BITE user comments - mib
Comments by mib
The Clissold Arms, East Finchley
As far as I can make out they've disassociated themselves from ale drinkers, and all the rest follows. In fairness, no-one else was apparently willing to buy the pub at the time, and it would probably have been another block of flats by now. At least this way it may eventually resurface, rather like the JB but preferably less Thai'd.
14 Apr 2011 21:22
I always drop in here for a couple of pints when in the area, having first wandered past when a nearby job interview was cancelled at the last minute. I saw the SN sign and couldn't resist. The ales are very well kept, the service is fast and efficient, and the general atmosphere is very friendly.
10 Jul 2010 14:21
Chick - The great thing about stillage is that it reveals the true character of the ale. Most ales are naturally lively, but some are best - whether by happy accident or smart design - when they lie there languidly and look at you lovingly. Personally I'm an end-of-the-barrel man, I like plenty of flavour and nose and a surface that looks like an oil leak. I suspect that you prefer a fresh young cask with some limpid sparkle and a bright clean taste. So be it - the Bree caters for both ends of the spectrum and quite possibly all colours in between. The fact that other customers were happily accepting the ale that you just didn't happen to like suggests that there was in fact nothing at all wrong with the barrel. So - taking a beer back because you made a choice that didn't suit your palate is something you can get away with once in a few decent pubs like the Bree. We've all made the odd mistake with a hitherto unknown brew. But more than once is frankly just taking the P. Incidentally - since your two unfortunate choices sound like my kind of ale, can you remember what they were and post them ?
5 Oct 2009 22:16
lookmother - I hesitate to disagree with a hiddenprofileperson of your previously indicated sound judgement - but - the Alex does indeed have air conditioning - it's a method as old as the hills and still remarkably effective - it's the candles in the windows - they circulate the stale air - thrust it firmly but tenderly across the cold and dewily beaded glass panes - and then ejaculate it triumphantly chilled against the ceiling. Whence it descends in its own good time to cool the ardour of the thonged throng at the bar. Or whoever else may be available.
All this and Gram Parsons on the Jukebox. Plus Roxy in her blonde (or whatever), black and gently lacy voluptuousness - the only Woman I have encountered in forty-odd years of drinking who can effortlessly pull you a pint of ale that looks like Andrews yet when you get it back to your table has a meniscus above the rim of the glass.
Of course - Summer Lightning and Andrews do share certain defining characteristics but I shall not dwell on them here. Suffice it to say that they both sparkle.
Actually - I had meant to comment about something else entirely but I seem to have somewhat lost my thread - Still - Isn't voluptuousness a wonderful word to roll around your tongue? Or someone else's ?
11 Aug 2008 21:36
OK - So the lighting is now firmly under control. Smaller bulbs and dimmers have worked their magic.
The ales on gravity are replaced rapidly but with consummate care. (I'm sure the same is true on the handles but I just haven't made it that far yet.)
If you can read the name then you can drink the ale. Take your camra card and save enough on the evening for an eighth round. Valhalla but with 25W bulbs.
Gotterdimmerung !!!
10 Feb 2008 18:52
There is now more light in the Bree Louise than is comfortably imaginable. It even has windows. Plenty of seating but far more importantly lots and lots of standing room. The Gravity Bar is a little piece of Valhalla come down to roost on Euston. Everything I tried was as expected in excellent shape, with the Doombar and Yuletide pouring pure pellucid perfection. Has the potential to replace the original Weatherspoon's in its Colney Hatch heyday as my all time number one. All it needs is an attentive Aussie with attitude and eyes like porter.
24 Jan 2008 14:36
Very Good Ale. Very Good Service. Offhand can't think of another decent London pub where the toilets are upstairs. It's just not natural. Gravity etc.
17 Jan 2008 21:53
This pub is superb. Just shows what you can achieve with three handpumps, lots of candles, and some solid but restless furniture. In the past year I have never had an ale here that was less than competently kept and sympathetically pulled. Tonight the Summer Lightning was taking a rare smoke break but the cup was filled to overflowing with a truly voluptuous Cornish Knocker. All this and Gram Parsons too, plus Roxy presiding in a little black dress.
3 Sep 2007 02:13
The George, Great Portland Street
Note to Messrs Greene & King: If you really want to sell more ALE - Encourage your Staff to FILL THE BLOODY GLASSES. I assume that the current Persistent short measure is due to a Proactive Punter reProfiling Programme. You are truly taking the P's. Perhaps it would help if you published an exchange rate for Inches of Thong-Flaunted vs Froth-Poured - Displayed next to the Tariff ? The Abbot is still in very good condition - It just doesn't come in full Pints any more. I expect it's down to global warming or something. What we need is more Polar Bears behind the Bar.
25 Apr 2007 01:22
The George, Great Portland Street
Craig and Karen moved to the Bree Louise - near Euston Station - about three years ago.
21 Dec 2006 23:07
The George, Great Portland Street
Now disconcertingly bright and shiny - but a few months of lovingly applied nicotine should take care of that (idiot legislation permitting). The wobbly gantries have gone alas - along with half the bar and half the handpumps - only three left now. The pumps appear to be a little stiff - the bar top bends in sympathy - and the new house style would appear to include a northern head - first time I have ever had to ask for a top up at the George. The Abbot tasted exceedingly good however. The Gluepot is still casting its spell - people still walk twice round the pub looking for the toilets - and the barmaids are still decidedly pocketable.
18 Oct 2006 13:04
The George, Great Portland Street
It appears from the TfL traffic camera that the scaffolding has gone and the outside lantern is lit.
Does this mean the place is open again ?
7 Oct 2006 12:55
The Duke Of Wellington, Portobello Road
They were polishing the Brass - Must be a new Gaffer.
Ale was still well above average so all is not lost.
Bar service pretty good as always. Looks as though the new intake of Barmaids could be almost as exotic as the last - which most would agree was a vintage crop. Wish they'd wind the Finch clock up though.
13 Sep 2006 21:54
The Clissold Arms, East Finchley
This place appears to be mildly closed - the pub sign is lit but the bar isn't. Does anyone have any further information ?
11 Sep 2006 02:18
What more? Well, perhaps only that the ale is not in fact cold but served at a decent temperature, which indeed it is, refreshingly novel for a place with leather sofas. Must admit that Roxy appears to pull a good pint. A minor drawback is that the bar tends to get blocked by stoolies and the only place to get served is at the hatch. Currently a rather good little pub, and roomier than it looks.
11 Sep 2006 02:10
Ales well kept - Service excellent - Customers happy and relaxed. It looks like a bar but feels like a pub.
Careful placing of screens makes it comfortable for watching sport but not intrusive if you aren't.
20 Jun 2006 21:26
The Old White Lion, East Finchley
Must agree with cxe78 and Muzthing. Three behind the bar. Three in front of the bar. EIGHT minutes to get served.
No wonder it was quiet.
The Range of Belgian beers on draught is a con - they just can't be bothered to remove the old pumps.
Hoegaarden was in good nick though - and well (if somewhat belatedly) poured. Also served too cold - but that is standard in London so no further comment.
20 Jun 2006 21:08
The Standard Inn, Rye
Almost exactly the same experience as The Beefeater had below. Scores 1/10 for - errr - location I suppose. Go to the Ship for exemplary service.
1 Oct 2011 15:52