BITE user comments - toffee_exile
Comments by toffee_exile
Sorry you feel like that, moonmonk
Why not try a Sunday night when I run the Quiz?
You could also avail yourself of one of the FH's Sunday Roasts beforehand which, believe me, are far from diaappointing
I could never be described as seeming to thin (sic) that I am cooler than ice and you might even win money, wine or chocolate to ease your serotonin levels
Also, what is wrong with going to a pub "for drinks and atmosphere only"?
I've often found that drinks and atmosphere are two of the main things that attract a lot of people to licensed hostelries - then again, what would I know? I'm only 52
:-D
16 Jun 2009 20:30
Please do not call your burgers "gourmet" when an average patty is accompanied by 3 day old lettuce and a sliver of tired tomato, both of which looked as if they had been left outside the below-average fruit and veg stall across the road.
dwayne696969 and brightondrinker just about sum this place up.
And, before anybody starts back at me : they use the word gourmet on the menu and make a mockery of it - misrepresentation of the word gourmet, I'm afraid
16 Jun 2009 20:19
The Shakespeares Head, Brighton
New manageress, now, promoted from assistant and about time too! I shall certainly be re-frequenting this pub: recommend you do, too!
18 Feb 2008 22:07
Apparently this has changed its name to The Little Cricks: never quite sure what its daytime opening hours are, though, so have not been fortunate enough to partake of lunch there (recently began to work for a company round the corner)
26 Jan 2008 19:20
Very nice, ordinary, local boozer for local people. I suppose that, in summer months, the conservatory offering its view of Shoreham Container Depot (or whatever it actually is: certainly spoils the view of the harbour) might prove popular
26 Jan 2008 19:18
Good little local (recently started working down the road) with a varied food menu. Quiz Night every Sunday with a jackpot of about �150 running at mo IMR (can't attend meself cos I run my own quiz night at another venue on the same night)
26 Jan 2008 19:15
Really, really wish my mate and his new girlfriend had asked to me meet me here rather than execrable Whistlestop (over the level crossing. Don't be put off by the somewhat drab exterior: well laid out interior, added to friendly staff with a good enough to make a reasonable guess at your choice of quaff even if they haven't seen you for a few weeks makes me give the Vic a thumbs up. Not tried the food yet but it looks like it might be worth a go
26 Jan 2008 16:02
The Whistlestop Inn, Portslade
I was in here last night because a friend had asked me to meet his new girlfriend before they caught the train.
The stench emanating from the gents loo every time the door opened was horrendous, but even worse was having to go in there to do the necessary. I was almost physically sick.
Please (if the manager or any member of staff vists this site) get it sorted!
26 Jan 2008 15:58
Popped in here for the first time last night and must say thought it was a smashing little pub. Barstaff were very friendly, as was the guvnor who even put my friend's music on when asked. Cosy - will definitely return.
12 Dec 2006 11:09
Forgot to mention Lois and Liam, btw - very good barstaff: friendly and efficient.
28 Jul 2006 18:34
Soon to undergo a name change - will become The World's End. Went in here last night for the first time in about 3 years and must say it has changed for the better. Richard, the landlord, is an excellent chap who has his finger on the pulse of what is needed to turn this place around. Give him time, he'll get there.
Also took part in the quiz (only its second week but worth having a stab at). QM and wife (Stanley and Susan) are a really charming couple and it's a very interesting quiz - and I'm not only saying that because I won!
28 Jul 2006 08:14
Unfortunately, garionallen, licensing law is not as clear cut as you seem to think.
At the end of the day, any pub licensee is offering an 'invitation to treat'. It is entirely at their own discretion if they wish to exclude under-18s (or under-21s, for that matter).
Most people misunderstand the meaning of the term "public house", also, believing that as members of the public they have a "right" to enter it. They do not. The licensee is opening his/her house to the public but has just as much right to select whom they allow into the house as any householder would.
13 Jul 2006 14:47
Princess22 might be pleased to know that, following England's exit from the World Cup, the flags have been removed.
4 Jul 2006 13:52
The Waldegrave Arms, Teddington
Sad day for me to hear that Waldy has closed. Obviously it went into decline compared to 90s "heyday" when I was lucky enough to work there.
Trust me, it used to be one of THE best pubs in Teddington.
The ratings, however, do not lie.
RIP Waldy
28 Jun 2006 12:49
I would recommend that LittleMissTidy give this place another go. I have recently started attending (and winning!) the Tuesday night quiz and, last night, managed to get there early enough to have a bite to eat before proceedings commenced. The home-made fishcakes were some of the best I've ever eaten. The menu is quite diverse and I just know that I'm going to sample some of its other goodies in the future. A pretty large Specials list is available, also. Admittedly, the pub can get a bit cramped at times but I always find it very friendly to boot. Big thumbs up
22 Mar 2006 09:07
Why does this pub have to be so darned dark all the time? I often pop in for a swift pint and a bite at lunchtime but, unless you sit at tables near the window, it is almost impossible to read the paper.
28 Jan 2006 10:28
Long overdue a revisit on my part. A smashing pub on Thursdays or any other day of the week. I can only endorse anonymous's comments about the HSB. As regards to the place being crowded in the evenings - is that a bad sign? Not in my book!
26 Jan 2006 21:53
Until recently was Polar West - now run by Angus and Wendy, a very friendly couple who put in a lot of effort. Appeals to a varied group of people and is well run, welcoming and all round nice to be in. Large book shelves on both sides, newspapers available free. Food served daily (I'm going to try my first Sunday Roast tomorrow!), one side of the pub non-smoking until 8pm.
Quiz nights every Wednesday from 8.30, regular promotions. Open til 1am during the week, not sure about weekend. All in all a very enjoyable place to visit. Recommended.
21 Jan 2006 09:43
"I'm sorry, where is it exactly you go on a Friday night where you never see fights?? i am intrigued??!?! "
Maybe I'm showing my age but I don't expect to see fights just because it's Friday night. Obviously Staines hasn't changed all that much since I lived there, though
10 Jan 2006 09:52
Had our Christmas 'do' here - very friendly, excellent service and food was perfect. Recommended.
4 Jan 2006 14:25
Now has a Wednesday Quiz Night (questions set by yours truly). �1 pp, max 4 per team, free food for all particpants. Winning team takes the cash, drinks prize for runners up. Next Weds (14th) is Xmas 'themed' and will be last one until New Year.
Come along and see if your a**e is ten times smarter than everybody else's!
10 Dec 2005 10:30
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a quiz merchant, a big event is taking place here on Saturday 19th November.
I won't break protocol by advertising another website here, but if you want to know more you can always send me a private message for further info.
My rating, btw, is based on past visits. About the only pub on West Street that is actually worth visting during the day (can't comment on night time trade as I avoid the area like the plague).
V. friendly staff, well kept drink, good food.
9 Nov 2005 20:08
Gave this place another chance, just to be fair. Different bar staff, different service. Upgrading my rating accordingly.
Almost forgot: food. Although there seems to be a fad for Thai food in a lot of Brighton pubs and , as a result there is some average Thai to be had, the food here should not be ignored
13 Sep 2005 19:44
Cracking pub. Kath and her team are excellent, regulars are a friendly bunch, regular music nights (I think the quiz night is on the back burner at the mo, but will check on that) AND you get free wireless access.
10 Sep 2005 11:34
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
This pub has been placed at number 12 in the "Morning Advertiser's" Top 20 pubs in the UK. Thoroughly deserved recognition, IMHO
10 Sep 2005 07:00
Be careful if you go in here when the ABM (for that is what he seemed to be)is visiting: Manageress totally ignored me in order to chat to her boss (I was the only person at the bar, with two or three other people sitting at tables) whilst I was quietly awaiting a refill and the barman almost had to be copped around the neck with a shepherd's crook to realise that I might actually be desirous of a second drink.
Menu looked interesting, though I am not a great one for Thai food at lunchtime.
8 Sep 2005 19:38
Can only agree with the previous post by timkholman. I won't exactly slag the Eagle but it's not my cup of Darjeeling. Maybe my age has got something to do with it but felt a lot more welcome over the road
8 Sep 2005 19:33
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Having recently moved into offices around the corner, I have given both the Basket Maker's and the Eagle (opposite side of the street) a try.
Basket Maker's wins hands down. Friendly staff, cosy atmosphere, good ales, excellent food at very reasonable prices. We are even going to have a staff member's farewell drinks her tomorrow night.
Top notch
8 Sep 2005 19:31
Very friendly boozer. Used to have a bit of a 'rep' before current team took it over: not anymore.
28 Aug 2005 15:17
Not tried the lunches, but I have been known to have a stab at their Sunday Night Quiz. Good laugh, good crowd, good beers.
Made to feel very welcome every time I go.
28 Aug 2005 15:16
Didn't this place used to be The Angel Hotel? I thought I recognised the address.
Used to DJ here (and the Galleon in Chertsey AND the Hero in Bagshot) back in the 80s.
Obviously their pricing policy hasn't changed much - always was one of the most expensive pubs in Staines apart from "special offer" nights.
What a great time we used to have there, tho! <vbg>
23 Jun 2005 09:47
The Dolphin Tavern, Bloomsbury
Great place - I often visit here when in London and over the years it has never let me down.
16 Jun 2005 21:41
This place just gets better ! Had one (or three) of the best pints of Timothy Taylor Landlord today that I've ever tasted . Must be down to the care that Chuff took over it before he deemed it suitable for human consumption. Stonking.
5 Jun 2005 19:04
Popped in last night (Saturday): friendly, quick service, door staff polite, reasonably priced given its location. All in all, not a bad experience
5 Jun 2005 11:44
I use this place during the week, normally, for a libation or two. Went in tonight and was greeted by the sight of severl luvverly ladeez in grass skirts! Made my Saturday, anyway.
Things must have changed since the last post about this place, btw - Guvnor and staff are always welcoming and friendly, food is good (All Day Breakfast especially) and would recommend it to anyone
4 Jun 2005 23:44
An absolute gem of a place - even my Sherpas loved it!
Don't fret at the cost of the food, it's worth every penny. Excellent beer selection, friendly staff and overall ambience is warm and welcoming.
If you're visiting Brighton, search this place out
3 Jun 2005 08:23
Could be - given its layout - a great pub. Sadly, if you walk in you tend to get the same sort of reaction from the "regulars" that those poor lads received in 'American Werewolf In London' when they entered that pub on the Yorkshire Moors. I've lived virtually opposite for the last 2 and a half years but would never use it as a 'local', despite having given it plenty of tries.
27 May 2005 00:59
Seems to have cornered the market in watching football in 'The Lanes' - other pubs pick up their overspill.
Popped back in here today (Thursday 26th, actually, but only just got round to posting). Nothing in particular marks it out, except for continuing deals on certain drinks. A stopping off point for me, no more than that.
Having said that, it must be doing something right.
27 May 2005 00:54
The Waldegrave Arms, Teddington
Friends Reunited? What's that?? Thanks to posting about this pub I've regained contact with one of my ex-guvnors! Good to hear from him, it was, too!
23 May 2005 22:32
I've walked past this pub so many times - not any more! Atmosphere cannot be faulted, excellent service and REALLY good food!
Smashing
18 May 2005 23:25
I suppose it's about time i said something about this place.
Whilst not being the cheapest of pubs in the centre of Brighton, the extra few pennies payable are more than compensated for by the ambience, friendliness of staff and, IMHO, the fact that the guvnor's choice of background music is of such impeccable taste.
Special mentions to Sally, a stalwart staff member in the truest sense of the word, and Clare, a luvverly lady from the Antipodes who must be the easiest person in the world in whom to induce a blush!!! <vbg>
7 May 2005 18:37
The Grizzly Bear, Sunbury on Thames
Quite frankly, if ANY pub had "Ebony & Ivory" on the jukebox I would give it a wide berth just on the grounds of abominable musical taste - I would also take issue with the GP's comments regarding the display of the Union/St.George's flag:
I am neither a chav nor a fascist but, believe it or not, I am proud of my Country's/Kingdom's flags.
Would the GP, incidentally, also ask for a simliar "sign" proclaiming the reason for such a flag display if it was that of another country? Somehow, I doubt it.
I am in harmony with the GP however, on the noise pollution and drink/driving aspects of his post. Both of these things are, unfortunately, still far too prevalent in our society today.
At an overall rating of 6.7, however, perhaps this is another establishment that I should put on my list for the next time I wander back up to Greater London.
4 May 2005 21:45
After my previous comments about this pub I popped in again to make sure that it could not POSSIBLY be as bad as its West Street counterpart commented upon elsewhere.
I was right - Nothing could possibly match the West Street Wetherspoon's for utter crapness but By The Lord Harry, Sir, this one is obivously vieing for the crown!
S**t service, bad attitude and appalling levels of cleanliness YET AGAIN!!!
2 May 2005 20:07
The Railway Tavern, Carshalton
If the "landlord and his family" who have been there for years are the same people I remember (no names, no pack drill) giving up their pub cleaning business to take over this pub in the 90s, I'm not surprised that the above comments are favourable.
They worked BLOOMING hard to make a go of this place in their early days and deserve their success. I know, cos I helped them out at times. Good on yer, guys!
2 May 2005 10:13
The Magpie and Crown, Brentford
I've just read all 49 comments about this pub. Notwithstanding the fact that some of them have been posted by people who work there, I find it hard to believe (from the general tenor of comments) that this pub does not have a higher overall rating! If I had known about this place while I was re-visiting the Big Smoke yesterday, I would certainly have strayed from my chosen path to pay it a visit. Perhaps next time <Bar Billiards, Strawberry Beer, 3 different REAL Ciders? I can't wait!>.
2 May 2005 09:30
The Emma Hamilton, Wimbledon Chase
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Who was it who said you should never go home? Where this place is concerned, that person was right. Sadly disappointed.
2 May 2005 08:39
As anyone might see from other "local" posts, I returned to Richmond yesterday for a "mini-crawl": amazed to see that it rates such a low average score. Still warm and welcoming, good beer, friendly staff and locals plus the Green to look at and enjoy. Recommended.
2 May 2005 08:34
Used to work here in the 90s. Loved it then and, after re-visiting yesterday can still recommend it. Very nice pub in a lovely setting.
2 May 2005 08:30
Used the Bank Holiday weekend as an excuse to go back to some of my old stamping grounds and popped into here. Used to be a bolt hole from the hurry-scurry of other Richmond pubs and, I'm VERY happy to say, hasn't changed it's character and warmth in my seven years absence. An absolute gem! I never give a 10 to ANY pub (out of sheer belligerence on my part, probably <vbg>) but if I could give this place 9.9, I would.
2 May 2005 08:27
I really do get fed up with people claiming that pubs are "VERY smokey", without bothering to qualify their statements : the pub mentioned by tinkholman is very small INDEED (though not quite the smallest in Brighton), but allows smoking - live with it!
There are more pubs and bars in this city of ours than you could visit on a one-a-day basis in less than eighteen months - surely you can find something that pleases you : also, there is a forecourt outside which gives non-smokers PLENTY OF opportunity to experience fresh air and observe the diverse tapestry of life that constitutes B&H Residents walking by.
Disraeli (in a fashion) springs to mind
30 Apr 2005 19:35
Quite frankly..........disgusting! I popped in there en route to somewhere else today, at 10.30. Staff kept themselves up to the usual JDW standard (i.e. couldn't give a shit) then , after having been served, had a barmaid lean across from the EPOS terminal to dump my change in my hand whilst, at the same time, depositing MY pint in front of the guy standing a good three feet away!!! When I politely asked if I could have my pint, it was unceremoniously plonked down on the bar (just) within arms reach.
Okay, got my pint: turn around to play the fruit machine to find its frontage ENCASED (and, believe me, I do not exaggerate here) in cigarette ash. I am a smoker, btw, but to also find that the nearest ashtray was swimming in some sort of inderterminate liquid was too much.
I drank half of my pint and left:
I WOULD HEARTILY ADVISE ANY VISITORS TO BRIGHTON TO AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE!
I am, in fact, toying with the idea of contacting the local EHO to enquire how a pub could be in such an unsavoury condition within such a short time of opening.
Any representatives of the Wetherspoons chain who might happen upon this site might bear my last paragraph in mind.
As an ex-publican myself, take my advice: you REALLY need to sort this place out, or leave yourselves liable to spending many a month in the Small Claims Court (or worse!)
If it was within my power to give this place a minus rating, I would.
30 Apr 2005 18:30
Ran this place for just over 2 years - was the reason for me moving to Brighton, as it happens - had a great time there: locals covered the whole gamut from Friday night builders to Captain Sensible's dad. Funny thing is, given its reputation as "The Zoo", I never (and I mean never!) suffered from the problems that previous managers experienced.
Not saying I didn't have my problem occasions, mind you - maybe I just handled them differently to my predecessors.
Rating based on some good laughs and some VERY good staff that worked for me.
26 Apr 2005 01:12
I remember the "Blue" from when I lived and worked in Staines - (drank in, dj'd at and was asst mgr at the Angel in the 80s) - it was big HM place in those days. I find it intriguing that the last five posts I have read are all posted anonymously, though. Have Staines people changed that much over the years that they can't even make their pseudo-identities available?
24 Apr 2005 23:48
Funny that Hilary should mention this as a start for a crawl - it's the starting point for the crawl I created on this site!
23 Apr 2005 13:36
Thanks to pgazz and Anne, btw, for very prompt answers to my last post. I understand now - should have the site more closely, really. :-?
23 Apr 2005 13:33
I'm curious that this pub has a 6.7 rating yet does not show up in the Top Ten list on the home page, yet many 6.6-rate pubs do. Marama has, unfortunately, left us again (this time for Canada) but I still rate this place, even if the beer has gone up by 5p a pint in recent weeks.
23 Apr 2005 11:30
Always like this place - not a daily venue for me but I pop in there quite often. The "waiter/ess" service for drinks is a good idea, particularly when you are in the middle of a particularly good game of "Miner 49er" on the quiz machine and your glass is empty!! :-)
23 Apr 2005 11:26
No response from sianpower to a personal message I sent in defence of staff at this pub (or was it an April Fool posting in the first place?)and also offering details of the quiz night if he/she wanted them. Phone a City centre pub on a Friday lunchtime and you might find them a leetle bit busy to deal with enquiries about a Wednesday night!!
5 Apr 2005 18:35
Marama's back! Maybe only for a few weeks but it's great to see her again, looking tanned and sleek from her months on the piste. My rating goes up a point in celebration
31 Mar 2005 14:53
Couldn't believe it when, during the Cheltenham Festival, a bunch of guys from Teddington (including Mel) walked into my local in Brighton!! Hadn't seen them for about 10 years, from when I worked at the Waldy - brought back some memories, I can tell you
26 Mar 2005 10:36
The Emma Hamilton, Wimbledon Chase
Ah, fond memories. Worked here in the mid-90's (Steve and Mel were managers when I joined). Had a lot of good times - Johnny 5 Nations still drinking there, by any chance? - but also remember the horrendous Euro 96 "debacle" when the function room was trashed. Left during Sue and Jim's tenure (last I heard of them, they were running a pub near Clapham Junction). Rating based on what it was like then rather than what might have happened to it since.
11 Mar 2005 15:00
Don't get to visit this place as often as I'd like, to be honest. Very friendly atmosphere, cracking bar staff, good beers. Not tried the food so unable to comment but the last time I was there the bloke next to me at the bar had what looked like a verrrrrrrrrry tasty sandwich!
11 Mar 2005 11:54
I keep trying this place and, eventually, end up giving it a wide berth (yet again) for the slowness of service and general surliness of the staff. Half the time it seems that, unless you're a fully-paid-up member of the Wetherspoon's Mafia they'd be sweeping cobwebs off you before you get served.
10 Mar 2005 19:07
v. friendly staff, cosy atmosphere - not sampled the food yet, but get more and more tempted to do so every time I visit.
Quiz night on a Wednesday is fun - unfortunately not getting to that particular as regularly as I would like but that should change soon.
10 Mar 2005 12:50
I've been using this pub on a regular for a few months now and would just like to compliment all concerned with the place on providing a friendly, proper pub atmosphere in the heart of Brighton.
10 Mar 2005 10:10
The Waldegrave Arms, Teddington
Sad to see some of the comments being made about my old stamping ground. I worked there in the early/mid 90s and can honestly say it was one the best pubs I've had the pleasure to have worked in - nothing before or since has matched those halcyon days
9 Mar 2005 18:53
Not been the same since it had its "refurb", though worth checking out the lampshades on the bar - I've not seen anything like 'em since I used to sit in my granny's parlour as a nipper! What next, antimacassars on the couches? lol
9 Mar 2005 18:39
Back to toffee_exile's profile
Fountainhead, Brighton
For "diaappointing" read "disappointing", btw - typo
16 Jun 2009 20:31