BITE user comments - pubs4us
Comments by pubs4us
Lovely location just opposite the cricket pitch and near the duck pond! Good beers and good non-pretentious food. Landlord not over-exubriant but friendly nevertheless. Considering it's in such a twee village and location prices are reasonable. Worth a visit but try not to park your car on the drive directly outside where folks are eating and watching the cricket, as some ignoramuses do. Try the road instead.
29 Aug 2011 12:14
I agree about the landlord's poor attitude. Went there on my own on a Sunday lunchtime when it was almost empty and ordered a roast. When I attempted to sit down at a table for 4, as it was near the windows and I wanted some light to read, I was told I had to take a table for 2. This was WHEN the place was almost empty. The place remained empty and I can see why. Avoid.
29 Aug 2011 12:04
This is the nearest pub to where I live so when it re-opened last year I dearly wanted it to succeed. But sadly there always seemed to be something missing. Superficially the staff were friendly and efficient but it never felt like a local; more like a way of making money for someone. I'm not naive enough not to know that many pubs are struggling to survive but there is a definite feel when one enters some traditional pubs which this place never had. But as the previous poster says there has been some major staff changes recently and things don't bode well. Especially if you Google and find that the group MD seems to be saying that village pubs are not the growth sector and the group direction has changed. The decor is starting to look tatty, the food quality has gone off although it was never really tasty and the bar is too often unattended whilst food is being served (more staff needed.) All very sad.
29 Aug 2011 11:22
Well I suppose it's all a matter of personal taste but I actually like the beers here. I live a few miles away but use this as my "local". Why? Because it's a friendly, well run, traditional pub with great food and the most delightful landlady you could meet. Nothing seems too much trouble for her. Food is also excellent value.
29 Aug 2011 11:02
The Lock Stock and Barrel, Newbury
The only thing positive about this place is it's location. As several have mentioned before it has a reputation of unfriendly, even rude, staff and sky high prices. The last time I went there a bag of crisps was over �1. I told them politely to keep it and walked out. Never again until their attitude towards their customers changes.
29 Aug 2011 10:55
Initial signs bode well as this could turn into a great little local that is desparately needed around here. Beer well kept, a friendly relaxed atmosphere and the new landlords are really trying to make everyone (well almost everyone) feel most welcome. Have eaten here a couple of times and food was simple but very tasty.
29 Aug 2011 10:46
The Crown and Horns Inn, East Ilsley
Used to be a fun friendly pub with an excellent Timothy Taylor and really tasty food, not over-priced. Then the landlord left (along with his whisky bottle collection) and things went down hill. Food now rubbish and service bordering on rude and disinterested. Sad as the place had so much potential.
29 Aug 2011 12:21