BITE user comments - steve_on_tour
Comments by steve_on_tour
Fleeting visit before walking to the Anchor to meet friends. Wish we'd stayed here! Excellent beer, peaceful attractive garden. Attentive professional service from the barstaff. Food looked good - will return to sample it.
3 Jun 2013 10:04
A very poor pub in a beautiful setting.
Too busy - 15 minute wait to be served at the small bar - only one person serving. Food took an hour to arrive and was average quality and poor value. Poor beer selection - only Harveys apart from poor quality lagers (Bud on tap? no thanks). Roasts advertised as coming with "giant yorkshire pudding" but these were cut in half!
There are many, many better country pubs in the area, this one gets by only due to its setting. I would avoid, especially on busy days.
3 Jun 2013 10:01
An utter shambles on Mayday Bank Holiday. Called the pub at 12.30pm to inquire when food was being served and was told all day, with a reduced menu between 4pm and 6pm. Enjoyed a walk over the Downs from Lewes and arrived at the pub at 3.30pm to find the kitchen was in chaos and no further food orders were being taken. Was told they had been very busy and run out of food – at 3.30pm? Did they not expect a sunny bank holiday to be busy? There were plenty of spare seats, it’d didn’t seem all that busy, certainly not busy enough to run out of food. Retreated to the very pleasant garden with a beer and witnessed numerous other groups who had been waiting up to 2 hours for their food! Sarcastic cheers greeted every plate of food that emerged from the kitchen! Also every empty table was covered in uncollected plates and glasses – I find this really poor when the pub was almost empty inside and several members of staff were on duty.
Lovely setting but a big disappointment.
7 May 2013 12:00
Now completely, and tastefully, refurbished. Bar billiards table retained. Choice of 6 or 7 ales from a variety of brewers (local and nationwide, no harveys though), and excellent reasonable food. Well worth a visit. 9/10
21 Jun 2012 12:53
Ate here in October and have been meaning to post a review since. The food was the best pub food I have eaten in a long time. Above average prices, but well worth the money. Beer selection could be better though, usually only Harveys and one other on,
21 Dec 2011 17:28
Great pub with a great choice of beer, but the decision to make half of it the 'dining area' is crazy. It doesn't strike me as the sort of place people would go to for the sole purpose of dining? On my visit on a Friday evening the dining area was empty and the rest of the pub was packed.
Also disappointed that this change has coincided with a new more expensive menu - the great range of sausages has gone, and more's the pity
27 Jul 2011 12:31
Soon to be renames the Spotted Dog (the original name apparently) with the promise of a better beer selection. Hopefully similar to the Snowdrop in Lewes which is owned by the same people. Sounds promising
27 Jul 2011 12:28
Just noticed the previous comment and I would also agree about the poor service. I visited at the end of May. One of the barmen (a guy with ginger hair) was a complete joke - served me a beer which was well under a full pint. I asked for it to be topped up and he must have put around 1 extra millilitre in. I complained again and it turned out he thought filling the glass up to the top of the CE symbol on the glass indicated a full pint!! Er, no. Then he started to get really argumentive! Crazy.
Later the same guy was clearing glasses and picked up my newspaper from the table and walked off with it - I had to chase after him and get it back. Beyond a joke. Some staff training is seriously required.
Beer and food are ok, its the service which is the problem
27 Jul 2011 12:25
What sets this pub apart from others is the professionalism of the staff. As soon as a table is vacated they are there in a flash to wipe it down, clear the glasses, rearrange the chairs and put down fresh beer mats. Also always smartly dressed in the manner of bar staff in places like Belgium. A lot of other pubs could learn from the little touches such as this.
Add to that a solid choice of ales and other beers and tasty reasonably priced food and you really can't go wrong.
1 Apr 2011 14:30
Pub itself is great but I preferred it before it was taken over by Shepherd Neame. The choice of ale has diminished to just their own offerings (although Harveys Christmas was on yesterday) and prices have shot up - �3.50 minimum for a pint of ale! I know this is the centre of Brighton etc etc but other pubs nearby e.g. Seven Stars are much cheaper. Shepherd Neame pubs are consistantly expensive in Brighton
23 Dec 2010 11:12
Clean pub, one of the better ones in Southgate, but no good for real ale. Only GK IPA on and it was on the turn. Took it back and was replaced with a Guinness but the pumpclip wasn't turned round! Really seems to be no demand for proper beer in this part of London which is not surprising if this is what is served. Apart from that the pub itself is ok.
25 Oct 2010 12:51
Decent enough place, let down by a few flaws. Choice of 3 ales at 3.30pm on my visit yesterday, however by 7pm these were reduced to one as those which had run out weren't replaced. Disappointing.
Service very slow - could do with an extra barman. Barstaff that were there often outside having a smoke while people queueing etc. Shouldn't take 10 mins to get a pint every time I went to the bar, and this was Sunday afternoon not Friday night.
25 Oct 2010 12:47
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street
Service was pretty poor on my visit but the pub itself is wonderfully atmospheric. Recommended, especially with the bargain Sam Smiths prices!
18 Oct 2010 10:53
Real ale heaven - stayed at the hotel for 4 nights and always 8 or 9 pumps on with rapidly changing selection of mainly Scottish beers, with a couple from England and Wales, e.g. Everards and Brains. Friendly and efficient staff, good pub food, especially the enormous fish and chips. Recommended.
2 Aug 2010 20:24
Now serving real ale (Arundel Sussex Gold) and quality cider, the only bar on the beach to do so I think. Plastic glasses aside, a great place to spend a lazy summer's afternoon.
4 Jul 2010 18:14
Vastly improved from my last visit a couple of years ago. Excellent varied menu with most dishes around the �8 mark and 4 or 5 ales. Beer garden is a real sun trap and nicely done out. Not much to fault really, will be back regularly
15 Jun 2010 14:57
Very nice pub, although quite expensive. No piped music at all during the day so feels like everyone can hear your conversation which I don't really like. Good food, although the Basketmakers in Brighton do the same menu better
28 Apr 2010 16:33
Visited last sunday night, Dark Star Golden Gate was fantastic. Rowdy group in back bar but they either left or were kicked out pretty quickly. Overall a really good experience- good beer, good pub, recommended
28 Apr 2010 16:31
Extremely disappointed. Booked a table for dinner with my parents last Friday night. The food was dreadful - my fish was dry and overcooked and my dad had a pie which looked like it had been chucked on the plate. Staff weren't much better - e.g promising to come and take out order then not bothering so we had to fight our way to the bar to order food. Staff also very shabbily dressed which is not what you would expect. General feel of the place was more like a lager drinkers pub, which was surprising for the brewery tap.
Much better pubs in Lewes - Gardeners, Lewes Arms and Brewers for beer, Pelham and Dorset for food. The John Harvey doesn't seem to know exactly what its trying to be. Ok for a midweek pint, but nowhere near as good as it should be
28 Apr 2010 16:29
The Monsal Head Hotel, Monsal Head
Ok place but there's something not right about it! Good choice of beer and good quality, albeit pricey, food. However, service could definately be sharpened up. We ordered two mains and other groups who ordered after received food first. Also just after we ordered other groups were informed that they couldn't order from the 'old' menu (that we had just ordered from) and were given a 'new' menu with more options! How odd.
Bar staff could do with smiling a bit, customer service and a warm welcome were sadly lacking. Lady in front of me paid by card and the transaction took 3 attempts and over 5 minutes to complete. Barman failed to acknowledge or serve myself or others who were waiting. while this was going on.
28 Feb 2010 20:22
Lovely pub. Good quality food, and a cosy atmosphere in a sympathetically modernised bar. Good accomadation available. Only downside was that the beer selection could be wider- stayed there for three nights and the only choices were Marston's Best and Pedigree (neither of which I am a fan of) and Adams. Seemed a shame to come to Derbyshire to drink a beer from Suffolk! 9/10 overall though
28 Feb 2010 20:14
Visited yesterday for the first time since rebranding back to Temple Bar. Interior seems to have been redesigned slightly to give a large island bar which works pretty well. 8 handpumps of which 7 were on, offering a great choice of beer, all from Sussex breweries. Only downside was the prices - ale ranged from �3.20 to �3.50.
14 Feb 2010 15:03
Great traditional Victorian pub tucked behind Regent Street, just far enough down a back street to avoid the massive hoardes. Usual excellent choice of ales from a Nicholson's pub- 6 or 7 on yesterday on my most recent visit. I'm a big fan of the this place, especially on a cold dark evening
10 Dec 2009 09:47
The Westminster Arms, Westminster
The pub itself is nice and full of character, albeit lacking in seating. Prices are extortionate however- �3.45 for a pint of ale (Late Red)! At that price I would expect it to be perfectly kept, but I've had much better in other Shepherd Neame pubs.
Overall a 6.5 but reduced to 5 on account of the prices.
8 Oct 2009 13:35
Lovely pub, sympathetically refurbished. Excellent choice of beer including the awesome Oarsome brewed specially for the pub I believe. Great food, especially the brie and cranberry wellington! No smoking beer garden to the rear is done out very well and a real sun trap. Best pub in Shaldon by far- recommended.
24 Apr 2009 13:34
Nice tradional pub with a good selection of beer, including some regional guest ales. Cheap food as well 2 meals for �10, and the quality and quantity of food was good.
5 Mar 2009 13:30
Lovely pub, very atmospheric and traditional, feels like stepping back in time. Perfect for a couple of pints of Banks before a night raving at the clubs round the corner!
15 Feb 2009 19:23
Great new pub- elegant decor, calm atmosphere, and good beer. I approve.
16 Jan 2009 08:56
The Argyll Arms, Oxford Circus
This pub promises so much but ultimately disappoints. Great Victorian decor, nice layout, excellent location, the promise of a wide selection of beer. BUT!!
Terribly slow service. Staff very lax clearing plates from tables. On my first visit I ordered a pint of Harveys Best which certainly wasn't Harveys when it came out the pump- it was nice whatever it was though. On 2nd visit, the Adnans, Landlord, Harveys and something else were all off, leaving Pride as the only choice for ale. Staff didn't seem bothered by this.
Judging by the design the drinks menu this pub is under the same management as the Falcon by Clapham Junction, but that pub is exceptional and illustrates how good the Argyll could be if properly run.
Persevered with it for 2 or 3 visits to see if the above problems were one-offs but alas they weren't, so will not be retuning in a hurry. Like I say, disappointing because it could be a great place
11 Dec 2008 13:38
The Blue Anchor Inn, Teignmouth
Best pub in Teignmouth by far- friendly atmosphere and great choice of interesting beer. Notable that they had Fuller's ESB in as a guest and not Pride- shows a bit of imagination in my book!
22 Nov 2008 18:19
The Warren House Inn, Postbridge
Lovely pub in a great setting- either sitting outside admiring the view in summer or huddling by the fire in the winter. Only downside is the food- avoid the burger, same standard as school dinners.
22 Nov 2008 18:16
I liked this pub, nice relaxed atmosphere, and they do a mean fish n chips! Could do with more beer choice perhaps (only Harveys Best on for the ales) but overall its pretty good 7/10
11 Oct 2008 20:40
Nice separated bit of seating around the other side from the bar which I've come to like as its one of the few pubs in Brighton where a quiet pint is possible on a Friday/Saturday night without getting blasted by music. Comfy and good beers, although the locals are a bit too loud and locally in the main bit of the pub for me, wouldn't feel relaxed sitting round there
4 Sep 2008 13:04
Horrific pub. Popped in for a quick pint before heading to club 414 next door and wished I hadn't bothered. Moody, agressive customers, abrupt barstaff, drunks leering at my girlfriend, random club volume reggae music with about 2 people dancing.
Had planned to spend longer here after seeing previous half decent reviews but stopped off at the Falcon by Clapham Junction station first instead and so glad we did as that pub was first class. The thought of spending longer than one drink in the Prince Albert would have been terrifying. Avoid like the plague
1 Sep 2008 09:49
What a find! 10 or so real ales to choose from, especially pleased to find Harveys. Leffe and Erdinger on tap as well, and also a fine range of lagers.
Great pubby atmosphere, was in on a friday night and the atmosphere was great, not a chav in sight. Will return soon
1 Sep 2008 09:44
I don't understand all the negative comments about this place. Have visited 3 times, food has been consistantly good, and more reasonable than the Royal Oak at Poynings down the road. 5 good real ales to choose from and a gorgeous beer garden in the shadow of the Downs. 9/10
12 Jul 2008 20:45
The Devils Dyke Hotel, Brighton
Seems to have improved- slightly! Decent pint of Harveys at least
12 Jul 2008 20:42
Great beer, friendly laid-back atmosphere. Great for a good night down the pub drinking and talking- no tvs or music to distract. Furnishings could do with replacing, and the 'conservatory' out the back has an odd, cold atmosphere compared to the rest of the pub and would be better as a beer garden.
4 Jul 2008 13:39
The Bridge of Orchy Hotel, Bridge Of Orchy
Superb food, and very reasonably priced. Good ale too. Only complaints- a bit dark inside and annoying tvs on
4 Jul 2008 13:36
Very convenient for the ferry so worth a visit. Friendly staff, above average food without being spectacularly good, the Red Cuillin on tap was very tasty
4 Jul 2008 13:34
Nice place, worth the effort to get to because of the unique setting and building. Couple of local ales on tap
4 Jul 2008 13:33
Great pub. 5 obscure ales on tap and very friendly and helpful staff. Perhaps a little dark inside but overall very good. 9/10
4 Jul 2008 13:31
To me this place seems half old mans pub, half gay bar- an interesting combination! Friendly enough, but nothing special. Harveys didn't taste as good as normal
15 Apr 2008 13:24
No nonsense pub, alright for a pint or 2. The sheer volume of St George's cross flags and bunting is a little unnecessary!
26 Mar 2008 13:30
The Wild Goose, Combeinteignhead
The pub itself is lovely, and the choice of beer is fantastic. If I was judging on those 2 things alone I would give a 8/10.
However the food was diabolical and vastly overpriced. My girlfriend had 'chicken a la king' from the specials board, and it was like a bad school dinner- veg cooked to death, and tasteless chicken in an insipid, watery sauce. My meal wasn't much better.
26 Mar 2008 13:27
The Sailors Return, East Chaldon
Lovely peaceful setting, good range of beers. The ploughmans was very good as well. Recommended.
26 Mar 2008 13:24
The Salisbury, Leicester Square
Great pub, brilliant pubby atmosphere. Good choice of beer, all pubs should be like this!
15 Mar 2008 15:52
Great pub, amazing range of beers and good bustling atmosphere. Only problem is its often too busy
11 Mar 2008 13:17
Completely devoid of atmosphere. Was here on Saturday and there were 4 or 5 people sitting at the bar on their own watching the football. Nobody was talking, it was weird
3 Mar 2008 09:18
The Queens Head, Winchmore Hill
Better than the Salisbury and the Kings Head though thats not saying much! At least it retains a semblance of atmosphere and isn't cluttered up by huge sofas everywhere
3 Mar 2008 09:12
The Salisbury Arms, Winchmore Hill
Great range of obscure draught Belgian beers. Decor identical to the Kings Head across the Green- what is it with the obsession with Laurence Llewelyn Bowen wallpapar and massive sofas everywhere!! Bit too big to have any atmosphere except when pretty busy I would think. Overall disappointing, especially after seeing previous good reviews. Better than the Kings head though
3 Mar 2008 09:08
The Kings Head, Winchmore Hill
Not impressed with this place. 'Done up' in what is becoming the bog-standard fashion for pubs in London to be 'done up'. Overpriced, lacking atmosphere
3 Mar 2008 09:02
The Geese Have Gone Over The Water, Brighton
First visit for some time last saturday to watch the England v Wales rugby- busy but friendly atmosphere, roaring fire on the go, and one of the best pints of Harveys I've tasted in a while.
Won't leave it as long before the next visit
4 Feb 2008 16:18
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Great pub, very cosy and welcoming, and fine beer.
Would recommend to anyone
1 Dec 2007 19:50
The Foresters Arms, East Hoathly
Very quiet and lacking in atmosphere, disappointed with this place especially as its in the Good Pub Guide
28 Nov 2007 13:33
I liked this pub, decent quality food and good beer. Nice spacious interior, and didn't notice any grumpyness from the staff, the service was very friendly
28 Nov 2007 13:30
Nice cosy atmosphere, hard to get seats at times. Clueless bar-staff though, mnore interested in chatting to their mates than serving customers, and totally ignorant regarding the drinks they serve.
22 Oct 2007 15:02
Lovely setting, nice food and great Harveys beer, but only go in summer. The inside is bland and uncomfortable.
22 Oct 2007 13:33
Everything about this pub is wrong! Decor is like a bad refurb from the 90s that is dating badly, no atmosphere, no decent beer. Pool table is the one positive!
22 Oct 2007 13:27
Caroline of Brunswick, Brighton
Infinately better than when it was the Leek & Winkle, this is now my local! Usually Adnams and one guest ale on tap (has been Brains SA for a while now). Bit of a focus on rock music but I can live with that, not as full-on as in the Hobgoblin!
22 Oct 2007 13:20
Lovely setting in the Downs, delicious food and excellent choice of ales. Nice atmosphere too, can't understand why other people don't like it!
22 Oct 2007 13:16
Back to steve_on_tour's profile
The Swan, Lewes
Food as good as the Snowdrop but without the crowds - highly recommended. Idyllic beer garden.
8 Jul 2013 12:19