BITE user comments - markwilliamson
Comments by markwilliamson
Good range of ale, sign outside the pub says 'Best Bloody Mary in Greenwich'. Having just tried this concoction last Sunday, I wholeheartedly agree. The BM which I was served was spicy, peppery and utterly divine! The young barmaid serving was upbeat, talkative, enthusiastic and intelligent.
Eclectic mix of people inside. Friendly locals, the odd eccentric as well as the odd tourist! Last Sunday, a horde of French tourists were given a talk within the pub about Greenwich as well as the tradition of Pearly Kings and Queens; how very bizarre!
I understand the pub has musical evenings. I plan to be be checking out these live acts out shortly-cannot wait!
11 Apr 2011 14:31
As someone local to the Greenwich area, I used to frequent this pub occasionally after spending time perusing around the local market. For me, it never used to have the 'wow' factor; and besides, the Greenwich Union was always my preferred port of call.
However, I now have had a sudden and dramatic change of heart!
Yesterday late afternoon, I popped in for a swift pint. However I stayed much longer than was originally anticipated. The choice of cask ales on tap was okay. There were a few Sharp's beers on tap. Those with a liking for continental beers/lagers will certainly not be disappointed. However the highlight for me was the food on offer. I spoke at length to an amiable chap called Steve (Head Chef) he went at great length to explain that he sources much of the food from old breed cattle/stock. Steve seemed genuine and enthusiaistic in his approach towards drinking and dining.
The hearty, wholesome and tantalising British fayre on offer was of a high restaurant standard. I washed my ox and kidney pie down with a welcoming pint of stout. Food of this standard within a pub is extremely rare. The only other pubs I rate selling similar food and drink within the South London area are the Royal Oak and anchor (both of which are in Southwark).
Aside from being friendly and helpful, the staff I spoke to had plenty of outgoing charm, intelligence and insightful banter; which is shamefully lacking in many pubs nowadays.
With unequivocal doubt, this is now my new home from home!
9 Nov 2010 13:52
The Greenwich Union, Greenwich
Not a great fan of the extremely clinical and fairly modern interior. However I have to say that in my experience, this pub serves excellent, well kept beers on tap, and an eclectic array of bottled premium beers from around the world.
The staff range from students to young professionals ' in between jobs'. Without hesitation on my last visit, the staff kindly and obligingly allowed me to keep my push bike within the premises. They set up a tab, and explained key differences between regional and national beers, which demonstrated passion and knowledge. Anyone ever faced a barman who can explain what a Lambic beer is? I obliged by downing a few ales. Thirsty work!!!
Must be one of the best pubs, if not the best pub in the central Greenwich area. If coming across this pub, step inside and avoid it's immediate neighbour/s.
16 Feb 2010 21:09
The pub transports you back to a by-gone age.
A very surreal drinking experience indeed.
Makes me proud to live South of the River.
If you are in the area, and have not visited before, you will not be disappointed!!!
Get yourself down there, and have a dink on me!
24 Sep 2005 19:38
This is a very relaxed,friendly and informal boozer; with a traditional,timeless'British Pub' feel to it.(Which is becoming a bit of a rarity nowadays considering the amount of pubs closing down and being turned into homes or pretentious wine bars and bistros!).
Don't Expect-Fine wines,a la carte menus and posers!
Expect-An honest,down to earth clientele that welcomes newcomers!For lovers of Real Ale,there is normally a new weekly guest ale served by considerate, polite bar staff!
I would recommend visiting on a hot day, taking a seat in the beer garden beneath the oak tree and supping on a nice pint of ale!
You can relax here with friends and regulars alike, and the atmosphere is genuinely chilling!
On Saturday's they often have live bands, and what is more, ENTRY IS FREE!
24 Sep 2005 19:34
Musically-this pub will not disappoint a discerning lover of contemporay music!!!Excellent vinyl jukebox which I am sure has won over a whole host of people!!!
The atmosphere is always friendly and pulsating also. The punter genuinely feels like an extra walking into a film set.
Yet, disappointingly the choice of beers and ales is not the best in the area, and aside from that I am really at a loss to know what is remotely Spanish about the place! Having said all that, a good 8 out of 10. Improve the beer, and the ratings would go off the scale!!!!
3 Aug 2005 21:13
In terms of pubs, I normally like the traditional boozer with a laid back feel!!
This pub is traditional in decor, but with an alternative twist....in that it is laidback but uplifting at the same time!!!
Yes folks,The Ship on my visits had a friendly yet feisty bar manager (a young Irish girl).She employs staff as equally friendly and receptive as herself, has a good taste in music (which for my tastes is too loud,but for regulars is part ot the appeal).
To round it all off, the beers on offer are not the usual Carling and Fosters(Yippee!!!They thankfully serve ale!)
Avoid-If you are a quiet, retiring and shy type who wishes for peace and quiet!!!
Enjoy- If you wish to relive the heady days of punk and new-wave amongst genuine, un-pretentious people!!!
3 Aug 2005 21:02
A welcome pub to find 'off the beaten track' in the heart of the West End! A break from most of the other busy, overpriced pubs you will find in this area!
As with all Samuel Smith's pubs, the decor is in keeping with the traditional feel and mood of the building (no garishness here).
Yet whilst some Samuel Smith's establishments do not always stock the full-range of their products, this appeared to have the full bottled range-including the excellent bottled Taddy Porter and bottled stout!
If you are after an establishment in the West End to get far away from the maddening crowd-this is the place!
3 Aug 2005 20:50
Previous comments have a ring of truth about them!
Yes-It is a busy,sometimes overcrowded pub as it is on the tourist trail-so no surprises there!
Yes-The bar-staff do sometimes appear to be slow and unorganised, but I would not say rude. This could be remedied by a decent bar manager!
Yes-The food is overpriced,not in terms of quantity but quality.
Yet-The choice of beers and ales is above average. Lovers of Real Ale-go straight for a drop of the Nelson's Blood! A strong (7.4 per cent)ale with a remarkably smooth and fruity aftertaste!
You can truly marvel at the decor of this showcase pub and the atmosphere it evokes! I am sure on a quiet day (devoid of tourists)one could sup ale until the heart's content as the Thames flows by with all its majestic brilliance and stillness!
Please don't be mean to this pub over its toilets (as in previous comments!) This site should be rating the liquid that passes through our lips, not the virtues of the surroundings in which we pass the liquid through our bowels!My advice to punters-for what it's worth choose the right day, and immerse yourself in a pub with genuine historical reverence and pedigree!
3 Aug 2005 20:26
The Hare and Billet, Blackheath
I believe this is part of the same chain that owns/manages the Railway Tavern and The Princess of Wales in Blackheath-the difference between this pub and them being the fact that overbearingly loud music is not played here! At last, a landlord who understands what the punters want! Good-all round choice of beer!
3 Aug 2005 19:57
The Princess of Wales, Blackheath
Potentially, and I shall repeat THAT word.....potentially, this could be the real gem of Blackheath!
It has a fine selection of beers,wines and ales.It has friendly staff,and it appears to have a fantastic selection of food-all of this in a wondrously attractive and romantic Victoriana setting (both inside and out).
Well, where is the let-down?
Call me a snob,(I don't care many people do!)but the last time I visited the pub, Chav culture had clearly embraced and reared its ugly head here(Burberry baseball cap and all!)
Instead of expecting quiet background music, I received a mega-blast of bass from Garage tunes,and incomprehensible lyrics from some unknown thug-like 'Gangsta Rapper'.This is a tremendous letdown,as not only is the loud music incongruous to the look and feel of the place, it made my partner and I (and I am sure many other people)drink up and leave immediately!
You should be able to feel welcomed,relaxed and reassured in a public house! Management, please take heed-A pub is a pub, a club a club; never the twain should meet!Thrill seekers no where nightclubs are in London!You do not have to turn this pub into another club! Turn down the volume,stop serving the pints in plastic cups and alter your playlist; you will get back the dividends with loyal customers!
3 Aug 2005 19:43
This is a very relaxed,friendly and informal boozer; with a traditional,timeless'British Pub' feel to it.(Which is becoming a bit of a rarity nowadays considering the amount of pubs closing down and being turned into homes or pretentious wine bars and bistros!).
Don't Expect-Fine wines,a la carte menus and posers!
Expect-An honest,down to earth clientele that welcomes newcomers!For lovers of Real Ale,there is normally a new weekly guest ale served by considerate, polite bar staff!
I would recommend visiting on a hot day, taking a seat in the beer garden beneath the oak tree and supping on a nice pint of ale!
You can relax here with friends and regulars alike, and the atmosphere is genuinely chilling!
On Saturday's they often have live bands, and what is more, ENTRY IS FREE!
A real hidden gem in the heart of SE7.
3 Aug 2005 19:12
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The Jolly Farmers (ex jordan), Lewisham
Was at this pub just last night. Night was billed as a low key'Folk night'. Number of musically minded people turned up armed with a myriad of instruments to improvise various songs. Public could also join in to jolly sing-a-longs! At the back of the pub, number of people playing card games. Seemed like a pub from a bygone age!
Atmosphere of pub enhanced with good quality, fresh ale. Both Spitfire and doom Bar in immaculate condition. Shall return again!
24 May 2011 14:07