BITE user comments - crumblyoldruins
Comments by crumblyoldruins
Bit of a chequered career this pub, previously the Bellevue then the Greyhound and now renamed Candlemaker.
A re-launch refurb of beautiful 1930s pub (by Sidney Clark FRIBA for Charringtons) stripped the interior plaster along one wall for a distressed 'warehouse' look, and the original and striking exterior copper lanterns have been replaced. Several internal walls have been knocked through to make it a more or less open plan space and the kitchen relocated upstairs. There is a fireplace at the far end near the garden, an unusual and cosy feature.
The garden has been refitted with booths to the front and an unusual zig zag rear wall with shelves and smoking shelter to the rear.
Beer has been variable in quality although the Sambrooks Pale Ale I had was OK. A Laines bitter was 'off'. Haven't tried the food but my companions said it was OK but expensive for pub grub. The music is quite loud.
Before opening they proudly announced that they were going to focus on real ales and there are four handpumps (possibly more) but I usually find there are two on. Still early days. Might be worth giving them some more time to 'bed in' before a visit.
29 Jan 2013 15:45
There will also be another rally outside the Tumbledown on December 1st at 1pm to demonstrate the strength of the local community to the loss of their community pub.
20 Nov 2012 15:02
The Little House got planning consent last year for change of use to residential and an extension. The work is largely complete October 2010. Shame they has to rip the original 1933 Toby tile plaques off the front.
7 Nov 2011 08:48
The Manor Arms is reborn! New owners Richard Coltart and Alex Hughes have waved a wand over this fine 1924 Art Deco interior, transforming it into a bright space with good timber floors, a serpentine bar to die for and great lighting.
I'll be going back to eat and will report on the food but the beer was excellent- Sambrooks Wandle, Purity Gold and Adnams Broadside, all well-kept. Smart and attractive bar staff, organised and efficient, obviously experienced.
It's early days, they only reopened on 15th February but there was a pleasant upmarket buzz to the place when I visited, half the tables full with a cross-section of customers, from young Boden mums and babies (it was mid-afternoon!) to couples and friends.
They will be open from 9am for breakfast/brunch, snacks and coffee right through lunch and the afternoon and evenings. As well as the bar and restaurant there is a squeeky new juice bar ready to liquidise your five a day into a glass.
Show your support and pay a visit, although if you remember it in its previous incarnation, you will probably find it unrecognisable.
Good luck, Richard and Alex.
17 Feb 2011 10:42
There is a planning application to demolish and replace with a block of flats. Comments via Merton COuncil's planning department until 5th February.
19 Jan 2011 10:46
The Burn Bullock reopened on Friday 8th October under new management. The new landlady, Sue, has to be handed a large award for getting the doors open and the pub functioning in just five days after being handed the keys, and after a long period of closure.
Was in there yesterday, it was well populated with a good mixture of customers including a family group playing games.
Two real ales on tap, Green King IPA and Abbot Ale. I can vouch that the IPA I had was as fine a pint as you'll drink anywhere. There's also a BBQ in the garden on Sunday and free bar snacks.
All round, a bit of a top lunchtime experience. Get down there, and tell Sue I sent ya.
25 Oct 2010 09:25
The Queens Head, Beddington Corner
Acquired and reopened last Thursday. Spitfire will be available in weeks to come. No food.
The interior has not been 'stripped' per a previous reviewer, but the two external doors have suffered some damage and been replaced, hopefully temporarily, with modern timber stand-ins.
Interesting plasterwork ceiling to main bar of probably Edwardian date, indicates possible previous use as a meeting or other function room before an interior wall or partition was taken down to make it open plan.
Can't vouch for the drinks as I had a diet Coke (my visit was at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and I was driving) but the service was friendly and the glass was sparkling clean.
Good luck to the new publican.
20 Oct 2010 15:29
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The Victoria Stakes, Muswell Hill
I am very reliably informed that this pub is now being scouted by property developers. If it is being offered under the table, it could become a Tesco overnight. Please contact your local CAMRA branch for pub defence support and don't waste any time.
1 Jul 2013 01:38