BITE user comments - cheese_and_onion
Comments by cheese_and_onion
Excellent little pub. Went here before a gig at The Fly on new Oxford Street and was exceptionally impressed by their commitment to beer. About 7 ales - I drank the delish Camerons Fireside Ale - and a policy of asking if you'd like a taster. Food looks OK too - saw Fish & Chips and Sausage/mash on the table next door. Not haut cuisine, by the looks, but hot, fresh and (apparently) tasty. Nice pub too - one bar, trad, Victorian. Amazed it's survived as it is.. One piece of advice: don't order the chilli nuts. they're sh*it!
22 Oct 2009 01:06
The Wych Elm, Kingston Upon Thames
Nice friendly pub that takes its beer seriously and tries hard to make you feel welcome
20 Oct 2009 23:48
The Railway Tavern, Hampton Wick
Called in after 11 one night off the train. Friendly enough welcome but the pub smelt and the beer (Pride, I think) had seen better days. Can't really see that it's changed that much.
20 Oct 2009 23:46
Can't believe this pub has been given such an easy ride here.
This used to be one of the liveliest pubs in the area, packed with a real variety of ages, genders and drinker types. Two years under the new landlord and it's like a morgue. Previously, you had to get there early on Quiz night - now you can roll up late and have your choice of seats. Saturday lunchtimes used to be buzzing. Now you'll be lucky to find more than 4 or 5 people in the bar.
The beer's not the problem: it's still always in good condition. But this pub was far more than just a real ale pub - it was a fantastic community pub. Not any longer. The undesirables that were swept out by Don have been let back in - the only regulars these days - and dominate the bar with their ignorant foul-mouthed tirades. You'll be lucky to see the landlord - even luckier if he can remember who you are and acknowledge you when you do!
A classic example of a pub which punched above its weight for a while - by dint of excellent management and sheer hard work - being allowed to drift back into the pack. God knows how much this guy paid for the pub, but he must be losing a fortune and - Ramsay money or not - he surely can't afford to carry on like that.
20 Oct 2009 23:42
Really like this pub. Very trad, one bar, 2 TVs, friendly bar staff, great beef and mustard crisps! PJ's very fastidious and his Pride's always in excellent nick. Locals aren't always that welcoming to outsiders, mind!
15 Oct 2009 17:05
Joes Bar and Restaurant, Hampton Hill
Do you ever go anywhere other than La Familia, Jack? We'd be interested in your views on other pubs ;-)
15 Oct 2009 17:00
This pub has really turned a corner. Fullers beer in perfect condition, good, not overly-ambitious food and - most surprising of all - friendly service from a team of youngsters who seem happy to be serving. Inevitably there are delays at the weekend when the weather's nice and it's crowed, but the chaos and churlishness of previous years is missing. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the pub's like after the refurb.
14 Oct 2009 12:33
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The Roebuck, Hampton Hill
Odd pub really, for a one that took over from the Lion as the Richmond & Twickenham Area Pub of The Year. Good selection of beers but I've never felt that welcome. Only one of the bar staff ever seems to be genuinely happy to see you, and the regulars all crowd the tiny bar with no thought of moving to let you put your order in And if I hadn't been told otherwise, I'd have sworn all that old tat on the walls, ceiling and table was straight out of a catalogue. Plus it (and, imho, the beer) is always too warm. Still, at least they've got Twickenham Ales now - they didn't until a few months ago.
2 Nov 2009 00:25