BITE user comments - Mr_Local
Comments by Mr_Local
At 2100 on a Friday night it's a bit like the scare floor in Monsters Inc. Lots and lots of fashion and trends, the odd tentacle etc. If some bright spark ever gets rounds to inventing Atkins style carb free lager and crisps, then this place would be one of the first places to sell 'em.
25 Oct 2011 16:12
More expensive than West End prices in a nondescript bar behind Enfield bus garage.
Rude manager who possibly views his stint behind the counter as a purgatory pursuit before he finally hits the big time, spraying unsuspecting passers by with cheap perfume in Pearsons make up department.
Shite!
15 Jan 2010 12:30
The Bricklayers Arms, Shoreditch
A mate suggested we headed over to this neck of the woods for a swift seven or eight in a poncey bar. The Bricklayers Arms got the short straw.
Anyway, very disappointed. Didn't see even one pair of bricklayers arms all night. Lots and lots of pasty, feeble looking arms attached to limp wrists mind.
From 1800-1930 all was well. After that the place was infested with horn rimmed meeja hoors that you would never bore of lamping.
12 Jan 2010 15:41
This is like the Jyllands Posten furore with bad spelling.
We have the luxury of free speech in this country. Rise above it eh chaps!
Great pub by the way, always busy, always good service.
15 Dec 2009 16:07
The Leicester Arms, Piccadilly Circus
Semi respectable tourist trap juicer. Fish, chips, Pint of Nelson Mandela for the geezers or warm beer and tea like yer muvver makes for the out of towners. Gor blimey.
Seriously, what do you expect from a place this close to Piccadilly on the commoner side of R. St.
Barman was super efficient, legging it hither and thither, pulling pints and delivering steaming plates of microwaved scran.
Mayfair was rammed last Friday so we ended up here for a bite. A tenner for a piece of fish wrapped in a soggy pancake and about 6 chips!
Pint of Bombadier was good.
Like I said, what do you expect...
15 Dec 2009 14:47
I stayed the night at The New Inn following the utter destruction of Gloucester by a bunch of 2nd choice Aussie kids, over for the autumn tours.
The lamentable performance at Kingsholm aside....
As has been said before, the New Inn is a very pretty old Coaching Inn, slap bang in the middle of town and within easy walking distance of at least 175 or so indian / bangladeshi restaurants.
It was the same ex Major type who checked me in, served me a beer before the game, served me a beer after the game, served my breakfast the next morning and checked me out when I left. I mean, fair play for hard work but little wonder the poor chap was a wee bit melancholy and down at the mouth, he must be knackered.
The room was clean, chintzy and pink
Beer promised a massive choice from twelve pumps but unfortunately only three were live.
Clientele looked bored or drunk.
No craic to be had, so had an early night and knocked one out in the lumpy bed instead.
Breakfast was not bad, just completely forgettable.
Overall the place was about as inspirational as Peterborough
The New Inn could be so much more and is sadly a mirror for the town of Gloucester itself.
15 Dec 2009 14:26
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
The lights are on but no-one appears to be home. Apparently the QH has bitten the dust!
(Don't say I didn't warn ye)
8 Dec 2009 16:18
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
Jeez, what has happened to this place. As a business I can't see how it can fail, all those commuters spilling out of the station every evening. It's only over the road and looks inviting enough from the outside. It's just ALWAYS empty - How on earth do they pay the rent?
Getting rid of the half man half rodent landlord about six months ago was a welcome move, at least the place opens during a Spurs match now but still there is no custom. I've given it a go a couple of times, honestly I have and more often than not the bar was staffed by a friendly and chatty bod - but solo drinking is for at home when the missus is watching Eastenders not a "public" house.
I know there's not much cash sloshing around at present but the KH and Salisbury are bombed out in comparison.
Is there a reason it's so empty? Have I missed something? Is it me???
29 Oct 2009 16:07
If you're the kind of dude who visits a pub called "Monkey Nuts" of your own free will, I suppose this place'll be exactly what you are looking for. Nuff said!
22 Aug 2007 18:08
The Plough at Langford, Langford
Hybrid restaurant pub thingy that neither excites or offends. Food is good and a step above the norm. Large garden and friendly locals. Just can't imagine spending the whole day propping up the bar.
8 Dec 2006 12:01
Ahh the Sarry Heed. What is there to be said about this place that hasn't already been daubed on the walls in warm English blood!
I jest. A serious Celtic pub. Exciting to the point of terrifying for this particular plastic jock. My cousin lives just around the corner and has taken me there many a time for a wee touch of pre match atmosphere! Nowhere in the world like it (other than the Bairds maybe) Locals are incredibly welcoming once you get over the initial fright. Excellent!
8 Dec 2006 11:27
Great pub that I've always visited whenever I'm fortunate enough to be in Inverness. Always friendly. Daytime is cosy, nightime can be happily hectic. Good beer, bands and barstaff.
8 Dec 2006 11:12
Got naked in this pub on a number of occasions! Excellent.
8 Dec 2006 10:57
Finding out this legendary establishment has now been turned in to a Hungry Horse has been like getting a punch in the nads!
Sitting on the sea wall outside The Deer Leap 15 years ago with my brother. The courtyard was bouncing with boisterous but friendly lads (and lassies) noisily demolishing pints. I thought I'd found nirvana.
What's the world coming to eh?
8 - purely for the memories....
8 Dec 2006 10:55
The Salisbury Arms, Winchmore Hill
Stop Press! Ember Inns have apparently been kicked in to touch to make way for what appears to be quite a sharp boozer. The choice of ale is massive (Strawberry Beer anyone?). Adnams Broadside was as good as it gets and the acid test for all pubs - in my opinion - which is the obligatory pint of Liffy Water was spot on.
Decor is modern but thankfully not trendy and it's nice to find a pub that's been refurbished with taste. It's a little dark inside but the lack of luminaires (not luminaries - there's plenty of them in N21!)is sorted out with the plethora of candles on every flat surface. Mind you, all the nice girls love a candle don't they and there were certainly some nice girls in the pub last night. To the point. A fine pub, I'll be going again soon and I suggest you join me.
25 Nov 2006 12:57
Walked up to the bar and could clearly see a choice from a selection of about 8 hand pumps. After coming to my senses and remembering that I was (a)happily hetrosexual and (b) with my lovely wife I ordered a pint of fizzy regulation lager from the barman. The 8 aforementioned sensitive types that were animatedly comparing hair products at the bar tutted me as I walked past - Hilarious! Douglas Adams would have stuck the entire population of Crouch End on a space ship you know!
16 Oct 2006 11:53
Amore Bar and Restaurant, Frodsham
First time in Frodsham and I was lucky enough to end up in this place. Speedy and attentive staff behind the bar and a good atmosphere all night. A place like this in London would be a massive no go because of potential violence, so it's nice to see that other parts of the country are not so hung up on smashing each others heads in! So many pretty girls in the joint making it all very easy on the eye - what IS it they put in the water?? Local lads need to make a decision if they are from Liverpool or Manchester as I met not a soul who was from Frodsham or surrounding villages. Very confusing on the ears what with having to decipher broad Scouse or Manc, sometimes in the same conversation. David the owner runs a fantastic place here and his DJ skills are improving by the night. Recommended.
12 Oct 2006 13:52
I found this pub on the pure off chance after picking up some floor tiles from Tower Cermaics just around the corner in Wenlock Road. WHAT A PUB! I can honestly say that I've never been in a central london boozer quite like it. I'd obviously seen the reviews on BITE.com but nothing could prepare me for the genuine welcome and quality of pint that I got here. Make no mistake, it's in the middle of what could be considered to be a "tasty estate" but it's an absolute gem of a place. Go there and be surprised that genuine pubs like this still exist.
10 Aug 2006 16:46
Blandsville.co.uk! I once was unfortunate enough to get invited to a party at this pokey dive. Absolutely packed with Crouch End's finest selection of Guardian reading ponces. We lasted 2.5 minutes, out of politeness before legging it over the road to the Maynard. The place to go if you are a sambuca drinking Meeja Hoor. And to think there are card carrying members of this place loose in our society! Ker-rist!
10 Aug 2006 12:03
Great juicer. Absolutely nothing bad to say about this place. Food is excellent and service with a smile is the norm. Good selection of well kept ales always available. Almost on the entrance to Grovelands Park if you fancy working up an appetite afore your visit
10 Aug 2006 11:41
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
A friendly local that does exactly what it says on the tin. Beers are standard fizzy keg stuff but as Zoe mentions below, the place comes in to it's own with the choice of whisky - Problem is I've yet to see a red nosed punter partaking of a dram of Scotlands finest, so not quite sure who the massive selection of malts is aimed at.
Food is good, although service can be sporadic dependant on who is behind the bar. Staff range from dissinterested student types to the finest visions of loveliness that N21 has to offer. Friday and Saturday nights are rammed full of Nathan Barleys but overall a nice bar, sure you'll not be disappointed but chances of being completed bowled over are slight. Handy for the station mind.
10 Aug 2006 11:31
It's never been the same since they moved the fag machine...
2 Aug 2006 16:28
The Pitcher and Piano, Taunton
You don't have to scratch the surface too hard to see that this place is still very much a library. Sshhhhhhh! No talking or messing around.... Avoid
2 Aug 2006 16:27
Crikey, this place used to be a gay friendly dive that was also (ironically) frequented by the lower ranking members of Taunton's burgeoning underclass! How it's changed since the last time visited about 7 years ago, more Saville Row than Skid row and with a massive selection of good wines and obscure beers. Certainly seems friendly enough and the invisible fence that appears to keep the local Neds at bay is a welcome addition to any Taunton town centre boozer. A hesitant but hopeful 7/10
2 Aug 2006 16:15
The Twelve Pins, Finsbury Park
A haven in a sea of effluent that is F Park. Go for the footie, Arsenal or Celtic, either will do and enjoy the experience of a lifetime but watch out for the occasional scallywag who thinks that violence is a lifestyle choice. Good pub, good pints and good staff.
2 Aug 2006 16:06
Since getting my two front teeth knocked out in a fracas outside the Crown about 10 years ago this pub has always held a place close to my heart! It always was a big imposing joint that dominated Cricklewood but I fear that during the refurbishment works some of the old girls soul was carted off in one of the skips. I'm sure the business is coining it now, thanks to the highly efficient Morans group but the underlying seediness and real drinkers pub feel is gone and with it some of the Crown's attraction. One more thing - Kiwis, Aussies, South Africans, Eastern Europeans and Jesus Mary & Joseph hoards of bloody students- Where the bejabbers have all the Irish gone for a pint?
2 Aug 2006 15:30
A big call I know and a statement that is much over used on this site but Mulligans really is my favorite West End bar. Perfect for a sneaky Guinness while the Missus is stooging around those hideous houses of capitalism and bashing the credit cards in Bond Street, or simply to meet friends on a wet Wednesday evening for a good chinwag and a gargle. Surprisingly unpretentious, especially considering the location. The staff have a sense of humour, are knowledgeable and really do seem to care that you enjoy your pint. The rocks are always top quality and should be tried by everyone at least once (don't be squeamish now!) in fact all the food is served to a very high standard. Classy, couth, friendly and warm of atmosphere. My son was born on 15th June 06 and I met a mate in the pub for a wee bit of a head wetting. The barmen stood us a pint and made me promise that the lad would buy him one back on his 18th Birthday! Looks like I may be frequenting the place for some time to come then....
2 Aug 2006 14:51
A massive, classic North London boozer that appears to be going through a major identity crisis. If you break down each of the Green Dragon's many facets; location, food, atmosphere, garden etc it's not a bad prospect. Throw them all together and you have a mix that goes way past eclectic and is heading for uncomfortably weird. The restaurant above the pub serves good Thai Fayre.
1 Aug 2006 19:40
The Orange Tree, Winchmore Hill
The finest pub in N21 bar none. A proper landlord with friendly and attentive staff. Good, well kept beers and Tayto crisps to boot!
27 Jul 2006 14:43
The Kings Head, Winchmore Hill
This place is an enigma, you may find yourself having on one night an absolute blast with good company, well served drinks and friendly staff but the next night being ignored and pushed along the bar via a selection of fake tanned but very cold shoulders. The problem I think is the diversity of the clientele. I have to confess I agree with the previous comments regarding the hardcore locals (although are they thinking the same about me! I mean, they might not ever visit the pub unless I'm about to walk through the door - However, the chummy banter and associated priority service from the bar staff along with the prevalance of red noses tells me this may not be the case!) Weekend afternoons have a nice relaxed feel to them, where you could happily lounge around for a couple of hours / pints. Friday and Saturday nights are a completely different story with hoards of psuedo-posh chav types, shouting at each other and flashing plenty of buffed and bronzed skin, but for all the posturing I've never seen or even felt as if there was trouble in store. You will often find a gaggle of extremely wealthly WAG's from the more exclusive parts of the area and you can expect no quarter given when they look you over and decide that you're obviously a pauper and have no right to invade their Louis Vuitton clad orbit. The local lads from Saracens rugby club are great patrons and a pleasure to drink alongside (perhaps this is why there's never any trouble) and if you are really unlucky you may be at the bar at the same time as a couple of thesp's (I say this in the loosest possible terms) from the cast of Eastenders - as they hone their mockney accents and general obnoxiousness for the next miserable episode!
Anyway, I digress, overall the pub is worth a visit. It's a fantasic building in a superb location. Deuchars IPA (Pronounced "DOO-Cherrs" by the locals) and Miller on draft are a welcome change to yer standard fayre of London Pride and Stella that is found in almost every other local. The Guinness is not popular enough to be a really good pint but under the circumstances is ok. Overall the KH is a bit like a packet of Revels really - Go and have one and hopefully you'll get the Malteser but don't blame me if you end up with the fondant orange! Eugghh!
27 Jul 2006 14:35
The Prince Alfred, Upper Holloway
I am fed up with people bad mouthing this pub. The establishment fully embraces the ethos of real ale, as its vast offering of cask ales from Microbreweries demonstrates. It is not unusual to hear the regulars proffer their views on the evils of pasteurisation and filtration, as used in the production of keg beers. Add to this the ever popular wine club, where one can hear the local lumeries explain how a good pinot noir stays long on the palate, as opposed to a pungent tart Semillon and you have a bon viveurs dream.
The chateaubriand is second to none and the French chef occasionally obtains the much sought after Black Perigord truffle!
Finally the landlord has had the wit and foresight to leave the interior as a homage to Look Back in Anger, although some say he sees it as a metaphor for the working class struggle against an oppressive regime - who knows? but full of character.
25 Oct 2011 16:14