BITE user comments - leftwinguk
Comments by leftwinguk
I would say the key word in localyocal's review is "seemingly". Patrick is a good guy, but can appear a little cheesed-off. Once you've been in there a few times you realise its just the way he is. Beer selection is great, usually 5 on, and a new one almost every week. Food has not been sampled as yet, but I should as everyone says it is great. Top place!
19 Feb 2007 12:42
If its a warm day, sit in the garden and look at Mellbreak, with a pint of one of their on-site brewed ales. Even better if you've just climbed aforementioned mountain. Recommended!
19 Feb 2007 12:28
The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden
I think localyocal has got it right........which is a big shame. The place has gone a weird grey/blue colour on all the woodwork, the top bar is a tapas area with tables all laid out for eating, not sitting and having a pint. The actual area for drinking is very small, and set out more like a holding area for the food parts of the place. Not tried the food, alledgedly it is good, but portions are small.
Nobody goes in there for a drink anymore so it seems!
Sounds like I am describing a restaurant with a small bar attached...? I think so.....!
19 Feb 2007 12:15
The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden
Since previous contribution, the landlord retired (although now runs a pub in Orsett, South Essex), and the dog died. New manager was an American lady, although she like good beer which was a bonus. IPA was removed (which is a good thing as its everywhere in Walden), and beers are now Broadside, Landlord and guest which has been varied and well kept. In fact the beer is as good now as it was years ago. However the big news is that Spirit Group (pubs part of the Punch group) have flogged it off to a guy who owns just a handful of other pub/restaurants so we may yet see a return to proper food. All happens in the next month so I am told - watch this space.
29 Jun 2006 11:05
Its trendier than it was last year demonboy, recently refitted and Barry has retired - although still in there regularly by the looks of it - to be succeeded by some younger blood. Its never going to be the busiest place in town though, but it was lovely watching the world cup England v Ecuador in there.
29 Jun 2006 10:59
Great food, very much a gadtro-pub as already noted. Price is reasonable for the amount you get, and the quality is excellent. Not really a place to sit and drink, although later on in a weekday evening when it gets quiet you can have a drink at one of the fantastic hanging tables . Great place to take someone special...
20 Sep 2005 14:18
The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford
I have stayed here a few times, and found the food and beer of good quality. Lovely setting near Ladybower, and on a busy road so gets a lot of passing trade. Always packed in the evening so it must have a good reputation, although I guess this adds to the atmosphere surely?!! Bar perhaps a little small to cope with this much trade.
15 Jul 2005 11:57
The Old English Gentleman (OEG), Saffron Walden
Great pub, nice beers, guest ales, does food well apparently (not tried).
Very much a locals pub as evidenced by the usual suspects round the bar, but the staff are the best in Saffron Walden for serving you. Artwork displayed in right hand room, with a tiny garden off the back of this. Perfect on a summer weekday afternoon.
Only downside is it's too small for all those who want to go there, and it can get a bit smoky. Not full of lads and ladettes thankfully.
21 Jun 2005 16:22
The Glen Rothay Hotel and Badger Bar, Rydal
I'll agree with the last comment. Great local ales like Coniston Bluebird, and a lovely little afternoon suntrap garden too. Only disadvantage is the proximity to the A591 and the constant holiday traffic.
21 Jun 2005 14:03
Smallish Greene King establishment. Sky TV for sports, has a lot of TV's rather than one big screen due to layout, but this works OK. Usual Greene King beer selection. Very pleasant garden for summer evenings. Chelsea FC supporting landlord likes to mix with his regulars.
21 Jun 2005 12:13
Agree with Marcus about Friday/Sat nights. Usual standard Wetherspoons stuff - have some real ales although I don't know how many they actually sell because most of the clientele drink lager or bottles. However it can be a nice place to pop into during the day. Large garden. Cheap. Mind the chavs though.
21 Jun 2005 12:04
Lovely village pub which looks after its locals it seems. Good beers available, guest ales etc. Nice large garden, with crazy golf course!! Host annual charity fundraiser - the "Bell Bash" and also has small beer festivals. Centre of village life it seems...good for stopping off on your bike ride! Not tried food so will only give 8/10.
21 Jun 2005 11:44
The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden
Usually three real ales, currently IPA, Abbot and Adnams Broadside (tasty). Bar staff friendly, food is way below how it used to be in the late 80's/early 90's as it's now part of a set menu chain of pubs. Having said that it's still tasty enough grub, if a little bit expensive for what you get.
Can be a bit quiet in the week, although Thursday often busier. Weekends can get a good atmosphere, not crowded out, and no under age or chavs come down.
Sunday recommended - a regular quiz night with Malcolm in the chair (usually around 30 quid prize, pound per person). TV very occasionally for terrestrial sport, pool, dart board, other board games, jenga available.
21 Jun 2005 11:37
Beer is good, seems to be lively enough now that it is surrounded by residential developments.
21 Jun 2005 11:02
The Duke Of York, Saffron Walden
Now it has been refitted, the landlord has really got something to be proud of. And he certainly is having been a regular there, before he took the place over. Staff are always friendly, TV's well situated, ales include Saffron Brewery on occasion which is nice to see. Only trouble is its too small for its popularity, although in summer the outside patio will be a bonus. And to cap it all, its already a non-smoking establishment.
19 Feb 2007 12:46