found the other side of the bar had a 5th ale). I had the Weetwood Best Bitter which was very nice.
23 Aug 2015 22:56
Unfortunately the quality of both beer and barmaids has gone down in this pub ! And the TVs have got more intrusive. There was one room without a TV, but there wewre no tables in it – only about a dozen low stools !
23 Aug 2015 22:55
Well, this pub is the sort of place that CAMRA beer-tickers would rave about – but I don’t ! In fact every time I go here I like it less ! There are usually 7 or 8 real ales available. Apart from Bombardier, you are unlikely to have heard of any of them, and they have names which don’t immediately tell what kind of beer they are. You needn’t worry however, they are ALL golden / pale ales ! It is also frequented by people who all know each other and have in-jokes which you are excluded from. On my latest visit, I got castigated by the landlord for looking at the pimp clips to see what was available, rather than perusing the list on the wall.
5/10 – avoid this place unless your face fits !
3 Aug 2015 22:40
A sub-Wetherspoons clone with large screen TVs showing sports, and annoying music that no-one is listening to. The most interesting facet is that the building adjoins Wetherspoons Picture House (there is a locked gate between them), but it takes about 5 minutes to walk between them – involving crossing over the river twice !
Was quiet when I visited there on a weekday afternoon, but obviously gets packed by lager-swillers at weekends. Luckily they do serve real ale – on my visit there were 3 beers from Titanic available. I had the Plum Porter which was as nice as always.
Note the address given is correct, but the only access for customers is from Mill Bank.
5/10 – nothing wrong with it, not really my cup of tea
3 Aug 2015 22:37
Welcoming and comfortable substantial stone built building, handy for the terminus of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. It is fairly plush inside, but the sign does say “walkers welcome”. The bar (on the right ) serves 4 or 5 real ales, mostly local. I had the Barngates Goodhews Dry Stout, which was absolutely excellent. One of my friends had a beer from Cross Bay upon which he commented favourably (the other one didn’t drink anything – it’s a long story).
There is an appetising menu of full meals, but we were limited for time, so restricted ourselves to sandwiches (I had the prawn). These are expensive, but not unduly so, and very nice.
I’ve only been there the once, but it looks like it might be the sort of place where strange coincidences happen – we ran into somebody who we had sat opposite on the train (not the R & E) the previous day.
Finally it should be noted that it is possible to sit outside at the front – If you can trust the local weather sufficiently !
8/10 – need to find an excuse for another visit !
3 Aug 2015 22:32
Horrible tourist trap directly opposite the castle – avoid if you possibly can ! There were a few handpumps with the “trio of doom” in one corner, but of the main row of 6 all except one were falsely advertising ciders for the cider festival. The first time I saw this I promptly walked out, but I did return later to see if there was another bar elsewhere (yes) serving more real ales (no). I didn’t fancy the one guest available so settled for a half of Devils Backbone, for which I was charged £1.98 – more than £1 a pint more than I’m used to paying !
I was served by Ciara and Aneta was also there. There also a rather goegeous blonde – but I didn’t have the courage to ask “are you the famous Jasmin” !
Building 8/10 ; Beer selection & pricing 0/10 – I guess that averages out at 4/10 ?
30 Jul 2015 23:33
I noticed this place is cask marquee registered – god knows how ! When I was there, there were three handpumps in a neglected corner of the bar, but only one was in use, serving Sharps Atlantic. And I was served by someone who had obviously never seen a handpump before in their life ! Having said that, the beer was actually in reasonable condition. There was also rubbish music being played loudly to an almost empty pub. Big screen TVs were showing sports. At least it was the cricket, but even here my luck was out, as after watching for 3 balls, they came off for the tea interval !
30 Jul 2015 23:30
Since my visit, I have read on BITE that this is really two bars under the same name, one of which serves drinks only, and one which serves food as well. I wish I’d known that at the time !
I attracted into the (what turned out to be) the drinks only bar by a varied range of handpumps. Unfortunately, it was completely empty ! I was told by a member of staff (clearing tables) that I needed to go into the other bar to get served. He assured me that the range of beers would be the same – only they weren’t ! All that was in there were 3 beers from Brakspear and one other (I can’t remember what). I decided instead to have a half of the Brakspear Dark (craft keg) – though I vauilked at the £4.40 a pint price. I baulked even further when the barman told me it was £2.40 for a half ! I told him I could divide £4.40 by 2 and I got a different answer to him, but he wouldn’t budge. I slammed my money down, downed the half in one and walked out !
Obviously, I can’t comment on the food situation, but I’m sure that’s a rip-off too.
30 Jul 2015 23:26
"the barmaid discussed problems with the coffee machine" - what did the coffee machine have to say for itself ?!
30 Jul 2015 23:24
I didn’t have much time here, as I was just changing trains, but I’m afraid this came across as one of the more tired Wetherspoons, greatly in need of refurbishment. There was a generally dowdy air to the place, and I noticed their list of “available guest ales” bore no relation to what was actually on sale – must have been a few days out of date. The toilets could also do with refreshment – and they are at the end of a rather pokey passge. Can’t remember much about the number of range of beers, but I do recall I had the Tring Tea Kettle Stout
27 Jul 2015 23:18
This is reputedly a very historic pub. Certainly it is genuinely old, with wooden beams and limited headroom. However, what it lacks is atmosphere. There was only one other person present when I visited on a Saturday lunchtime. Not much choice of beer either. Just two from Rebellion – a pale ale and an IPA. I tried the IPA which was very nice. I may be wrong, but I don’t think food was available. Also, pointless music being played to an empty room !
27 Jul 2015 23:17
The Catherine Wheel, Henley-On-Thames
It’s a Wetherspoons Jim, but not as we know it ! An impressively large building that has (probably) not undergone much change since becoming part of the chain. The hotel occupies much of the high street, though the pub itself isn’t nearly so large. Once you’ve found the correct entrance, you pass through a window lined corridor into the heart of the pub. The bar is on the left, and another drinking area is on the right.
There are not many clues that this is a Wetherspoons. The range of real ales comprised Greene King IPA and three guests – no Ruddles, Abbot or “trio of doom” ! There were also couple of craft keg beers, and a large glass iced-water dispenser. The menu is of the A5 style – which I believe is common for more upmarket Spoons. Food however, is the standard Wetherfare, and not cheap – the Friday Fish Club being £7.49 for example.
Unfortunately, the 3 guests were all very similar – pale / golden ales. I had the Dark Star Hophead – which was reasonable.
Finally, I should mention the wooden panelled corridor which leads from the bar to the toilets – not something you find in every Spoons branch.
6/10 – one of the better Wetherspoons, but beer range could have been more extensive
27 Jul 2015 23:14
This is Joxer Bradys under a new (original) name. When I get a chance I'll repost my relevant reviews under this heading.
21 Jul 2015 10:54
The Queens Head, Henley-On-Thames
Now CLOSED and converted into Pachangas Mexican Restaurant. You can still see a cask marque sign if you look carefully !
18 Jul 2015 23:38
Dog and Doublet, Wolverhampton
Although I’d been there before, I made a special trip here last week to review it for BITE. It’s just as well I did, since I liked it much better this time than on my previous visit !
This is an old building that has been refurbished in a modern style. The first impression you get is of space. As you enter the bar is on the left, and there are some chairs & tables to the right, but immediately in front of you is empty. They are presumably catering for the “drink standing up” trade ! There are more seats in another (dingy) room further back.
There are 6 handpumps, but only 4 beers are ever on. Two regulars (Purple Moose Elderflower & Ludlow Gold) and two guests. On my latest visit one of these was Bristol Milk Stout – absolutely gorgeous ! There are also a couple of craft keg beers available, and a fairly large range of unusual bottled beers in the fridge. They are also proif of their range of whiskeys and gins, and there is a sign saying how many beers, ciders, gins 7 whiskeys they have available. I think the beers figure was around 60 , but I forget the rest.
There are a couple of large screen YV, showing news channels, but can be difficult to avoid. There is also usually background music playing, which can be annoying if the place is empty. They also have live music, but I’m not sure how frequent that is.
7/10 – not the best pub in town, but worth checking out from time to time.
18 Jul 2015 23:35
To be more precise, that's three new members all praising the place to the high heavens, after one new member slagged the place off !
Don't you just love these flame wars ?
15 Jul 2015 22:58
Thought I’d better expend on my rather brief review, since nobody else seems to have done.
When it first opened this place did seem to be trying to appeal to a class of punter more highbrow than the usual Wetherspoons. There were signs banning football shirts and baseball caps, they tried to get rid of guest ales, and were always the first to go for managements “gentrification” ideas. However, that seems to have died a death now – maybe they’ve given up trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear ?!
There are a couple of smallish drinking areas at the front which look out onto the street (literally so, since the windows are opened completely in warm weather). Further back the place is open-plan, with the bat on the left. On the right hand side there are some small cages (each containing 1 table), which are to commemorate the fact that the place used to be a gaol ! There is also a beer garden out back, and a few tables out on the street at the front. These latter are supposed to be no alcohol and no smoking, but these rules are often ignored.
There are supposedly 10 handpumps, but you rarely get more than one or two guest ales, with prominent space being given to Abbot, the “trio of doom”, “coming soon” and fake cider pumps (always at least 2 of those). The bar staff are pretty clueless as well.
5/10 - Quite definitely the worse of the two Spoons in town
14 Jul 2015 23:13
I’ve walked past this place pretty much every day for the past 10 years, so I thought today I’d have a look inside. BITE and CAMRA have given the place mixed reviews in the past, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have to say that my worst fears were realised.
From the outside the place looked empty, but there were a few people in the deeper recesses. However, there was no-one behind the bar. This didn’t really matter to me as, although there were 4 handpumps, only one had a clip on it – for Wells Bombardier. I almost walked out at that point, but the barmaid arrived so I had a half. Have to say it was pretty foul as well. And for this I was charged £1.65 – almost £1 a pint more than the Wetherspoons down the road. This puts paid to the sign outside which said “Cask Ales from £3.20 a pint” (note the plural). Makes me wonder whether the other advertising signs (such as for a Northern Soul night) were correct as well.
I have to say that there were some plus points. The place was clean and presentable, the clientele reasonable, and there were no large screen TVs. Just a shame about the lack of beer !
It could well be another 10 years before I go in again !
14 Jul 2015 23:11
Quite a serendipitous find this. Not the type of pub that I would normally go for, but exactly what I was looking for yesterday !
Not the most obvious of pubs, as it’s a fairly anonymous building set back a bit from the road, and the sign doesn’t spring out at you either. The pub itself is quite small, but the are plenty of places to sit outside – though it appeared to be obligatory to have a dog if you did that ! There is also a (newly built ?) overflow / dining area on a lower level to the main building, which is handy for catering for large groups which turn up unexpectedly (as a party of 26 did whilst we were there !).
The bar is directly in front of you as you enter, with 5 handpumps serving beer from (mainly) small local breweries. I chose the Abbeydale Moonshine Pale, whilst my brother went for Storm Silk Of Amnesia – both of which were excellent. The landlord was very helpful and obviously proud of his beers. I’m not sure of the prices, but CAMRA discount is given.
Whilst I’m sure there would be no objections if you just popped in for a drink, the place is obviously geared towards the dining trade – and the upper end of the market. There are a number of blackboards with dishes chalked on them, one for starters / main courses, one for light bites, and one for childrens meals (under 13s only !). Prices for main courses ranged from about £8 to £17.
Since we were celebrating our recent inheritance from our late aunt, who was a notable gourmet (amongst other thing), I went for what I thought was the most unusual dish, Toulouse Cassoulet. This was an absolutely gorgeous casserole containing huge portions of duck and pork. My brother had the seafood reuben. I think he enjoyed it, but he did give me most of his chips !
Of, and I almost forgot, it scores highly in the gorgeous barmaid stakes as well !
9/10 – foodie heaven – and great beer too !
12 Jul 2015 19:22
Went in here recently because a friend had recommended it, though it doesn’t serve real ale. Thought I had made a disastrous mistake at first ! There was a board outside advertising forthcoming events – but they were for last October ! Going inside it was extremely dark, with weird blue lighting. There was no-one in there except a couple of dubious characters playing pool and a shaven headed tattooed barman. Luckily whilst my Guinness was being poured another guy came in, who turned out to be very knowledgeable about old pubs in Derby. He even remembered the Globe – a pub that another friend recommended me – but it turned out had closed in 1979 !! I also discovered that there was a range of bottled ales (e.g. Adnams, Hobgoblin) in the fridge.
7 Jul 2015 00:36
The first thing to say is that this place does not live up to it’s name – it’s at street level ! [ I believe there is a cellar available for function hire though ] On entering the bar is immediately on the right. Whilst there are a few high stools and comfy sofas, most of the small room is empty to accommodate the hordes expected here on Friday / Saturday nights. Looks a bit stupid when the place is virtually empty on a Sunday afternoon though ! Sports are shown on large screen TVs but not obtrusively.
There are 4 or 5 handpumps serving real ales that you almost certainly will never have heard of before ! I had the Odyssey Blackout which was reasonable. There is also a range of craft keg beers available – though these aren’t wildly exciting. I believe food is available weekdays, but don’t know any details. Certainly there were signs saying “free pork pies all day Sunday”, but nobody offered me one despite there only being one other person in the pub !
5/10 – not my cup of tea.
7 Jul 2015 00:35
Bit of a strange place this. Like a cross between the Tardis and a chameleon ! The entrance is what looks like a small shop immediately after you turn out of Leicester station heading for the city centre. Going instead you enter a small room furnished like a plush hotel. It’s not until you turn the corner and go down some steps, that you see the place open up into a huge room that stretches back a long way ! It’s furnished a bit like a junk shop with all sorts of paraphernalia around – I remember a garden spade, a chandelier and an old washboard. The bar is to the right, with all sorts of chalk boards proclaiming various attractions. You can sit at high stools at the bar, in booths down the left hand side, or normal tables to the rear, but the centre of the room is a large open space.
This establishment is owned by the Steamin Billy brewery, and the 5 real ales on tap include a couple of theirs. I tried the Bitter which was reasonable, if nothing special. There were also a fair few “craft keg” beers on tap. Food was definitely available because I saw a Specials board, but I couldn’t see a normal menu anywhere !
7/10 – a quirky establishment, definitely worth another visit.
7 Jul 2015 00:34
Went back here on Saturday, this time with the intention of sampling the food. The menu is pretty much standard “pub grub”, but at very reasonable prices. There is also a small specials board (only thing I remember being spicy meatballs), and various offers like “Tuesdays all starters £1”.
I had the “New Yorker” which was chicken breast covered in bacon, cheese & sauce, served with chips and salad. Very nice it was too. I was also very tempted by the “cheesecake menu”, but two of the three had sold out, leaving only “triple chocolate”. The only drawback was the length of time it took for my food to arrive – at least it meant I could have a good read of the Derby Drinker I’d picked up earlier !
There were 4 beers on tap. I have a feeling two were Bass and Pedigree. Certainly I had Castle Rock Harvest Pale, which isn’t the sort of beer I’d normally choose. So I suspect the other choices were rather uninteresting !
5 Jul 2015 21:53
Supposedly a Marstons pub, but far removed from their typical offering. A long low stone-built building, looking a bit incongruous in a brick terrace. Inside there are two bars at two levels, the front one at road level, and the other side behind lower down. Lots of photos etc on the wall relating to old Derby – and particularly Derby County FC.
There were 7 beers available on handpump, mostly from small local breweries, but also Marstons Pedigree. There was also a handwritten notice saying you could have Bass from the jug (it wasn’t available on draught). I tried the Hartshorn Revolution, which was very nice.
I cant remember anything about food, but did notice they were advertising live music every weekend.
Main drawback was the lack of other people ! I was the only person in the front bar, though there were a couple of others in the back.
7/10 – I’ll be back – hopefully when a few more customers are present !
5 Jul 2015 21:50
The Lych Gate Tavern, Wolverhampton
Thought I’d better review this even though I’ve not been for a few weeks, since I was the one who suggested it to BITE.
A real ale drinkers place just off the main Lichfield Street “drag” in Wolverhampton. Said to be the oldest building in town, though I can’t confirm that. I do know you have to go down several steps from the entrance to reach the bar level. The bar itself is immediately ahead on your left as you arrive. To the right of it and behind you are a small number of tables. Annoyingly these are set so that a small number of customers can easily block up a large area. You can also sit (as my friend and I do) on large high stools in the main window, and gaze out at people’s feet on the street !
There is also overflow seating upstairs from the entrance, but this doesn’t have the same atmosphere. There is also another bar up here but it is very rarely open. Toilets are also upstairs, and disabled access to both bar and toilets is my means of a lift – with strict instructions not to be used by able-bodied people !
The pub is owned by the Black Country Brewery, and there are always 3 or 4 of their beers on. I tend not to drink these though, and instead go for one of the other 7 or 8 real ales available. There is usually a good selection available. On my recent cisits I’ve tried beers froim Wood Farm, Harthill anf Long Itch. There is also Krusovice available, though it is expensive (over £4 a pint).
There is no substantial food available, though you are welcome to bring your own (think they will supply cutlery, but don’t quote me on that). Small cheese baps are available for 50p.
Plenty of CAMRA literature is available if you fancy something to read.
8/10 – would be best pub in town if it wasn’t for the Great Western !
3 Jul 2015 00:13
Describes itself as a “bottle shop and tasting room” which I guess just about sums it up. Under the same ownership as the place of the same name in Crewe, so you would expect it to be pretty much the same. However, I was struck more by the differences between the two branches !
Plus points
• The shop is about twice the size of the one in Crewe
• Bottles on the shelves were priced
• Benches and tables were a lot sturdier
• Toilet facilities were better
• You could buy “Dave’s super pretzels “- which looked a great deal more fillinbg than anything available in Crewe.
Minus points
• Although there was more space, there was less choice of beer – particularly UK bottles.
• The staff were a bit clueless, and seemed to spend a lot of time chatting to each other while outside smoking a fag, instead of dealing with customers.
• There was rubbish muzak being played
7/10 – not got quite the same atmosphere as the Crewe branch
3 Jul 2015 00:11
Small micropub in the station buildings at Worksop. The main entrance is from the car-park, but it’s also possible to exit directly onto the platform – though I’m not sure how official that is ! Very relaxed atmosphere, with just half a dozen tables bestrewed with CAMRA literature, but you can also choose to sit at a couple of tables outside. Has 4 or 5 (mostly) local beers on handpump, including one or two from their own Double Top brewery. I tried the Dukeries Pale Ale, which definitely lived up to its name, and the Double Top Old Stoneface, an absolutely gorgeous 6% stout. Toilets require a keycode.
3 Jul 2015 00:10
I’ve been here a few times now, but still have only acquainted myself with the bar nearest the main door. There are passages leading off that need exploring ! Anyway, on my latest visit the beer offerings were 4 Marstons related ales, and Slaters Top Totty. I tried the Brakspears Bitter which reasonable – and not too cold as beers here have been in the past.
Have still not eaten here, and doesn’t look like I will do so in the near future, as the menu consists mainly of various burgers – starting at £9.50 !! I do like the silly names they’ve given them though – the vegetable burger is called the Morrissey for instance !
Not sure if I’ve mentioned they have live music here in the evenings occasionally ? [ Again, not sampled ]
3 Jul 2015 00:09
Went back last Sunday to try the food. Just couldn't resist the Panfried Sea Bass. It was expensive (£7.95), but absolutely gorgeous ! Was quite substgantial for a starter as well. Only slight critism is that it was served with a pea and chorizo risotto, the strong taste of which was a bit overpowering for the fish. But, hey, this is a pub review site - not Egon Ronay's gourmet pseuds corner !
As far as beer was concerned, the two Woodlands had gone, and been replaced by Salopian Darwins Origin. [ I am told they rotate between several local breweries ]
1 Jul 2015 15:20
This is one of the new breed of micro-pubs / bottle shop. It is situated on a corner just up the hill from Wetherspoons (Counting House). I believe the premises were also formerly a bank. When I arrived at 1pm on a Saturday I was the first customer, and they appeared to be in the process of shelving new deliveries.
There are shelves down each side, and the bar is on the right at the end. There are a few tables scattered about, or you can sit on a stool at the bar. [ I put my bags on a table opposite the bar, but spent most of my time looking around ! ] UK beers are grouped according to style and there are Belgian / German at the bar left and US beer beyond the bar on the right.
There are three handpumps. I chose the Mobberley 1924, which was very nice. As you would expect, no food – only “nibbles”.
I shall definitely pop in next time I’m in Congleton.
26 Jun 2015 23:14
A fairly new Wetherspoons, so I needn't tell you about the beer or food ! Generally very light and airy, and very busy.
26 Jun 2015 21:53
This review relates to a visit in January 2015.
A most strange place this. I had read about it beforehand, and how the premises were spectacular, so was keeping an eye out for it. However, I went past it 3 times before I realised it was there ! That is because the only external sign was a small board by a half open doorway.
Once you enter the place is pretty spectacular architecturally – high vaulted ceiling, marble pillars, arched windows and chandeliers. Off to the right there is a stage for bands, and a large stylish bar sweeps round to the left. However, at 2pm on a Saturday I was the only person in the place !!
There were 5 or 6 handpumps, but the only beer available was their own house beer. Also, some craft beers appeared to be available, but it wasn’t clear what they were.
5/10 – completely lacking in atmosphere.
26 Jun 2015 21:51
Was previously called The Waldrons, but the chain it was part of went bust a couple of years ago. Was closed for a while, but reopened about a year ago as ALBERTS CORNER.
I didn't think much of it on my first visit, however I went in again recently and was much more favourably impressed ! Almost all the old seating has been removed and replaced (mainly) by individual chairs / tables in a more upmarket style. Overall number of seats probably less – more comfortable.
There were 4 real ales on tap again, but more interesting this time. There were two “bitter” type beers from Woodands and 2 dark beers from Titanic. Not a golden ale in sight – hooray ! After agonising for ages, I eventually decided on the Titanic Stout and it was very nice indeed.
The food range is expanded as well, with separate menu cards for light bites, mains, desserts and afternoon teas (!). The prices aren’t cheap (£5-8) for light bites, though some of these like “pan-sauteed sea bass” sounded anything but light. I’m still suffering from lack of tooth (see Old Poets Corner, Ashover !) so I didn’t eat, but will definitely do so on my next visit and report back.
Also in the running for Best Barmaids in Town – if you ignore the blue hair !
Oh yes, it does 10% CAMRA discount as well – and beer prices were lower than I remembered as well (£3 a pint before discount).
7/10 – could well become one of my favourite haunts.
26 Jun 2015 21:48
I need to be careful what I say here, as I am a regular, and they can probably guess who I am !
Anyway, this is a micro-pub cum bottle shop – claimed to be a unique concept, though I’m not so sure about that. It has up to six craft keg beers on tap, plus one real ale on draught (though that often isn’t available). The keg beers are ever changing and come from all over. Usually the UK (e.g. Thornbridge, Runaway, Brightside, Rat) but ones from Ireland, Germany, USA, and Belgium have been noted. The draught ale is usually fairly local (e.g. Red Willow).
Plus, the walls are absolutely covered in shelves lined with bottles – I’m told that at any one time up to 600 different beers are in stock. Bottles can be either drunk in or taken out. [ Sales are about 50/50 draft / bottles, and 50/50 drink in / take out ]
The bottle stock is constantly changing. Unless it’s a big seller (Thornbridge, Marble etc) once it’s gone chances are it won’t be back in stock. The bottle array is arranged geographically, from Cheshire on the immediate left, through Manchester / Yorkshire / London to Scotland / Wales / Ireland, back down through Europe (mainly Germany / Belgium) to the USA. Note also that a selection of bottles is always kept in the fridge.
Be warned – this place is not cheap ! Prices for the draught range from £3 - £6 per pint. Bottles start at about £3 and can go up to £25 !! [ The large ones on the top shelf ] Nor are prices shown anywhere for the bottles – so you can easily run up a large bill. [ To be fair the staff will warn you if you buy a bottle costing more than about £5 ]
As you might expect, the place is run by a very small team of enthusiastic knowledgeable staff who are only too happy to help. The regular customers often try and help bewildered newcomers as well !
The place is only small and narrow. Seating consists of demountable tables and benches – seating about 20 in total. This is not the place to come if you get claustrophobia, or don’t want to talk to your neighbour !
No music. No food (except nibbles). No TV sports. No mass produced alco-fizz. No wine. No Spirits. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control in case their wagging tail knocks bottles off the shelf!! Not sure about cats, but you certainly can’t swing them here !
This is the original location of what is intended to be a small chain – they have already opened a branch in Nottingham.
8/10 – a great place but entirely different to a normal pub.
25 Jun 2015 00:20
A superb architectural gem bang next door to Lime Street station. Recent rebuilding at lime St having made the frontage more visible.
Used to be a bit of a dump, with no real ales, but now has smartened up its act and offers 6/7 changing real ales. Both quality and price are reasonable, my pint of Brains Rev James costing £2.70. Unfortunately, service can be slow and of questionable ability (my pint was fine, but my friend had to ask for a top-up).
There is a popular front room, which includes the bar, and fairly loud piped music. I headed for the back room which was amazingly completely muzak free, and quieter overall. There is also a “dining room” upstairs, but I didn’t venture there.
Food is pretty much “burger led” pub grub style – but seem more interesting than similar offerings elsewhere. It looked OK as well - will make sure to try it next time.
7/10 – much better than it used to be
25 Jun 2015 00:18
As previously mentioned is now called ALBERTS CORNER
Went in here again today and was much more favourably impressed ! Almost all the old seating has been removed and replaced (mainly) by individual chairs / tables in a more upmarket style. Overall number of seats probably less – more comfortable.
There were 4 real ales on tap again, but more interesting this time. There were two “bitter” type beers from Woodands and 2 dark beers fro mTitanic. Not a golden ale in sight – hooray ! After agonising for ages, I eventually decided on the Titanic Stout and it was very nice indeed.
The food range is expanded as well, with separate menu cards for light bites, mains, desserts and afternoon teas (!). The prices aren’t cheap (£5-8) for light bites, though some of these like “pan-sauteed sea bass” sounded anything but light. I’m still suffering from lack of tooth (see Old Poets Corner, Ashover !) so I didn’t eat, but will definitely do so on my next visit and report back.
Also in the running for Best Barmaids in Town – if you ignore the blue hair !
Oh yes, it does 10% CAMRA discount as well – and beer prices were lower than I remembered as well (£3 a pint before discount).
7/10 – could well become one of my favourite haunts.
21 Jun 2015 19:35
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
Judging by previous reviews, I had high hopes for this place – and I wasn’t disappointed !
Coming in through the main door, the bar is immediately on your left, and there are small rooms of to the left and right (maybe others ?). There are pictures of old Ashover on the walls, including the light railway (unfortunately the table in front of that was occupied), and the room we were in was decorated with tons of hops and old beer bottles. You can also sit on some benches out the back, in the midst of beer barrels and car-park.
There is a range of real ales on tap, that is too large to remember accurately, but I think there were 9. 3 or 4 were from their own Ashover Brewery, the rest were from various small breweries. There were a couple from Oakham and a “friendly face” for the unadventurous in the form of Old Hookey. I had the Ashover Light Rale, which was pleasant but unadventurous, and Ashover Milk Stout which was very nice but hoppier than I expected.
The kitchen was being refurbished, so instead of a full menu they were only offering a “top 10” – a varied selection of 10 dishes . Most of them sounded very nice, but I was more or less forced to have the Chilli Con Carne as I’d recently had a tooth out, and this was to be my first hot meal for 3 days ! And very nice the chilli was too.
The place was advertising a number of special events. I can’t remember them all, but they included live music and a curry night which unusually was on Sundays.
9/10 – excellent. Will definitely return.
21 Jun 2015 19:16
At the time of my visit (May 2015), this place had recently been taken on by the Steamin Billy brewery (Leicester), and had it’s emphasis switched to become a “traditional ale house”. The place had obviously been thoroughly refitted inside, and was looking a bit pristine for my tastes. The main lounge was done out in a blue checked pattern, with old sporting implements (cricket bats, tennis racquets, golf clubs) on the walls.
There were 4 beers on tap in the lounge, two of which were Steamin Billy’s own, but I went for the Belvoir Dark Horse (mild), which was very nice. Latter on I discovered the other bar, which had a similar range of 4 different beers. Even later I discovered a complete beer listing on the wall – by the other entrance.
Food is limited to cobs / pies. I had the ham & mustard cob, which was reasonable, but obviously wasn’t made on the premises as it came in a plastic packet !
I also have to report that on a Saturday lunchtime the place was very quiet, most of the time I was the only person there.
6/10 – give it time to settle in
18 Jun 2015 22:42
Forgot I had reported this place as closed ! It opened up again a few months ago, under completely new management, and with a focus on local real ales. From the main entrance there is a basic bar on the right and a plush lounge on the left, done out with a large tableau about the battle of Nantwich. Piped 70/80s music is played but only quietly. Each bar features 3 real ales – but they are not the same ! Thankfully, they have now taken advice, and have a complete list on a small blackboard. The ales are normally from small local breweries (often Salopian), but unfortunately tend to be mostly golden ales. The beer is always of good quality, but they often have trouble serving it having to use several buckets to mop up the froth !
When I first went there they had an interesting food menu, but in all subsequent visits there hasn’t been any food available. They appear to have been advertising for a chef for the last 3 months !
One odd little quirk is that, depending on whereabouts you sit, you may have to go through a door marked “ladies” to visit the gents – and vice versa !!
7/10 – a venture worthy of support
17 Jun 2015 22:29
Since my last visit the number of staff on duty doubled (1 to 2), and the number of real ales on draught tripled (1 to 3) ! Since two of them were Speckled Hen and Doom Bar, I tried the Youngs Blonde – for which they put a new barrel on specially ! I also noticed that the food seemed very cheap, so I might eat here next time.
17 Jun 2015 22:26
I had heard good things about this place – but what a disappointment. On a Saturday afternoon it was populated by 3 miserable old blokes, disinterestedly watching some obscure cycling on the TV. There were 5 real ales on, but none of them could remotely be described as exciting. I had the Three Tuns Bitter, which was OK – once it had settled down. Still it was cheap as they had a special offer on off £2.60 for all draught beers.
17 Jun 2015 22:23
Saturday lunchtime probably wasn’t the best time to visit this pub, as I’m told it is very popular in the evenings, when they have live music. However, when I was there it was very quiet – the liveliest thing to happen being when the barman spilt my beer all over me when serving it ! I’ll try and not let that bias this review !
It is a historic Georgian building with a lot of small rooms inside, but most of the interior seems to be taken up by the bar. It is a Robinsons house, and has their standard range of 4 beers. I had the Wizard (eventually), which was quite nice. No food, as that is catered for by the (Saxon Grill at) The Crown next door.
6/10 – nothing special, but I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt for the moment.
17 Jun 2015 22:22
This is a Wetherspoons, so most of the features go without saying. Unlike many Spoons it was actually a pub beforehand, so the architecture is nothing to write home about. There are two main rooms at the front featuring chairs & tables, and one main one out back with high stools and tables. The bar is on the left at the rear.
Unfortunately, this is one of the Spoons where the bar staff are less than interested, and the range of guest ales underwhelming. However, the food is usually pretty decent – and certainly cheaper than most other places in Sandbach.
5/10 – Spoons is Spoons
17 Jun 2015 22:18
Newly opened Wetherspoons in (presumably) a former bank. The interior is pretty spectacular, with globe lights arranged in chandeliers , pillars holding a high ceiling, wooden panelled walls and a green paint scheme. Tables arranged spaciously in varying sizes – up to about a 12 seater. There is even more space further back. 12 handpumps, serving 7 guest ales and the usual Spoons promo suspects that I avoid like the plague ! I had a very nice pint of Bank Top Dark Mild.
No need to say anything about the menu (I didn’t eat), except that it was expensive for Wetherspoons, and there was no Sunday roast.
6/10 – one of the better Spoons – lets see how long it stays that way ?!
16 Jun 2015 21:48
Well, Lizzie is back ! Unfortunately she’s off on her globetrotting again in a few days time, so you need to be quick to catch her.
In other news they’ve started doing a range of specials for £4. The vegetable chilli was excellent ! Beer range remains as before, reasonable but a bit bland. At least they still do Bass from the jug.
17 May 2015 17:40
I seem to have forgotten to review this place ! Anyway, this is a micro-pub selling Wentwell's range of beers. Is much better when the place isn't crowded out !
17 May 2015 17:26
Both my previous quibbles seem to be being addressed. They do now (temporarily ?) have a dark beer available, as they are participating in “mild in May”. And Steph does have some qualities similar to the infamous Polly – namely the tendency to be constantly cleaning the place !
P.S. also just got around to drinking the Hades - see Ye Olde Dolphin for reason for celebration.
17 May 2015 17:23
Back again to day I found a picture of my aunt & uncle on the wall ! [ Derby High School group photo ] Also the quality of the barmaids is on the up !
17 May 2015 17:21
Just to say they've started doing their own Brunswick Discount Card, with similar reductions to those who have CAMRA cards.
Otherwise, no change - still one of my 10 favourite pubs in the country !
17 May 2015 17:16
The Bell and Castle Inn, Derby
OK. I've been back, and service was MUCH quicker this time ! I had Leatherbritches "The Biunder" this time, which was nice, but not particularly the sort of beer I enjoy. And the beer garden out back is MUCH larger than the actual pub - pretty uniqye for an urban location slap bang on a main road !
17 May 2015 17:14
The Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch
Recently taken on by enthusiastic & accommodating Irish landlord. An old stone building on the edge on this straggling village. Unfortunately, the interior is smaller than it looks from the outside, which can lead to a delay in getting served. The emphasis is on food, but people who just pop in for a drink are very welcome.
There is an extensive range of food on offer, all the way from “cheesy chips” upwards. Our party of five on two visits has only just begin to scratch the surface of the menu ! There are starters (soup, olive board, calamari), burgers, pasta and roasts . Prices are not cheap, but are reasonable considering the location. Quality is excellent, and food is well presented. Only word of warning I would give is - don’t expect a starter on its own to be sufficient to assuage your hunger pangs !
Despite what CAMRA’s Whatpub website would have you believe, this is a Wadworth pub. Our two visits there have both seen 6X and Henry’s IPA available, plus another pump “turned around”. Also serve Wadworth’s Corvus Stout on keg – but not Guinness !
Finally, there is a garden where you can sit to drink, but I wouldn’t recommend eating outside due to the slope !
7/10 – better than average, but not a worldbeater.
17 May 2015 17:06
I’m not quite sure about the name of this place ! CAMRA lists it as the Railway Shed, but the actual building has no marking other than “Ludlow Brewing Co” in large letters. Anyway, it is home to the Lydlow brewery and serves as their brewery tap. The internal decor is pretty minimalist. The bar is straight ahead as you enter – underneath a storage area ! There are lots of bare walls, and a dew seats scattered round. There is more plush seating in an area upstairs to the left, which also serves as a viewing platform for the actual brewery, the mash tuns of which are rear left in the building. It is possible to get tours of the brewing facilities, though I’m not sure if you have to book beforehand.
As might be expected, they have a range of 5/6 of their own beers on tap. I tried the Dark Knight which was very nice.
This place is normally only open during the day, but there are numerous special events for which extensions are given.
7/10 – pretty good, but a bit minimalist for my liking
24 Apr 2015 23:29
I completely fail to understand why so many people apparently think this place is wonderful. For a start THIS PLACE IS NOT A PUB ! It’s an upmarket cafe-bar attached to a hotel. [not that that disqualifies it from BITE ] So, why do people rave about it ?
Is it the building ? Well the hotel is magnificent, but unfortunately the bar is actually in the plain Georgian building to the right.
Is it the range of beer ? Well there were only three beers available when I was there.
Is it the beer quality ? I had the Hobsons Old Prickly, and this was reasonable enough, but nothing special. [ To be fair they have won awards for beer quality ]
Is it the atmosphere ? Hard to see it – it’s a bit genteel for my liking. It took me two visits to get served, because the first time there weren’t any vacant tables, and drinking standing up / at the bar is not encouraged. When I did find an empty table, I noticed that most people were only drinking soft drinks or halves.
Is it the food ? Well I didn’t eat there, but my fellow diners weren’t so keen on it to eat every last mouthful !
To sum it up, whilst this place is Ok, I went to 5 pubs in Ludlow, and this place was definitely NOT in the top 3 !
5/10 – adequate but nothing more.
24 Apr 2015 23:28
Well this definitely has the largest range of beers in town – with 10 being available. It also has the most varied range, as it was the only place that had dark beers on tap. I see people have been complaining about the beer quality, but I tried both Hobsons Nutty Mild and Three Tuns Stout, and they were both perfectly acceptable.
People have also complained about the decor, but again I see nothing wrong. It may be a bit “lived in”, but that’s a good thing in a pub – I would rather have that than a museum piece.
There are at least 2 entrances, but wherever you come in you are gaced with the central bar. Work your way around and make sure you investigate all the hand pumps, otherwise you might miss what’s on offer. There is a list, but it isn’t visible from all parts.
It was pretty busy when I was there, and I felt obliged to sit at the bar, rather than take up a quarter of a table for 4. There was a constant stream of people coming and going and looking for tables or ordering, but it never got overly full. [ I believe there is more seating upstairs ].
I didn’t eat, but from what I could see of the menu, there was a separate “pie menu” which had coloured stickers to indicate which pies were actually available on that day.
Last, and by no means least, the barmaids were b*****y gorgeous !
9/10 – hard to find what’s not to like about this place.
24 Apr 2015 23:27
The Old Bull Ring Tavern, Ludlow
Well the outside is magnificent ! A black and white half-timbered building that, when you go inside and see the low beams and hotch-potch nature of the rooms, is definitely genuinely old. It’s not a bad pub either, with 6 real ales on when I was there. Mainly local (I had the Wye Valley Butty Bach – very pleasant), but also Tetley’s Cask. Previous poster have complained about the lack of atmosphere and service, but I had no problems, and the place was pretty full on a Saturday lunchtime. Most people were having lunch, but I didn’t feel out of place just drinking. However, I do have to say that there wasn’t anything particularly special about the place to make me want to come back again.
6/10 - a good solid pub
24 Apr 2015 23:25
It’s difficult to tell the age of this place. The outside is brick, but immediately inside there are low wooden beams in front of the bar. Round the corner and down some steps is a high ceilinged area which is obviously a more modern extension. The toilets are straight on from the main entrance, down a flight of steps and a passageway. There are several warnings that they are for customers use only – it would be very easy to sneak in without anyone at the bar noticing ! There is also said to be a large beer garden out the back, but I didn’t manage to find it.
The furniture is very modern indeed and gives the feeling of a wine bar rather than a pub – however it is possible to sit at stools at the bar. Furnishing on the walls is minimal, but there is a board listing all the local suppliers of ingredients for the food.
Food is of the wholesome home-cooked variety. I had the venison pie which was probably the most unusual dish on the menu. It wasn’t cheap (£9.95) but was absolutely gorgeous, and the portion was so enormous I couldn’t manage to finish it (almost unprecedented !)
There were 4 or 5 mainly local beers on handpump. I had the Hobson’s 3.8 Bitter which was really nice. [ Only complaint about the beer was the lack of dark beers, not that I would have necessarily chosen one ]
Recent reviews have complained about the standard of service in this place, but I have absolutely no complaints on that score. It was friendly, efficient, and the food arrived very promptly.
8/10 – a really good friendly pub
14 Apr 2015 00:06
Well, having promised a fuller review 4 years ago, I thought it was about time I got around to it ! This is a bit of a rambling place with all sorts of nooks and crannies. The bar is immediately on the right when you go in was a small amount of seating in the area round it. There is a snug up to the left, and downstairs to the left is another room. This tends to be used by diners, but it isn’t exclusively so. There is also another (quieter) room behind the bar to the right – but it has taken until recently for me to find it !
There is all sorts of stuff arranged around the walls, most of it related to either the Titanic or Stafford. There is even one wall which has been wallpapered with an old paper – looks convincing until you realise Brighton is next to Manchester !
There are five handpumps at the front of the bar. These all sell similar Titanic light-coloured beers (which I tend to ignore). There are 5 or 6 other pumps now the left of the bar. These usually include one Titanic dark beer (e.g. Plum Porter, Vanilla Stout), and soem guest ales from a variety of sources. This is an Everard’s “project William” pub, so their Tiger is always available. There are also some “craft keg” beers advertised, but I’ve not tried those. Beware – prices are not cheap.
Food is available both lunchtimes and evenings. The range is fairly interesting, but prices are expensive.
Almost forgot – they hold beer festivals twice a year which take place in a marquee in a yard out back which otherwise serves as a smokers haunt.
7/10 – probably the best pub in town, but not that outstanding.
14 Apr 2015 00:02
It’s me again ! Just thought I’d better point out that the menu has changed. At lunchtimes nowadays you get a restricted range of soup, nachos, jacket potatoes and sandwiches. Evening meals are of a very standardised “pub grub” type. Beer range remains pretty much the same (including Duck Berry which I’ve never seen elsewhere), although the Vanilla Infused Porter wasn’t available this time.
29 Mar 2015 23:20
Another backstreet pub that it takes an effort to find. But this one is better known because it’s in the GBG. Entering from the door on the street corner, the first impression is of enormous space (the pub has been much expanded over the years). You have to through at least 2 seating areas before you get to the bar. There were 5 or 6 real ales available, though none of them were wildly exciting. I tried the Double Maxim – which was OK, but too cold for my liking. This pub appears ot specialise on live music, and there was a long list of forthcoming acts. Hope they are better than the rubbish piped music that was playing when I was there ! Football was being shown on a big screen TV. I sat in one of the plush seats and watched for 5 mins
29 Mar 2015 23:18
I’m surprised I’ve not reviewed this place before because I’ve been going here on an occasional basis for a while (whenever I can tear myself away from the lovely Polly in Wetherspoons !).
Anyway, this is a bit of a mix of a place. They usually have 7 or 8 real ales on tap, almost always wuth something interesting that you are tempted to try. They frequently have locally brewed Brough ales. However, they aren’t cheap – even with 10% CAMRA discount.
Then there are the mass-market aspects of the place to consider. There are 5 large screen TVs showing sport (thankfully usually with no sound), the furniture is somewhat dilapidated, and the clientele can be dubious. It tends to get very crowded and rowdy at weekends.
The other overriding impression is of how short-staffed the place is. Often there are only 2 people running the whole place (one behind the bar, and the other delivering food orders). So although they try their best, you can often have to wait a considerable time to get served.
Incidentally, there is a standard pub-frub type menu. I’ve never eaten here, and have had missed reports about it.
6/10 – sometimes worth braving it for a decent beer.
18 Mar 2015 23:05
The other pub near the station. Tends to attract large groups for some reason. When I arrived a group of 8 was just leaving (making the place virtually empty), and a bit later a group of 13 arrived. The main room at the front is light and airy decorated in what can only be described as a “funky” style, with much use of yellows and browns. There is a “games room” at the back, but this is much smaller and seems to consist mainly of a pool table occupying over half the space !
There were three “national” beers available, Theakstons, Spitfire and Deuchars – of which I had the Theakstons. There was a menu listing typical pub food, but I didn’t eat here.
I was going to complain about the horrendous loud music, but after a few minutes realised it was 60/70s Motown classics – but with dreadful sound quality !
18 Mar 2015 23:03
Imposing building at the top of the main ramp leading down to Preston station. It looks Georgian / Victorian from the front, but the inside proves it to be older, with the main part featuring low pink painted beams and white plaster walls. However, the room at the back is obviously later and has a green decor.
As for the beer being served, all I can do is misquote the line for the Twelve Days of Christmas “five gold ales” ! There were several real ales on handpump, but they were all more or less the same ! I tried the Three B’s Doff Cocker, which was reasonable, but nothing special. There was a menu for basic food at very reasonable prices e.g. chips, sandwiches
6/10 – more genuine choice of ales would be appreciated !
18 Mar 2015 23:01
Have been here 3 or 4 times, but on my latest visit I twigged what was the most notable feature of the place. It is obviously designed for people who like to drink standing up ! There is no furniture within 8-10 feet of the bar. Further away there are stools and benches, mainly in what were probably originally separate rooms, but they are somewhat down at heel. Several big screen TVs showing various Sky Sports channels are the main attraction.
Had 7 or 8 real ales on tap including for some reason several from the Hand Drawn Monkey brewery in Yorkshire. Once again there were no really dark beers available. I tried the HDM Aussie Red which was quite nice.
Unfortunately despite the range of ales this place tends to attract large groups of lager-swiggers.
6/10 – not a bad pub, but better when it’s not so crowded !
18 Mar 2015 22:59
First time I went here there was a sign outside saying “a selection of real ales available including Fosters, John Smiths, Tiger & Kronenbourg” !! I think that just about sums this place up. On that occasion there was only actually one proper real ale available (I walked out), but last time there were three. None of them were in the least bit exciting – I had Belhaven Grand Slam, and I normally avoid rugby related beers like the plague.
The overriding impression I got was of the rather loud music which varied between techno-crap and 10CC (Dreadlock Holiday). There were also some quite interesting genuinely old prints on the walls. Large screen TV was showing the racing, and someone getting overexcited about the result – then I realised it was one of the bar staff !!
18 Mar 2015 22:57
I wasn’t intending to call here, but change my mind after my experience at the Adelphi (q.v.). To be honest I can remember much about the place, so these notes are a bit episodic
There was hardly anybody in at 3pm on a Saturday. There were several big screen TVs showing rugby, but not obtrusively. There were 4 beers on tap – I had the Thwaites Original which was OK. Food was available. I had a look at the menu, but was more interested in the fairly extensive list of craft beers they had available, bottles of each of which were illustrated therein.
18 Mar 2015 22:54
An interesting little place that can easily be missed, as it seems to be in the same building as the much larger Ferret pub.
This was the place where I finally managed to find a dark beer available. There were 6 or 7 real ales available, but 4 were from the Rat brewery, as apparently they had just had a “meet the brewer” evening. Small sample jars showed the colour of the ales, and thus I was able to have Queen Rat. This was said to be a stout, but didn’t taste much like one to me.
They were also doing tastings of malt and hops. Very interesting, but I made the mistake of having the latter first !
This place is big on music, with many gigs advertised, and pictures of musicians on the walls. [ Having said that, I can’t remember if piped music was actually being played – probably not. Likewise I don’t think food was available.
7/10 – I will be back – if I ever visit Preston again.
18 Mar 2015 22:52
This pub was recommended by some guides, but I can’t think why ! There were only 2 beers available, out of 5 handpumps, and they were Kelham Island Pale Rider, and Greene King IPA (I think). However, there was no-one serving at the bar, and no sign of any staff (I wasn’t the only one waiting). After 5 minutes I gave up and went across the road to the Lamb & Packet.
18 Mar 2015 22:49
The Black Horse Hotel, Preston
This place is worth visiting even if it’s only to gaze in awe at the building (it’s Grade II listed) ! If you don’t marvel at the Victorian exterior, then you get some taste of what is to come when you see the pub’s name picked out in a tiled floor mosaic when you open the entrance door.
The building is triangular shaped and there is a semi-circular central bar, again with tiled walls and floor. There are two rooms at the front with prints of old Preston and log fires, whilst at the rear is a “room of mirrors”. The clientele are decorous and welcoming.
However, there is a downside. I’ll start by mentioning the piped music, which nobody was listening to. The place is a Robinsons tied house, and at my last visit there were 4 of their beers on tap plus 4 guests. Whilst this was an increase in numbers from previous visits, it was also a decrease in variety ! Old Tom was no longer available on tap, and all the guests were blonde / golden ales. I had Robinson’s Rouble Hop (IPA) which was admittedly very nice, but I could have killed for a stout or mild !
Building 10/10, beers 6/10 – I guess that makes it 8 overall ?
18 Mar 2015 22:46
RE rating. Yes, before I posted my review there was one rating giving it 4/10. It's MUCH better than that !
However, my maths reckons "quadrantfour" gave it 10/10 - which is almost as inexplicable. Is it really the best pub in the country ?
3 Mar 2015 12:02
This place is in a bit of a flux. When I first visited 3 or 4 years ago it was a (very good) bottle shop. Then they pub some seating in, and a couple of beers on handpump. Now they have installed a large bar, and have 4 beers available on tap. Unfortunately, this has been at the expense of the range of bottles, which now only take up about half of the space they originally did. [ I kept looking to see if there were more hidden somewhere !]
I didn’t fancy any of the beers on tap (which were very similar), so I had a bottle of Watermill Dog’th Vader and sat at the bar. Both clientele and barstaff were very sociable.
7/10 – certainly worth a visit.
1 Mar 2015 23:59
The Young Pretender, Congleton
This is a former shop that has been turned into a bar / cafe. The first hurdle to negotiate when visiting is to open the door correctly ! [ There is a notice explaining how to do it ]
The front is set out as a drinking area with brick pillars, grey walls and a mix of seating (leather settees or wooden chairs / tables). Also various hand-written notices of local events – “Congleton unplugged” was coming up. Further back is the bar where there is room to stand if that’s your choice. When I arrived at 2.30 pm on a Saturday, there appeared to be 3 or 4 groups of people there, but within 10 minutes they all left together ! [ They were on a minibus pub crawl ].
There were 5 or 6 beers available, of which I had the Great Heck Voodoo Mild – which was very nice. I’m not sure about food, but one of the notices was for “this week’s pies”.
Will visit again some time – hopefully when there’s a bit more atmosphere !
1 Mar 2015 23:58
This is a Wetherspoons, so you know what it’s like already ! Not the best branch, but not the worst either. On my first couple of visits I thought it was small and cosy with thick stone walls – then I discovered a newer area at the back ! They usually have a reasonable range of ales. Last time I was there I had the Quantock Plastered Pheasant, which was nice. Have to report though that my Mexican Burger could have done with more chillis !
1 Mar 2015 23:57
Now belongs to the Atwill pub chain – hence the presence of Cock in the name. I think this pub looks most impressive from the outside. It’s all very neatly painted black and white half timbered. Inside the impression is continued, though not so pristinely, with low beams. On entering, the bar is to the left, with some other seating, and more plush seating area to the right. This appeared to be set out for dining, though I’m not sure how rigidly that is enforced. When I was in on a Saturday lunchtime, there were 7 or 8 others in the pub, all congregated on stools around the bar ! I was going to comment about the needless music being played, but then recognised it was the Greatful Dead – so I suppose they deserve marks for originality !
There were 4 beers on tap, of which one was Thwaites Original, and the other 3 were from Brightside. I had the Maverick IPA, which was reasonable. AS I said above, food was available, but no-one was eating. I didn’t investigate further.
1 Mar 2015 23:55
Old mill in a canalside location that has been converted into a real ale delight, with large windows giving an excellent view, and locals ready to guide you through the range of beer pumps !
There were said to be 13 of these, and I am not going to argue. I tried the Old School Truant APA and Tirril Old Faithful – do I need to say they were too cold ?! [ Also Old Faithful was a very light beer, not the dark one I was expecting, but I can’t blame the pub for that ! ]
Incidentally, Google Maps doesn't show this very well - the pub is accessed by a flight of steps down from the Quarry Road bridge over the canal
7/10 – worth revisiting when I’m in a better state of mind !
14 Feb 2015 22:14
This is a bit of a strange place. The front half has all plush leather high-backed seating like a gentlemens club, whilst the rear is laid out with tables for people eating. We were admonished for sitting there and not ordering food.
They had 5 or 6 real ales available including some of their own Borough Brewery range. I tried the Dark Chocolate. This was OK but once again was too cold.
6/10 – reasonable but not my cup of tea
14 Feb 2015 22:11
How are the mighty fallen ! A few years ago (when my friend lived nearby) this was definitely the best pub in Lancaster. Now it has gone decidedly downhill. Judging by the photos on the wall, it’s main purpose seems to be a live music venue – the dominant to the exclusion of virtually everything else. The decor is a bit shabby, and the clientele slightly dubious.
The beer range used to consist of 7 or 8 real ales from a range of breweries (I distinctly remember drinking Blackpool Bitter here), but nowadays there are only 4 national ales available of which the only one vaguely interesting was Hobgoblin Piledriver. This was served much too cold.
There used to be an interesting range of food – last time I ate there I had kangaroo burger ! This time I could see no reference to food at all – though it may still be available.
5/10 – go there for live jazz – but not for beer !
14 Feb 2015 22:10
The Sun Hotel and Bar, Lancaster
Good solid alehouse just off the main town street. The interior gives the impression of being both spacious and small at the same time – due in part to their being less tables than expected. Lowbeaed ceiling and bare stone walls featuring self-advertising blackboards (menu specials, coffee etc). The other impression is of rectangularity, as all the tables, chairs and stools are completely oblong.
7 or 8 real ales available, including some from the local Lancaster brewery. I tried their Blonde (reasonable) and Black (really nice – I had another !). This was the only pub we went into in Lancaster where the beer wasn’t too cold !
Food was available, but was rather pricey – probably to pay for the little metal baskets the chips came in ! [ I didn’t eat there, just noticed wgar other people received ]
7/10 – a good pub but a bit expensive.
14 Feb 2015 22:07
Repened Alberts Corner
4 real ales, not very exciting and expensive. Snack type food
11 Feb 2015 23:22
Been awhile since I went here, but here goes
This was definitely the best pub I went to on my crawl of Warrington, despite visiting all the GBG entries.
Small recently opened pub with a central brick bar and seating on stools around the perimeter. 9 or 10 real ales available featuring mainly local micros. I tried the Problem Child brewery Good Spankin, and 4Ts Stout both of which were excellent. They also have a good range of whiskies.
A word of warning - the gents toilet consists of one urinal - nothing else !
7/10 - an exciting newcomer
9 Feb 2015 23:39
This pub is set back from the road – because it predates it ! As the name implies it is the site of the (unsuccessful) 18th century Derby Spa. On entering, the main bar is directly ahead, and there are alcoves leading off in all directions. The floor features interesting patterned tiles, except in the entrance area when wooden panelling has been laid on top.
6 or 7 real ales were available, of which I had Cameron’s Strongarm – a beer a hadn’t come across for a long time. Food was available – but I had just eaten at the Bell & Castle (q.v.), so didn’t partake.
6/10 – may revise after a future visit.
8 Feb 2015 19:50
Small (but historic) pub more or less bang in the centre of town. On the passageway between the Cornmarket (street) and Market Hall. Easy enough to find from the latter, but otherwise is through a small archway more or less opposite James Street. There are two adjacant entrances that appear to let to different places – but rest assured it is all the same establishment.
Inside it is pleasant enough, more or less open plan with fawn seating, and various items on the walls, including “tigerabelia” and what appeared to be Geoff Hurst’s world cup final winning shirt. Reasonably popular with pleasant bar staff.
Whichever entrance you use, the bar is on the left. £ real ales were available, Bass, Pedigree and Taylors Landlord (my choice). I was surprised to be asked if I wanted it served through a sparkler or not. Food is available, but I didn’t try it.
Finally, a word of warning. There is a sign outside giving beer prices, including £2.85 for a pint of Landlord – but I was charged £1.75 for a half !!
5/10 – a pleasant enough place for those not prepared to venture further afield.
8 Feb 2015 19:48
The Bell and Castle Inn, Derby
Long tall Georgian building on a busy main road. When you enter, the place is smaller than it appears to be from the outside – but also lighter than expected. The (smallish) bar is immediately in front of you., and there is another small seating area to the right. To the left is a larger area (but still only 4 tables) that is obviously set aside for diners. This features bare brickwork, as opposed to stucco elsewhere.
When I was there the few other drinkers were clustered round the bar – but it took a good 5 minutes for someone to appear and serve me. There were 5 or 6 real ales available – I had Black Hole’s Red Dwarf which was very nice.
However, what sets this place apart from other pubs is the menu which is centred around pizzas (though other dishes are available). These are thin crust pizzas and are excellent. I can’t remember the name of the one I had, but it included aubergines. They even added extra olives without asking as my first choice wasn’t available (due to lack of anchovies). Prices aren’t cheap, but still fairly reasonable, as you get personal service freshly prepared. Pizzas are served on round wooden slab, that revolve. Obviously designed for sharing – but I was greedy and ate mine up all by myself !
Toilets are out the back of the pub (which turns out to be very narrow) in a separate building. Also out back is a surprisingly large beer garden (which I didn’t sample because it was snowing ! )
7/10 – an interesting mix between bar and pizzeria, definitely worth another visit.
8 Feb 2015 19:44
Since I was the one who originally suggested this place, I thought I’d go back and get further impressions before reviewing it.
One of the outstanding things about this place is the building it occupies. A strange baroque place with a small spire, that has lettering for Railway Cocoa Rooms, which it presumably was originally. Not sure what it was before reopening as Kash a couple of years ago though.
On entering, you first go past an area that was originally where local bands used to play, but nowadays seems to be used for storing brwery equipment . [ Not sure if they still have live music ] You then go past some tables (on the right) and benched compartments (on the left) before reaching the bar at the far end.
The place is obviously designed for a younger clientele than me, hence loud music, dimpsy lighting and psychedelic murals. I’m not sure if the octopus was supposed to look like president Putin though !! Having said that I guess the average age of customers there during my latest visit was well over 30. An interesting touch was that each “compartment” appeared to have its own beer tap – though I’m not sure if they actually worked !!
The range of beer available is very much a case of “what might have been”. There were 6 handpumps, but only 2 of them were serving anything (and one of those was a cider). Similarly out of 8 taps for craft ales, only 5 were actually in use. There was a sign for Frodsham’s Blue Ball Brewery saying “ask about our forthcoming ales”, but the staff didn’t seem to have much clue about that. [ Blue Ball beers were previously advertised on a big screen TV, but that was switched off this time ]
The beers they did have were from unusual local breweries. I had the Patent Porter from Beer Refinery. This was quite nice, but too cold.
I couldn’t seen any menus, or other signs that food was available, but whilst I was there the people at the next table got served with some burgers.
Finally, the gents toilets are upstairs, next to the kitchen, and above the bar. Don’t think about what might happen if there are accidents with the plumbing !!
5/10 – no excuse for so many vacant taps
8 Feb 2015 19:39
The Black Country Arms, Walsall
Hey, ILookLikeMe - your review is absolutely spot on ! The only difference to my experience is that I have up and went to Wetherspoons instead !
8 Feb 2015 19:18
As previously mentioned, this pub has been taken over by Atwill Pubs and renamed the Cocked Hat. [ All their pubs seem to have “cock” in the title for some reason ]
On entering the pub, the bar is on the left and a lounge on the right. There is comfortable seat in very dark green leather, and cream coloured walls featuring old pirnts of the local area. Also, an internal stained glass window.
The bar features 5 or 6 beers mainly from local breweries. I had the Hornbeam Voyager, which was very nice. There were menus featuring pretty much standard pub grub, but at very reasonable prices. Will definitely eat here next time.
7/10 – worth going back to
8 Feb 2015 19:14
Swan With Two Necks, Stockport
A Robinsons pub that is an architectural gem. Very long and narrow, with a small snug at the front (which I didn’t frequent because you couldn’t see what beers were available), a bar opening into the main passageway, and then another room on the left behind the bar with dark leather seating, wooden panelling and a large fireplace.
Unfortunately only 2 of the 6 handpumps were actually in use, serving Unicorn and Old Tom. I had a half of the latter – and was charged over £5 a pint !
The only bar staff were two very young lads, neither of whom looked more than about 15 ! The only customers were 3 very elderly gents (all about 65-70) propping up the bar, complaining how cold it was !
5/10 – a great building doesn’t necessarily mean a great pub !
8 Feb 2015 19:10
The first pub I visited (out of 4 on my list) on the main road to Manchester – and the furthest from the centre. The first thing to note that it is at the top of a steep hill, so you’ll need a drink by the time you get there ! Substantial brick building advertising “Hardy’s Ales” – which I assume is their own Fool Hardy brewery. The main entranceway immediately leads to two doors. To the left is the “continental beer bar” and to the right the “real ale bar”. Be careful which you choose – there is no way to get between the two without coming outside again ! [ For those desperate, the gents is easier to reach via the real ale bar ! ]
Both rooms are open plan, with various types of seating. The actual bar in the real ale room features ceramic tiles set into its wooden structure.
There were 9 or 10 beers available, of which 4 were their own. For some reason all their beers begin with “R” – they also seemed very much alike from the descriptions given. I tried the Ravenous Romp, which was reasonable, but nothing special.
7/10 – worth the walk, but only just.
8 Feb 2015 19:08
Stockport’s most famous pub, and justly so. Just before I arrived I received a text from a friend saying how wonderful it had been when he went 36 years ago ! Then it was a Boddingtons pub, but now it is a free house with 16 beers on tap.
These are immediately on your right as you enter the pub and, handily, are arranged by type. [ i.e. all bitters together, all dark beers together etc ] I started off with the Stockport brewery Stock Porter, which was OK but didn’t really grab my attention. I followed this with the Kingstone Premium Stout which was much mire to my liking.
You can choose to sit in front of the bar, and there is another (small) room to the left, but I chose to sit in the back room. A bit dingy, but wonderfully atmospheric. Walls covered in all sorts of prints and old posters and photographs. Perhaps my favourite was one showing old brewery trucks, including one that was basically an enormous bottle !
Oh, I somehow seem to have forgotten to mention the viaduct outside – it’s enormous !
9/10 – if you don’t like this place, you must have a steel bolt through your head !
8 Feb 2015 19:06
Another pub on the Manchester road, but only halfway up the hill. Fairly long and thin, but with hardly any windows facing the main road. Like many Stockport pubs, on entering you are presented with a choice of “bar” and “vaults”. The vaults is done in red and white, and features wooden beams, some arches to separate little enclaves, and mixture of seating types. [ It was fairly full, so I had to settle for a high stool and a small round table ] The bar is lighter with more communal seating, though I was only there briefly.
The pub advertises it serves 14 beers, and I see no reason to doubt their claim. However, not all pumps can be seen at once. I chose Fyne Ales Lowlander, which was OK, but disappointingly didn’t have a picture of a South Notts bus on the pump clip !
8/10 – would be the best pub in town in many places, but not this one !
8 Feb 2015 19:03
The Little Jack Horner, Stockport
I’ve seen reports saying this place is really popular on weekday lunchtimes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t when I was there. At 1pm on a Saturday there were only 3 other people in the place, and two of those left in the time it took me to drink my half ! Nor was the selection of beer inspiring. Just two of the 4 handpumps were in use, serving Bombardier and Hobgoblin. This was definitely the worst of the 8 pubs I visited on my Stockport crawl. [ though to be far, I had done research, and only visited places that sounded promising ]
4/10 – take your trade elsewhere
8 Feb 2015 19:02
Just logging in again to report that the gorgeous / wonderful / charismatic Lizzie has now left !
Apart from that nothing has changed. I recommend their special mixed grill - excellent value at £5.95.
I will be back - once my broken heart has mended !!!
22 Nov 2014 22:25
Well I find I hard to believe there is anyone who DOESN'T rave about this pub ! I would give it 7/10 even if it only sold Sharps Doom Bar !!!!
As it is, I had a very nice pint of Smiling Assassin (5.2%) and bought a bottle of Hades (15.4%) for future consumption.
Absolutely brilliant place, full of various memorabilia. One room dedicated to Offilers brewery, and passageway full of huge signs on way to gents. Very friendly staff and locals, though I guess they may be a but cliquey to some. [ Trick is to get there first, and act like you've been going there for years ! ]
Be careful not to sit in "bullshit corner" though !!!
Can only find 2 things wrong with this pub
1) no stout / porter
2) Polly isn't the barmaid !
9/10 - am tempted to give an unprecedented 10 !!!
22 Nov 2014 22:21
Breaking 5 years of silence, to say that this pub (unlike many) is still going and is OK. Only 5 mins walk from Westfield Centre, but hidden in the back streets.
When I was there there was me, and 5/6 people playing pool (not very well), including barman and landlord ! Also, pub cat, which didn't want to talk to me either !! Luckily I could watch the grand prix on big screen TV.
Beer was Landlord, Pedigree & 2 Kelham Island beers. I had the Pedigree, which was fine.
22 Nov 2014 22:13
The Lower Chequer Inn, Sandbach
Oh dear ! I heard good reports of this place in the past, but it had closed for "renovation" by Joules by the time I got around to visiting.
I normally like Joules pubs, but this one is completely soulless ! Their idea of a "craft beer bar" is to sell a couple of unusual German beers. How wrong can they be ? There didn't appear to eb any food available - only snacks.
Barman more interted in talking on his mobile to the regulars "so you won't be coming in tonight at all then", than serving customers.
5/10 - a good pub ruined
26 Oct 2014 01:37
Been a while since I was in here. Previous reviewer pretty much describes it, but neglects to mention that there is a range of 5 of 6 unusual real ales available.
26 Oct 2014 01:30
Well we both kept our promises ! I brought a friend along, and they provided the Indian Porter - which was excellent. Also sampled the "Project Venus" beer which the landlady recommended.
Don't think I've mentioned the "mafic eye" pictures in the Gents yet ...
13 Oct 2014 00:06
A historic exterior modernised internally by Derby Brewery. The things I remember about this place (stop 8 on my tour) are the crescent shaped bar (somewhat of a Derby Brewery trademark), and a set of handpumps which seemed to bear little relation to the beers listed as “available”. I tried the Dashingly Dark (about the only thing on both lists), a beer I’d had before elsewhere, which, although nice, wasn’t anything like as good as I remembered it. Building still has a few books and crannies, most of which you have to negotiate to get to the toilets ! The is a quiet courtyard at the rear which is good for drinking on sunny days.
5/10 – a bit upmarket for me.
13 Oct 2014 00:01
The first thing you notice about this pub is the huge murals painted on the outside, whether it is a trolleybus on the side, or St George on the front. The first thing you notice about the inside of the pub is how light and airy it is. Not futuristically modern, but everything has been covered with light-coloured paint or plaster. Making a change from the usual heavily sculpted wooden interiors of many pubs. Several photos of local historical interest on the walls – complete with lengthy description / explanations. (take note Flowerpot !) Unfortunately the information about Derby trolleybuses is accompanied by a photo of a London one !
They have their own Titan beers (actually I think they are brewed at Mr Grundys). On the first of my two visits, they had a couple available and I tried the Bitter. The second time there was only one Titan beer on, but a couple from North Star (in Ilkeston), of which I tried the Pathfinder. In all there were 4 or 5 beers available.
Not sure about food, but an advert in Derby Drinker mentions Scotch Eggs (yuck !).
6/10 – a pleasant place but nothing special.
12 Oct 2014 23:59
This was the 12 (and final) stop of my latest Derby tour – so not surprisingly I can’t remember a lot about it ! However, I do remember being pleasantly surprised that is was much better than previous posters had led me to believe. There were 4 real ales available, including two from Dancing Duck. I tried the Abduction which was very nice. Not wildly exciting, but a pleasant enough place, and better than the other places in the immediate vicinity.
12 Oct 2014 23:54
Not a lot has changed here since my last visit, but just thought I'd mention that as well as discount for CAMRA members, they also let you use your Wetherspoons vouchers fror 50p off a pint of any Castle Rock beer. Having said that I actually had the Windswept Blonde - which was excellent.
12 Oct 2014 23:47
Well, a 200 word review - and it doesn't mention Beer once !!
8 Oct 2014 15:52
this is the only pub in Rhyl in the Good Beer Guide. If this is the best pub in town, then god knows what the rest are like ! Horrible place with clueless staff and dubious customers
6 Oct 2014 22:55
One of the smaller Wetherspoons – and one of the darkest ! A converted cinema with fantastic decor inside. Seats on several levels going up and up. Plus what appears to be a large fireplace on the second floor.
Only 8 handpumps, featuring 3 local beers and Brains SA Gold. I had a pint of Conwy Rampart, which was very nice. Since it’s a Wetherspoons, I don’t need to mention the food. However, I had the Mexican Burger, which wasn’t as hot as in some places, with smaller chillis than normal. I’m not sure whether that is a good or bad thing !
Service was much better than in Llandudno, and the loos were a lot closer too !
6/10 – one of the better Spoons.
6 Oct 2014 22:52
A former theatre that looks very impressive both from and outside and (when your eyes have adjusted to the darkness), the inside as well. The good news is that there are 15 handpumps, with 7 or 8 guest ales available.
Unfortunately, I can only reiterate what previous posters have said. The service is pretty abysmal. Hardly any staff, those that were serving, were very slow, and kept making mistakes “oh dear, and I was doing so well until then”. Not helped by clientele being mainly pensioners wanting all sorts of weird combinations of stuff.
So what was going to be a leisurely half turned into a very quick swig. And then I discovered that the toilets were absolutely miles away ! They were up 3 flights of stairs totalling 26 steps – and that was from the entrance level, which is a few steps up from the bar. When I got there, I reckon it was nearer to jump out the window to my next port of call (Cottage Loaf), rather than go back to the bar !
4/10 – it needs more than an impressive building to make a good pub.
6 Oct 2014 22:51
I thought my memories of this place from several years ago were rose-tinted because this was the only decent pub in town. But no – it really is as great as I remember it !
A low, white painted, slate-roofed building, that now occupies almost the whole of one block, though when you get inside it has obviously been much expanded over the years. The main entrance leads you to the oldest part of the building with low beams, stone floors, and large tables & benches. To the right is a newer part, raised up with a wooden floor and with smaller tables and chairs (put me in mind of a tea shop !), whilst straight ahead is a large new area. By now you’re wondering where the bar is – you already some past it ! It’s immediately on the right by the entrance.
There were 5 beers on tap consisting of 3 locals, one from Cheshire and Courage Directors. I had a very nice half of Great Orme Cambria.
Other correspondents have mentioned that the place is very much orientated towards dining, but I didn’t notice that. Yes, food is available. From what I remember it looked nice but wasn’t cheap.
And I have to report that it has the best barmaids in town !
Finally, anyone struggling to find the place, go down the narrow alley by Wetherspoons and it’s on your right.
8/10 – a proper pub, tucked away from the main tourist areas.
6 Oct 2014 22:50
A pleasant place on a quiet street near the station. A central bar featuring much wood and brass, with tables spread around the rest of the open-plan interior. [ Or you can sit on a stool at the bar ]
About half a dozen real ales available, plus a couple of ciders. I can’t remember what they all were, but I had Conwy Alt Bier, which wass my favourite of the day. The beer pumps have brief descriptions on them, taster glasses are available, and they do CAMRA discount.
There is an extensive menu, which looked interesting, but the prices were horrendous ! [ Minimum about £10 ]
7/10 – a good place to sit and wait for the train
6 Oct 2014 22:48
Thought I’d let you folks know that I’ve now sampled the food here. It is pretty much a standard “pub grub” menu, but with an emphasis on mash and mushy peas (both of which I avoid like the plague !). After a false start (when they discovered they had no Brown Clough pies left), I settled for the meat taco. It fact it turned out to be three tacos, overflowing with chilli, on a bed of rice that covered the whole plate, with cheese sprinkled over the top, plus cole slaw and a side salad. In short an enormous portion – but I wolfed it down greedily ! Not exactly haute cuisine, but good filling food. [ Not the quickest service I’ve ever had, but that’s home cooking for you ]
As for beer, the range was pretty much the same as before – with two guests. I plumped for the Buck Berry again (excellent beer - wonderful pump clip !). They promise to have their Indian Porter available for my next visit (planned to be a week on Saturday).
1 Oct 2014 22:47
Well I gave them another chance , but thwy didn't take it !
This time the one handpimp out of 6 that was available was serving Bass.
1 Oct 2014 22:47
Little Chester Ale House, Derby
What a great little micropub this is ! An old shop on the corner of the street, which leads to the unusual cake-slice shaped interior. Wooden benches set into the walls down each side, a few tables and chairs, with some fascinating local history objects on the walls.
Beer is served through the hatch at the far end. When I was there they had three of their own Wentwell beers (mild, better, golden ale) plus Raw Anubis Porter. I had a half of the Tavern Mild which was very nice. As for food, I think they do pork pies.
7/10 – a nice relaxing atmosphere, but I can imagine it can very easily get crowded.
1 Oct 2014 22:45
Pretty much a locals pub this one. The central area by the bar is a bit dimpsy, but its a large rambling place, which a lot lighter by the windows. There are large screen TVs, but they are not instrusive, and there are plenty of places where you can sit and avoid them. Actually, I did watch for a change, as they were showing the Ryder Cup golf.
There were three real ales available (think there was room for a couple more too). And I had an awdul choice to make as (although pretty standard) they were three of my all time favourite beers :- Bass, Brains SA, and Exmoor Gold. Anyone like to guess which one I chose ?
1 Oct 2014 22:44
The previous poster got one thing right. This IS a better than average “estate pub” – but that still doesn’t make it much cop !
It is open plan, but with a few nooks and corners where you can have a little privacy. There are large screen TVs, but they can’t be seen from everywhere, and aren’t intrusive. Strangest feature, is that to reach the gents toilets, you have to follow a twisting path past several padlocked doors, until your bump of topography tells you that you must be just behind the bar. Maybe your outflow goes directly into their lager tanks !
Had one real ale available when I visited – a reasonable pint of Wadworth 6X. A pump with Doom Bar was (thankfully) “not available, and there were a couple of other blank pumps.
Food is available all day, and centres around what is claimed to be “140 different burgers”. These range greatly in price – my “Rustyburger” seemingly charging £2 for some cheese sauce and a few bits of bacon. And beware – chips cost extra ! Reasonable quality, but not cheap, and portions weren’t enormous either.
5/10 – “better than some” is not necessarily a recommendation !
25 Sep 2014 22:41
Bit of a strange place this. It acts like it’s been set up for the dining trade, but then, although it is open all day only does food in the evenings ! Indeed the signs to “restaurant” point a corner of the pub (not otherwise separated) that has been laid with tablecloths and cutlery. An Arkells house, on the occasion of my visit, selling two of their beers (two other pumps out of use), Wiltshire Gold and Moonlight, which were in reasonable condition.
As the previous poster pointed out, this pub should be listed under Stockcross not Newbury.
25 Sep 2014 22:38
This is a Wetherspoons, so I needn’t go into great detail about what it’s like, it’s not much different from all the others. However, this is one of the better ones.
A few step at the entrance lead you up to the level of the bar. There are some high tables with stools on that level, but most of the seating is at tables back down at the entrance level, and under a canopy outside.
There are 12 handpumps, in 2 banks of 6. On my visit there were 7 guest ales available, plus a “US craft ale” and one more “coming soon”. I had a very nice pint of Coach House Gunpowder Mild. Pricing was reasonable at £2.20. IO didn’t eat there, but noticed that the menu was (for Wetherspoons) rather pricy.
22 Sep 2014 22:18
This is a delightful little place ! I suppose it fits the description of “micro pub”, but it’s also an off-license / bottle shop, and continental style cafe.
It is very narrow, and just about the whole of the left hand wall is filled with a huge range of bottles. The first half is British and the rest foreign. I noted Belgium, Germany and USA – there may be others. Prices are marked on the bottles, but note, as mentioned by previous posters, there is a 50p charge if you want to drink one on the premises. On the right at the rear is the bar, with 3 handpumps. On my visit they were serving a Southport brewery beer, and two lagers. I Had Flensburger Export – which was reasonable though a bit bland.
Down the right hand side of the shop there is a single column of 5 or 6 tables. There are also a few tables outside on the pavement. Whatever space is left over is covered with (mainly) Belgian beer adverts.
I’m not sure about food. I didn’t notice any menus, but the couple at the next table were eating what was obviously a cheese-board.
The place was fairly quiet when I was there, but I can imagine it can easily get packed.
7/10 – will definitely return and sample some bottles.
22 Sep 2014 22:17
A really great pub in a quiet area just off the main street. A proper traditional pub with, 3 separate rooms, a tiled floor, dark stained wooden panelling everywhere, lights on mini-chandeliers, a bar with glass panels above head height (giving the impression you are being served through a hatch. Walls are decorated with such things as cigarette cards, brasses and period advertising.
And to top it all off there is a great range of beers as well. I thing I counted 11 handpumps – including Theakstons Old Peculier. I had Palmers Copper ale which was very nice. I was also offered a set of third tasters if I couldn’t make up my mind.
I didn’t eat, but the menu looked very interesting with things like pies, jacket potatoes and sandwiches at very reasonable prices. I will definitely eat there next time.
8/10 – surely the best pub in town !
22 Sep 2014 22:15
What can one say – this is pretty much a typical Joules pub, with its wood-obsessed quirky interior. It does however, seem more genuine and intimate that some joules pubs. Maybe that’s because they have used a darker shade of wood than normal ?
It had the usual Joules range of 3 regular beers, plus their seasonal, and a guest. I had the seasonal Calcutta 1757 IPA – which was very nice.
Food is available. On the expensive side – but not as bad as some other local places (we are in a tourist zone here). There was a range of 3 to 4 dishes advertised for Sunday lunch – starting at one course for £8.95.
7/10 – great pub, but too much like other Joules pubs to be brilliant.
16 Sep 2014 22:16
Thought I’d better expand on my previous rather brief review !
From the street this place doesn’t look anything special. Just a 17th century townhouse typical of the street. The first indication it is something different comes when you realise you have to climb a set of steps to first floor level to reach the entrance.
But that still doesn’t prepare you for the magnificence of the interior ! In looks exactly like what it is – an old medieval banqueting hall. The ceiling is high and airy, and there are a couple of large tapestries on the walls. The bar is immediately in front of you as you come in, and occupies most of one side of the room. There are tables and chairs arranged in groups of differing size. The place can easily get crowded, but it is also possible to find it relatively quiet.
The “Brewery Tap” name refers to it’s ownership by Spitting Feathers (actual brewery about 5 miles away), but strangely enough there are only ever a couple of their beers available here. There are usually 7 or 8 real ales available, with a good selection of different types. Breweries can range from the fairly well known (Mc Mullens) to the completely obscure (Nine Standards).
The food here is excellent, but unfortunately is rather expensive. Expect to pay around £10 for a main course. However, portions are (normally) large – even the “lite bites” can be pretty filling. I thoroughly recommend the Whitebait (with homemade Tartare Sauce). The menu does change fairly regularly, so beware the menu in the gents toilets might not be the current one !
And, oh yes, to top it all off, the barmaids are gorgeous as well !
9/10 – like I said, I really love this place !
16 Sep 2014 22:14
It’s a mark of how the beer and pub scene has changed over the years, that this place, once regarded as a fabled mecca, nowadays just seems a quaint curiosity.
As previous posters have intimated, the whole interior of the pub is given over to period advertising – mainly around the period of the first world war. Furnishings also have a comfortable retro look about them. It certainly is an eye-opener for a casual visitor – one of the few places where people rightly want to take photos in the gents toilets !
Unfortunately, it is let down by the choice of beer. Or rather the lack of choice – just two unexciting national brands being available. I had the Bombardier Gold which, whilst reasonable wasn’t spectacular.
Food is available, at least at lunchtimes. I didn’t sample any, but judging ny all the plates I saw being cleared away being empty, I guess the quality is good !
My latest visit was on my own, so I didn’t come across the “no groups” ruling. I did however, notice that the indoor advert for bar staff was mirrored by one outside advertising for customers !
6/10 – 8 for pub interior, 4 for beer selection !
16 Sep 2014 22:13
I walked in, saw that of 5 or 6 handpumps, only one was serving anything (Whitstable Pale Ale), and walked out again !
I'll give them another chance on my next visit.
7 Sep 2014 23:55
First of all PLEASE DISREGARD ALL PREVIOUS REPORTS FOR THIS VENUE. The place is now in new ownership. The Old Bell is a huge rambling place, most of which is currently closed for restoration.
What is open is the Tudor Bar, which has already been refurbished. This is a long way back from the road. There are signs, but they aren’t exactly obvious. The place (single room) is a like a small medieval banqueting hall, with a beams / wattle & daub effect, and a large painting at one end, and stained glass windows at the other.
The bar takes up one corner of the room, with 4 real ales available. On my visit they were serving Bass, two beers from Derby brewery and Milestone Rich Ruby – which is what I chose. There is also a large range of whiskeys available.
Food is available. Breakfast selection included a “Derbyshire Breakfast” – which I couldn’t see was any different to the usual Full English ! The lunchtime selection appeared to be limited to salads, sandwiches and paninis.
Yet another place with a pointless musical soundtrack.
6/10 – perfectly acceptable, but not as good as other places nearby.
7 Sep 2014 23:53
This is a great genuinely old pub – I try and make it here every time I visit Derby. Four interconnected rooms with low beams, and comfortable seating – all to the left of the main entrance. [ Kitchens and toilets to the right ]. It is said to be haunted, but I don’t know about that.
They have a range of 6 or 7 real ales available, but most of them are common ones like Black Sheep and Landlord. There are usually a couple of guests, but on my latest visit even they were from Moorhouses and Brains. [ Have been more unusual ones in the past ] Bass and Pedigree are available from the jug if that’s your sort of thing.
Food is available and I have eaten here in the past – but not for some time. From what I remember the meals are expensive, but really good and with large portions.
Unlike the Flowerpot, this place has atmosphere to spare ! It’s never been chock-a-block full when I’ve been there, but there’s always plenty of hustle and bustle around the bar.
Saving the best till last, I can report that this pub has easily the most gorgeous barmaids in town !
Oh, and I almost forgot, another place with pointless music playing – though quieter than some .
8/10 – beer choice could be more exciting. – otherwise excellent
7 Sep 2014 23:51
I’ve been to this pub a few times now, but this description relates to my latest visit. I think one problem is that this place is too big for its own good. It looks quite small at the front, but as you go further and further back it gets bigger. There is also a cellar bar – which I haven’t managed to find yet ! Thus although there are quite a few people in the place, each individual part is often nearly empty.
Anyway, this is a drinkers pub – so lets start with the beer. There is an amazing range of 10 – 12 beers on tap, with a good range of types. Including their own Black Iris beers. Note that the full list is on the wall. The beers at the front are not the only ones, with more pumps round the corner, and yet others in the fabled Cellar Bar. In my latest visit I tried Hartshorn Shakademus and Black Iris Great Eastern Transatlantic Porter.
This is also a music venue. The adjoining stage (somewhere nearby !) sees bands playing 3 or 4 nights per week, plus free acoustic concerts on Sundays. A mixture of tribute acts, and groups you remember being much bigger in days of yore (e.g. China Crisis, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Wishbone Ash). On my latest visit, the sound system was playing loud music featuring mainly heavy metal, but I don’t remember that on my previous visits.
The usual pubby type food is available. I had the scampi basket, which was very nice though the ratio between scampi and chips could have been better. They also do “Gurkha Curry nights” on Tuesdays – can’t wait to try those.
There are lots of old photos on the walls. The ones I recognised are of Derby, so I assume they all were. It would have been nice if they had some descriptions though. Also, photo of Derby School pupils in 1930, and Offilers brewery memorabilia.
7/10 - great pub, but lacking a little atmosphere.
7 Sep 2014 23:49
First impressions here weren’t good. There was loud music playing when I entered. But on getting to the bar the noise had subsided. For some reason the speakers are right over the entrance doorway ! [ But music was still not really necessary ]
Once ensconsed at the bar though, you are amid a plethora of paraphernalia. Beermats plastering the bar, t-shirts hanging from the ceiling, along with dried hops and a collection of hats. There is even a red phone box – which appears to be in working order.
7 or 8 beers on tap, including 3 (possibly more) of their own brewery beers. I tried the Bullet, which was a darkish beer. It was OK, but by no means the best I tried that day.
There was a board advertising a limited range of food – which appeared to be somewhat expensive. I’m not sure if this was the full menu though.
7/10 – just lacking a certain something
7 Sep 2014 23:46
Oh my god - this place is “ducking” brilliant ! The sort of back street boozer you thought didn’t exist any more. Has obviously been refurbished, but some of the original furnishings (dark, stained, wooden settles), have been retained. Elsewhere there is a choice of types of seating, including bar stools, and comfy chairs. Various sorts of “duckabelia” on the walls.
Had about 7 of Dancing Duck’s beers on tap, plus a couple of guests. I started off with their standard “Ay Up” which was nice but a bit hoppy for me. Then I couldn’t resist having the Duck Berry, as the pump clip showed a duck in Chuck Berry guitar prowling mode !! That was very nice indeed. Part of the bar was designated a “cider bar”, with about 9 or 10 ciders listed, but I didn’t try those. Forgot to say that beer is cheaper than most places in Derby - £2.70 to £2.90 a pint.
Food is available courtesy of Karen’s Kitchen, but I didn’t sample it – that’s for next time !
There is a pool table for those so inclined.
Only (slight) negative feature was the music being played, which didn’t seem necessary, but it wasn’t intrusive.
BTW, for those of you who are lazy, take the number 29 bus from Albert Street in city centre, and get off at Surrey Street. [ Walk up Surrey St and turn right at top ]
8/10 – but may well revise upwards after another visit !
7 Sep 2014 23:43
I wish to complain – they are making this place too easy to find ! Back in the 1970s, I lived for a year in Oxford within 100 yards of this place, and never even knew it existed. So I won’t tell you how to get there. Merely say that, starting from the Bridge of Sighs, there are two ways of getting there, a quick way, and an interesting way.
There are two dark beamed and low ceilinged small bars (this time I actually drunk in them !). But the main places for people to congregate are three flagstoned courtyards, one of which is where we entered (and has awnings to protect people from the weather), another is a sloping one on the right just by the pub entrance (usually the quietest since it’s no smoking), and another round the back of the pub, past the toilets (an experience to use !) and under the old high city walls.
As always, there is a good range of beer. I had White Horse Wayland Smithy. But the dreaded “this beer is resting” signs have made an appearance again. Also, the beer list is somewhat perfunctory, not mentioning the brewery.
The place has other drawbacks as well. It is undeniably a tourist trap, though the difficulty of finding the place and its popularity with students means that the clientele is varied. I’ve never encountered the horrendous queues or rude bar staff that other posters have mentioned though.
There are various chalkboards listing numerousfamious people who had been to the pub. I’ll start with thebest known – this is apparently where Bill Clinton famously didn’t inhale The list also includes Maggie Thatcher, Stephen Hawking (somehow can’t imagine him drinking beer), Bob Hawke, Winston Churchill and Oscar Wilde. There is also the inevitable Inspector Morse placard !
I’m afraid in all my visits, I’ve never eaten here so can’t say anything about the food.
8/10 – could be the best pub in the world, but needs to look to its laurels.
2 Sep 2014 23:16
Another pub I didn’t go into for 35 years – but I don’t remember the inside of this one at all. Though I’m fairly certain that there used to be two separate rooms at the front – one has been opened out. There is much (seemingly genuine) wooden panelling round the bar, and a separate room behind.
A Youngs house with their standard range of beers. Was disappointed to find out that the London Stout advertised everywhere was actually keg. I can’t remember the prices unfortunately, and all I can remember aboput the food is whereabouts the serving hatch was !
There are a few tables outside the front on the main street. Not sure why anyone would want to sit there, but when we left, one was occupied by the same three people who had been sitting outside the White Horse when we left there !!
7/10 – a good solid pub, that could do with a more adventurous beer range.
2 Sep 2014 23:14
A couple of years ago I went into this pub for the first time in 35 years. Apart from some photos of Morse on the wall it was exactly like I remembered it ! This place is tiny – it has to be because it’s surrounded on all sides by Blackwell’s bookshop ! The “outside drinking area” consists of one bench on the main street !
There are 3 or 4 mainly local beers on offer, but they are not cheap - approaching £4 a pint. Hook Norton Old Hookey is a regular here. [ I am hoping to establish a Pavlovian connection between the two ! ] Food isn’t cheap either – with nothing under £9. However, portions did appear to be on the generous side.
We are back on the tourist trail again here. You can stand, or sit at the bar but, the tables inside are reserved for people eating. [ Though I dare say they don’t enforce that at quiet times ] I should also point out the large collection of banknotes pinned to the wall behind the bar.
8/10 – touristy but with a great atmosphere
2 Sep 2014 23:13
This place claims to be the oldest pub in Oxford (est. 1242) – it is also one of the most expensive ! [ £4 a pint ] Sells a range of Fullers beers, plus a “guest” or two. However, on the two occasions I’ve been there, 12 months apart, the guest has been the same ! [ Shotover Oxford Prospect ] Food is available, but not sampled.
The actual pub is tiny, but it has expanded with an outdoor drinking area going a long way down the side of an adjacent street. I’m not sure why anyone would choose to sit there, as the whole point of the pub is it’s antiquity. Also, the “tie room” of course. This has to be seen to be believed, and is a real eye-opener the first time you visit, but the novelty soon wears off.
6/10 – pretty much a tourist ripoff.
2 Sep 2014 23:11
This place is rapidly becoming my favourite of all the great pubs in Oxford. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because although it’s directly across the road from the Eagle & Child, and is almost as historic (allegedly featuring in Jude the Obscure), it doesn’t appear to have become part of the tourist trail. My friend, at the end of his first visit to Oxford declared it to be his favourite as well.
As a previous poster has mentioned, the trick here is to turn right when entering. The room and bar adjacent to the street are nothing remarkable, but the further back you go, the older things get. Wooden backed settles for seats and a huge fireplace. [ Not sure if it gets used or not ] In fact on my last visit, I discovered a whole (small) room that I hadn’t noticed before.
The beer is the one thing that I would mark down slightly. Not that there is anything wrong with the quality, and it does serve one of my all time favourites (Theakstons Old Peculier). But if you’re looking for local beer you won’t find it here. The regular beers come from places such as Cornwall, Dorset and North Yorkshire. However, the price is certainly better than some - £3.20 per pint.
The food can also be recommended. There is a limited menu of mostly “pubby” type dishes, but they are definitely cheaper than elsewhere locally, and are excellent. My chilli cost £6.95 – for historical reasons, I ALWAYS eat chilli for lunch on Oxford pub-crawls ! My friend was also very impressed with his ploughmans.
There has always been a good few people in whenever I’ve been there, but it has never been packed out. In general the clientele are very friendly, and the bar staff will even help you with your crossword when they get a chance !
9/10 – pubs don’t get much better than this.
2 Sep 2014 23:08
Been to this pub twice, and I have to admit that I liked it much better the second time ! This may be because it wasn’t so crowded on my latest visit.
As previous posters have said, there are three distinct areas to the pub. A couple of snugs at the front, the main part of the pub by the bar, and a newer conservatory at the rear. I seem to remember on my first visit that I was forced to drink in the conservatory, and really didn’t like it. [ Incidentally, the toilets, which are reached via the conservatory, are definitely older, so I am thinking they were originally outdoor, and it is a courtyard which has been covered over ]
This time we sat in the main part of the pub and, quite by chance, my friend sat in Tolkein’s seat ! There are a lot of literary memorabilia and plaques on the walls. Mainly, but not exclusively for Tolkein and CS Lewis. Not overdone, they are genuinely interesting, and the place has a lot of history associated with it. My friend was disappointed that an old map on the wall turned out to be Oxfordshire and not The Shire !
There were 4 beers available, including a Nicolsons house beer (St Austell ?), Brakspears and Hook Norton Lion Bitter. Price was cheaper than some - £3.40 a pint. There was an extensive range of food available – but the prices were horrendous (£10 - £12). Finally, it has to be mentioned that for much of the time we were there (Saturday lunchtime) there was only one member of staff serving at the bar – leading to a long queue.
7/10 – deservedly on tourist trail, but suffering from it.
2 Sep 2014 23:05
Finally managed to go past here when it was open ! (Saturday lunchtime) The good news is that the number of real ales has doubled to 2. The bad news is that the second one (London Pride still available) is Doom Bar !
Inside it is bright and spacious, but also homely. There is a variety of seating areas from high stools to comfy sofas. Being in what is rapidly becoming the “far eastern quarter”, there were some Thai prints on the walls.
Food is available, indeed I suspect that is their main purpose. But, since I wasn’t planning to eat there, and there were no menus on the tables, I have no more details.
Beer isn’t cheap – two halves came to £4 ! But we did get it served in chunky glasses which looked suspiciously like they held more than a half.
It is difficult to see what market this place is being aimed at. The only thing I can think of is people heading from the station to town, who are desperate ! Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad pub. In fact in some places I can think of (e.g. Northwich) this would be the best pub in town. It’s just that there are so many other much better ones nearby.
5/10 – perfectly adequate
2 Sep 2014 23:00
I felt out of place here because I didn't have a shaven head !!
7 or 8 obscure real ales from Breweries that you've never heard of, with no indication of what type of beer they actually are. [ At least I was fairly safe with Smokey Joe's Black Beer ! ]
Very much big screen sport oriented. There are some chairs and tables, but most of them would obscure other peoples view of the TV if you sat there !
23 Aug 2014 23:35
This place look great from the outside.
However, inside it is full of cliques of people who look at strangers suspiciously. The beer I had was absolutely foul !
23 Aug 2014 23:30
By far the better of the two Spoons in town in my opinion. Interesting two level layout, with lots of nooks and corners on the ground floor. Also a large drinking area outside all round the building.
Had 7 guest ales available when I was there - including 2 which appeared to be specially brewed for them.
23 Aug 2014 23:29
One of the more downmarket Wetherspoons. Full of lager-swillers. However, they are about to open a real-ale bar upstairs called "Crafty Friar".
23 Aug 2014 23:24
Can't really add a lot to the above really. It's a reasonable place but very much run of the mill. Actually had 2 real ales on when I visited, Robinsons Dizzy Blonde and Adnams Broadside.
God knows why this place is in the GBG
23 Aug 2014 23:21
The perfect pub for us bus enthusiasts ! It is immediately opposite the Trent Barton garage. Otherwise, rather secluded and not the easiest place to find the way to.
Had 8 handpumps, but 3 were not in use. I had Brown Ales "From Dusk Till Dawn2 (very nice) and Whim Arbor Light (a bit sharp for my taste).
Food is cheap but of the standard "pub grub" type. I had the scampi, which was excellent and arrived very quickly. Having said that, I didn't notice the specials board until after I'd finished eating !
Outdoor drinking area at back in idyllic setting by the river.
Certainly worth a detour - 7/10
27 Jul 2014 00:21
This pub is all right, but didn't inspire me. Came in for a meal, but the food was very expensive and didn't seem very exciting, so I went elsewhere. Ordered s pint, but barrel ran out about 3/4 way through pouring. Unlike most places they didn't give me that for the price of a half (but decanted into half-pint glass).
27 Jul 2014 00:13
This used to be a great no-nonsense boozer, but has now moved upmarket - I shall miss it's casual scruffiness ! Having said that the only things I really took exception to were the candles on the tables and the "reserved" signs on many tables. [ They said "reserved from 8pm, and it was only 1.30 - they must be expecting people to stay for a long session ! ]
I like the quirky little rooms, the general bric-a-brac lying around and the humourous signs. Also unusual feature is that the bar is adjacent to the outside wall.
Festures 3 or 4 beers from local Dancing Duck brewery (I had the Dark Drake which was excellent), plus Pedigree and a couple of guests.
Not my favourite pub in Derby, but pleasant enough. 7/10
27 Jul 2014 00:08
Pretty amazing pub. Starting off with the beer, there were about 8 on tap, 4 from Castle Rock (I had the Presentation), and 4 guests (including Titanic Mild). Also a range of bottles behinf the bar - usefully sorted by type - though I couldn't see any comprehensive list.
Food appears to be limited to large cobs and scotch eggs (yuck !), but I didn't eat here.
Huge range of railway memorabilia mostly on the walls, but with an enormous digital clock hanging from the ceiling (actually working). Small drinking / smoking area out the back complete with cab of class 37 diesel locomotive !
26 Jul 2014 23:57
Was expecting rather more from this place. Yes, they do serve bass from a jug. Yes it does taste nice. However, when I was there it was the only real ale available. Otherwise just a basic boozer for lager swillers with sport on big screen TV.
24 Jul 2014 23:49
Apparently, "Derby is the best place in the world to drink real ale" - not if you go into this pub it isn't ! All the three hand pumps were off when I visited (which was a pity, because glimpsing the turned round clips they did look interesting).
In fact, the whole pub just seems to be an afterthought to the music venue. For instance, you have to go past the stage to get to the toilets. The whole place is a bit run down, particularly the toilets. [ Posters advertising last years gigs, etc ]
However, did have a very reasonable bowl of chilli for my pains.
24 Jul 2014 23:46
Vibrant historic community pub, that has reopened after being closed for a while. Lots of separate drinking areas, with comfortable chairs etc. Also possible to sit outside - if you can work out how the chairs work !
4 real ales available. I believe usually Black Sheep, one from Tatton brewery and a couple of guests. The food I had during my visit was excellent, but that was part of a special funeral reception, so I can't comment on the normal menu.
Accommodation also available, but not sampled.
I will certainly go bacvk here in happier circumstances.
20 Jul 2014 23:30
Strange one this. This place has a lot going for it. Secluded location, yet in the heart of town. Great pub garden. Indoors comfortably furnished in an informal style. Good food at reasonable prices.
So why do they go and spoil it all by having the place run by a single person on a Saturday lunchtime ?! Also, only one real ale ouf of three actually available (Old Speckled Hen)
20 Jul 2014 00:10
Not as bad as previous reports have tried to make out !
Had 3 real ales on - including a reasonable St Austell Tribute. A lot of posters etc seemed to suggest it was a venue for heavy metal music, but that wasn't playing when I was there.
I didn't eat but menu listed a huge range of burgers (plus other pub-grub type dishes). Almost everything was priced at £5
13 Jul 2014 00:04
a food oriented pub, but did have 3 "Marston's" range ales on offer. Slightly cheaper than most Nantwich pubs (i.e. under £3 a pint !)
13 Jul 2014 00:00
Not much I can add really. A solid unspectacular pub selling 4 decent Robinson's ales.
12 Jul 2014 23:58
Just to say that everything is still pretty much as I last described it. However, a change of landlord is imminent, so changes may be in the offing.
My (recently deceased) mother always said they had the "best chips in town"
12 Jul 2014 23:47
Another pub I'm surprised I haven't reviewed before.
Is split into 4 smallish rooms with a central bar. Each room has a large TV which normally shows sport but today, when I wanted to watch something (test match cricket) they were switched off.
Had 6 real ales on, though they were almost all "national" brands, and almost all golden ales (yuk !).
The food is usually good with large portions, but I didn't eat there today.
Still has the best barmaids in town - hence 7/10 rather than 6.
12 Jul 2014 23:39
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
Changed my opinion now - as I am a regular there ! [ Mainly due to the gorgeous Polly ]
Yes, it's a Wetherspoons - but one of the better ones.
Can be a long wait at the bar, but food does come quickly and is reasonable. Usually a good selection of guest ales.
Clientele is varied. not usually a problem with screaming kids, drunks or chavs. Just avoid on Wolves matchdays, and when there is an event on at the Grand Theatre.
11 Jul 2014 01:03
another extract from my Wetherblog
"entering the pub seemed to be a bit of a timewarp. I have been to over 100 Spoons branches, but never come across one like this. It reminded me very much of a basic boozer from the 1970s. Bare walls, stained wooden panelling, chairs & tables, and a dart board. Some of the clientele looked like they’d been there since the 70s as well ! Anyway, anyone who hasn’t been to this branch is recommended to go soon. I can’t see it lasting much longer without being either compeletely refurbished, or sold off."
11 Jul 2014 00:52
Thought U'd better review this, since no-one else has yet. Here is an extract from a blog I wrote which included a visit...
"The first thing I noticed about the Lady Chatterley was the large area for drinking in front of the building (which was set back from the road). On entering the second thing I noticed was that the beer range was much better than I had been led to expect ! There were 12 handpumps, consisting of Abbot, GK IPA, Doom Bar, London Pride, Broadside, a cider and 6 guests (priced at £2.15). I had a half of Lincoln Green’s Hood – a basic bitter but pleasant enough. I decided to sit outside, and had just settled myself into a table when I realised that none of the outside tables had a menu. Venturing back inside I realised that neither did any of the tables near the front of the pub ! I had to go further back into what was obviously a dining area before I could find one. "
One of the better Spoons - 7/10
11 Jul 2014 00:49
I believe this has reopened, but I live 200 miles away so can't confirm it !
15 Mar 2014 00:11
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
Has now reopened, advertising Karaoke ! I haven't been in ...
15 Mar 2014 00:01
Part of the Vintage Inns chain, and very much focused on dining as previously described. However, it can also act as a much needed watering hole on a long trip, as I discovered. Although only stopping for a quick drink, we weren’t made to feel out of place at all. There is an area close to the bar (and by the real fire) which isn’t set out for dining, and we were served promptly and efficiently. There were three ales available, but one was the dreaded Doom Bar, so I had the Butcombe.
6/10 – there are far worse and less friendly dining orientated establishments than this.
14 Mar 2014 23:57
The Bear and Pheasant, Stafford
Thought I’d better submit a review of this place as there isn’t one, but it’s been a few weeks since I actually went here.
This occupies a couple of terraced houses, tucked away in a backstreet. It’s not far from the station, but the easiest way of getting there is by it’s own (pedestrian) exist from the Tesco car park !
It is a vibrant local with lots of activities, and I was surprised by how busy it was at 4pm on a Tuesday afternoon. There are two big sports TVs (but not overpowering), and dartsboard and pooltable. The interior is openplan, but there are many nooks and crannies which have the odd table tucked away.
There were 4 nationally branded real ales available, of which probably the most unusual was Courage Directors – a nice pint it was as well.
6/10 - Not the best pub in Stafford – but far better than some !
14 Mar 2014 23:50
Now renamed Market Vaults. Had 5 beers on from 5 different breweries - but they were all Marstons ! Was virtually empty on a Friday lunchtime just before Christmas.
20 Jan 2014 15:20
This has been refurbished to become a typical Joules house. By the theatre, it is in a long terrace, that appears to be 19th century, but is probably much older. The first unusual feature you notice is that there is no door by the windows ! Instead it is to the right and inset about 10 feet or so � and a big heavy door it is too.
When you get inside the first impressionn is very much of wood and glass. There are two drinking areas, one at the front of the pub, and another further back behind the bar. The far wall of the front room is covered in mirrors - it took me some time to realise the pub wasn�t a lot bigger than it was ! One of the mirros (obviously recently installed) proclaims it ot be the �Smoke Room� � I very much doubt it these days ! Everything else appears to be made of wood � tables, chairs, floor, walls � you name it.
Being a Joules pub, they only serve their own three beers � but Slumbering Monk is an excellent pint, so who�s bothered ? I think they do do food, but there didn�t seem to be any mention of it anywhere.
Major let-down feature for me was the barman, who has to be the scruffiest dressed one I have ever seen !
6/10 � barman needs to buy shirt and trousers without holes in them !
4 Dec 2011 21:59
Just a short note to say that this pub has gone from being part of the Chef and Brewer chain to being part of the Old English Inns chain. This means that beers are now all Greene King related ones (e.g. Old Speckled Hen). The decor seems to jhave been refurbished, but since I don�t visit regularly, I�m not certainwhat has changed, other than the artwork on the walls now having a more modernist appearance. Pretty much a case of �la plus ca change� ...
4 Dec 2011 21:57
this is a Titanic house, with 5 of their ales always on plus another 5 guests.
Pretty good place - I always go there when I get fed up with the service at Wetherspoons ! Will post a proper review later
16 Nov 2011 23:08
reopened as a Joules pub. Looks promising from the outside, will go in soon ...
16 Nov 2011 23:02
closed again - open for about a year as "Chambers" but BITE never got around to renaming it !
16 Nov 2011 23:01
Now reopened, but doesn't look promising from the outside. Advertising karaoke, DJs and pool. Does mention 4 cask ales though ...
16 Nov 2011 22:59
Well, having heard about this place from many sources, I must say that when I finally visited there last week, I was completely underwhelmed !
Sure, it�s a good example of a fairly unspoilt, four room traditional local. Sure, it sells a reasonable range of well kept real ales. Sure, it�s almost certainly the best pub in Hanley [ mainly due to lack of competition ! ] But, other than that I wouldn�t say it was anything special.
On entering from the front, there is a very small roon on the left, which houses the main bar, and which (due to the mechanics of door opening) it is almost impossible to get into if there are more than two people in the room already. Then there is a hatchway giving access to the bar, which is presumably where you are expected to order from because all the pump clips were turned sideways to face this.
I had a pint of Titanic Mild, which wasn�t particularly enjoyable, but that may be due to the beer itself and not the way it was kept. [ I don�t particularly like Titanic beers, but usually find the mild quite acceptable] Other beers on include Bass and Kinder Scout. [ All 6/7 beers were either �2.90 or �3 per pint ]
I drank it the small room on the right of the entrance, which was pleasant enough. The only thing I can remember about it is it�s red and black colour scheme, which I thought was a bit off-putting.
6/10 � nothing special in my book
20 Jul 2011 23:47
What a find ! Had been past some time ago, and saw it looked interesting. When I came back last week, and went into the place, I was gobsmacked ! Entering from the corner, the pub consists of two rooms, linked halfway down the far wall. To the left of that is a bar, with another bar behind that wall in the other room.
Once my eyes had adjusted to the slightly dimpsy light, I was amazed by the vast array of stained glass windows, dark polished wood and large oil paintings on the walls. There was also other beer related memorabilia on the walls, and behind the bar, chalked tasting notes on the beers and wines available.
The only drawback I could see is that the only beers sold are Joules. I had the Original Pale Ale (which was excellent), and Slumbering Monk and Blonde were also available.
Food is available, but I can�t give you any details because there was no menu on my table ! People at the next table were eating though, and it certainly looked appetising. What was on my table though, were the coffee and cheese menus (one on either side) � the latter certainly looked interesting.
Seating is varied, some high stools, some tables with chairs or benches. There seemed to be plenty of space left in the middle of each room, as well. I was there on a Friday lunchtime and there was a fair sized varied clientele there.
Incidentally,to describe this as �a hidden gem� is misleading � it�s on a main road, and less than 50 yards from the Potteries Way for Pete�s sake !
I�ll certainly be going back, as soon as possible, and will sample the food next time.
Fianlly, must mention the Joules registered trade mark, which is a red cross as opposed to the red triangle of Bass.
9/10 � easily the best pub in the Potteries
20 Jul 2011 23:45
I have to agree with the previous posters on here � this pub is seriously lacking in atmosphere ! Which is a shame because there is nothing much wrong with it otherwise. The olde world half timbered exterior certainly looks inviting enough.
We only went in because we wanted lunch, and we saw it said �meals served daily�. But there were no menus at all anywhere, until on request, the miserable barman / landlord produced one from behind the bar. I had scampi and mum had fish and chips, and they were both entirely reasonable.
We were in the lounge, and the only real ale there was Tatton Gold (there may have been others in the other bar), which took some time to settle, but was very good once it had done so.
The parrot was pretty miserable too !
5/10 � injection of charisma needed
20 Jul 2011 23:43
So this is what drinking in the Tardis must be like ! This venue is in the old lodge / gatehouse for Euston station, and looks minute from the outside. But somehow it seems much bigger inside � though can easily get packed.
The bar is straight ahead when you enter, and takes up about half the space. There is just about room around the outside for a few stools along the outer walls. On the wall behind the bar are 8 handpumps, serving a selection of real ales, including two from Thornbridge and two from Bristol brewery. Above this there is a row of 20 taps which dispense European and American �craft beers� � most of which I had never seen available in this country before. [ NB these taps do not dispense what they say on them, but what is listed on the blackboard above the bar ] There are also two fridges stocking bottled beers. One to the left of the bar concentrating on European beers and one to the right concentrating on American ones. [There is no list for the bottles, and the fridges are impossible to reach if it�s crowded]
Although the UK real ales are reasonably priced, the �craft beers� are exteremly expensive e.g. �4 for a half � but then again this is the only place you will be able to find them. Bottles are said to be �competitively priced� but I have no knowledge of what the actual prices are.
I sampled the Odells Five Barrell [first time I�ve ever seen Colorado beer on tap in the UK(*) ] and Stone Smoked Porter. Both were reasonable.
There is also an upstairs �lounge� which is reached by a spiral staircase which is not for vertigo sufferers. There is only one toilet which is upstairs.
Needless to say, in such a small establishment, there isn�t any food of the usual �pub grub� type. However, it is possible to place orders with the bar staff for �Famous Ray�s Pizza� (why is it Ray that�s famous and not his pizza ?!), which they then phone through and it is delivered by courier. [ I wonder how much of a mark-up they make on that ? ]
The clientele can only be described as varied. Young and old, single traveller or groups. I did notice there seems to be quite a turnover. I guess session drinking here would soon become very expensive !! One feature we did notice is the large proportion of people who were paying by card. Another annoying feature is the background music, which is totally unnecessary because no-one is listening too it.
It seems like a really great place, and I�ll certainly be going back as soon as I can, but I wonder what it will be like once the novelty has worn off ?
(*) � Coors is not regarded as beer !!!!
8/10 � THE place to go if obscure cult imports are your thing ! [ barmaid � 10/10 ]
20 Jul 2011 23:36
now reopened as the Water Mill.
I'll be submittin a report soon but don't hold your breath waiting for it to appear on this site !
25 May 2011 23:34
CLOSED. Due to Aldi buying it and shutting it down. Wanted to turn it into a supermarket, but didn't even apply for planning permission that would have been refused. Now up for sale.
7 May 2011 23:18
now reopened as "Woodys Bar" - doesn't look promising from the garish purple and yellow outside
7 May 2011 23:16
Not quite sure what to post about this place. I�ve been twice and had totally different experiences. The first time was early evening, and there was a pleasant mixed crowd inside, and I had no trouble getting served. The second time was at lunchtime, when post people seemed to be toothless geriatrics ordering rounfs of coffees. Needless to say that meant the service was ridiculously slow. The three staff members didn�t even think to try and serve someone else, but queued up to use the coffeemaker !!
4/10 � 6 for early evening, 2 for lunchtime!
15 Apr 2011 23:13
this pub is in the database twice - also as THE Crown and Anchor
15 Apr 2011 23:12
Arnold MacHin, Newcastle under Lyme
Only been in once, but I couldn�t find anything particularly wrong with it. The main drinking area is divided into two by the stairs to the toilets and the bar is on the right from the main entrance. There is a �no alcohol� drinking/smoking area outside the front on the main street, and I believe it is also possible to sit out on a balcony down the side. It had one of the largest ranges of Festival Ales that I came across, 8 or 9 I think. The two I tried were certainly in reasonable form, and I didn�t have any problem in getting served.
I can�t comment on the food because I didn�t eat there
I can�t comment on clientele in the evening because I was there at lunchtime
6/10 � one of the better Spoons IMHO
15 Apr 2011 23:10
The Wheatsheaf, Stoke on Trent
What an awful place ! Full of dubious characters, ranging from doddery half-drinking pension spenders to shaven headed tattoed lager swillers. Difficult to get served because there was only 1 ⅓ bar staff to deal with at least a dozen people at the bar (and the place wasn�t crowded otherwise). [Actually there were two people behind the bar, but one of them was completely clueless and had to be shown how to do everything] Prominent signs on toilet doors saying smoking is forbidden � I think that about sums the place up ! If you can put up with all these drawbacks however, the beer is quite reasonable.
2/10 � one of the worst pubs I�ve ever been to !
15 Apr 2011 23:09
Now re-opened as a John Joules house. Looked good from the outside, I�ll try it out next time I�m in Stoke
15 Apr 2011 23:07
I've upped my rating for this place - due to the improved quality of the barmaids !!!
PS still same problems with range of beers decreasing markedly over the course of the evening
6 Mar 2011 23:10
Yet another pub that I�ve been to many times, that I am surprised I haven�t reviewed before for BITE ! This time I do have an excuse, as it was closed for refurnishment a few months ago. To be honest, the only thing I noticed that had changed was the wallpaper. But my frined pointed out thta one area has now got some plush sofas for sprawling on.
On entering through the main (corner) door, there is a more secluded raised area immediately on the left, the bar is to your left, with another raised area beyond it, and more seating to the right by the windows. In summer there are tables outside on the street.
The pub is a Shepherd Neame tied house, and has their entire range available on tap. It�s always been a good pint, whatever I�ve tried.
Food is available, supposedly until 9pm, but staff have been known to remove the menus earlier than that. The menu used to proclaim �Mabel�s famous for its burgers� � which we noticed tended to be left uneaten ! (Though I always found them acceptable). Nowadays burgers are still on the menu, but no longer featured so heavily � pretty much a standard �pub grub� menu. Prices are high, but not ridiculous � and you certsinly get value for money. Last time I had the gammon, and the plate was piled high with meat, chips and peas � and very good it was too.
The pub has 3 or 4 large TVs strategically placed which show football when it�s on (which seems to be always !), otherwise shows music videos. It can get very crowded early evening, or when big matches are on, but is quieter at other times. One annoying feature is that the place seems to attract groups of people who congregate together by the bar, and make it impossible for others to get to the bar and order.
8/10 � I like this place, a good solid pub.
6 Mar 2011 23:08
Tall narrow terraced stone building in what I believe is the main street in Haworth (though it took us long enough to find it coming from the station !). Inside it is divided up into smaller drinking areas, each big enough for 2 or 3 tables, plus a larger area around the bar. If you sit at a table by the correct window, there are great views across the valley. Toilets are upstairs, as is the accommodation. I believe the beer garden is even further up (sign pointed that way), but I couldn�t work out how to get there !
Pub appeared to be frequented by genuine customers rather than tourists, but that could be because it was out of season.
The pub is a Timothy Taylors tied house, and serves their complete range. I had the Ram Tam, as I had never triedit before, and very nice it was too. There was also a guest, thich was Saltaire �South Island� (made from New Zealand hops apparently). Also, has a range of continental bottled beers, but many of them are such staples as Peroni and Budweiser. NOTE : the beer isn�t cheap, as 3 pints came to �9.
There was a substantial menu, concentrasting on �good solid home-cooked food�. A cut above the normal �pub grub� but not into gourmet or gastro territory. I had the Aberdeen Angus burger, and my colleagues had lamb shank and beef and ale pie, all of which were entirely reasonable. There is also a specials board which contains items a bit more exotic. Prices were on the igh side, but not ridiculous.
I nice feature on the menu was the listing by each dish saying which beer(s) it would go with. Having already bought our drinks, we attemped to use that in reverse !
Where the place fell down was in the servicing of food orders. Dishes seemed to appear at random, and not all of a group together. And we only ever got two lots of vegetables to go with our three dishes. Five minutes after our first dish arrived (before anything else) we were offered a Rabbit Casserole !
NB to reach the pub from the station. Take the footbridge over the line, cross the road and take the cobbled �street� directly up the hill. When you cross a �proper� road, there are some steps, go up these and at the top the pub is almost immediately in front of you.
7/10 � needs to tighten up its act a bit.
13 Feb 2011 22:21
Just a note to say this pub is closed between 3 and 5 Mon - Thurs afternoons
31 Jan 2011 22:47
Well the beer is excellent � I just wish the same could be said about the service ! On my latest visit, in the middle of pouring my drink the barmaid went outside to have a smoke !!! I had to wait until she came back in. She then claimed to have forgotten about me � which would have been difficult as there were only two other people in the pub.
This was a shame because I had a nice pint of Bass, and there were another 4 or 5 beers from the Marstons range (including Banks Bitter and Jennings Cumberland Ale). The pump clips can only be seen from the front snug, but there are lists of beers chalked up on the serving hatches at either side. Lunchtime meals were advertised, but I�ve never eaten there.
6/10 � must improve
31 Jan 2011 22:45
The Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury
This is one of the more upmarket Wetherspoons (yes, they do exist !). Possibly because the place is also a hotel, and is anexisting licensed premises, not converted from something strange. So has the feel inside of a proper pub.
The place inside is divided up into separate areas, and is furnished with a range of seating, including comfy settees and high stools, as well as chairs and tables. And those are in proper wood, not the normal identikit stuff. In places a more erudite atmosphere is provided by having bookshelves with books.
There were 3 or 4 guest ales on when I was there. I had a very nice pint of O�Hanlons Port Stout. Food ? Well I didn�t eat, but you know the Spoons menu already !
7/10 � better than I expected.
31 Jan 2011 22:43
The Waters Green Tavern, Macclesfield
WATERS GREEN TAVERN, MACCLESFIELD
This seems a friendly and pleasant enough place. Though, due to the nature of the day, I was anti-social and grabbed the seat nearest the fire for warmth ! And the very fact there was a real fire burning is a plus point in itself. The most unusual feature of the pub is the fact that the bar is along an outside wall. It�s immediately on the left as you come in the door � it�s possible for the landlady to hide in the corner and not be seen when you come in !! There are two main drinking areas straight ahead, and to the right (with fire). Pleasant enough iwth red upholstered benches and chairs arranged around tables, but otherwise the decor is nothing to write home about.
But then, the main point of coming here is for the BEER ! When I was there, there were 5 beers on tap (but another 3 pumps available as well), including two from Phoenix Brewery and two from Barnsley / Oakwell. I had the Phoenix Monkeytown Mild � which was excellent.
I understand that the pub does food at lunchtimes, though there was no sign of it when I was there at 2.30pm.
Pub is ideally situated for us transport enthusiasts as it is halfway between the bus and rail stations (which are only 100 yards apart). I certainly intend to go back � though since it�s 25 years since I was last in Macclesfield, I�m not sure when that will be !
21 Jan 2011 23:30
The Burton Bridge Inn, Burton-Upon-Trent
I would have liked to review this pub, but unfortunately it was closed at 2.35pm on a Thrusday.
It's a bit out of the otwn centre, but you would have thought that the Brewery Tap of a nationally renowned brewery would be open all day ?
17 Jan 2011 23:44
I�ve been here a few time on an occasional basis, and the quality of this pub seems to be declining slowly. First of all, it is part of the Chef and Brewer chain (which BITE refuses to admit exists !), so anyone who has visited one knows what to expect. Lots of fake wooden beams, and the interior divided haphazardly into alcoves. Emphasis on dining, but drinkers still catered for. However, when we visited on Boxing Day, we were presented with the �Sunday menu� (since it was Sunday) which seem to be about half the size of what I expected, and there were no specials at all. Also there was only one real ale available � Greene King IPA. Since one of the others wad Old Speckled Hen, you can tell the slectiuon wasn�t very adventurous. I had the Gammon Steak with chips and peas, which seemed to consist of an enormous piece of meat with a few vegetables thrown in as an afterthought !
6/10 � needs to improve
NB this pub ISN'T in Wistaston. It is on the Nantwich to Middlewich road. about 1 mile from Wistaston (neaer to Wistaston Green) I think it is officially in Wolstanwood - but that "village" is basically the pub and nothing else !
17 Jan 2011 23:41
The British Lion (the Pig), Crewe
The main attraction here is the quality of the beer, which is always excellent. It has always been Tetleys Bitter and Mild (rare these days), plus a guest. [ May change when the Tetleys Brewery closes ] Although the staff and clientele are friendly enough, it is rather cliquey. You get the feeling that, if you aren�t a regular, you don�t really belong here. Pub is very keen on �bar games�. On my last visit darts and dominoes League Matches were taking place. You may be banished to the back bar if you are not taking part in these ! Football is shown on the TV, but reception is less than wonderful !
6/10 � not quite my colour
17 Jan 2011 23:37
Lord Burton, Burton-Upon-Trent
Pretty much a bog-standard Wetherspoons this. Standard dark wooden tables and chairs, with bar down right hand side and some alcove (slightly raised) down the left hand side. Four or five quest ales, including a couple from both Marstons and Burton Bridge. I had the Burton Bridge Porter and something from Arkells � both were quite nice. Didn�t sample the food � but you know the menu without me having to tell you. At least it�s open all day unlike the Burton Bridge Brewery Tap !!
And can someone at BITE please sort out the mess they have made of Burton on the site. There are pubs lised under "Burton on Trent", "Burton-on-Trent","Burton upon Trent" and "Burton-upon-Trent". Search for one, and you don't get any of the others ! Suggest you standardise the spelling ...
6/10 � Spoons is Spoons
17 Jan 2011 23:34
Spent a happy evening here yesterday in the company of "Real Ale Tiger" - who spent much of the time Tweeting !
Nice pub, but nothing special. It's only small and easily gets crowded, due to layout. Central door, bar to the right, seating in front of that, and round corner, raised seating area to the left. Shows Sky Sports, so avoid on matchdays - (which is pretty much everyv day these days !!).
Usually 5 or 6 real ales on - never had any problems with quality myself. Yesterday I had George Wright Mark's Mild and Cains Bitter. "Tiger" had Blonde Moment, Titanic Wreckage, and beers from Ossett and Fernandes whose names I forget.
Passage to toilets decked with old enamel signs. Gents could do with being spruced up.
This is the 2010 CAMRA Liverpool Pub of the Year. I don't know why, though it's pleasant enough. I'm told the award is very political ...
Pub - 7/10 Barmaid - 10/10 !!
10 Dec 2010 23:17
Popped in here again tonight whilst I had 45 mins to change trains. Still the same as ever - though I have never seen it so quiet as when I first entered - due to the time of day. I had a pint of O'Hanlons Entire Stout which was excellent. Also on tap were Deuchars, Landlord, Sharps Doom Bar and a couple of others.
Yes, the interior is rather plain, and tarting it up would attract a more upmarket clientele, but that misses the point of this pub. You go here for the beer (food also) and great conversation, not to marvel in your surroundings - they are incidental.
BTW, evening food does not start till 6pm.
2 Dec 2010 23:17
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Can't believe I've not commented on this wonderful pub before !
Really convenient for Wolverhampton station, yet hidden from sight that discourages the riff-raff ! Wonderful atmosphere, open fire (if you can grab a nearby seat), lots of (mainly) railway related memorabelia on the walls. Excellent beers, the full range from Holdens, Bathams Bitter and a guest or two.
Noticed on my last visit that the menu seemed to have expanded a bit, and no longer featured so many "asian" snacks. Not tried the new menu, but the roast bapps previouisly available were excellent.
9/10 - it doesn't get much better than this !
2 Dec 2010 23:09
Moon Under Water, Wolverhampton
TYpical "Wetherpub" - nothing actually wrong with it, but just like so many others. Central bar, some little alcoves down one side, family oriented area at the back. Had a reasonable pint of Red Kite Ale.
Went because it wass the beer festival, otherwise I would never go there, since it's only 5 mins walk from the Great Western
5/10
12 Nov 2010 23:31
I used to go to this place pretty regularly, so I�m submitting a review even though I�ve not been for a few weeks (end of July). I would have reviewed it before, but couldn�t find it on BITE � it�s idea of alphabetical listing has always confused me !!
Anyway, this is a pub that I really like despite it being the embodiment of everything I despite ! For a start it is completely fake � it looks �olde worlde� but is only about 5 years old, along with the rest of the industrial / retail park it is based on. Also, it is a chain pub � part of the Chef and Brewer chain. Since this was the first one of the chain I�d been to, I was really impressed. Every subsequent one I visit turns out to be almost exactly the same �
What I like most about the place is the variety of drinking environments it offers. For a start there are tow entrances � one from the car park (used most often), and one from the main road. Each entrance has some tables and benches outside, but even these differ from each other. Inside, you can choose from high stools, comfy sofas, and all manner of different sized chairs and tables, clustered together or tucked away into corners. And there are all manner of objects lying arounjd, fitting into the scenery. I particularly liked the welsh dresser that is used to prepare teas / coffees.
It is mainly a food-based establishment, but by no means exclusively so. In the many times I�ve eaten there, I�ve never had anything that was less than delicious. I can particularly recommend the prawn cocktail and the pea and ham soup. Main courses can be a bit pricy, but they do lunchtime specials, and lite bites. [ There is a curry evening on Thursdays which sounds a real bargain, but I�ve never been ] AS well as the main menu, there is a list of specials.
There are three beers on tap, which are reasonable quality. They do change, but often feature at least one beer from either Titanic or Davenports.
Finally a couple of points to note
1. if someone orders a starter, there rest of the party will have to wait until starter is finished before their main course is prepared.
2. there is a charge of �1 for the car park, but this can be redeemed at the bar
3. mobile phone reception inside is poor � try and sit next to the windows !
8/10 � a good pub all around
14 Oct 2010 23:22
I can�t comment on whether this pub has gone downhill or not under new management, as I only visited for the first time recently. However, I can say that it�s easily the best pub (out of 3) that I�ve been in in Leominster !
There is a small front bar which appears to cater mainly for the �standing trade� � i.e. those who don�t like to drink sitting down. There is another bar in the room behind, and a number of tables, mainly designed for those having meals, I guess. Seemed very cosy and comfortable with a real fire. No sign of any of the cats mentioned by other posters � and it was an awful day weatherwise, so they were hardly likely to have wandered off.
Had a very nice pint of Cottage �Tornado� � we joked that the ABV should have been 6.0163 % !! Beer was topped up without asking.
We didn�t eat, but I had a look at a menu. The prices for full meals seemed pretty reasonable, those for baguettes and jacket potatoes, less so.
7/10 � will definitely go back
14 Oct 2010 23:20
The Prince of Wales, Wimbledon
I visited as one of a party of 8 hoping for lunch, a day before they closed for a refurbishment. The management couldn�t have been more friendly, marking the menu with the itmes which were still available (see above), and even pushing two tables together for us � and asking those at the next table to move up !
I�m not sure why it needed refurbishment � those I suppose it looked a bit dowdy. I just hope they don�t remove all the interior fittings which sported large amounts of dark wood, panelling and alcoves.
Beer was pretty good. There were 5 or 6 real ales on tap, of which I can remember Youngs Gold, Brains SA, TT Landlord and Theakstons Old Peculier. Naturally I had the latter � never seen it in London before. Tasted pretty good, though not as good as it does back in Yorkshire !!
Food from the limited range available was quite reasonable too. I had the minted lamb-burger.
6/10 � will have to go back and see how it�s changed
PS due to reopen October 21st - I'll be in California then ...
14 Oct 2010 23:18
I have to admit that every time I go to this pub, I revise my opinion of it downwards ! At first I was overawed by the vast range of beers available, and the discount for CAMRA members (and the large crowds !). However, I�ve now started to notice things like the preponderance of beers being served on gravity (even when there is a handpump displaying the relevant clip), quality of beer, most beers tending to sell out later on in the evening, the list of beers becoming illegible, and the place not being designed for anything other than group drinking (all tables the same size). Also, I�m not sure about the bar staff being knowledgeable / miserable � on my last visit I�m not sure they were English speakers !
Don�t get me wrong, this is still a good pub, and really handy for Euston station.
6/10 � looking for improvement
14 Oct 2010 23:16
This pub is nowhere near where it is said to be on the map !!!
About 4 miles from Stafford NOT 0.4
6 Oct 2010 22:55
Re-opening soon as "Chambers" - advertising good food and real ales. they certainly seem to have done enough work on it !
6 Oct 2010 22:52
I was disappointed in this pub. The �wide range of real ales� turned out to be only three. Almost all the clients were congregated at the bar. Most of the rest of the pub appeared to be empty, but, on closer inspection almost all tables turned out to be reserved by either a jacket, a half-drunk pint, a phone or a newspaper ! Although no-one was actually smoking inside, the atmosphere appeared to be smoky. The music was so loud that, even though they were songs I liked, I had trouble identifying them !
I drank up and left � 4/10
6 Oct 2010 22:50
Why is this pub listed under �Cardiff Cottage� when (as you can see from the photo), it�s actually just called The Cottage ? It took me ages to find it on here � I probably would have given up if I didn�t remember having seen it before.
Anyway, I used to say that this place was an oasis of calm from the busy street outside � but that�s no longer true since the street has been pedestrianised !
The whole pub is long and thin stretching back from the street. The front portion has the bar down the left hand side and is obviously designed for standing drinkers (there are a few seats). Further back are some seating areas with tables � normally for people who are eating, but it�s not compulsory.
Pretty much the full range of Brains on tap � I�ve tried both the Dark and SA and they were pretty good. I�ve have eaten here, and the food was definitely acceptable, but I can�t remember much else about it. I do remember, however, on my last visit being impressed by the �cheese and cracker selection� that the people on the next table were having.
I seem to remember there are prints of old Cardiff on the walls.
I�m afraid the toilets could be better. There was no lock on the only cubicle that was working for a start.
6/10 � marked down because of the toilets.
6 Oct 2010 22:47
I felt sure I had already submitted a scathing report on this pub � but it seems to have disappeared ! Anyway, I�ve now been to it again, and stand by everything I said before � so here goes.
This is the worst kind of Wetherspoons. The bar staff seem to regard their job as being part of a lager-pulling production line (having as many as three on the go at once). A pump advertises Brains SA (�special price�), but on my first visit I was told �we�re not serving that today� ! On my second visit I had a very nice pint of Bullmastiff Special Reserve instead.
The furniture seems to be cluttered all over the place. There are some �comfy sofas�, some small pale wooden chairs and tables (that appear to be straight out of a kindergarten), and some settees and stools that have very high backs indeed. Some seats it is not possible to sit in, because they would obscure everyone�s view of the big screen TVs.
Although the building is on a corner, down one side the only windows are about 8ft off the ground, and very small and wide. To me the whole impression is that you are visiting an aquarium !
I will politely describe the clientele as �mixed� � though I will say that, on my visits at least, they were well behaved.
Ugh � 3/10
6 Oct 2010 22:46
What can I say about this place that other posters haven�t said ? I�ve been coming here for years (whenever I had time changing trains in Derby) and it hasn�t changed in all that time. I just love the laid back atmosphere, the old beer bottles, dark wooden panelling, plush red upholstered chairs and settles, and old railway prints on the walls. Plus the strange shape of some of the rooms.
In fact the worst thing about this place, is that it is so good, it�s very difficult to walk past, and it stops people from visiting all the other really great pubs in Derby !
One half of the bar showcases an amazing range of their own brewed beers, which are also available to take home (in plastic bottles ?). The other half of the bar has 7 or 8 guest beers, usually including one from Everards (who own the place). Food is available, but only at lunchtimes I think, and on Sundays only cold cobs are available.
A great place to call home from home. 8/10
10 Aug 2010 23:12
The first impression this pub /restaurant / hotel makes is the size of it. There are large car parks both front and back, some tables on a terrace out the front (with a river view), more tables and a childrens play area out the back. There are even some tables beyond the car p ark by the river, but I�m not sure if those are actually anything to do with the pub, or not. And the first thing the strikes you when entering the building from the rear is a sign saying �maximum occupancy 350 persons� !!
Inside these are all sorts of little dining areas, but in a plush carpeted sort of way. We sat at a circular table in the middle that was somewhat dimly lit, and we had to climb off the ground to reach the seats.
Previous posters have complained about the attitude of the staff and management, but we had no such problems. Indeed, when seeing we were a large party (7), they voluntarily approached us to take our drinks order.
Nor was there any problem with the quality of the food � though complaints about the prices are justified ! I had a �Beef and Stilton Crockpot�, which was very nice, but was only really a glorified �big soup� !
There were 4 beers on tap. I had the Wychwood Hobgoblin which was reasonable. I think it is a Marstons run establishment, because there was a (genuinely interesting) �history of brewing� exhibit with a lot of very old Marstons paraphernalia.
Incidentally, unlike many similarly named pubs, this place is actually a genuine Hotel as well. I�m not sure how many rooms they have or what they are like.
Not really my cup of tea � but I can see why people with young families might like it. 6/10
10 Aug 2010 23:10
The Jerusalem Tavern, Clerkenwell
What I liked most about this place is the hazy olde-worlde atmosphere. Yes, I know that it was only converted into a pub a few years ago, but it was done sympathetically and fools a lot of the visitors. The dim lighting of most of the place lets the imagination run riot. Lots of low beams and quirky corners � on my last visit we even managed to grab the table on the balcony. Of course, you can drink outside, but that defeats the point and you have to have plastic glasses as well.
An obvious tourist trap, that for some reason is closed at the weekends (and Friday nights too ??). Food is available, but I think only at lunchtimes. Certainly I�ve never seen anyone eating there.
For me what lets this place down is the quality of the beer. There is only one font on the bar, serving Cider and Lager. There are half a dozen casks in the wall behind the bar, served a changing range of St Peters beers. [ the full range is available in bottles � including the Gluten Free beer, my girlfriend will be pleased to know !] But the two times I�ve been here, the beer I�ve had has been flat and tasteless � a real shame.
Also, note the sign behind the bar saying �full range of beers available at the back bar� is a misnomer � there is no �back bar� !!
8/10 � would higher except for the beer quality.
10 Aug 2010 23:09
Hey, they�ve stuck up signboards in the streets leading here ! I thought the whole point of this pub was that it was impossible to find ? This won�t do !! The boards also say it is a Fullers pub, but the beer range is much more varied that that.
For the record you can reach here by covered passageways from both Hatton Garden and Ely Place. Theactual pub seems to consist of three small rooms around a central server (there is also �The Bishops Room� upstairs, but I�m not sure if thsat is open to normal drinkers or just private parties). The pub seems to be much larger than it is because people fill up the surrounding passageways and courtyards as well. The inside rooms are friendly and welcoming with wood panelling, stained glass and beer memorabilia.
I�m told it gets very crowded at lunchtimes, but it was reasonable during our visit at 8.30pm on a Thursday. Beware that the pub is normally closed completely at weekends � though this year they did open specially on my birthday !!! [ Sunday August 8th] I see previous posters have complained about the service � but i could see no problems with that. There were at least half a dozen uniformed staff performing all the normal functions one would expect.
The beer range consisted of around 9 or 10 beers, of which 3 were Fullers. The rest were a mixed bag � we had Gales Seafarers Ale, which was nice. One unusual feature was that some of the handpumps had two different clips on them. I�m not sure how that works, as I couldn�t see anything being served by gravity.
The food is basic, toasties, jumbo sausage roll, pickled egg etc. It is also cheap � I think �2.25 for a bowl of olives was the most expensive. [We didn�t eat, so I can�t report anything more about it. It may even be only served at lunchtimes ]
Yet another interesting feature is the Gents, which has had a wooden modesty screen / verandah built around the normal door !
I really like this place � will definitely be going again. Deservedly in the BITE top 40 (or was last time i looked) 9/10.
PS Glad to see that the irrelevant rubbish has finally been removed.
10 Aug 2010 23:07
Smallish corner pub that looks like a typical London classy boozer at first sight. Can get crowded, and is noisy with conversation even when not so full. Pub is deep enough for two layers of tables (plus a few outside on the pavement). Tables closest to windows are normal sized, but those nearer to the bar are higher, and have stools. One one corner there are a couple of plush sofas. Many tables have a stange metal plate on top in the middle.
Three real ales were on during my visit, Green King, plus two others. One from Sharps in Cornwall, and one from Gales. Seemed to be well kept.
Food is served till 9pm, though I didn�t see many people actually eating. Menu appeared to be mainly burgers, with a couple of specials. I had chicken curry, which was very nice, but seemed to consist of 90% rice !!
Football being shown on TV can attract corwds even when it is a meaningless friendly.
Will definitely visit again � hopefully when it�s a bit quieter - 7/10
10 Aug 2010 23:03
I don't see what the fuss is about this place. In view of reviews elsewhere (e.g. GBG) I was expecting something special. It just seemed like a standard Camrahouse to me - and not a particularly welcoming one. Had several beers I'd never heard of, and no indication of what sort of beer they would be.
20 Jul 2010 23:09
The first thing to say about this pub is to take the information on the outside of it with a pinch of salt ! It advertises �good home cooked food� � it doesn�t serve food ! The chalk board outside advertises beers by Slaters and Titanic � I�ve not seen them there.
Instead them normally have 4 beers on tap, usually Courage Best, Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylors Landlord and Wells Bombardier. The beer is normally well kept.
Four is also the number of separate drinking areas in the pub. To the left of the main entrance is a small snug, to the right a public bar, further on on the right is a lounge with big screen TV (not always on), and ahead is a games room, which also has a stage for live music (about once a week). There is also a beer garden to the rear which is the largest area of all !
There is genuinely mixed clientele - sometimes the pub seems more welcoming when it's virtually empty ! You can tell the sort of people this pub attracts by the fact the beer garden is usually the busiest area - even when it's raining !!
16 Jul 2010 23:20
I was surprised to find that I haven�t commented on this pub before, so here goes. First of all I have to admit, I�d better be careful what I say because I am known there, and it�s the nearest I come to being a regular � I go about once a month.
Anyway, I think what I like about it most is its slightly down at heel quirkiness. You enter via a downwards sloping corridor turn right through another door and you�re in the middle of the pub. This is because the ground floor is about three feet below street level (indicating antiquity ?), so if you sit in the seats by the front window, you have a great view outside of people�s feet !
Apart from the main area leading to the bar, there are all sorts of nooks and crannies with a table or two � I�m not sure I�ve discovered them all yet ! I think my favourite is the raised area to the left of the bar underneath a skylight. Also notice, right next to the bar is a single-seat high backed settle. You may well also notice the �oldest inhabitant� setting there, holding forth with his pint of Guinness. Family folklore has it that when the pub was redecorated, that couldn�t get to redevelop that bit because he was always sitting there ! [ There is also a small �beer garden� out the back]
There are always 4 beers available, two being Hydes Original and Jekylls Gold. The other two are guests � one of which is always from Allgates. Quality is reasonable � I�ve never had a bad pint there yet.
Food is served lunchtimes � pretty much of the standard �pub grub� type. But the quality is excellent and the portions ample.
There are occasional special events. There is live music about one evening a month (I�ve never been), a beer festival is currently advertised for September, and once (on a bank holiday) we arrived at lunchtime to find the place hosting a poker tournament !!
Not sure whether to rate it 6 or 7 � if I say 7 perhaps I�ll get a free pint !!!
16 Jul 2010 23:16
The more I go to this place, the more I like it.
Since my last review they have now started doing food weekday lunchtime, though it appears to be basically only sandwiches. They are now one of the few accredited agents of Orval in this country.
I've never had problems with the place being crowded, but I do wonder why some people feel the need to stand at the bar when there's only room for 2 people there and the rest of the place is empty !!
Have upped my rating - now 8
5 Jul 2010 14:25
awful place. Looks good from the outside, but is notorious for brawling, staff who have no idea of customer service, and a menu that consists mainly of "curly fries" !
2 Jul 2010 00:11
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
Have been to this place several times. You can get the flavour of it from other peoples posts, so I'll just comment on the changes since my last visit.
Now seem to have more guest beers. Had 3 on my visit, which all seem to be local to Birmingham. [ May have even been morer guests cos we only investigated 2 sides of the central bar ! ]
Now have a "greeter" at the door who asks whether you are going to order food or not - I have docked 1 point from my rating because of this ! [ NB my friend replied "yes", I said "no" !
The spaciousness is neccessary because it can get absolutely packed ! I was surprised we had no problems finding an empty table at 1.45pm on a weekday.
If you want "intimate" there are a couple of smaller rooms at the rear - though these are sometimes used for private functions.
No-one seems to have mentioned that there is a theatre upstairs (I've not been to it )
Rating - 7 (would have been 8 except for the greeter !)
2 Jul 2010 00:07
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
A windswept station platform gives no clue as to the bustle found inside here. It consists of three interlinked rooms, the middle of which contains the bar. Plenty of memorabilia relating to both beer and railways. The period clocks were a nice touch too. There were (I think) 8 real ales available, but I had difficulty reaching the far end of the bar to check. I had a pint of Timothy Taylors Mild, because I had never seen it before. It was well kept, but not my favourite TT beer. There were also some Belgian beers on tap, including De Koninck.
In contrast to Wetherspoons, the small area behind the bar seemed to be overflowing with bar staff ! I think I counted 6, all of whom were kept very busy, and were wearing t-shirts with the slogan �I missed the train at Dewsbury�.
You aren�t allowed to drink on the station platform, but you can sit outside on the other side of the building in what is otherwise thestation car park, but that rather defeats the point.
I saw two food related saids, one advertising All Day Breakfast, and the other Angies Curry Nights (Tues and Weds), but the emphasis here is mainly on the beer.
The main disadvantage of the place is that it is well known. Thus it is always liable to get suddenly overwhelmed by large parties on pub crawls.
18 May 2010 00:10
What a find � thanks to the recommendation of BITE ! At first sight this is just a normal (though reasonably presentable) pub on a busy town street. But venture inside and you are transformed. On the immediate left of the (only) entrance there is a small snug-like area, with a large (but unobtrusive) TV. Beyond that, on the left, is the bar with an impressive range of 11 real ales, including three from Timothy Taylors, and two from Theakstons. I had the Saltaire Dark Mild which was excellent. Details of existing and forthcoming guest beers were chalked on the wall.
The whole pub had the feeling of a large living room. Perhaps this was because the number of tables (wooden beamed) was smaller than would have been expected, and they were arranged mainly down the right hand side and rear wall, leaving plenty of room for standing in the middle. This was empathised by virtually all of the people were sitting facing the bar ! Decor featured a large numbered of old beer bottles (getting a bit hackneyed this one), horse tack hanging from beams, and old (local) prints and posters. In a dark corner there were a couple of fruit machines, and also some bowls of drinking water for dogs.
I only stayed for one pint, but whilst I was there I was surprised by the constant movement of people, either just arriving, and drinking up and leaving. I think there must have been 100% turnover of customers in 20 minutes !
As far as I could see there was no food � which makes a change.
There were a few tables directly outside the front door, which were very popular, despite being directly beside a busy main rod. At the rear there was also a beer garden, which was virtually empty. Maybe because it had a much more contemporary feel than the rest of the pub, or perhaps because it wasn�t signposted � you had to go through the door marked Gents ! [ The actual gents was spotless]
Ratings : pub 9/10, barmaid 10/10 !
18 May 2010 00:09
If you want gastronomic delights - don't go here
If you want creature comforts like clean toilets - don't go here
If you want panoramic views - don't go here !
If, however, you appreciate an excellent range of well kept beers, including Theakstons Old Peculier, and good cameraderie then this is the place for you.
Obsolutely wonderful - my highest rating for BITE yet 9/10.
7 May 2010 00:07
One of the better Wetherspoons. The building has been immaculately restored, and the conversion to pub has been done imaginatively. Several different levels / types of seating available, plus little nooks and crannies in the former entrance area. Usually about 4 to 5 real ales available - always well kept. On curry nights the curries are always excellent - just ask Dennis !!
1 May 2010 00:00
This pub is part of the Smith and Jones chain. Not really my scene. I would say it is aimed at the "spending the welfare cheque" crowd of hoodies and ladettes, but my mother likes it and she's aged 75 !! Has several large screen TVs and can get rather rowdy when bid matches are on. For real ale fans, there is one beer Wells Bombardier - but it is sometimes off. Food is good with reasonable prices, but service can be slow.
30 Apr 2010 23:55
It's not THAT bad ! I'm usually in there at least once every weekend, and the clientele isn't that bad. Can't say about the evening though. Place is reasonably tidy, beer is usually reasonable, though choice of guests is usually limited to 1 or 2. Suffers from usual Wetherspoons problems of lack of bar staff and cold food, though that seems to have improved recently.
30 Apr 2010 23:51
Finally got aroudn to going to this a couple of weeks ago. Enjoyed my visit (and the beer - Red Diesel) but thw wholse experince weemed rather flat for some reason which I couldn't put my finger on. Maybe it was the minimalist decor - but that seems to be deliberate.
P~lease note that the sign saying "we regret there is no food available today" is ALWAYS there !
26 Apr 2010 23:34
Been going here ever since it opened (but not very frequently unfortunately). Went a couple of weeks ago, and it had been refurbished since my last visit. No change to the excellent range of beers though.
Every town should have at least one pub like this !
26 Apr 2010 23:31
WEll from reading the previous reviews, I expected something a bit special and I certainly found it ! The excellent range of beers and their condition I had been anticipating, but the large collection of miniatures and the stained glass windows came as a surprise.
They claimed to be having a beer festival when I visited, but there didn't seem to be anything different from normal. The beer I had was WMD (Weapon of Mash Destruction) from Allgates. A strong dark mild, I really enjoyed it. But I enjoyed the pump clip (Blair + Saddam = Nuclear Explosion) even more !
Extremely highly recommended
26 Apr 2010 23:28
The Three Horseshoes, Leominster
There was nothing wrong with this pub, but if wasn't as good as the enticing exterior led me to expect. Only one real ale available as the Brains SA was off.
26 Apr 2010 23:23
My first BITE review, and fittingly the first pub I've been to solely on recommendations of BITE reveiwers.
Quite a nice little pub - but little does seem to be the operative word ! Had 4 beers on, all of which were local. I had the St Georges ale which was excellent.
Interior seemed to be a bit scruffy, but was clean.
26 Apr 2010 23:20
Gaffers Row, Crewe
CLOSED : Now closed permanently. The whole area is supposed to be going to be redeveloped, but that has been going to happen for the last 20 years ...
25 Apr 2019 12:58