BITE user comments - sharp_glass
Comments by sharp_glass
Arrived around 6pm to have a Sunday roast. Pleasantly suprised by the nice decor considering it is set next to a Travelodge. Previous comment agreed with about the tab situation, we put the staff into a spin by saying we wanted to pay cash, we had to pay up front and immediately. Staff claimed this was stop people running without paying, this would of been difficult with the staff out numbering the clientelle by at least two to one! Very pleasant waitress brought starters which although slightly pricey (this is no gastro pub), were very nice and had a home prepared if not home made appearance and taste. The roast dinners however did not match the starters and there were a number of problems. My wife beef both fatty, gristly and almost no lean, we were told that this was often the case with this cut of meat! So dont buy this cut was my advice. It was exchanged without fuss but of course my wifes arrived nearly at the time of my finishing my meal. The vegetables were the wrong side of al-dente and were as hard as nails and arranged as if in a flower arrangement, not nice for a meal! The roast potatoes were not crisp but soft and swimming in fat. As for the mash potato!? Who puts mash on a roast? Very strange and very unsatisfactory for a roast dinner at nearly 8 quid.
Puddings were nice if standard "out of the box and microwave till boiling variety". Overall for the price fairly poor but with a little effort could improve immensely.
5 Jul 2007 12:59
Returned to this pub last week, took some friends from London thinking they would like the look of it, we all absolutely loved it. Landlord I assume was Terry couldnt have been more friendly, smiles all round from the locals and the Thatchers cider - fantastic. If you want a real pub this is it, if you want anything else, go to B&Q and build one.....
NB Not a foodie pub though nice looking baguettes were available..
30 May 2007 11:40
Grew up locally left 15 years ago, I still visit 3 or 4 times year. Good overall pub, excellent beer, food untried. Service friendly enough but barstaff WILL serve a known local over you everytime, not a fluke, happened to other people I know.....
9 Aug 2006 13:20
I bring my family here to eat everytime we come to Reading shopping on a Saturday / Sunday, and NEVER in over 20 visits have I been dissapointed in the food, drink or service which in my opinion and I have eaten in some top places, is excellent. So what if its pricey, if you dont like it MaccyD's down a bit on the left
4 Aug 2006 12:57
Went for dinner after change of ownership, verdict? APPALLING..NOT the gastropub they think it still is judging by the frankly mad prices...Actually paid a tenner for a clam chowder soup with NO CLAMS in it...complained to the foreign staff who said "thank you" and got very rude when we refused to tip. what happened to the place...come on, sort it out.
4 Aug 2006 12:43
NO redeeming features, looks and smells like a Intercity 125 after a London derby match... No to families too unless stripping is on your menu
11 Jul 2006 13:23
Re-visited for the England Vs Uruguay match...I found the staff on excellent form, quick and curteous.The landlord & landlady beaming from ear to ear obviously enjoying themselves. Everyone I spoke to was extremely friendly, I can well recommened this pub to all wanting to enjoy a big event. No its not a tiny "ye olde" country pub but its obvious that the locals that use it enjoy it for what it is, a well run business. PS: I am not local, I ignored 7 local pubs to come out to Bramley for the football.
28 Jun 2006 15:42
Nice small interesting pub, makes a GREAT change from usual chain pubs nearby. Found my chicken / pesto ciabbata lunch tasty & good value, good choice of beers too. Well done to whoever runs it.
21 Mar 2006 14:28
Food ok, not upto the standard I feel it wants to be but on the way maybe. Please bring back the cocktail menu!!!
21 Mar 2006 14:24
The Red Lion, Mortimer West End
Food ok, beer good, pub setting excellent. Top pub to kick back in the garden with a paper, feels like your sitting in a field!
18 Jul 2005 15:01
What happened to the Thai food? Ate in the Restaurant, the food was v.authentic & excellent. Good wine to go with it too.
18 Jul 2005 14:59
Eaten out here twice, food was excellent but come on please do NOT charge for accompanying vegetables as price easy high enough to include.
18 Jul 2005 14:56
Consistently excellent food, drink and service. Must have eaten out there at least 20 times and NEVER been dissapointed. Cocktails have got to be the best in Reading, well done all.
18 Jul 2005 14:47
Ok if your a student. Bottled drinks need to be A LOT COLDER!
18 Jul 2005 14:42
Got to say, doesnt look much but a very friendly pub all round.
18 Jul 2005 14:41
Dexters Bar and Grill, Basingstoke
Average pedestrian "american style" restaurant. Just about ok if you have kids or like bieng screamed at by them !
18 Jul 2005 14:30
Suprising pub, strange shape & alcoves abound. V.friendly staff, beer even ordered from and delivered to garden garden for you!!! Great if a dog owner due to proximity or large "closed" field.
18 Jul 2005 14:28
Pedestrian standardised food on offer, lunch was awful, money refunded. Beer ok, staff ok to good but too attentive at tables, found a bit intrusive.
18 Jul 2005 14:22
Interesting older type pub, "local" pub but friendly enough. I'll bet tourists love it.
18 Jul 2005 14:17
Local pub for local people, good value "standard" food incl Sunday roast.
18 Jul 2005 14:14
The Pineapple, Brimpton Common
I have got to say, on the strengh of some fairly pedestrian and overpriced lunchtime menus I had avoided this pub for Sunday Roasts. However, on arrival last week (early July 07) myself and four guests were served roast dinner of impeccable quality. 4 Lamb and 1 Beef roasts were served up with home made (crispy)potatoes, home made Yorkshire Pudding, roasted mediterranean vegetables, and lovely tasting and textured gravy. Also you could just about manage the amount of very nice meat. Washed downwith an expensive but excellent Riojca, an excellent lunch priced at I think �7.95 for the roast, well done all!
17 Jul 2007 13:54