BITE user comments - uriahheep
Comments by uriahheep
The Hampshire Bowman, Dundridge
With a combination of great rural location and rustic unspoiled bar this has been a long, long time favorite of mine. It had slid down in my rating in recent years with a predictable beer choice (Palmers 200 Swift One and Wallops Wood) and rarely doing even logical better Bowman ales like Quiver? Having moved into the area I still frequented it due to the great atmosphere and good basic food, available at all times of the day.
Things seem to have improved of late, with a much more varied choice of beer (Tally Ho much appreciated!) so it is climbing back to being one of my top rated pubs albeit that there is no longer Bacon and Brie Baguette on the menu ... sorry Baxterfish
4 Jan 2013 18:43
Often overlook this pub tucked away in the back streets. Food very good, generally a guest ale on but could always do with more. Staff work very hard to keep you happy.
12 Jul 2011 13:55
The King Henry VIII Inn, Hever
Not too bad a pub for a tourist location - by Hever castle. Not too keen on the typical Shepherd Neame bitters but the Amber Ale was quite nice?
12 Jul 2011 13:48
Nice pub - lovely pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord and the food, high quality if a little expensive? No dogs? A couple of marks off for that!
12 Jul 2011 13:36
Another enjoyable visit to this cosy pub. I'd like to know what persist artist's favourite is, to top this one?
28 Apr 2011 19:41
Not long since I was here last but have to say again the beer selection excellent Hophead, American Pale Ale, Mai Bock (?) and Jaipur (6.1%). All tasted lovely, what a line up of light beers alone! The food again second to none and the staff really helpful!
28 Apr 2011 19:31
Far From the Madding Crowd, Oxford
Not the 'quaint' type of pub but I really enjoyed my visit here. The beer choice was excellent: Surreal Ale (Abbeydale Brewery) and Equinox (Great Heck?) were superb hoppy beers. The food was basic but very good and ample! BTW re other comments - I often note the beers because there are sooo many good beers provided by ever diminishing pubs like this ... and my memory deserted me at the turn of the century ... or did I ever have one?
28 Apr 2011 18:57
An interesting interior worth looking in for if you are after a new tie. Alas, a pub that could be great but lacking in beer choice? Saved by a pint of Spring Sprinter, appropriate for this weather
28 Apr 2011 18:38
Not overly impressed with this place although I'm sure I had a higher opinion on a previous visit. The beer choice 'St. George' and 'Old Hooky' not too appealing to me. Will no doubt try again in the future
27 Apr 2011 16:39
Type of place I'd normally pass by but popped in and was pleasantly surprised by a reasonable choice of beers and comfortable seating. Bath Gem and Double Chocolate Stout sampled on this occasion.
27 Apr 2011 16:15
A classic 'must visit' eccentric English pub, with access through little alleyways and an excellent choice of ales. Can be difficult to get a table particularly in this good weather. Had an excellent 'Summer Ale' and (White Horse) Wayland Smithy pretty good too.
27 Apr 2011 16:08
Personally, I'm more of a 'hard rock' fan than 'heavy metal' but found this ok, with a friendly barman and the music not oppressive. Beer choice was reasonable (Yale Brewery 'Beat Bitter' on this occasion).
27 Apr 2011 15:57
The Fishermans Cottage, Reading
Didn't enjoy the visit here with 80's disco music blasting through a speaker system. Half decent beer with 'Spring Ale' on - but unlikely to rush back?
27 Apr 2011 15:29
As with all good pubs there was the obligatory eccentric in the corner and a great beer for the summer weather in Sharp's Atlantic IPA. Look forward to returning.
27 Apr 2011 15:25
Very remote pub which gives a sense of intrigue but this is a standard family friendly pub which is a bit soulless. The menu looked interesting with lots of local produce and there were some real ales, whatever it was we had was fine! Good location for walks and families but would personally be unlikely to return.
17 Apr 2011 21:21
Went here for mothering Sunday, were met by very helpful staff who looked after us well throughout. The food was good quality, although the portions were small; the beer was FortyNiner which went down well. Located in a lovely spot good for local walks with a garden that is probably great in warmer weather.
17 Apr 2011 21:14
A decent enough pub near the seafront. Smart, modern, tidy but not too exciting on a sunny Sunday lunchtime. The beer choice was reasonable with Dark Star beers including the excellent American pale ale. A few other beers are usually available including their own, but not on this occasion.
17 Apr 2011 21:04
"Quirky" is an appropriate description for this pub. Although I wasn't too impressed with the choice of beer on this occasion, I have been here a few times and know they do an impressive choice of beer generally. I love this place and it is probably as near in character to a Belgian pub as you can get in this area. It's quite small but I was still surprised to find it described as the smallest pub in Brighton as I've always managed to get a seat?
31 Mar 2011 21:54
The Lion And Lobster, Brighton
I've drunk many times in this pub and it always has a good pint of Hophead and Festival on. On our first attempt to eat here we were disappointed to be incorrectly told the time we had available to order off the daytime menu but we did stay for the evening menu which was very satisfying. Often get a little live music which always adds to the atmosphere of this pub. The only downside of this otherwise terrific pub is the presence of TV screens but somehow they don't cause the irritation in the background that I find in other pubs.
31 Mar 2011 21:45
Really is a very good pub. Armada and Harveys Porter spot on, this time. Eaten here a few times now and the food excellent and good value for money too
22 Mar 2011 18:36
Was quite shocked to find this closed over Christmas due to a fire. Relieved to say it is now open again and nothing has changed (apart from the slightest presence of new paint)! Business as usual - great beer, great atmosphere great pub!!
22 Mar 2011 18:02
Hamble is a nice, popular location - meaning, increasingly "touristy" with the pubs charging "appropriately". This would be a good pub but the prices are a little over the top. The food was good but I had to be very selective to get food within my budget. The beer is expensive and could do with a better choice for my tastes. I'm surprised someone would give 7.5 when admitting they got food poisoning - fortunately I survived my burger.
22 Mar 2011 16:15
Can't rate this pub highly enough. Can always guarantee a great pint and although it's a little bit of trek out here I keep making excuses to come and sample, in particular, the Flowerpots IPA (6%) along with the regular Goodens Gold or (Oakleaf) Nuptu' Ale. As has been said, a wonderful unspoilt country pub - not for the trendy though?
15 Mar 2011 02:56
Seems that some people have got distracted from giving assistance to those trying finding a good beer pub - and that is exactly what this is!! It's a very well kept pub and more importantly, an often overlooked oasis regarding beer, with the best selection of ales for many miles (certainly this side of Southampton). It has a regularly changing selection of typically five guest ales on top of the Wadworth selection (notable for it's 6X from a wooden cask). The staff are very helpful and the food is very reasonable.
15 Mar 2011 02:30
Not a bad pub but could do with a slightly more interesting guest beer rather than the standard Wadwoth selection (unless this was a bad day)?
15 Mar 2011 01:49
A terrific old pub with a good range of ales and if you don't like the choice of beers on tap It also has an interesting selection of Belgian beers (and ciders). I'm sure if I ran a pub it would end up like this (apparently I'm very untidy and hoard things too?). On this occasion there was a "jazz jam" going on, a bit reminiscent of The Fast Show - greeaaat!!
15 Mar 2011 01:43
Promised myself I'd come back and try out the food here having only discovered the Snowdrop at the end of my last visit to Lewes. Still a good choice of ales with Dark Star beers (Hophead and American Pale) still on and a good selection of other beers and guest ales. The food was well worth the wait and as good as anything I've had in some time. Next visit will try and catch some live music?
4 Mar 2011 00:25
What a great, down to earth pub. Last time I visited Lewes I made the mistake of visiting the John Harvey Tavern when this gem was a stones throw away. I'd had too much beer to pop in and try the fantastic selection that the Gardeners Arms had to offer, not a mistake I made this time! spoilt for choice with a varied range of ales but finishing off with BrewDog's Hardcore IPA (9%). Can't wait to return.
4 Mar 2011 00:07
Good location, lots of potential ... but only no ale ... no points!!
3 Mar 2011 23:43
Well, as this is a beer site you have to say this is "the" pub in Brighton. Other things like food, seating (or toilets?) you may prefer to go somewhere else. The choice of beers is simply mind-boggling, whether it's ales or belgian beers and they are seved by knowledgable staff. The Dark Star Green Hop IPA (6.5%) on this occasion was "the star" simly superb!
16 Nov 2010 01:10
Very good pub but feel it just msses the "gold star" it could easily attain. Nonetheless, I return again and again - drawn back to relish the superb "Bonfire Boy"
16 Nov 2010 00:54
Always overlook this place as it has that "big chain identity" offering value food etc. However, if in need of a few decent beers, it seems to offer an extremely good choce of ales at excellent prices. Will return (when in the area).
16 Nov 2010 00:44
Very good locals pub. Reasonable choice of ales (Bengal Lancer on this occasion). Comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Not spectacular but good food and a pub I look forward to returning to.
16 Nov 2010 00:34
The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton
Excellent local pub with a good range of ales and helpful staff. Couldn't wait to go back and try the food - which lived up to the expectation "best crackling ever" and good value too. You may have trouble getting a seat so be there early. Liberation, Bengal Lancer.
16 Nov 2010 00:29
Been here a couple of times, dark and dingy, not one of my favourite places but a reasonable choice of beers - on this occasion tried the Hammerpot Pale Ale which was very pleasant. A lttle slow on the service.
29 Aug 2010 18:24
Although they do the "dull" Greene King beers, they do seem to try with guest ales. Aong with Abbot & Olde Trip, I was lucky they had just put Hophead back on. I really like the atmosphere of this pub and have eaten here a few times too. On the occasions the food has been excellent and good value.
29 Aug 2010 17:56
As one of the other reviewers said "over priced" but it is a reasonably comfotable basement pub with a garden. Normally just your basic bitters and on this occasion had "Hophead" on as a sort of treat?
29 Aug 2010 17:43
Great choice of beer. Had Arundel "Trident" but the Langham "Sundowner" was a superb summer ale. Not quite sure why I don't pop in more often as it's comfotable place - maybe the prices?
2 Aug 2010 22:20
Back in having saved up as it's still a pretty expensive place. Thought it would suit Peroni drinkers though? Ringwood 49er one of my favourites still on with Boondoggle and Brakspear Oxford. Have to say the food was really superb!! Probably explains why it's always surprisingly busy? Ah well - off to save up all over again?
2 Aug 2010 22:12
Pretty fair locals pub but not worth going out of your way for. Couple of guest ales - nothing special. Food looked reasonably priced.
2 Aug 2010 21:56
Having visited the Bull on a few occasions I suggested we try the other pubs (ie pub) of Ditchling. I was informed the White Horse would only be a brief visit as it wasn't up to much. As soon as we entered I was impressed with the place. Although quite busy, the staff were fast to serve us, they had several ales including Summer Lightning, Hophead and Palmers 200. The tables were well spaced out so as not to appear on top of each other and we were impressed enough to try the roast dinners - good value and superb food and service! I don't know when it changed but everything was for the better - it obviously pays once in a while to go back and check things out. The pub to go to in Ditchling.
27 Jul 2010 14:59
Not changed much from previous review. Main criticism - no decent ales. Although I'm not a fan of tvs in pubs it obviously suits the locals and there doesn't seem to be a another decent "proper" pub nearby. The food basic but adequate. Definately not one to travel to - but I have to compliment the "multi-tasking barmaid" who seemed to run the place singlehanded - no wonder the food took a while?
22 Jul 2010 19:25
Very posh place - and expensive! Actually, quite relieved they couldn't find us a table to eat at. Surprised to find a drinkable ale in "Hullaballoo" there though. Don't know if it's changed but didn't seem to be the "knees up" type of place some people have described but the staff seemed attentive, will return when I've saved up for my bow tie?
22 Jul 2010 19:07
Not a bad pub considering the location and "tourist trap" nature of the place. A couple of Shepherd Neame beers on - sounds like I missed out on the Fish & Chips though?
19 Jul 2010 22:18
We were looking for decent ale and something to eat. Having found only one bitter on, decided to scout a few other pubs only to end up back here rather disappointed. However, the food here was excellent, ample and good value.
19 Jul 2010 22:05
I found the staff friendly and attentive. Couple of Ales on - more successful than some of the other places we visited. The layout inside, quite open, looked fine but we were sat outside and didn't eat here either.
19 Jul 2010 22:00
Just ambled into this pub - almost by accident. Quite stunned by the magnificent choice of beers - for all tastes! From other peoples comments this place has obviously had a good change of fortune. The food looks worth coming back for - I'd made the mistake of eating in the John Harvey Tavern (not recommended on this occasion?). I had to have a couple of beers here as I was spoilt for choice even though I'd promised I'd only stop for one? Star choices: Dark Star American Pale Ale and draft Bruge Zot (Signature, Copperhead, Hophead .....)
30 Jun 2010 23:42
Agree with SotonAleDrinker, not the pub for Dynamiteninja? It could be desribed as a little shabby / sticky but I put that down to character?? I'd far rather this with it's vast choice of ales, informative and friendly barman, nooks and crannies, interesting walls etc than many of the sterile clone pubs that abound now!!
30 Jun 2010 23:17
Agree with the previous comment. I found the food poor, trying to chew through a roast parsnip my challenge for the day (although we were a little late for lunch?). The beer range could be better too, considering it's the Brewery Tap. Much better Harvey's pubs elsewhere. Would recommend the Snowdrop up the road with their, now magnificent, range of beers?
25 Jun 2010 16:05
Always a good traditional beer pub. As usual Flower Pots "Goodens Gold" and a very decent Bates Bitter.
25 Jun 2010 15:13
The Lazy Toad, Shoreham by Sea
Forgot to mention how friendly the staff were, with some really good prices on the beers and some nice nibbles on the bar (If that wasn't enough there was a plate of garlic bread followed by chunks of roast meat!)
15 Jun 2010 17:06
Nice to have a pub that attempts a good selection of ales in an area where they might not be appreciated? On this occasion I went for the Meantime London IPA which was ok but not a patch on the RCH Pitchfork, a lovely golden ale for this time of year with a slight Citrus edge. The staff are very friendly and it's another tidy, modern yet comfotable pub.
15 Jun 2010 16:54
Eaten here a few times now and always found the food tasty and of good value and quality. It's a comfotable pub in a more modern open way and the beer is generally pretty good although not exciting. On theis occasion the Arundel Gold was quite welcome.
15 Jun 2010 16:38
The Lazy Toad, Shoreham by Sea
Nearly walked straight past this place, what a mistake it would have been, do not do the same! If I had the money this is the type of boozer I would love to create. Great choice of beer, straight from the cask, nice original surroundings (even artistic wenches on the walls). On this occasion, Entire Stout and Bishops Finger sampled of the good selection available.
8 Jun 2010 16:06
The Royal Sovereign, Shoreham by Sea
Nice pub, difficult on a Sunday to get a seat as it's pretty reserved for food. Good pint of American Pale Ale (Dark Star) and Timthy Taylor's Landlord also ok.
8 Jun 2010 15:39
Been in worse, apparently better than it used to be? Not my kind of pub (chain food sort of thing). No decent guest ales.
3 Jun 2010 19:20
Good pub and nice location in the beer desert that appears to be Keynsham? As other comments, they have utilised space well with a nicely constructed conservatory, a nice big garden over looking the river and a good ale - Bath Gem served. I would have given an even higher mark had it had another ale or two on.
3 Jun 2010 16:50
Brewery tap for Beachy Head, had been warned about the service in this place - and typically was ignored at the bar with the staff not noting who should be served next etc. Having said that, overall I was pleasantly surprised. They had obviously just finished major refurbishment with nice toilets (previous comments) and on a lovely sunny day was able to sit out on the village green opposite supping my very nice Legless Rambler (5%) which made me stop for another. The Original was also very pleasant from a small sample? Marks for service were upped when a very attentive barmaid assisted me to carry the bottles I'd purchased for later consumption - I seemed to pay an extortionate labour charge for this mind!
24 May 2010 22:29
Don't get to this great beer pub often enough. Have to agree with previous comment with beer prices creeping up (�3.20). On this occasion tried the Purbeck IPA (not to my taste) and Ballard's Wild 4.7% - I thought a superb full bodied (Porter) ale, well presented.
24 May 2010 22:08
Good comfortable food pub with a nice atmosphere - could do with a decent ale other than Seafarers HSB.
23 Mar 2010 16:15
Been here a couple of times and hope to be back many more. First time was on a Sunday and could hardly fit in with a decent band playing and good ales. The second time, a Saturday, much more comfortable and had a superb evening drinking Hophead and Bottle Wreck (unfortunately they repeated the same cd over) and were serving pretty late into the night with a good barmaid. Perhaps a musos pub but seems cozy for all?
16 Mar 2010 20:24
Visited this place a lot, largely because it's pretty guaranteed you can get reasonable food all day and for a "chain" pub it has a pretty good atmosphere. In addition it generally has a decent guest ale and typically Ringwood Fortyniner on. More of a functional pub but good nonetheless.
16 Mar 2010 20:10
A great locals pub with interesting surroundings, spent a very pleasant evening here. Although they generally have a good choice of beer, on this occasion the only decent ale was Abbot but still very enjoyable.
16 Mar 2010 20:03
I know this place gets a bit of stick for the commercialisation and prices etc but for anyone visiting the area it's a terrific location and worth looking into. On this occasion I found it very pleasant with a reasonably priced (and surprisingly good tasting) Badgers Hopping Hare.
16 Mar 2010 19:55
Small cozy pub, traditional with a good atmosphere and superb Old Thumper!
16 Mar 2010 19:48
Superb traditional rustic pub, low beams with a wonderful atmosphere, dogs, good bar staff and good selection of ales. On this occasion Great Bustard (4.8%) and a nice Hop ale.
16 Mar 2010 19:45
As a "sort of" local - a good comfortable pub for the area and they generally have a decent ale (recently Hepworth Classic Old Ale). On my last visit the barmaid hadn't quite worked out that you are supposed to fill the glasses but another barman spotted this and quickly came over to make ammends. The food is very good (but a little pricey and maybe avoid Sunday lunchtime?) and make sure you try the olives - great value!
23 Feb 2010 17:53
A strange "Paradox" of a pub. It has a modern almost Lap Bar booth, with football available upstairs and yet an old traditional pub appeal. On both occasions I have been here they have had a good ale (Christmas Ale over the festive period) and very good food with good staff. The food has been excellent and I will return.
23 Feb 2010 17:32
Super pub serving Ringwood Fortyniner. Great food (perhaps a little pricey?) and a great atmosphere. The staff were very good and they seem to be working hard on developing the pub with character. Will return.
23 Feb 2010 17:20
The Devils Dyke Hotel, Brighton
Over-commercialised, bland,big and very cold and draughty. Staff pleasant enough and the Rudgate Ruby ale was nice.
23 Feb 2010 14:34
Food looked good but as other comments "for the well to do" maybe? Too busy when we were there to eat, had London Pride, but may return?
23 Feb 2010 14:27
Can't say too much about the beer - but was treated to a free lesbian sex show. Nice pub, will have to go back and check out the beer?
23 Feb 2010 14:19
The Wheatsheaf, Shedfield
Although the Hampshire Bowman is still my favorite pub in the area due to the great rural location, atmosphere, beer and availability of food, this pub is top of tree for the beer purist. I have never been served an imperfect pint and the value is unbeatable. Will always have Goodens Gold and other Cheriton ales (can't believe any Real Ale drinker would not appreciate these?) alongside good guest ales from the excellent Oakleaf Brewery. Serving manner can be a bit hit and miss?
4 Jan 2013 19:08