BITE user comments - blueallover
Comments by blueallover
Went here on 5 & 6 June. Wonderful food, very good service and very friendly staff. Will go out of my way to visit again, and try the draught beers - wasn't up to it when we visited as it was just after our wedding on the 4th.
11 Jun 2012 10:36
Hadn't been in here for years, and wanted to see what it was like after being done up. Some things don't change - the ceiling for instance, or the fact that there appeared to be only one bar staff on after 2pm (and they'd stopped serving food at the same time on the day I went in).
Not sure about the refurb. The pub is now split into 4 distinct areas by large partitions, and the kitchen area at the rear has been removed to make more room for seating (which was quite comfy).
There is no music, fruit machines, TV, etc to distract you, but it can still be quite nosiy. But for some reason it didn't have any atmosphere. I'll be going back to see what it's like in a few weeks.
1 Jul 2011 12:05
Now called the Tommyfield. Looks basically the same, and the staff haven't improved - waited 15 minutes to be served by one bar person (early evening) who was more interested in gassing about the wine list to another punter (who looked like he had more money than sense!).
Never tried the food, and at the prices they are charging, never will. More of a gastro pub than a real 'boozer', I don't intend on making this my regular when I have to visit Kennington.
If you want more atmosphere and much friendlier staff, visit the Doghouse - may look ropey (even after being tarted up) but you'll be more welcome.
27 Jul 2010 12:54
Have to agree with other comments about the way this 'pub' is run. just got back from there (now 9.50 Saturday night). Ordered food at aboyt 7.20, starter arrived after 25 minutes - not too bad as the place was quite busy. However, having to wait over 75 minutes more for the mains to arrive is just appalling. What was worse was that my partner probably spent a good 35 minutes queuing to order, get more drinkas and then pay the bill. Whilst patying the bill, at about 9.20 PM, she heard other people being told it was 90 minutes to 2hrs for food. Absolutley appalling. I won't be going back.
3 Jul 2010 21:56
Had a very nice time here last night with friends. Service was friendly, good and fairly laid back, but not overly attentive. Food was of a very good quality, although if we'd known the size of the mains we would have skipped the starters! My friend and I both wanted the duck fajita, so the waitress recommended we share a double, and it was more than enough for us to share (and saved a few quid on the bill as well!). Might be a tad expensive for Faversham, but you do get a lot for the money (starters, mains, 6 drinks, and coffee was �94 - tap water was free and they were happy to provide more).
Beer was good (late red) and well kept, but shame they only had that and master brew on.
After we had stuffed ourselves, we asked if we could move outside and have coffee, offering to settle up and pay for the coffees in advance. No problem, they said - and you can settle up after the coffee as well. Nice touch.
6 Jun 2010 08:39
not sure what you lot are on about. Food was good, service was attentive, delivery of food was excellent and the beer was better than expected.
27 Mar 2009 18:53
Went in here ages ago - was �4.20 for a pint of Kronenbourg Blanc. Food always looked on the small side and attractive - only ate there once, and had to eat again after as still hungry.
Atmosphere was good, staff friendly - but expecting a tip ! pfffft, get out of here - for table service, yes, bar service, no chance.
12 Sep 2008 09:32
The Hedgehog and Pheasant, Pimlico
One of the most over priced, up its own arse pubs I've ever had the misfortune to go into in the SW1 area. It only gets a 1 from me - and thats for being able to get out quick !
12 Sep 2008 09:23
Probably best pub in the area. Good service, beer is always good (Adnams and Bombardier), and it never runs out like in the Victoria Tavern (what a dive!). Food is also good, if a little pricey, but you don't leave hungry (unlike The Phoenix!)
12 Sep 2008 09:12
Not my favourite pub in Bromley, but there aren't that many that can be classed as 'good'. Very disappointed with it, but the same goes for all Slugs in SE and Central London. Nothing wrong with the decor or location, but they just seem to have no clue on how to make it an enjoyable experience (like waiting ages to be served!!).
6 Aug 2008 11:11
Hmm, strange but I keep getting drawn back to this pub. Atmosphere is great, but does get crowded very quickly (well, it is quite small inside). Adnams is still of good quality, bar staff are cheerful, food still good.
Couple of tiny gripes - the music can be quite depressing (think its linked to some sort of mood system on the player), and the messing about with the lights (nice and bright, then dimmed to almost darkness, and any variation in between over the evening).
21 May 2008 14:30
Was okay - nothing special. Bit antiseptic and a place to meet before moving on elsewhere. Can see the outdoor area getting busy i9n the summer.
4 Nov 2007 21:33
Been back a few times and still very welcoming. Adnams still good and so is the Bombardier.
If hungry, dare you to get through the Money Burger - 100% meat with a bacon and cheese topping, with chips and salad.
1 Nov 2007 19:13
Popped in the Barss Monkey last night - such an improvement on the Burleigh. Def more of a bar than a pub, but much more welcoming. Small ares (3 seats) up beyond the bar so you can sort of lord over the rest of the clientele.
Small but cosy is the best way of describing it. It may be �3.30 for the lagers (amstel and Heineken), but the Adnams was �2.70 - they also do Bombardier. Theres one cider and a few other drinks on tap, but didn't see any guiness (may have missed it on my quick look along the bar).
Food looks reasonably priced, but didn't get round to trying any.
3 Aug 2007 09:14
Friendly pub with friendly service. Obviously a "regulars" pub, but they are very welcoming. Beer was good, but not tried the food. Shame it so small, and could do with a bit of makeover - the toilets in particular.
1 Aug 2007 09:59
Remember this when it was the Spanish patriot (when it wasn't a bad pub with a pool table towards the back). Went in their once when it was the Ruby, and was severly disappointed. Might have to revisit it now its changed again.
16 Apr 2007 14:19
One of those nice pubs that has sadly lost its charm and ended up as the last place to pop into for a pint. Shame as it was one of the better ones around.
16 Apr 2007 14:17
Appears to be in the same chain as the Colonies, so the food should be above average (not tried it yet!)
Beer is always good, although service could be sped up a bit. Otherwise, it's an enjoyable pub. Just a shame that there's nowhere to sit outside (although sitting on Vauxhall bridge Road wouldn't count as a highlight!)
16 Apr 2007 14:12
Arrghh! This coudl be such a great pub. Nice bar,a nd another down stairs (but it doesn't serve ale!). Food always seems good, and service is variable, depending on day/time (Friday nights can be murder!!)
But the bar staff - jeez, guys and girls, chill out. Every Friday night I've been in here they literally throw you out at 10 minutes after closing, even if you still have some drink left
16 Apr 2007 14:09
About the smallest pub I know, but still one of the best for service, beer and food. Only the Speaker is better (and only 'cos the bar staff are very good at remembering your fav, and also your rounds). If in the area, give it a whirl - you won't be disappointed !
16 Apr 2007 14:02
Having worked in the are for over 20 years, I went in here for the first time on 12 April. It was very disappointing. The customers were transient or tourists, the decor made even the shoddiest whetherspoons look like a palace and there wasn't enough room to swing the proverbial cat. On the plus side, the beer (IPA) was okay, but only just.
Oh, and the sign to the lounge bar should be removed as it points you up stairs to the restaurant - and no bar !
16 Apr 2007 13:59
Ha! Ha! Bar and Canteen, Victoria
One of the worst and most overpriced bars in the area.
Had lunch in here one day - service was so slow was afarid my lunch would arrive the following day !
And, as noted below, not the place to go if you want a *full* pint or something more than the ordinary to eat. Pop into La Tasca or Nando's for better service, food and beer (and that's saying something !)
16 Apr 2007 13:57
Spent most of last summers Friday evenings outside this pub, sitting on the picnic benches out the back. Still one of the best pubs in the area if you and a few mates want to sit outside and have a laugh, but be warned it does get very busy on a warmish day.
Always have aguest ale on, but it can run out way too quickly.
They've changed the food menu recently, so can't ocmment on that but might be able to in the near future.
16 Apr 2007 13:54
The White Horse and Bower, Westminster
Just got back from here. Very nice and helpful staff, good beer and a friendly atmosphere.
Bit pricey but nothing unusual for the area (2 spitfires and a Kentish Ale = �7.90)
15 Mar 2006 14:12
The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
This would be a lovely pub if it wasn't underground. Beer is normally good, and the food is ok. Had many a drink in here, but not through choice - others have dictated it!
Natural light can make all the difference!
15 Mar 2006 12:38
This pub has really gone to the dogs in the past few years - even when I stared drinking in here 20 yrs ago you could guarentee a fight 3 out of 4 fridays, and sometimes more. Banning the squaddies was a good move.
Beer is overpriced and badly kept. Not bothered with the food for many a year so can't comment.
15 Mar 2006 12:37
Good selection of ales and some interesting guest ones as well - quite refreshing for the area. Staff could learn a little more English!
Layout is a little odd, and remembering that they have 2 entrances can be difficult are a beer or 6.
Food good and served fairly quickly.
15 Mar 2006 12:33
small (gets crowded with more than 15 people in it), friendly pub that likes to serve the cusrtomer properly - you can take your time viewing the beers, spirits and wines without being shouted at!
Beer always of good quality, but a little pricey (where isn't around here ?).
15 Mar 2006 12:29
Gone downhill a lot over the past 18 months. Could do with a refurb and more training for the staff - they can be alittle quick and can't wait to get rid of you so you may end up with an odd drink here or there.
Food is always generously sized (except the bowl of chips - you get better and more from the Laughing Halibut in Strutton Ground for less dosh) and good quality.
Friday nights can get "lively" (!) - just like The Feathers used to many moons ago.
15 Mar 2006 12:26
very nice pub that stands out because of the level of service. Landlady is nearly always on hand, and doesn't mind giving you those extra seconds of guidance if you don't know what to drink.
Food is always good, although can sometimes be a little small. The cheese board was truly amazing - literally a wooden board, cheese knife some cheeses, biscuits, celery and grapes. Very nicely presented!
15 Mar 2006 12:23
The Buckingham Arms, Westminster
About the most expensive pub in victoria!!
Food is good, although the salsa sauce could do with spicing up a bit. Beer is always good and the service is normally ok. Helps if you are a regular.
Oh, and watch out for the dog that sleeps by the food counter - it's old and doesn't move very far!
15 Mar 2006 12:20
The Coach and Horses, Westminster
Has the potential to be a great pub but wish to god they hadn't put the pool table in. Food has become a little indifferent of late, and service can be slow at itmes (especially on a Friday night).
Quiz night is Monday - a big shout to Gordon as he makes it a great laugh!
15 Mar 2006 12:15
I like this pub a lot but there never seems to be enough space when you want to meet up with a large group of friends (10+) but don't want to go the wetherspoons across the road.
The mezzanie is quite interesting in that it allows you to overlook almost � of the main floor - good for spotting lost mates!
A bit pricey but good quality beer and food.
15 Mar 2006 12:08
Been using this pub, on and off, for about 15 years. Always seems the same, no matter what they do it - smokey, dark and in need of doing up (again!). At least thyey got rid of those dodgy seats that covered the radiators and came away from the wall when you sat down. Could do with restuffing the the other chairs along the long wall though.
Beer is nearly always good, the food has got a lot better, and at a reasonable price for the area (the beer is almost the cheapest!).
Having said that, still one of the friendliest pubs in the area and doesn't mind large groups enjoying themselves.
15 Mar 2006 12:05
The Coach and Horses, Billericay
really nice pub that I've been to a few times.
Guest ales rotate frequently and never reappear too soon :)
Food is good - half price on Monday night, curries on Wednesday.
good, friendly service, and only seems to get crowded on Sundays, when its best to book a table for lunch.
Standard size TV high up in one corner which is normally off, and only comes on for national, international or european sporting events.
And yes, if you are under 50, you'll feel a bit out of palce, but otherwise no-one takes much notice.
6 Apr 2005 12:33
The Pilot Inn, North Greenwich
Visited in on Sunday 12 August. Lovely pub in the middle of the wasteland that is the North Greenwich Peninsula (ignoring the O2). Service was very friendly, and very quick. We were asked how long we were staying so that they could give us a parking permit for the required time (seems the parking people are pretty hot on those not displaying the required notice!).
Beer was well kept (as with most Fuller's pubs), and the food was very good, with very speedy service. As noted above, we thought 2 hours would be just about right, but with the quick service we could have asked for an hour and still been out in less than that - and that was with 3 courses! As ever, portions were not stingy, and the food was piping hot. Glad we got there before 12.15 though, as all the garden tables were taken before 1pm. Definitely head back there again.
13 Aug 2012 15:42