BITE user comments - jonno_
Comments by jonno_
Under new management. Now renamed the town arms.
Have visited a number of times recently.
Ale now back and on 3 pumps with more to come I'm told. Kept to an excellent standard.
White Horse brewery village idiot seems the house pint.
Needs a bit lower lighting and garden refurb for summer but much improved from recent decline.
Worthy of supporting for some good local-ish ale.
3 May 2013 18:19
The Old Post Office, Wallingford
To their credit (any after a bit of badgering from some punters) they have now added a couple more bitters - last visit it was Jack O'Legs from Tring, and something from Vale I think. Well kept - prices, as elsewhere are on the up of course.
Bar area can get very busy esp. Friday & Saturday nights.
15 Oct 2009 13:11
The Old Post Office, Wallingford
Now do a decent pint of Loddon - usually Ferryman's Gold @ �3.
4 Jun 2009 13:50
The Coachmakers Arms, Wallingford
Popped in again last night.
Great atmosphere, nice and busy for a Tuesday night. Brakspear's Ordianary was so good (easily 4/5) I didn't try the Oxford Gold.
Good to see a new dart board, lights and scoreboard down one end getting plenty of use!
Great welcome from Ronni and Bob. Must try the food next time.
Mexican night looks like a must - where did I put my moustache and sombrero?
28 Jan 2009 13:03
Checked this pub out after a break of some 5-6 years.
I was pleased to see the location is as unspoilt as ever and the pub itself much better than I remember it. A proper pub with a welcoming log burner. Dog friendly.
Sampled the beers and fine lunchtime food on two days over the last weekend and both were top-notch and cheap (�2.50/pint)- 4x bitters straight from the barrels behind the bar, good value homemade food was filling and tasty.
Beers were 4-5 / 5 - Wye Valley Butty Bach and Editors, Backwater Voodoo and Landlord. Good ciders and a perry, which was dangerously drinkable!
Visit soon.
21 Jan 2009 14:09
Still as busy as ever. Note the cellar is being currently being refurbished so beer range limited. I think this is due for completion by Fri 16th Jan.
12 Jan 2009 10:55
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this place. Sure it was heaving, but the beers were in good nick. Slightly surly bar staff though and only 95% of a pint served. On the plus side, cavernous with loads of tables. Seemed to be spread over several floors and the courtyard (not sampled as it was about -5C)
12 Jan 2009 10:45
A surprisingly large local, which wasn't packed out even late on a Saturday night.
The Porter looked great, Pride was top notch.and the pint or half of pistachios was a treat!
12 Jan 2009 10:40
A tiny and characterful two room pub. as a good, quiet location tucked away from the High and next door to Merton. Notable for ancient beams, warm fires and huge tie collection displayed on the walls and ceiling. Offers a slightly extended Fullers range with Discovery and HSB.
I'd suspect the pub quiz might be rather tricky.....
12 Jan 2009 10:34
Great beer - as you'd expect from the White Horse brewery tap (not that I'd fancy lugging barrels from Stamford in the Vale to OX1.
Also does good value pub grub (2 meals for �10 at the moment).
My weekday lunchtime visit was only spoiled by (in my view) some over officious policing of the couple of children in there. I can understand they might not be everyone's choice, especially at later in the evening, but I thought these seemed OK.
That one thing aside, well worth seeking out. I do have a feeling that for some reason they may be closed for new year though..... which is a bit odd for a city centre location.
31 Dec 2008 10:12
Excellent village local, with v good quality food and a couple of well-kept beers.
Adnams and Timmy Taylor's Landlord from memory.
28 Nov 2008 13:55
The Coachmakers Arms, Wallingford
Much, much better than previously.
Eamon has left to be replaced by Ronni (ex-Cross Keys)
What a turn-around. It makes you feel welcome the moment you step into the place.
Beer on top-notch form, especially the Brakspear's Ordinary.
Good to see the Special too - seems to be a seaonal ale offering these days.
I wonder if we'll see Old ale making a comeback?
10 Nov 2008 17:46
Getting several good reports. Must make time to sample this place again.
8 Sep 2008 14:46
Now under the care of Nick & Keren (who were sadly not at the Cross Keys, Wallingford, all that long.
Initial reports suggest they are turing the tide and improving things at the Crown. Pity it's a GK house though.
6 Jun 2008 14:06
The Red Lion, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell
A super local.
Good range of beers (usually 4) including a couple of local ones.
Very tasty freshly prepared food too, reasonably priced.
2 Jun 2008 15:02
Deservedly popular, an outstanding boozer.
Great owners and cheerful, friendly staff (cheers Flo!) who, along with well priced, well kept beer manage to make visitors feel most welcome.
Very friendly locals also added to the atmosphere, as did the working log-burner and the rugby on 2 big screens. Live music most Saturday nights. Pool table downstairs by the toilets, and covered smoking area.
Offers a decent range of beers (I think it was at least 3 real ales when we were in over the weekend, but some multiple of that were actually consumed which makes remembering them somewhat tricky....)
I think it was Otter Ale and Bitter which were the best I've tasted along with plenty of whiskies (which arn't my thing)
They also offer clean, well priced B&B rooms with a good breakfast and a great view down to the sea.
11 Feb 2008 17:40
Busy enough when we popped in recently, but I can't say the beer was much good.
I'd agree with the "less is more" philospohy of stocking less but turning it over faster - they seem to be concentrating on food over beer.
11 Feb 2008 17:25
Revisited again today.
This place just gets better and better.
Very genuine and warm welcome, decent log fire and a packed dining area.
Had a couple of superb pints of Rebellion Smuggler and thought country pubs really don't get better.
Front (public) bar you feel very welcome in just for a drink (unlike some of Oxfordshire's foody "pubs"), huge barn for receptions/parties with a late license.
Attached cottage which looked fab for a very reasonable rate.
Finally, really great food - certainly on a par with the very finest locally. You'd probably need to head to Great Milton (Le Manoir) to top it, not to mention multiply the bill by a factor of about 5-10x.
Only downsides, its well out of the way, unless you live in Stonor, and a couple more beers on handpump wouldn't go amiss. Actually, on second thoughts, location is the pubs advantage - no chance of it being spoiled by coach-loads of tourists.
Great local walking in the Chilterns too.
24 Jan 2008 22:00
The Coachmakers Arms, Wallingford
Have heard that despite my (grudging)comments above, this is actually much improved.
Will attempt a visit and full review ASAP.
8 Nov 2007 12:40
Slightly "out of the way", an unpretentious boozer but all the better for it, with a big garden.
A freehouse, serving decent pints of Butlers, Youngs and Rev. James, at (for this area)surprisingly reasonable prices, without the gastro-pub menu so common round here.
Deservedly busy.
8 Nov 2007 10:23
Visited again recently and was unimpressed frankly.
Absolutely heaving so some punters must love it. Service was OK, but I couldn't get within 4 feet of the bar....
Only had Broadside on draught, which makes a change, but only for the 1st pint (if you've ever tried an evening on it, you'll know what I mean)
29 Aug 2007 17:13
I was a bit worried for the future of the 'Keys in the post Bob & Ronnie world.
However, I'm pleased to report that Nick's doing an excellent job (not sure how good he is at plumbing though)
The loss of Stowford Press cider has been more than balanced-out with the (hopefully permanent?) addition of Brakspear's Organic Oxford Gold, about 4% and much less bitter than Ordinary.
Keep up the good work!
29 Aug 2007 16:58
The Coachmakers Arms, Wallingford
Currently shut for a (very?) modest refurb, still a Brakspear's pub.
Looks set to re-open soon, pity they don't seem to have bothered to improve the patio area at the back. Will report again soon.
29 Aug 2007 16:51
The Bermuda Triangle, Parkstone
Oustanding selection of bitter and decent largers, inc. draught Budvar, Budvar Dark and Doom Bar all at very reasonable prices (for Poole at least)
Interesting themed decor (in a good way)
Only let-down by the lack of a decent pub garden.
29 Aug 2007 16:37
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
As good, possibly even better, than I remember it.
Choice of 5 bitters, many ciders and a perry. Pasties as good as any you'll get. Art collection to rival many small galleries.
Just don't expect to get a seat.
Only drawback - its about 2h from my house....
18 Jun 2007 16:47
A lovely country pub - plenty of room inside and out, with benches on the green out the front.
Good range of bitters and draft Budvar too!
Excellent food. Friendly service. 9/10
4 Jun 2007 10:57
Impossible to improve, bar making it less popular!
One of the pubs you simply have to visit before you die.
10/10
4 Jun 2007 10:52
Characterful canal-side (K&A) pub, with large garden for camping/games.
Had Brakspear/Hobgoblin and Butcombe when I visted, all to a good std. Good choice of reasonably priced food and plenty of outside tables.
Pool room next to the bar and no-smoking area. Well supported by the locals (deservedly so)
31 May 2007 16:01
Good evening food. Pool table and jukebox in the room on the side. Well placed for walks along the canal and N Wessex downs.
31 May 2007 15:54
Just recently sold to Wadworths I believe. Not sure if it will still stock the superb Loddon brews.
Needs a re-visit to confirm its still worthy!
31 May 2007 15:51
Happened to pop in on Saturday and was rewarded with a fine pint of Butcombe Gold (guest) followed by an equally superb Wild Hare. Lunch was prompt and very tasty and the terrace out the back was pretty crowded, at least until the rubgy on the TV started.
I'd recommend this pub without hesitation! It even has rare Budvar on draft.
29 May 2007 15:30
The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llanvihangel Crucorney
Good to see the Skirrid is getting some visitors from here.
Fab location, plenty of good walking nearby, with superb views of the mountain.
Most Haunted fans will love it.
Had Rev James and a Felinfoel pint or two on when I last popped in. Interesting photos too. Get a tour from the landlord if its quiet.
29 Jan 2007 10:56
Re-visited again last Sunday. Excellent, friendly service. Very extensive menu of freshly prepared food. (The 3 course �19 Sunday lunch menu is superb value!)
Well kept Brakspear's, cosy modern/traditional combination, with welcoming fire, and 6-8 good wines by the glass too.
Booking essential for Sunday lunch, but well worth it!
11 Dec 2006 11:19
Absolutely packed when we visited on a Saturday night, its off the beaten track a little but still close to Shipston and Stratford. The whole village must have been in the bar, with the rest of the surrounding villages in the restaurant.
Separate dining area and bar, as well as a function room for 20 at the back.
Food was superb, and service was friendly and welcoming, despite the packed dining room and a separate big party in the room at the back.
Serves a good pint of Hook Norton Best, but the house champagne has erased the other choices from my memory.
Quirky but fine menu, with a reasonable choice for carnivores, veggies and fish-lovers.
Save some space for the Chocolate and Pistachio mousse! 9/10 overall, well worth a detour to find.
20 Nov 2006 11:28
Popped in on a Saturday lunchtime recently for a beer and some food.
Hard to add much to the praiseworthy comments already, but the fire was burning, there were 7 different bitters on, including excellent 6X and Timmy Taylor's Best. They had 3-4 Wadworths specials too.
Food was very good, reasonably priced and prompt, friendly service. It does get busy at peak times, as you'd expect.
Hard to see how it can be improved, 10/10
20 Nov 2006 10:55
Radical update to a tired old village boozer.
Much improved beers and decor in the main rooms. Looks like some fancy food, although we didn't try it. I'd echo the comments re slow service - one barman (the "manager"?) was doing all the work - the other staff seemed to be rather clueless and lacking direction, which was a pity. It was a bit cold and could have done with the fires being lit the day we went.
Excellent Good Old Boy (West Berks)and Rebellion IPA though and though a bit dark, the new decor works well, looks good and is comfy.
I'd got back for Sunday lunch and a pint (or two)
15 Nov 2006 10:16
The Six Bells on the Green, Warborough
Must go back to this cosy little pub again soon. Its tucked away down by the cricket pitch. Always welcoming, with a decent menu and outdoor tables in the summer.
14 Nov 2006 14:17
The Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch
A decent local - although at first glance it looks rather odd, next to a huge carpark and skip and with the pub set on its side.
6X was well kept, but it still closes for a few hours Saturday PM - rather unusual these days, especially with a croud of 20 odd walkers, 4 of us and a few local girls. The enormous log-burner looked like it could double as a blast-furnace, so it was perhaps as well it wasn't lit the day we visited.
14 Nov 2006 13:51
Dinner was decent enough, but the Otter was the only drinkable bitter. And that was being rather generous.
Needs a clean, a few roaring log fires and some paint. As with the Royal Oak round the corner, pity as the town is crying out for a decent pub.
14 Nov 2006 12:41
The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell
This is an excellent refurbished pub. They keep a couple of decent bitters (the Well's Bombardier was perfect), the usual larger (but including Budweiser Budvar and Kronenbourg Blanc - well worth a sample) some Belgium bottled (Chimay and Duvel) and a shortish wine list. Superb food and great service. Welcoming open fires, sympathetically refurbished with some comfy sofas, and the girls do a wonderful job keeping the punters happy.
Darren, the general manger, knows his stuff and is very hospitable while his girlfriend keeps order in the kitchen.
Pity the locals don't ever go in - they're missing a fantastic atmosphere.
Also has a dozen or so good quality bedrooms out the back and is well placed for Cotswold walking.
13 Nov 2006 10:14
Spent rather more of the 1990's here (and in the Corry Tap) than I care to remember (or can remember come to that)
In about 3 basements below Richmond terrace, this was always going to be a studenty hang-out, and I'm sure it still is.
Does it still have the 500ml bottles of ice-cold Budvar? That, the garden and big screen footie were the highlights.
8 Nov 2006 21:50
A simple, two room country boozer in the woods.
We visited on a saturday night when the place was pretty packed with drinkers - though the bar billiards table was inexplicbly empty(?)
There was live music (guitar and acordion) and the beer was exceptional - The Betty's was as good as in Cornwall!
3 Oct 2006 12:34
The Bird In Hand, Henley-On-Thames
darrendrinker - You're confusing the Bird and the Queen's Head. The latter is on the corner at the traffic lights, the Bird if further up the hill on the left (about 150m or so)
There is just no comparison.
26 Jun 2006 10:15
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis
Got new tennants in the last couple of weeks or so, and can't really fail to be more professionally run.
Its the only pub in Letcombe, and should be a valuable part of this local community. If they decided to be the village shoptoo, so much the better.
Full review to follow.
23 Mar 2006 14:14
Went in again last week for a couple of beers and a nice dinner - its still a great find.
Loddon's Hullabaloo was in good condition, the place was surprisingly busy till quite late, and the food was good, at a reasonable price. The big log fires were buring and service was warm and frienly too.
Beer festival this year is 27-29 May, when I'll certainly be visting on my bike....
23 Mar 2006 14:07
Not sure where knackerbag was drinking, but the 'keys is a Brakspear pub....
28 Oct 2005 17:59
A fine, if remote location, with great Chiltern views and excellent local walking on the Ridgeway.
Benches outside for sunny days, BBQs in summer, and roaring fires in winter.
Excellent food, and well-kept Brakspears beers.
29 Jul 2005 12:34
The Queens Head, Crowmarsh Gifford
Great for a summer beer (Fullers - Pride, ESB or maybe even a Honeydew) in the large garden with lots of space for kids.
Thai restuarant is the main event though, and there are just a few non-dining tables in the bar area.
6 Jul 2005 17:16
Outstanding food and very decent beer (Brakspears) Lovely atmosphere in either the main dining room or the back bar. Front bar tends to be used when its very busy/wet. If its warm there are lots of outside tables in the "courtyard" area. My only criticism is that the candle-lit dining room is too dark, but very romantic for a cosy dinner. Lamb shank and puddings no doubt really bad for you, but very tasty. A very friendly welcome too.
16 Jun 2005 14:37
rest/pub really. Good Brakspears, good beer (just B'Spears)and excellent food. Friendly service and a decent beer garden.
9 Jun 2005 15:07
Its a while since I had the pleasure but an excellent place to try some of West Berks Brewery's finest products, well kept, in a traditional corner pub.
Usually has a min. of 4 expertly kept real ales on. Can get smokey.
8 Jun 2005 17:33
Not been in a couple of years - so it it still going?
Exceptional - there is no sign its a pub from the outside, indoors has old furniture and loads of atmosphere.
Real Ales, open fires and scrumpy territory.
I recall one special beer - "Old Bastard" I think....
8 Jun 2005 10:24
Large, foody pub. Out of the way, but worth it for the good beer and decent winelist. Food very good indeed. Busy evenings and esp. weekends - so book!
8 Jun 2005 10:18
The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers
Dorset boozer are they should be.
Quite probably unchanged (inc. clientelle) since about the 15th century
8 Jun 2005 10:09
The Five Horseshoes, Maidensgrove
Management have changed in the last year or so.
The previous team have gone to work their magic at the Baskerville Arms, Shiplake.
8 Jun 2005 10:03
The Baskerville Arms, Lower Shiplake
New venture from the "old" management of the 5 Horseshores, Maidensgrove. That'll be enough recommendation for most.
Propper review to follow, but menu choice looks execllent.
8 Jun 2005 10:02
Superb food, well-kept Brakspears, but more of a restaurant these days. That said, its a top-notch place for dinner. Also do set-lunches for less which are good value. Take a map/GPS unless you are local and know where it is - v tricky to get to!
8 Jun 2005 09:50
The Bird In Hand, Henley-On-Thames
Graham keeps a fantasic pint. Even the Brakspear Brewery guys used to drink here as it does the best beer in Henley, bar none.
He'll have at least 4 real ales on at one time (often more) and has just switched from Draft Budweiser Budvar to Staropramen (also draft), so quality all round.
Good beer garden.
Excellent value pub food too. Try the Chilli if you dare.
7 Jun 2005 18:08
Almost certainly not as good as I remember it being, but I could be wrong.
Cider with Rosie (and Jim)
7 Jun 2005 18:03
Lovely setting, excellent beers - including Loddon Brews.
The recent beer festival (May05) had excellent range of beers and good BBQ.
7 Jun 2005 18:00
Good stuff:
Bar billiards table
Bad stuff:
Too brightly lit for me. Poor beers (Greene King)
7 Jun 2005 17:44
The Coach and Horses, Wallingford
Good things:
Usually a couple of decent Fullers beers (Pride, ESB)in a world of Brakspear, nice setting, Lots of picnic tables out on the Kinecroft, Monday night pubquiz, ive music some Wednesday nights
Bad things:
Too smokey and poorly ventilated.
7 Jun 2005 17:42
Good things:
River terrace, poole tables (x2), big screen TVs for footie, usually lively atmosphere
Bad things:
Shocking range of beers,usually crap (no real ales), expensive, smokey
7 Jun 2005 17:36
A great local, with well kept "Ordinary" as well as Brakspear's Special (usually) and often their seasonal beers.
Nice beer garden, jukebox, darts and Aunt Sally
Can get a bit smokey!
The friendliest and finest pub in Wallingford.
7 Jun 2005 17:32
The Bell Inn, Aldworth
Shhhhh!
Don't tell everyone!
Still peerless, Black Horse Checkendon closest in feel....
3 May 2013 19:43