BITE user comments - mackerel
Comments by mackerel
Looks like no-one's been here for six years!! Went in for a quick drink after looking for large blue butterflies just up the road. A lot of work being done to bring it more up to date, and not at all a bad place for a pint of (only) Wadworths. Didn't try the food.
9 Jul 2016 18:37
The Old Windmill, South Hanningfield
What a disappointment. As this is a Brunning and Price pub I had hoped for a great experience. But no. A Saturday afternoon for a quick drink, and the staff couldn't be bothered. Almost empty but the barman was too interested in his reflection in anything shiny. When we asked for a G & T he asked what gin we wanted. Told him what we decided and he served a glass with ice and lemon (and a bottle of tonic, although he'd never heard of Fevertree), but no gin. He seemed confused when we suggested a gin may help.
Manager - get a grip!!
16 May 2015 21:12
This is the pub that wrote the song "A pub with no beer....". Went in today and was immediately put off by the noise and decor. Arriving at the bar I looked at the pumps, and only one had a badge on it - but turned around. This was the only proper beer they had but it was off. I started to understand the unloved atmosphere when I went to the toilet. Big poster over the trough "Win a tablet" (Assume they mean computer) with closing date of 31 August and results announced on 7 September. Today was 5 October.
5 Oct 2013 19:08
I like the Tap a lot, and the beer is always from a good selection at a reasonable price. But had a terrible lunch there recently, when there were only about 6 people there. I would have hoped that on a slack day the kitchen staff would have been glad to have something to do. They put out way below standard food and bar staff were happy to serve it. PLEASE do try harder as it's a lovely place.
28 Jan 2013 15:27
Used to come here mid afternoon after working locally, and once new manager took over we were made less than welcome. As it turns out, it didn't matter too much as they took to having NO BITTER on when we were there, so we went elsewhere.
18 Feb 2012 16:50
Got to within 1/4 mile of the pub in July, only to find it was closed because of fire damage. Its' a real shame, but it would have made it more tolerable if someone had put a notice near the main road.
27 Aug 2011 18:30
St Stephens Tavern, Westminster
Oh dear. Not bothered about it being crowded - you'd expect it here on a Saturday - but why the huge argument over a glass of wine which was clearly not right? It smelt about right for putting on my chips. Come on guys, it's only a glass of the owner's wine (not yours) which needs changing. If they could have supplied blood from a stone, I'd have had it. It would have been quicker.
21 Nov 2010 20:38
Even though there doesn't seem to be much else in Kew, this does stand out. Thursday afternoon popped in, had a drink and then a quick wander around Kew before going back. Barman remembered what I (a total stranger before my first pint) ordered last time. Very welcoming, although fire too hot even for my fire-loving wife.
21 Nov 2010 20:32
The Royal Standard, Wandsworth
Lovely surprise to go in on a cold, late, January afternoon. We sat on one of the sofas and watched life going on. Noticed what looked like one bloke trading some fish for his evening's drinking. That's the way the local works! Doom Bar as good as in Cornwall. Forget the Alma and Ship - go here.
20 Feb 2010 11:50
Been coming here since it opened, and we go there pretty well every week - so "generalstaal", I would call it a local. Loads of well kept local and national beer of which the staff are rightly proud and they're always keen to give you a taste of the new one on. If price worries you, go between 5 and 7pm during the week for 50p off. Food by far the best in the area.
Best of all, the staff all make you feel really welcome.
Just need a bed there, and I could call it home
17 Oct 2009 13:38
I think I'm going to have to move to Cheriton. Holidaying in the area for four days, we found ourselves there on three nights, and the own-brew beer was worth the 250 mile journey - especially at �2.30 for the bitter. Food was really good - strightforward, tasty and good value. Lovely setting and staff really friendly.
Should be in anyone's (sorry - everyone's) top ten.
10 Jun 2009 20:03
We've been coming here for years, even when the kids were kids. You could come back from Lundy Bay and sit out in the garden with a few scoops of well tended beer, before going home to wash off the seaweed and crabs.
But now with the new management, the door is firmly barred to late afternoon drinkers, and my life will never be the same again.
Please open all day through next summer!!!!!!
2 Dec 2008 17:51
The Maybush Inn, Waldringfield
Really nice place, but a foody pub, and not really so welcoming if you just want a few pints
31 Oct 2008 19:21
What a disappointment! Sat outside on a nice Friday afternoon, amidst the brilliant reflections of all the broken glass artfully arranged all over the ground. Not surprised that there were no other punters.
This really looks like the owners or managers just can't be arsed. It ought to be easier to make this a great pub in this location, rather than a tip.
6 May 2008 16:50
What a great idea - being able to sit with a nice pint and look out over the inspiring architiecture of St Mary Redcliffe church - once the security van had moved from outside the window.
If I'd known how bad the Bag o Nails was going to be , I'd have stayed for a few more.
6 May 2008 16:44
Shame the beer was warmer and flatter than even I like it. I know it's a beer pub, but "vin rooj" from the box was equally undrinkable. "Bag o' Spanners" may be a better name.
6 May 2008 16:40
Heaving when we got there at about 5.00, but all the better for it. Great character, great mix of people, and interesting beer. Top pub in town.
10 Mar 2008 17:34
Shame it's so far from where we live. What more can you want? - unique setting, friendly and cosy, and beer so cheap you can't believe the change.
Just so that you know what types go there, I was one of the youngest at 59.
10 Mar 2008 17:30
The Bell at Sapperton, Cirencester
Lovely location in a great part of the country. Tasty good value sandwiches and a good selection of beer. Great to sit outside with a drink, watching the swifts flying overhead.
9 Jul 2016 18:41