BITE user comments - simwilliams
Comments by simwilliams
Philip, welcome to the site. Great Dane pups do not spend their time curled up in a chair; neither does Rosie. She is a large, active and playful dog, totally out of place in a pub. As someone asked, how many other pubs do you know with a Great Dane running around ? Not many ?
20 Jan 2009 11:08
Speleo1 is 15th poster in the past 6 months who share the following characteristics: -
1. The Crown post is their first and only - they never post on any other pub.
2. Their post is totally positive, with no hint of any flaws.
3. No reference whatsoever is made regarding the frequent negative (and accurate) posts.
Undoubtedly, The Crown is the subject of the most obvious and largest effort on BITE to talk up a second rate village pub which has failed to move with the times; the nearby Wotton Hatch and Prince of Wales pubs have been recently refurbished - something long overdue at The Crown.
It would seem wise for those concerned to concentrate on the pub itself - and its many failings - instead of continuing this cheap, tedious and failed advertising campaigh on BITE.
17 Jan 2009 14:35
We attended last night too and hope to be at its reopening in 4 years time. At least, the closure is not for the usual business reasons - or lack thereof.
On leaving, we ventured to the Market Porter in Borough Market; one of dozens of fine traditional pubs in the London Bridge area - which perhaps has one of the largest pub populations in London ?
8 Jan 2009 12:49
An about average spoon, but pleasant enough. I had three pints of well kept/top notch Greene King IPA here today for �2.97; this - with others - is a long term deal.
Not too far away, GK IPA is sold at nearly this price - for one pint !
One wonders how will this JDW price cutting will affect the very mediocre competition - in Redhill, and elsewhere ?
5 Jan 2009 14:15
The Crown and Cushion, Blackwater
Wonderful,extremely/incredibly,atmospheric,cheerful,attentive,cricket,woodland,best...........at ease.
Frank and evie - not a negative vibe from these members of staff (!?).
These one posters have very different views than those who have rated this and many other pubs. One wonders why !! 2/10 rating for contrivance.
2 Jan 2009 15:05
Oh lordy....another one....eh raph ? Same drival about a mediocre pub, well past its best.
1 Jan 2009 17:38
The Kings Arms Royal Hotel, Godalming
Beersupper, I had a Sunday roast beef lunch here recently. Very mediocre. The place has a strange atmosphere - or maybe none !
31 Dec 2008 16:43
Our 'Christmas Office Do' was here (from Esure) - they had no house vodka....at Christmas !! All had to have Smirnoff at twice the price.... Previous/recent posts appear to be accurate.
27 Dec 2008 15:46
Our 'Christmas Office Do' was here (from Esure) - they had no house vodka....at Christmas !! All had to have Smirnoff at twice the price.... Previous/recent posts appear to be accurate.
27 Dec 2008 15:46
chloe..we're booked here for Christmas too. am cancelling as I type.
16 Dec 2008 15:45
Doing well here. Just wish the manager had the manners to shave.
13 Dec 2008 18:56
Mr Biker - I totally disagree. Gomshall restrunts are a rare breed and made of sterner stuff. They are actually managed by a local Nobel prize winning scarecrow; he won the prize last year for being outstanding in his field.
13 Dec 2008 11:34
A sports bar in Gomshall would be good - why should us gomshallians be deprived ? Maybe we could have small pig races in it - for restrunts, like beersupper was talking about !
13 Dec 2008 11:13
The Crown and Sceptre, South Croydon
No map, slerpy is paid by the brewers of Golden Pride. If you drink this beer because the bottom has fallen out of your world - the world falls out of your bottom !
10 Dec 2008 16:53
Beaver says you can't go wrong with an O'Niels - then says 'good work O'Neils.' Is he talking about O'Neills ? These pubs are closing all the time; for example, O'Neills have left Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Croydon and Redhill - simply because of a well earned lack of trade.
9 Dec 2008 11:51
The upstairs bar closed on a Saturday night in December ?!
How worse can it get ?
8 Dec 2008 13:38
The Village House Hotel, Findon
Yes biker and beersupper. There's a lot of MPD about - and this one's clear cut. Well spotted.
1 Dec 2008 11:56
Totally agree with biker and beersupper. That slerpy has a lot to answer for; he thinks he's 'BITE's Croydon Pub Reporter' - he should get out more, from Croydon !
29 Nov 2008 11:32
Perhaps, there'll be new management again in The Market when Market Taverns read 'two degrees' comments; he says the pub is grimey, understaffed, customers are sad, lied about toilet refurbishment time and moaned that there is no investment. None of this is 'two degrees' fault as - 'we do a great job' and are busy at weekends. Any pub in this location would be busy at weekends; don't boast about that. It is more significant that the pub's BITE rating is similar to that of The Angel, Woodhatch. How worse can it get ?
27 Nov 2008 14:50
Yes raph, we knew it was you. Starting another misguided/newly named campaign, we see...
27 Nov 2008 10:27
The 'bizarre dog' is a Great Dane called Schmeichel - called after the former Man Utd goalkeeper; S (the dog) generates a lot of saliva and other liquids.
S is always served first in the Red Lion - often by staff who see no need at all to wash their hands afterwards; even S cleans his paws more regularly.
Like biker, I hear the sound of shutters - and a certain Hound of the Baskervilles, howling on his weary way to his new canine retreat.
A similar fate befell to the long gone 'crazy puddy cat' (called Shilton, I seem to remember) - who dutifully marched/trotted around the bar saving any flying crisps.
19 Nov 2008 13:33
mysk....18.25 Friday and Saturday, it was the other way around.
What does that say ?
16 Nov 2008 10:36
Indeed Slerpy - you were responsible for eight posts here in as many months. The same for the Purley Arms, Crown and Cushion etc. etc.
Don't feel that you HAVE to tell us about your daily Croydon pub crawl, please.
13 Nov 2008 13:41
Yes Map - but such a pity.
Why doesn't the brewery do something to give this potentially fine pub the PUSH it needs ?
Apathy rules !?
11 Nov 2008 13:33
Is the clamping brigade still busy in the car park ? They made the local paper last year hovering - and taking no prisoners, and losing the Oak a lot of business.
9 Nov 2008 10:53
This pub has been closed for months; its unclear whether it will reopen.
7 Nov 2008 09:53
Simple idea. Prices up - chavs go elsewhere.
Good start, with good food.
5 Nov 2008 16:12
As a Wescott chap - I know this place to be average in every way; when the refurbished Prince of Wales (across the road) reopens, we'll all see how a good pub (Crown) has suffered from a lack of direction. It continues to exist only 'cos its on the A25.
23 Oct 2008 23:44
The Junction reopened last evening - now run by a new company and management. The new decor/furnishings are first class and the future augurs well.
But please keep standards high - otherwise The Juction will rejoin its mate (Dog and Duck) down the High Street, as contenders for Surrey's 'Worst Pub of the Year'.
Its only a matter of time (hours!) before the D&D's clientele descend on you..... Good luck. Redhill could do with a decent pub; I hope its yours.
23 Oct 2008 10:51
�4 to park ? Not me m8......was it 'cos you brought your dog ?
16 Oct 2008 20:41
Dead - barman has new laptop; he's much more interested in that than serving. This pub is on the market - with its nearby sister pub, the Blue Anchor (which also suffers from apathy). New management/staff for both is the only hope.
10 Oct 2008 11:59
I totally agree with the dog policy; they have a heated patio where they get free drink ! What more do they/or their owners need ?
Keep up the good/hard work Martin - the pub has improved greatly under all headings. But as you can see, some people will never be satisfied.
9 Oct 2008 14:28
Met the very friendly Glasweigan landlord in the pub last weekend - and returned later for an excellent dinner (large, fresh fish). Beer and atmosphere was good and the walk around the corner to the gents was no big deal. The location is prime, maybe the best in Poole.
9 Oct 2008 11:22
Yes - these people make it so obvious, don't they ? Even dogs love it; they'll be on BITE next praising newly arrived dog biscuits ! A 3 rating for contrivance.
9 Oct 2008 10:36
No matter how bad the food and service gets, this place thrives; donnadonk is right. People love the picturesque village (just off the A25), the very old Church, the ducks on the Tillingbourne etc. - all a few yards from the pub. A certainty for 'Surrey Pub of the Year' - for complacency.
7 Oct 2008 13:00
Biggus 'went in (to The Angel) a few years back.' I went into a pub in Liverpool a few years back; I have no idea what its like now. Neither has Biggus - about The Angel !
The historic Angel is a Surrey Gem and an ideal spot for weddings and parties; we've already booked our Christmas party for 60; most other Canons departments are doing the same.
29 Sep 2008 13:50
Great that the 'sad bag' Raphaella has left Westcott. No more strife, but what a wally ?!
2 Sep 2008 23:23
'Friendly' has been used in 4 of the 5 last postings; go in there before a Brighton and Hove Albion game and a different view might be taken. Some mates have scars to prove it. Not because of staff mind - but maybe because of their inability (or trainng)to handle a regular problem.
2 Sep 2008 23:15
Great news about Wetherspoons coming to Reigate. I heard it from a brewery rep. It will happen by the end of the year, he says.
2 Sep 2008 16:00
Raphaella. You pointedly said on The Crown site that the POW was closing and that its kitchens already had. You now fail to even mention this on the POW site. Why ? You have seriously damaged the reputation of two good pubs. Why ? (342 other sites are linked to BITE)
29 Aug 2008 09:35
Why not comment on the POW on that pub's BITE site, Raphaella ? That is the place for further input - not on another pub's site !
28 Aug 2008 14:42
POW management should be aware that Raphaella (staff member or regular at The Crown across the road) is making serious allegations about the POW - on The Crown BITE site. Seems unethical and underhanded.
27 Aug 2008 11:10
Raphaella. Please make your allegations about the Prince of Wales, Westcott (regarding pub/kitchen closures) on that pub's BITE site - and be aware the the laws of libel apply. Why do you have to stoop so low ?
27 Aug 2008 10:34
New management...again ! Bets are on that new ones won't make a month. Doubt it - but who cares, 'cept about 7.5 regs.
21 Aug 2008 23:47
Even mediocre Muppets (staff etc.) try to give a very average pub a lift; sad, the POW - across the road - is much better; its car park, food, hygene, new management and all. But - to go into Muppet speak about the Crown..'just came...fell in love...great food...articulate gov...my local...'. Yes, Paul is there for a long time...time for a change ?! Raph...give us a break..............
21 Aug 2008 22:36
Waldorf and Astoria (more new peeps!) have joined in; the latter tells us helpfully that every English village has two pubs ! Beersupper is right; the stunt is backfiring and The Crown is a very average pub. I've been going there longer than Waldorf and, yes, Paul is a pleasant chap; however there is absolutely nothing exceptional about the place. Why do I have the feeling that more 'new' posters will soon be repeating the ludicrously absurd 10 ratings ? W & A should rejoin 'The Muppet Show'.
2 Aug 2008 17:49
The King William IV, Mickleham
Aww - previous posts GONE !! Why - can't handle the truth ?
27 Jul 2008 22:37
The King William IV, Mickleham
See my June post - and before; nothing much has changed; still underperforming badly. Pity - but lots of better places nearby.
27 Jul 2008 22:33
There was a piece in the Dorking Advertiser about the Dukes Head; the Regimental badges [mosty Canadian - over the firepace] were stolen - about 300 of them. Very sad - they were unique and there since WW2. The paper said the the pub is reopening in two weeks.
27 Jul 2008 12:25
Now reopened as the 'Seven Stars' by Youngs - after a tasteful refurbishment. On our visit there last Sunday, the two barmaids were very polite and the place seemed to have a pleasant atmosphere. A big improvement; this 'new pub' will do well.
16 Jun 2008 10:03
Numerous recent management changes - the last, a couple of weeks ago. Since Dave Clegg (previous manager) left, the pub has been strugling on ALL fronts - notwithstanding the cosy atmosphere and good High Street location. It has become a regulars' club; always the same faces, incuding that of Alan Minter.
11 Jun 2008 15:53
Whyte Harte Hotel, Bletchingley
Four of us had dinner here in early April - and were very disapointed with the food and service. Two of us had fish and chips which tasted of curry. After complaining, we were given the option of sending it back - but, having eaten here before, we were not confident of any improvement. The staff seemed quiet indifferent to our needs and we have no plans to return. Its a shame because its a fine building with great poential with the right management.
1 May 2008 16:17
The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge
My - is'nt jeweller articulate ? (See its other posts!) By the way, jeweller - what is a 'moomin' ?
1 May 2008 13:00
Excellent turnaround of a basic pub to a very good one. Same management,I believe, as the Dukes Head in Tadworth. Good parking, food and friendly staff - and entertainment. Just shows what effort and ability can do.
30 Apr 2008 11:59
The Fox on the Hill, Lower Kingswood
This place has been 'dead in the water' for a couple of years at least - always looks closed, with few (if any) cars in the car park. Last time I went in to the poky rear bar, I was the only one there and the restaurant part was empty. Was served by a bored looking (and not very tall) managress who had obviouly lost interest. Used be good - await new owners, just like The Sportsman.
21 Apr 2008 14:28
.......and,gregc.......you've checked out all London's sports bars ?!
15 Apr 2008 10:45
The Yew Tree 'Time well spent', Reigate Hill
This pub seems full of Chipstead rugby players everytime I go in - as well as Esso employees from next door (who have a distict aroma of diesel).Last time I was there,a regular fell off his stool and got carted off to East Surrey Hospital in an Esso tanker.The Yew Tree offers free rides down to Reigate town centre; you pay a �3 deposit on a pair of rollerskates and the staff gently push you down Reigate Hill.In March,when I last used the scheme,I ended up wrapped around Margot Fontein - and they still wanted their deposit back ! A pleasant but eccentric boozer though.
14 Apr 2008 13:06
The Angel is one of the oldest and finest pubs in Surrey. I work in the Accounts Dept. at Canons and we all visit this fine,clean and well run establishment regularly - for lunch and after work. Decor and service are great and the customers varied,friendly and well mannered. We had our best Christmas party ever there in December - and I am holding my wedding reception at The Angel in July. Are the other posters in the real world ?
14 Apr 2008 10:56
Reigate's largest and under-performing pub. Upstairs rarely open and constant changes in highly indifferent staff - who talk loudly between themselves and to a small band of regulars who sit at the bar,near the TV. Toilets are terrible - and there seems to be no management whatsoever. The ROE (return on equity) ratios have to be totally unacceptable - but does anyone care ? Compare this place to The Sun in Redhill (o k - different type of pub and location, but same size) and you'll see what good management,skills,interest,value,hygene - can do ! Wetherspoons would have The Market thriving - and its sleepy staff put out to grass.
12 Apr 2008 12:32
Missann obviously has a major grudge or problem ( or both ). DH's management work hard and constantly bring new ideas into what is a friendly, clean and successful pub. Two examples - the kareoke and the Sunday carvery. Both are thriving.
8 Apr 2008 15:05
Without any doubt the obvious downturn in this pub was caused by the sad departure of Bruno; he always had a waggy welcome for all - but now, sadly, lives in Walton.
8 Apr 2008 14:55
The Red Lion, Godalming
Dog friendly is one thing - but having a Great Dane living in the area where food is served is another. Rosie, the extremely active and disruptive GD, is out of place; the question has been asked several times before - 'do you know of any other pub with a Great Dane in residence ?'
Never an answer...
2 Feb 2009 15:31