BITE user comments - almost_an_old_git
Comments by almost_an_old_git
The Crooked Billet, Leigh on Sea
Called in for luncheon yesterday - unable to book as phone does not take incoming calls!
Good selection of real ales; settled on a pint of Adnams followed by London Pride.
Lunch was an ample sufficiency although the service was diabolical. Three bar staff who seemed to double as waiting staff did their best. Suspect the hold-up ws in the tiny kitchen. When it came it was good.
Perhaps they should operate a restricted menu on Sunday - possibly offering only a choice of Sunday Roasts?
Will visit again but probably not on a Sunday
5 Oct 2009 08:29
Potential goldmine but restricted by pettiness! NO bar tab (Even if you're eating) in the garden - offer of credit card refused. "not allowed to do that!".
Beer ok though but staff sullen and oppressed.
1 Jul 2009 15:41
The Jug and Jester, Leamington Spa
An absolutely super pint, or two...., of Banks' Bitter and a most convivial evening. Food (that which was available & not "off") was fine. The service could not have been better. The supervisor, Sam, had the un-enviable task of telling us six 'Old Gits' that almost everything we wanted was 'off'. Nevertheless, done with good humour and style. Decor was comfortable. It would seem that the toilet is regularly vandalised hence the lack of loo roll. Additional supplies were, though, available on request.
Worth a visit, although it might be different in 'term-time'.
22 Jun 2009 16:29
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
Traditional stopping place for a couple of pints before 'trainig' it to Twickenham for the Army Navy game.
Good service and both the Youngs Special & Hobgoblin in good order. Return call before train home after the match - Guinness in top form.
Decor grim but ambiance excellent.
6 May 2009 09:27
Found the service on the balcony fine. Sierra nevada was well presented and tasted good. The Guinness, however, was lacking in a head! Nevertheless, 'buzzing' with atmosphere and young people enjoying themselves!
13 Apr 2009 16:20
Welcoming Pub with good 'home cooking'. Hand pumped beers kept & served well. Guinness also well dispensed.
16 Mar 2009 09:00
The Old White Hart, Northampton
Called in, en masse, after a particularly hard journey down the Grand Union Canal Northampton Arm. Although somewhat grubby, welcomed warmly. Good selection of 'girly' lagers but no real ale. Did have 'Bombadier' in bottles though. They are due to have hand-pumped ales installed very soon. Although we didn't eat, menu looked appealing. Interesting building with a magnificent staircase.
16 Mar 2009 08:55
White Horse Hotel, Rottingdean
Luncheon today. Beer battered cod & Scampi. Both so fresh they tried to leap from the plate.
Service from a charming young lady who could string words together in coherent sentences. Sadly, due to being in the car, unable to sample the beer. Perhaps next time.
2 Mar 2009 15:30
After a relatively pleasant dining experience at another Beefeater - Coombe Lodge in Croydon- The Lady Wife and I decided to attempt replication at this establishment which was not unknown to me.
Sadly it was not to be so pleasant an experience. The bar was pathetically under-manned; queues three deep attempting to force cash on the staff in exchange for liquid refreshment. Two non-english speaking barmen attempting to satisfy demand from broad masses who's command of the English language was little better than the bar staff's. Mistakes were bound to be made, and were! (Why can't the English teach their children how to speak?)
The beverages, whan they arrived, were nothing to rejoice over. The Guinness I was served was rather flat and an enquiry as to the Lady Wife's 'Large Red' elicited a similar response.
The queue had somewaht dissipated and so a resolve was made to order food from the Bar Menue.
Once again placing an order was a test of grit. Selection of cpmestibles of course, table number etc and as on the previous sortie, to order beverages, to the same non-english speaking staff member. Returning to table 344 (I am not a number!) some fifteen minutes after departing to register our requirements.
The food arrived after a further 20 minutes and was quite edible. The Chilli was not over hot and the rice not over sticky: The Beef and Ale Pie was nourishing and substantial.
In summary, a potentially good venue where extra staff, decent training and more attention to detail would pay dividends. But for the moment rather dissapointing.
31 Dec 2008 09:45
Called for luncheon this day with the Lady Wife. Pre-luncheon tincture - a little heavy on the angostura (one would suppose that the foreign johnnie behind the bar had never been asked for a pink gin before !?!?)
The fried fish adorned with french fried potatoes was not, however, without merit.
Poor selection of port and no madeira on offer.
Would call again on the strength of the victuals.
I remember, when I was serving in India, when a bar wallah would have been horse whipped if he had been over generous with the bitters....Still we had an Empire in those days.
22 Dec 2008 19:35
Arrived with four colleagues for a meal. Menu interesting. Service totally chaotic! Waiting staff totally inept; wrong food served, delays in serving all our party with starters so that some had finished before others had started. When main courses arrived quite eatable but nothing special.
Rioja good value though and Guinness palatable, served at right temperature.
19 Dec 2008 21:59
Enjoyed a comfortable and friendly night staying at the King William with Mrs A-A-O-G. Our room was most comfortable and the service from Pauline & David most attentive. (Pauline cooks a mean sausage!). Ingested more than a few pints of TT Landlord to good effect! Highly recommended for the beer, hospitality and company!
8 Dec 2008 11:20
The Fur and Feather Inn, Woodbastwick
THE most magnificent Steak & KIdney Pudding I have ever eaten, apart from my Mum-in-Law's. It goes without saying that the beer is in top condition and served by people who are knowledgeable and care about it. The shop was a golden opportunity to load up with an eclectic mixture of bottled ale including my own personal favourite:- Nelson's Revenge.
26 Aug 2008 15:15
Never fails to please. A pint of 'Wherry' and one of Adnams..Both perfection. Friendly and characterful customers; one gentleman standing at the bar had a cucumber in his pocket;- at least I think that's what it was.
26 Aug 2008 15:09
Stayed next door at the Cobo Bay for a couple of nights several weeks ago and, as usual, eat at the Rockmount.
On going in absolutely dumbfounded! The interior had been completely changed. Gone are the carpets to be replaced by wood floors. The bar which served both the Lounge and the Public Bar had been shunted a distance down the wall toward the sea!
Happily the same high standard of food, a decent pint and an eclectic mix of oddballs and serious folk!
Still my favourite pub in Guernsey! Looking forward to a return in October.
14 Jun 2008 09:50
The Zetland Arms, South Kensington
A good pint of Guinness but rather spoiled by two things; Gentlemen's lavatories which smell like a public convenience. (Sympathies with the landlord as it must be an almost impossible task to maintain a decent standard considering the amount of 'filtered' ale that passes through there!)
Secondly, the volume of the 'background' music.Is it really for the staff or the customers? Played at such a level that conversation within is nigh on impossible; believe me we, and most other customers resort to terse shouted conversations just to gain acknowledgement from friends less than a yard away.
Requests to 'turn the gramaphone lower' are met with comments like, "I'm not sure if I'll be allowed to". Is there some deep feeling amonng licencees which links sound volume with speed and quanity of drink consumed?
Anyway, rant completed, not an unpleasant visit.
11 Jun 2008 15:24
Seems to have changed hands yet again, 'To Let' sign gone......So has the appalling "Crazy Golf".Sadly, still full of 'bottled' blondes and 'well 'ard geezers'!
11 Jun 2008 15:14
Passing by boat called in for evening meal. Food was adequate but over priced. Beer on offer was well kept and served. Staff a little 'distant'.
4 Jun 2008 10:40
Not quite as bad as it at first appears. Bar staff seem to be in a world of there own but did, at least, ennunciate which made communication possible, allbeit wit a Liverpudlian accent.
Guinness, which they seem to sell a reasonable quantity of, was reasonably well poured and at a good temperature. The red wine on offer was an above-average Merlot. Tables could do with being cleared a little more regularly and the bar top needs a more frequent wipe down.
Sense of deja vu as I used to work there in 1969. Sadly, none of my co-workers still there!
31 Jan 2008 17:06
The Douglas Bader, Martlesham Heath
Intransit London to Southwold. Hungry tum - saw signs at Martlesham pointing to pub off the main road. Called in and ordered Ham, Egg & Chips plus two pints of Guinness. Superb! Service, flawless; food beautifully cooked & presented and Guinness well poured and served.
Worth a call in!
1 Jan 2008 19:11
While the womenfolk 'shopped' we went in and had a few wonderful pints of "Broadside". Superb atmosphere and a host of dog owners!
Nicest pub in Southwold and worth a visit.
3 Dec 2007 09:05
A good pint of Guinness, but what do you expect in this part of the world?
Music and "craic" of a high standard. Beautifully dark and dingy - just as it should be!
28 Oct 2007 13:42
Stayed overnight in somewhat eclectic room!
Beer was rahter run-of-the-mill butthe food was to die for.
Menu changes each month and is definitely not the usual soup in a basket etc.
Staff very friendly and service excellent. Breakfas is good although eggs, both scrambled and poached, rather over done.
Good value being cheaper than local Travel Lodge and with the added value of being run by real people and used by the same.
20 Aug 2007 11:11
A very nice pint of Taylor's Draught Landlord!
Sadly, bar staff seem to be numerically dyslexic as on each of my last three visits, asked for three pints and was given two!
Never mind, worth waiting for and we hope that Marek's mastery of English improves soon!
3 Jul 2007 08:57
Called in after "Singles Night" at the local tip.
First pint of Guinness Red. A pleasant interlude and a most welcome pint.
20 Jun 2007 18:42
Yet another splendid lunch! Pint of Youngs Special, fish 'n chips, banoffie pie & coffee. Service easily the best, pubwise, in London. Food cooked to perfection - the beer-batter on the fish defies description.
Their antipodean staff must be hand picked especially as most other pubs now offer service with a snarl rather than with a smile.
Will be back again very soon!
15 Mar 2007 16:56
Caled in last Friday at quarter to six for a pint and a snack before going next door to ENO. Queued 10 minutes for a pint of Sam Smiths and asked to order some food. Was told that kitchen closes at six and that "Chef" wouldn't cook after that. This was at five to six. Perhaps they need a clock or timecheck? This is a case of the tail wagging the dog.
Strange thing was at least a dozen other people were clamouring at the bar trying to order food as well.Should the reconsider their timing? Or should potential spenders of money be forced to throw it at the likes of McDonalds.
15 Mar 2007 16:49
Fairly well presented and kept bitter although service could be described as being "with a snarl". Personal bug-bear - LOUD music blaring out from a multitude of speakers made conversation difficult. Not the sort of place to go for a quiet chat, at least not on saturday afternoon!
14 Mar 2007 08:09
Become a regular 'call' when passing.
Happily, now a non-smoking pub in advance of the change in the law.
Launched a new menu last week. Imaginative food well cooked and served. Good selection of reasonably priced wines.
Worth a stop!
13 Mar 2007 10:34
A passable lunch served in a friendly manner. Coffee freshly brewed; good 'n hot!
Guinness, standard warm variety, quite drinkable! Lunch time bargains - if ordered at lunctime substantial discounts.
12 Jan 2007 14:50
The Botley Hill Farmhouse, Warlingham
Re-visited recently after a break of several years. Reason for the extended time interval was an unhappy experience on the last visit. Most of the points raised by previous reviewers were totally concurred with.
Happily, although the dreadfully 'low' types of entertainments(Chas & Dave + Tribute To Headbanger & The Nosebleeds etc)continue: The range of beers and the condition in which they are served continues to impress.
The food, well cooked and nicely served, is good value. The menu is varied. Service was, although not with a huge smile, was, at least without a snarl.
One criticism! One of the bars (the one next to the lavs which seems to be full of giggling adolescents) is positively bristling with mobile phones which have, shall we say, 'indiscreet' ring tones which blast out at 20 second intervals. Suppose it could be the aforementioned "Headbanger & The Nosebleeds latest: "I Aint Been To No Music School"- available on the "Rabid Dog" label.
Chin chin & TTFN.
30 Dec 2006 23:01
Called in for a quick drink after the service of rememberence at the adjacent war memorial. Several pints of tasty 'Youngs' Bitter.
New owners; Dawn and her husband. Inside totally refurbished and very tastefully done!
Was so impressed ther Lady Wife, No1 Daughter and self stayed for a very pleasant Sunday Lunch. This washed down with a good Pinot Grigio and followed by a splendid apple crumble.
I will certainly not leave it as long until the next visit.
Re-rated!
13 Nov 2006 09:07
Delighted to report that friends visited this august establishment a few weeks ago on 'opening night'. As promised by the site manager / owner when I last went in April, it has been restored to its former magnificent glory.
All traces of the various add-ons of the last 40 years have ben removed. The wood panelling has been restored and the galleries, hitherto closed, have been re-opened. The food on offer is reported to be of a very good standard and the beers available now include 'Ursus', 'Miercurea Ciuc', 'Bergenbier' & 'Tuborg'.
A good variety of Romanian wines is available. (The Romanian's seem to keep their very best for domestic consumption and export the average ones!)
On previous visits the establishment was virtually empty; now it seems to be bursting at the seams with a short wait for a table.
There is a small shop within which sells ceramic 1 litre & .5 litre beer mugs as well as magnificent etched 1 litre glass steins.
The staff have also been re-furbished; they now seem to be pleased to work there and the service is very attentive.
I look forward to my next visit in 2007!
13 Nov 2006 09:02
Jolly sort of place with a diverse range of customers who appear to interact well together.
Place could be renamed the "Tardis", as it seems to go on forever.
Had a very good pint of Guinness which was well served and a brave attempt made to draw a shamrock in the head. Not at all bad as the barmaid was from Poland.
Worth a call.
28 Oct 2006 15:53
The White Hart Inn, Margaretting Tye
And so to luncheon with companions from deepest Suffolk. Supererb vittals served promptly served with more than a smile by admirably attired retainers. Roast Beef, and good beef it was, presented with copious vegetables and pudding from the County of Yorkshire.
The selection of fine ales was astounding.Foaming tankards of 'Whitstable' were ordered and imbibed with most pleasant results.
Liquor coffes were called for and, happily, fresh double cream annointed the top rather than the inferior of aerosol variety seen in many other places.
This establishment is worth a lingering visit.
The only mark on it's proud and worthy escutcheon is the presence of an apparantly psychotic goat in a pen devoid of grass or straw. Of course, its possible that this omission is due to the daily ingestion of the aforementioned vegetable matter by the said beast!
We look forward to a return visit soon.
8 Oct 2006 20:07
The Golden Boar Inn, Freckenham
I really am 'torn' when it has come to submitting a review for this establishment.
One side of me wishes to publicise it widely; the other to keep it quiet to prevent an influx of 'Cockerney' scrap metal dealers and used car salesmen accompanied by their "Tango'd" wives, dripping gold and un-ruly despotic offspring demanding 'chips', 'burgers' & 'beans'. That would be disasterous for all concerned; the charming regular and loyal clientele and people who happily, 'discover' the pub during meanderings about Suffolk.
However, here we go.
I have a poor reputation amongst my colleagues when it comes to booking places to stay; I am told that I err on the side of 'seedy', so it was with some trepidation I fixed on something of an 'unknown'.
It has to be said that it has been one of the happiest discoveries of the last few years.
The pub is, in a word, beautifully appointed and a cred to Kate & her staff.
The accomodation is palatial with many small touches that make things feel very homely.
The beer on offer, Wherry, Pride, Landlord are carefully kept and dispensed with panache by attentiveand friendly bar staff.
We ate dinner their on both nights of our stay.
We were totally amazed at the menu and the diverse range of dishes on offer.
The food would put the large majority of 'Grand Hotels'totally in the shade. their pate is to die for. Their Slow Roasted Loin of Pork with Prunes and Roasted New Potatoes & Parsnips.....words fail me. It was so good I had it on both nights!
Pub games, such as dominoes are freely available and helped us to round off a perfect stay - a game of "3's & 5's".
I'm not given to hyperbole but they fully deserve the ultimate mark which I cheerfully award them!
We hope to be back soon. Thank you so much.
20 Sep 2006 15:45
The Bristol Fringe Cafe Bar, Bristol
Smelly, grotty boozer. Sole redeeming feature a new'ish pool table. Indifferent beer served with a grunt.
31 Aug 2006 18:37
Interesting. Good pint of 4X & Guinness. Food something of a dissapointment; jacket potato undercooked and plentifull filling rather spoiled by lemon mayonaise. Marie Rose sauce would be a great deal more palatable.
Redeeming feature - barmaid(en)is very pleasant and is more than willing to enter conversation with customers. Also very easy on the eye.
Coffee machine is 'busted' without plans to repair / replace.
Worth the visit
31 Aug 2006 18:34
The Windsor Castle, Kensington
A perfect lunch experience! Lamb & Rosemary Sausages & Mash. Pint of Timothy Taylors Draught Landlord. Stupendous cheeseboard served with panache and a smile in the courtyard.
A first visit for me but certainly not the last.
26 Jul 2006 20:13
Visited on the way home from 'Singles Night' at a local tip/recycling facility.
Wednesday night is 'Fish Night' - we had a beautifully served pint of Larkins and two portions of halibut which were "good enough for Jehova".
Large paddock behind the pub has now been restored to pristine condition; could we hope that the Kentish game of 'Bat & trap' will, one day, return?
13 Jul 2006 09:31
Oh dear! Oh dear! Absolutely wonderful beer (Adnams), lovely funiture, wooden benches and settles. Most pleasant garden, albeit rather utilitarian, but sadly only substantial meals served at lunch time. Called in for a light lunch and a pint last saturday and an enquiry for food was met with a gesture toward a black board displaying full meals.
No trace of sandwiches or ploughperson's.
What a shame!
10 Jul 2006 22:29
Edge of town pub with reasonably kept beer. Pleasant conservatory.
Children's play area at the rear open aspect to the heath.
Food very 'chainish'; nourishing and substantial.
6 Jun 2006 10:27
Tell me this and tell me no more: Is Capt Ahab's Cabin still 'Men only" on Sunday lunch times? Or am I betraying my age?
4 Jun 2006 09:27
In the later evening a clear demonstration of all thatis amiss with society today. In the South there are "Well 'ard geezers", I'm sorry to say that the equivalent in this part of the world is the "Ignorant scouse git". I've recently been 'jostled' and verbally abused in this establishment. Quite what was said is an enigma to me as the tone and format and patois in which the communication was addressed to me was totally incomprehensible.
Such a shame as 20 years ago this was a nice place to be with well served beers and amiable company.
Finally; "Why can't the English teach their children how to speak?"
4 Jun 2006 09:23
The Crown and Sceptre, South Croydon
A splendid pint of Guinness and first rate "Mini Cheddars". Served with panache and style by pleasant staff. Place a little like the 'Tardis'- not very wide but extends backwards for ever! Substantial and comfortable seating on the forecourt. Dulcet tones of multiple police vehicles passing the end of the road on a regular basis in the evenings, possibly on the way to subdue rioting Chavs in Central Croydon. Most entertaining!
29 May 2006 20:49
To use an oxymoron, last week's visit was 'Bitter Sweet".
Arranged to meet a client there for lunch and arrived a little early to discover, to my horror, that it was closed.
Polite tapping on the door brought a site manager who told me that it was being closed for 'restoration'. We chatted about the level of restoration and i expressed concern. My mind was put at rest as he has promised that all the mosaic floors will be cleaned and restored and the acres of wood carving made good. It's over 140 years since it was built and very little love has been lavished on it in that time! They hope to re-open in the autumn. He did allow me to have a brief look about and this confirmed what he said!
Incidently, the designer and restorer visited a pub in Liverpool , The Philharmonic, whilst researching the restoration.
I hope that next year's visit will reveal a completed establishment!!!
Incidently Bar / Restaurant round the corner "La Mama" provided a superb meal and an excellent bottle of Romanian Reisling.
4 May 2006 17:35
The Flying Machine, Biggin Hill
A good pint of Guinness Extra Cold served with relative despatch. Blonde barmaid definitely not employed for her accountancy skills!(change from �20?).
Well 'ard Geysers still abound but in a very good natured way. Centre stage occupied by 'Chavvie' types. Suprised to see a 'bouncer' - friend told me it was to contain the 'Chavs' rather than let them wander free and at large in the village.
New fangled nasty disco thing - "Fat & Ugly" - horrendous noise and aweful flashing lights. Sensible conversation impossible.
On the whole better than it appears - Bottles of Pinot Grigio �10! Good value!
8 Apr 2006 22:01
Mothering Sunday - In desperation sought a pub which doesn't do food and, hence, will provide room and safety (child free) to imbibe a pint.
Place half empty, nevertheless welcoming. Polite barmaid (not anorexic and with plaits) served me Bombadier & Young's special with great panache/style.
Pub totally unpretentious and contented with its lot in life, that is to aspire to be nothing more than a 'boozer'.
A thought, could it have been quiet as all the regulars were fighting to be served with wives & mothers-in-laws at the local Beefeater.
This being the case, I wish for Mothering Sunday every week!
26 Mar 2006 19:08
The Tart's Bar (on the left as you go in the front; a pleasant place to enjoy a decent pint of 'Special'. Usually in on a friday early evening and thus, quite busy. Staff continue to be very good, but don't they keep turning over?
5 Feb 2006 18:03
Called for sunday luncheon today. Despite a 40 minute wait for food, the beer, Wadsworts, was in good condition and served with a smile. The sunday roast(s)were well cooked and presented. Nice to have a smoke free area to eat in.
All in all, a good experience and worth repeating.
5 Feb 2006 17:58
The Winchester Gate, Salisbury
What a jolly pub! Called in yesterday for a pint, way off my local area, "Ecce homo ergo elk!" The nectar of the gods; Timothy Taylor's Draught Landlord. Not generally imbibed by me for over 25 years since I left the Keighley area.
Eclectic set of barmaids; such fun and greatly entertaining. Be sure to call again soon.
5 Feb 2006 17:53
A splendid pint of "Special"; Bangers & Mash + Fish 'n Chips. Chocolate & Cherry Pud with Vanilla Ice Cream. Filter coffee. Absolute perfection! Superb service and a good selection of Youngs beers. The Menu is varied and beautifully cooked / presented. Of particular interest is the 'specials' board which lists 6 or 7 dishes and a selection of 'starters'. It does, however, get very busy at lunch time. It's advisable to arrive before 12.30 to ensure a choice of tables. Non-smoking area near to loos which are accessed through a 'bookshelf' !
Worth a visit but I suggest you avoid Chelsea 'Home' match days for obvious reasons.
7 Dec 2005 19:24
Have just heard from friends in Bucharest that the establishment has been purchased and that improvements are promised! I look forward to my next visit to see what they've done!
4 Dec 2005 12:35
Amazing, Like stepping in to a temple devoted to beer! Has fallen rather on hard times but the interior resembles a Gothic church complete with confessionals & pulpit. The service is totally apalling, the beer is either Bergenbier, Ursus or Tuborg.I did hear that somebody once dined there - It took days!!!
As a regular visitor to Romania, I would urge anybody going there to go in and have a beer and a look.
16 Nov 2005 13:15
The Library Bar, St Peter Port
Within Moore's Hotel. Pleasant bar with good service and well presented beers. Atmosphere is friendly. Carvery is good value and offers a great choice of foods.
16 Nov 2005 13:03
The Bankers Draught, St Peter Port
A mixture of clients! On one hand a clutch of chinless wonders who spend the day shouing 'buy pork bellys' and quite a few more reflective locals. Beer is sold in great volume but the selection is not great.
16 Nov 2005 12:56
As good a pint of Sam Smiths as you can get 'Down T'South". Extensive refurb recently. Downstairs bar lovingly restored (see the beautifull terrazzo floor!). Upstairs breathtaking views of the river. Can't vouch for the grub as I haven't eaten here.
16 Nov 2005 12:53
Nice pleasant place to vist in clement weather so you can sit outside, people watch & admire the frontage!
Beer was average, well served and promptly so. Lunch-served through hole-in-the-wall arrangement at end of the pub. All that can be said of that is that it was "nourishing & substantial". Worth a look in.
16 Nov 2005 12:48
The Shipwrights Arms, London Bridge
Re-visited recently after an absence of 25 years! Good atmosphere with sensibly priced ales. Lunch was well cooked and above average.
This used to be known locally as "The Pink Tit". Look over the fron door to see why.
16 Nov 2005 12:44
Nice atmosphere Guinness beautifull! Food, a bit 'chain'ish' but, nevertheless, well served, palatable and, of course, nourishing.
16 Nov 2005 12:41
Good range of well kept and dispensed beere. Excellent menu of beautifully cooked dishes. Friendly attentive staff.
Ample carpark and, for summer, super patio.
16 Nov 2005 12:39
The sort of place which, attractive from the exterior, when you enter becomes totally silent and all occupants turn round and stare at you. Made the mistake of booking a colleague in there for B&B a week , or so, ago.
Filthy dirty, dirty bedding which was reluctantly changed without word of apology and an absolute rip-off at �53 / night B&B. So concerned was he that he phoned me after being in there fo 10 minutes and begged me to find him alternative accomodation! In the end, he stayed but did not dare to eat breakfast! Called in at Little Chef for that.
Wish it would come on the market as a sensible owner could turn it into a wonderful hostelry.
As my old Granny used to say; "cleanliness costs nothing!". So down on your hands and knees and out with the scrubbing brush and paint can.
16 Nov 2005 12:26
A splendid evening when 9 of us descended on them and demanded food! Beautifully cooked meal. Well kept beer; IPA particlarly of note. Both Standard Guinness and Extra Cold.
LOunge has V, ideal for those liking sporting events. If staying at Travel Lodge down the road, just a brisk 5 minute walk.
13 Oct 2005 20:48
The George & Dragon, Westerham
Pleasant 'Olde Worlde' bar & restaurant - difference being that this is the real thing. General Wolfe stayed there at the end of the 18th century. Back to the pub.
Good selection of beers well kept and served with panache. Lunch served in the bar is substantial, nourishing and very tasty.
Well worth a visit.
8 Oct 2005 21:09
I'm ashamed to say that despite passing this pub twice a day on the way to and from work for nearly 20 years,yesterday was my first visit. A good range of beers served by an eccentric barman. With the outward appearance of Elmer Fudd he does serve a good pint and is quite knowledgable about each of the brews.
It is comfortable place with ample parking and a nice terrace for use in clement weather.
I will return and, hopefully, sample the cooking.
8 Oct 2005 21:00
Called in again last week. Change of management, decor & attitude. Very good pint of Abbot Ale served with a smile. Black leather carpet gone (or was it an axmimster which had been impregnated with beer, grease & chewing gum?) Whatever, its gone! Also tried the Youngs Bitter & Extracold Guiness - not without merit. Good bag of crisps served as well!
2 Oct 2005 16:23
Visited this pub 28th August for their Real Ale Festival. An excellent selection of beers;including Ecclesshall Shining Knight (4.5%); Ellgoods Mad Dog Bitter (4.4%); Robinsons Hartleys XB (4.0%) AND one that you'll never see again; Elgoods Mouse Hole (4.6%), this was brewed especially for the Peterborough Festival recently and one barrel was secured by Paul Boswell, the Landlord, for this event.
All the beers were beautifully served in sympathetic surroundings. 3rd Test from Trent Bridge on v small in garden so regular update of score!
This pub is recommended as the surroundings, service and quality of food and drink is very good.
29 Aug 2005 19:26
Called in for a beer other night and decided to stay for an eaving meal. Selection from blackboard above fireplace was extensive. Chose Shank of Lamb. Served with fresh, crunchy vegetables and new potatoes. An absolute delight. All this washed down with a couple of pints of 'Larkins'. My idea of heaven!
A most friendly bunch of staff for which nothing was to much trouble! I look forward to our next culinary encounter.
25 Aug 2005 08:27
The Tickled Trout, West Farleigh
A very popular venue for lunches. Food variety, quality & service are second to none. Portions are generous and beautifully cooked. Their Seafood Salad is beyond comprehension. This and a bottle of "Gros Plante" yesterday was the ideal summer luncheon!
One thing though; very busy so try and book a table in advance.
25 Aug 2005 08:23
Turned up on spec for a meal tonight. Table was found in a relatively smoke-free area. Landlady explained that there might be a short delay as there was a largish party in the main dining room. When questioned as to the anticipated delay, she enquired and established that it would be half an hour or so. She asked us to chose from the clearly displayed menu. The food we chose was served cooked to perfection and adorned with sundry vegetables. The wine and real ale consumed was of a high quality and beautifully kept. The bitter, Harveys, was a treat! Clear and just the right temperature.
I recommend this pub for honest drink and a high standard of food served.
19 Jul 2005 22:04
Food reasonably priced served quickly. Beers well kept and various.
Sadly, rather smoky and somewhat over endowed with "well'ard geezers" shouting and swearing! Nevertheless nice to visit in summer, to sit outside and watch the world go by.
17 Jun 2005 15:45
Probably the nicest pub I've ever patronised! The beer is well kept including Guernsey Bitter. Wine list is excellent and the food out of this world.
Moules Mariniere in garlic & onion are beyond description and the steaks melt in the mouth. View across Codo Bay are superb. My idea of heaven; a bowl of moules, a bottle of muscadet and a good book all ingested in a window seat. Paradise!!!!
17 Jun 2005 15:38
A wonderful pub! Good beer, well kept and good conversation with intelligent people. Staff totally coherent (unusual for Liverpool!)
Will visit again and again.
17 Jun 2005 15:25
1968, interior gutted and all cosy & intimate rooms / snugs / bars etc knocked into one. Original 500 year old beams removed and replaced with fibreglass clad concrete with identical 'knots' every 20". Piece de resistance; a floodlit plastic spinning wheel placed centrally. Progress i'm told. Beer now fairly standard but garden a sort of redeeming feature. Food standardised boil-in-the-bag grade. Bread rolls good, microwaved by their 'chef' daily.
17 Jun 2005 15:23
In bygone days when Bill Flint was manager (60's) The beer was well kept and the service good. First pub I knew which served "food"; shock! horror! Called in there recently and would concur with the previous comment. Not worth the time & effort.
17 Jun 2005 15:13
The Flying Machine, Biggin Hill
Sad to say that this pub is the abode of 'En-ger-lan' types and displays all the characteristics and charm of a 1960's new town bar. On the positive side, mens lavatories are clean. Sadly, if you want a good beer, this is not the place to go.
13 Jun 2005 08:44
A very well kept selection of Young's beers. Well served with a smile by very able and friendly staff. Not a place for kiddies as there is an abundance of good conversation!
13 Jun 2005 08:40
Oh for those 'balmy'days of tug-of-war on the green; dwile flonking in the car park!
Where are you Pauline & Dave? You pub needs you! And was "Roses In A Pickle Jar" ever published?
8 Jun 2005 16:40
Used to stay regularly before it was downgraded to a Travel Lodge from a Premier Lodge. Staf pretty poor except for one of the Lodge receptionists who's been there years.
Food fairly standard 'chain' fare, beautifully defrosted and boiled in its respective bag. Service is 'odd' - order food at counter and pay before you're served! Whatever happend to trust?
Best avoided if you are looking for good food & drink. Interesting place to 'people watch' though.
30 May 2005 21:16
Excellent! A football free zone!!! A decent pint of Hydes and interesting contemporary decor. Will come again.
30 May 2005 21:06
A story of total missmanagement on the part of the Brewery.
Used to be a superb manageress who KNEW how to work a bar full of customers, who was able to greet people by name, to keep an excellent cellar. Food was imaginatively prepared by a chef who was skilled in more than a microwave. Sadly the brewers saw fit to replace Lesley with a person with little or no sense of humour and lacking in personality. Once again the place is over run by children. I pose the question...Is this both the sign of the times and the shape of things to come? Is the concept of 'hospitality' reduced to a matter of corporate greed where profit is all? I weep for us all!
On the positive side; the mineral water is beautifully opened and the crisps are, to all appearances, fresh.
30 May 2005 20:57
The home of large bull-necked, shaven-headed,tattoo covered people; dripping with gold chains and earings. Standing near the bar talking loudly in "Sarf East London" accents whilst their hideous offspring either chase around the public areas or sleep on the bench seating (time of day dependant. When sporting events are being shown most of the afforementioned seem to be related to the players with shouts of "Cammon moy San!" this is, on international days, punctuated by shouts of "Engerlan".
Their lady partners compare fake tans and how close to the 'ideal' shade of orange they can get.
Beer is kept in good condition and the staff are most co-operative given their customer base!
So, avoid early afternoons, late afternoons, early evenings and late evenings. 9.15 on a tuesday evening is good!
Finally, watch out for the spelling mistake on the road-side sign advertises the new "seperate" restaurant"
PS strangely all women in there, apart from the staff, seem to be blonde. "Bottled" perhaps?
14 May 2005 09:27
Now block(s) of residences for distressed gentlefolk in reduced circumstances!
14 May 2005 09:03
Another splendid evening at The Queens Head! Guinness Extra Cold very passable, London Pride in condition & Youngs like nectar. Mini Cheddars ample and sufficient. Landlord's Jack Russell as swwet as ever. Worth the detour from Bromley / Orpington!
13 May 2005 23:54
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The Britannia Arms, Monterey
Had an utterley splendid evening here in April of this year. Ambiance was good and Guinness even had a Shamrock in the head.
The food was excellent and the service was attentive without being servile.
Sadly, I've heard that this place has "gone bust".
Is this true? - If so, what a shame!
14 Dec 2009 11:46