BITE user comments - womble54321
Comments by womble54321
This pub has certainly sorted itself out over the last few months. The service has improved immeasurably, the thai food has gone to be replaced by your stereotypical (London) pub food. The beer selection is pretty much the same as ever with your usual lagers and a couple of real beers ( although as yet I haven't noticed any guest ales), but then they are appealing to a particular demographic.
The garden is fantastic, but getting a seat there requires early drinking activity over the weekend.
One quite large gripe about this place is that the mens' loos are, quite frankly, a disgrace, and given that everyone has to walk past them to get to the garden, this should be sorted out by Mitchells & Butlers asap (they recently bought this pub, the Railway on the highstreet, and the Sun in the Old Town).
8 May 2008 11:33
Like most of the reviews already on here, the most apt description of this place is that it's, er, non-descript! Good location, reasonable selection of beer, over-priced (as most establishments in this area are), full of tourists, average.
1 Feb 2008 16:57
John turned this pub around?! Did his magic at the Goat?!! Now look, while I will concede that the Hope has improved since his return, this has to be tempered by the fact that it could hardly have got any worse. Moreover, I remember very well when John was last in charge, and if you scroll down through the comments you will notice that during his tenure the complaints remained the same, and arguably got worse. So no, he did not turn this pub around. The Goat is regularly packed, agreed, but have you seen the competition around there?! I sincerely hope that John lives up to your billing as the public house Messiah, but i'm not holding my breath i'm afraid.
25 Jan 2008 14:27
Asnootyfox is wrong - this place was originally the Hope, and then the Faith and Firkin, then the Hope again, nothing more. But, and some of you may have read previous comments, I make the occasional trip back to see if the place has improved. Unfortunately not. It's almost becoming a dive. What I don't get is that the staffing issue has been mentioned regularly here, and i know for a fact that employees of Mitchells & Butlers read these reviews - in which case, take note: the bar staff are absolutely terrible. I actually don't blame them necessarily. For me it's a management issue - they don't seem to be enjoying serving. When i worked here we stayed behind, had a few drinks, and actually enjoyed working with each other. The problem, as far as i'm aware is that there is none of this camaraderie, which shows in the 15 minute, 3 deep wait for a drink. Sort it out. Quick.
15 Nov 2007 01:26
Phenomenally cheap? A real pub? Have you seen the menu/wine list?! Try the Nightingale, that's a real pub. And can I just point out that this place has been in a rapid state of decline for well over the year that you have been going, so the comments below are largely based on comparatives from when the staff did a decent job.
3 May 2007 09:53
I went back in here a few days ago and was pleased to see that it has actually improved on my last visit. I had forgotten how well the beer was kept here, but I will definitely be making this a regular drinking hole for after work.
The staff seem to go out of their way to be friendly to every one who comes in here, and this is a trait that I hope they continue - it adds a huge amount of value to any pub experience.
It can get quite busy downstairs straight after work, but the service is pretty swift and their is a non-smoking room upstairs, as well as extra seating downstairs.
Highly recommended.
29 Mar 2007 18:46
Food is indeed excellent, but your wallet will feel a lot lighter. And the banoffee pie is definitely very popular - one member of our party got the last one and caused a bit of friction amongst the women...
Service was good, although I almost punched the waiter who insisted on attempting friendly banter every 10 mins. Then I realised that it was better than someone being as grumpy as I was evidently being.
Definitely a rah haven on Sundays, but actually the atmosphere was quite pleasant.
Recommended.
9 Mar 2007 16:37
Solid pub this. Usual selection of lagers and a couple of ales. Service has always been pretty quick, and I've always managed to find a seat.
Food is good, and I personally think it's reasonably priced, certainly in comparison to everywhere else in Clapham.
I particularly like the way that they don't have a minimum limit for using a card. This small point boosts its score from a 7 to an 8.
9 Mar 2007 16:30
A pretty good pub this. Beer has been fine on the 5 or 6 occasions I have been in, and the staff are efficient and friendly.
The place can be a bit luvvied-up, what with the theatre and everything, but generally speaking this is well worth a visit, and is significantly better than the vast majority of pubs in the area. Good work.
9 Mar 2007 16:24
1. The only thing the staff work hard at is how to be useless behind the bar (although I will concede that they appear to have employed 1 or 2 useful barmen).
2. Tips are given based on performance of service received by the customer, NOT as supplementary income because they aren�t paid enough. Incidentally, I have been to plenty of pubs where the lack of tips didn�t affect the attitude and aptitude of the staff, and I never expected tips when I worked in the Hope. Which moves us on to point 3:
3. If you really did give each bar member 5 quid, then either you are extremely rich and don�t know what to do with your money, or you are incredibly misguided. Or both.
Your post smacks of someone who either works in this pub or who has friends who do. The service is appalling, and anyone who has been to a pub other than a Wetherspoons will agree, which is what makes your comments all the more unbelievable that they are objective.
9 Mar 2007 10:56
Thursday: Went in with a mate. All draught beer off apart from Stella. Managed to persuade my body to cope with a couple of these, then went for another round. Aparrently this was now off. As was the Guiness. The reason proffered was that they had been inundated with rugby fans for the England game. Hmmm. Presumably a modicum of common sense would have foreseen this eventuality?
Sunday: Second chance Sunday, decided to go with same mate and his lady (mostly because you're guaranteed a seat, the reason for which should really have been obvious after Thursday). We actually rang to make sure the draught was on before venturing out. On arrival, we discovered that one lager was off, and the coke flat.
The only good thing to come out of this last visit was that we have all agreed to never go here again. Shame, because it could be so much better. Plus, whoever mentioned the incompetence of the staff was spot on, plus those who mention their amusement at their's and the pubs inadequacy. Avoid.
4 Mar 2007 22:56
The Theodore Bullfrog, Charing Cross
Oh dear. Prime location, but only gets prizes for being one of the most dreary and depressing pubs I have been into for a long time.
When you ask for a drink, the staff look at you as though you have just asked them for a pint of urine topped up with excrement. By far and away one of the most unfriendly places I have had the misfortune to stumble upon.
The beer is your usual fare of 'premium' lagers, and not much else, the majority of the clientele appeared to be sharing the same brain cell, and the rest seemed as disgusted as myself. Will not be going back, and highly recommend that everyone else avoids this place after my personal sacrifice. I almost feel like Jesus...
20 Feb 2007 10:31
Presumably "continental" beers include the Grolsch, Staropramen and Stella.....
I also have to take issue with SneakyT. I have been in several times, and if what you say is true, then I actually feel sorry for the staff - they must have permanent "off days". I'm a reasonably regular customer in this pub, and came in for birthday drinks with a large group, just before xmas. I ordered a whisky and water, and got a Famous Grouse with water full to the brim. When I took my whisky-flavoured water back to the bar, I was informed that I would have to buy another because any mistakes would be taken out of that member of barstaff's wages. There are 2 points to note here: 1. I couldn't care less if you are deducted �2 in wages for being a moron, and 2. I know for a fact that this is a lie - I have good friends higher up in Mitchells and Butlers.
Management has apparently changed...yet again. I hope they sort this place out this time.
20 Jan 2007 20:37
I expect improvements to be forthcoming in the next few weeks. M & B have changed the management, and from what I am told there has been a culling of inept barstaff.
15 Aug 2006 14:39
I've been here on and off for the last 2 years, and I really can't see what you guys are praising (yes, there's one very cute barmaid, but the others - have word with yourselves!) but it's a rubbish pub. Beer is shockingly badly kept. big beer garden, yes. Care less, no.
30 Jul 2006 04:53
Don't know about the upstairs bar - i was on the street on a friday. Barstaff were brilliant (it helped that it appeared to be hotpants day) but they were superbly efficient. Beer was drinkable, shame about the location - they need to sort out some outside seating.
30 Jul 2006 04:43
Newly opened Young's pub in a smart riverside housing complex (those 3 weird looking towers by Vauxhall Bridge). Went for the opening night, and was fairly pleased. The range of ales is what you'd expect from a Youngs pub, and there are some interesting lagers too. Waggledance always tends to win me over anyway, but pretty ladies marketing the Peroni was an unexpected bonus.
Service was fine, but I'm going to save a proper review for when the place has settled down and got into its groove. Watch this space.
24 Jun 2006 15:24
The Old Thameside Inn, London Bridge
I despise this pub. It's horrible inside, the beer is not well kept, and the service is absolutely chronic. The management are clearly resting on their laurels and doing nothing to create what could be a superb pub. Yes, it's always packed, but that's only because of a) the location, and b) the regular fools who are sucked in by that fact. Apparently it's a Mitchells and Butlers pub. If so, sort it out guys - I've seen the good work you've done with other pubs, so change the management and do the same with this one.
3 Jun 2006 17:28
Average. Beer was ok, decor was ok, atmosphere was sadly lacking. After work kind of pub. I think I was charged a quid for a pack of McCoys crisps which was upsetting.
3 Jun 2006 17:23
The Tulse Hill Tavern, Tulse Hill
Hmm. Very odd place really. I've been here a couple of times now, once in the evening, and once during the day. The evening visit involved a few games of pool. The usual rules of writing your name on the board are there, although the locals can spot a new visitor a mile off and ignore their names. I also don't recommend beating them at pool and staying on the table too long - one guy in particular looked pretty menacing when I won.
The beer is fine, although as Rich66 points out they don't seem to chill them very well. And the staff are crazy. Not in a 'haha, you're hilarious' kind of way, more in a 'sweet Jesus, does Springfield hospital know you're missing?' kind of way.
They also cook free food in the afternoon, so the next time a tramp asks you for money, buy him a ticket here instead. He'll definitely feel at home, I promise you.
Avoid.
23 May 2006 11:08
Before I place my review I should point out that I have only been here during the day.
For those of you who like Activity-Based Drinking this place is a great start. There are two pool tables which you pay for by the hour/half hour, table football, and darts. As for the beer itself, you get the usual selection. The Guinness was good, that much I can tell you. The staff were friendly, and I liked the layout of the place, particularly the living room-style area at the back. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here unless I wanted to play some games, but it is a perfectly passable pub if you are passing.
23 May 2006 10:53
I'm slightly perturbed by the reviews which sing the praises of this pub. If it wasn't a Sam Smith's with cheap beer, then I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be getting such great comments. Having said that, the pub was reasonably pleasant even if one member of barstaff upstairs wasn't. The beer was fine as far as Sam Smith's goes. I think 'stunning interior' is probably pushing it a bit so I'll go with Steve_D's diagnosis. He is also spot on about the urinals. The fact that they are Victorian is irrelevant - clean them from time to time and they would be fine.
22 May 2006 14:31
No, he left ages ago and manages the White Hart in Crystal palace somewhere. I would write another review of this place, but quite frankly nothing has changed since my previous criticisms. If anything it's getting worse. Roll on that lottery win I'm still waiting for...
19 May 2006 15:39
A strange pub, but for the City it's a decent choice. The staff were friendly, and although my first pint was a bit dodgy, the manager readily poured me another which slipped down nicely.
The decor is, as has been mentioned, bland to say the least, but the downstairs area is pretty huge and we had no trouble finding a table on a Friday evening. Calling the outside area a beer garden is a bit of a joke - it's tiny, and all you can see is high-rise buildings around you, and the place could do with a clean, unless there's a cigarette butt collection scheme going on.
All in all, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but it's a hugely viable alternative to the other pubs around the area.
6 May 2006 11:09
OK, having seen the last few posts, I thought i would take a trip back. My heart fluttered when I was served within 2 minutes, and then positively hummed when i saw a seat available. Alas, it was all too good to be true. Yes, the ale on tap is fine, but the barstaff are still terrible, and i refuse to believe that this is more than a stop-off pub. Mediocre, but should be better.
5 May 2006 01:04
The Old Dispensary, Camberwell
I went here a few weeks ago for a birthday, and I was impressed. The place has smartened up since my previous visit, and although the drinks were a little bit pricey, where isn't in London these days? Service was efficient in the sense that there was little waiting at the bar, but the atmosphere was disappointing. It scores a little above average, purely because I think the place could have far more liveliness, and a few ales on tap wouldn't go amiss.
25 Apr 2006 22:53
The Hole In The Wall, Waterloo
Given the mixed recommendations/criticisms given on this site, I decided I would make a visit. I was a bit taken aback at first - it is, as someone has already noted, a slightly odd place, but I guess that's part of the so-called charm. The staff were friendly enough, and the selection of ales was pretty good. My only gripe with the place, and it's a serious one, is that the ale was not as well kept as I was led to believe. I tried several different pints, and only the Battersea Bitter tasted as it should (or maybe it didn't, it was my 6th). Perhaps I was in there on a bad day, but that shouldn't be an excuse. It's perfectly passable as a stop-off before heading somewhere else, but I wouldn't go out of my way to drink here.
28 Feb 2006 17:34
I'm not surprised to read the reviews below. I've been here on several occasions because of convenience of location, but for no other reason. It's a terrible, terrible place, and I absolutely defy anyone (ok, maybe not an Australian) to argue otherwise. The beer is expensive, poorly kept, and the choice is laughable. The bar staff are surly, and although I'd like to say the same for the bouncers, I'm not going to flatter them - is there really any need to ask me to go outside to use my mobile when it's pouring with rain, and the music inside is so loud I couldn't hear myself, let alone the person on the end of the line? Apparently it's not allowed in the foyer. I asked why and was threatened with being thrown out.
Don't go here. It's designed for obnoxious people, so unless that's you, walk past this place and find one of the many preferable options in the area.
24 Feb 2006 15:34
My far from learned brother has missed the point - the fact that I worked here 2 years ago with a brilliant group of dynamic and friendly staff is precisely why I am in a perfect position to criticise the current crop!!
23 Feb 2006 16:50
I haven't eaten here, but for beer and atmosphere I am impressed. The decor is slightly odd, but it's supposed to be. The staff have been quick to serve whenever I've been, and although one of them last night appeared not to understand everything I said, she was very smiley and apologetic. All in all, I don't agree with some of the messages below, and I will be visiting this place more frequently in the days to come.
As for the White Hart, i've never been in, but only because it looks for all the world as though it's basically a restaurant!
3 Feb 2006 15:19
Right, I need to revise my previous message, posted in August 05.
I have persisted in coming here in the hope that one day it will meet my expectations, but instead I get more and more disappointed. The staff turnover must rival that of Harrods, which doesn't help create a homely feel to the place. And certainly not when you feel like you are encroaching on the barstaffs' time when you order a drink.
I can understand that the staff want to go home early, but is it really necessary to stop last orders at 11pm and then turn off the music and turn the lights on fully? Despite my praise in my previous message (which I can only assume was due to a bout of sunstroke) this pub is a disappointment. It could be brilliant, but instead it appears to be settling for mediocrity. Shame.
2 Feb 2006 11:30
Doggetts Coat and Badge, Southwark
I was pleasantly suprised by this place, having read the reviews below. True, the building looks pretty ugly, but i'm not going to judge it by that.
I have to point out that we went upstairs instead of down, purely because it seemed quieter on the top floor, so perhaps I missed the crap barstaff. Instead, I got smiles and banter from the barmaid, a good pint of Youngs, and a seat with a lovely view. It should probably be said that I had been dying for a beer for about 4 hours before I got there, so nothing was going to spoil that first taste, but after several more pints I still enjoyed the atmosphere of the pub. Nothing outrageously special, but a good meeting point all the same
20 Jan 2006 09:46
A pleasant enough pub. I was only in the area for a few days but soon settled on this place as my 'local'. If only because I couldn't be bothered to walk more than 30 seconds from my B & B......!!
Food was affordable and did the job without being spectacular, and the same can be said of the beer. The bar staff were competent and very friendly which is somewhat rare. If ever I was to go back to Lichfield, i would certainly stop off here for a pie and a pint. Before visiting the hundreds of other pubs in the centre. Honestly, I've never seen so many pubs in such a small area. Brilliant!!
19 Jan 2006 16:52
It *must* be the longest bar in Britain - how else can you explain the wait to get served?! Perhaps the barstaff are too far away to see you? No, no, no, it's because they're incompetent and couldn't care less. AND the management can't even take care of the beer!!
There aren't many decent places in CJ, but at least there are some, and they're worth seeking out, if only to avoid going here. Apparently the O'Neills is getting refurbed into an acceptable boozer soon, so keep an eye out for that.
19 Jan 2006 12:21
The Northcote, Clapham Junction
This is far and away one of the worst pubs I have been in, certainly around Clapham Junction (and that's saying a lot - there's not much there in the first place). Rubbish beer, blatantly microwaved food, poor service by the unavoidable antipodean staff, and general dirtiness of the place. I would rather watch paint dry than go here. The area doesn't offer a huge selection of decent drinking establishments, but unless you're looking for sport to watch, I highly recommend the Holy Drinker a few minutes walk up the road for a relaxed boho style bar. Enormously preferable, even if it isn't a traditional pub.
18 Jan 2006 14:02
The County Arms, Wandsworth Common
I've been in here a few times since it was refurbed, and although it's certainly and improvement from what was essentially the Wandsworth Prison wardens' canteen, it still upsets me but for very different reasons. Firstly, the children. I'm convinced the inhabitants of Wandsworth are very closely related to rabbits - what else could explain the outrageous number of kids in the place? Second, service seems a bit slow considering the amount of staff they have on. Lastly, the beer selection is a bit poor, and I wasn't impressed with the ale which is a bit of a shame considering the history of the pub.
There is one good (ok, very good) aspect of the place: there are currently two waitresses who are very easy on the eye. Almost worth the food prices alone. And the new 'outside area' is nicely done.
17 Jan 2006 15:27
Pretty much all the reviews below are spot on. It's a rare pleasure to come across a proper pub in London, and still more surprising to find one run by such friendly people in such an unpretentious manner. Unfortunately for me, the Hope down the road is my nearest pub, but the extra 5 minute walk to here is definitely worth it. Beers are kept well, the food is good, clientele a friendly bunch, and a dart board. Always a recipe for success. Good work.
17 Jan 2006 14:21
Staggered in here for the first time ever (I too had been wary before. I recommend going to these types of places with a hangover - you're in far too much pain to think sensibly).
First things first: it's a terrible pub in that it's falling down. The only thing that will be left standing (ok, sitting) in a few years time will be the locals, who range from a rather attracive 80 yr old lady who must have been a champion gurner in her heyday, to your 'must-have' for a crap boozer: a chinese dude selling dodgy DVD's.
I have one good thing to say for this place: it's the first time in years that I've been able to have a Guinness for �2.50. Other than that, stay away from this place, unless you are considering suicide, or you like fleas. Go to the Railway up the road if need be, but I would recommend getting out of Tulse Hill and finding a decent pub. Actually, just get out of Tulse Hill, full-stop.
10 Jan 2006 10:46
I like this pub. The staff are friendly and competent without being anything special, but I think it's the aura of the place that is so attractive (well, that and the beer.....). I'm not sure that it is the oldest pub in London though. The Prospect of Whitby and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese are both regularly put forward as the holders of that title!
Would defintely come back to this tucked away pub, and well worth a visit.
17 Oct 2005 21:48
I have to agree with lwk198, this is one to avoid. I'll admit that they at least know how to pour a decent pint of guiness, but it was one of those places where the music and conversations stop when you walk in, tumbleweeds swirling around your ankles. Not a friendly place unless you were born on the bar, and I can't understand why people would go here when there are plenty of decent pubs in the area.
3 Oct 2005 17:06
I'm not sure what you meant by pretty busy, but from all the times I've been in there recently, that would equate to about 30 people. Still, that's part of the reason I like this place - always guaranteed a seat.
The quiz itself is brilliant. I've done a few in my time but nothing quite tops this one, and a lot of this is down to the friendliness of the quiz master and general good humour of everyone in the place. Wouldn't recommend it for a night on the lash, but for a few quiet ones it's pretty good.
20 Sep 2005 17:34
TheClaw is right, this pub is owned by Mitchells and Butlers, as is the Trafalgar on King's Road.
My opinion may be biased as a result of having worked for the manager of this pub a few years back, but he has a knack of turning rubbish boozers into decent pubs with efficient staff (he also did the same with The Hope in Wandsworth Common which had been a Firkin), and he has done it again. Having seen what this pub was like before, I'm not sure there can be too many complaints.
8 Sep 2005 09:53
Perfectly passable pub, although I tend to agree that the prices are a bit steep. The food is fine as far as it goes, but nothing special. Generally a pleasant enough place. Would have been nice to have got a smile from the staff, but they were probably concerned that I was from the immigration department.....
6 Sep 2005 15:23
Having spent several days searching around Vauxhall for a pub with some atmosphere, I suddenly found this little gem tucked away on the way to Oval. There's nothing outrageously amazing about this pub, but it does the basics very well. Lounge room decor, a couple of ales on tap, a good selection of lagers, and very decent food. The prices are pretty steep for the location, but you get what you pay for. Very pleasant, and definitely my new local after the slightly disappointing experiences of the Wheatsheaf and Wyvils down the road.
23 Aug 2005 12:08
If you're looking for a pub with a seat, this is the place for you. The barman told me on a dead friday night that this is normally busy during the week, but I know from walking past here on a daily basis that he is talking utter nonsense! The pub itself is fine - good selection of beers, friendly staff, but for some reason noone goes here. Probably partly due to the wheatsheaf around the corner, but that's hardly a kicking place. Very odd. Highly recommend the Fentiman Arms as an alternative.
23 Aug 2005 12:02
The Pitcher and Piano, Wandsworth
Now closed. Will be opening as a different bar in the near future apparently (although very little 'refurbishment' appears to have been done so far). Good call Mr Landlord, you've missed the summer rush which would have covered any refurb expenses.............
1 Aug 2005 10:25
I agree with Jeff's comment, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is definitely preferable in lots of ways, but this place has it's own charms. Once inside you feel as though you have been transported into the countryside. This is a real pub, and the friendly service and general happy atmosphere make this a perfect 'couple of quiet pints after work' kind of pub. Plus, there's a pool table and darts...........
1 Aug 2005 10:19
This used to be a fantastic pub about 2 years ago, but changes in management have resulted in a decline in standards behind the bar. In the summer especially, but generally every day, you sometimes have to wait for 10-15 mins to get served. This is down to the ineptitude and general laziness of the bar staff, not because it is overly busy. Moreover, tables are often overladen with empty glasses/plates/full ashtrays which is, quite frankly, disgusting. If someone was actually employed to collect glasses then we wouldn't be forced to be served with plastics.
The end result is an average pub with very mediocre staff who don't appear to a)enjoy what they are doing, or b)have a clue what they are doing! I hope and pray that I win the lottery so I can buy this place and restore it to its original splendour.
18 Jul 2005 15:15
The Leigham Arms, Streatham
Good pub this, with a good-sized garden at the rear showing sport. Clientele vary, but everyone seems to mix well. Decent selection of beers, good service, and a proper pub, not the gastro nonsense which seems to be everywhere these days. Highly recommended, particularly since everything else in Streatham is shocking.
15 Aug 2009 17:29