BITE user comments - xeremy
Comments by xeremy
Good beer, with some unusual imported bottles (Goose Island IPA). They dicked us around with the food though, taking our money and then failing to deliver when they "ran out" of food.
19 Jun 2011 15:18
The Raynes Park Tavern, Raynes Park
Had a good pint of ale here, and they were happy to change the one that was off. Refreshingly cheaper than London pubs.
Coeliacs beware, however. Even the baked potatoes contain gluten(?!), we were told.
A bit too sport-oriented for my liking, but good if that's your thing.
19 Jun 2011 15:04
Although I've given this pub "10", it's not somewhere I'd want to go every time, but it serves a certain purpose extremely well. That is, having an incredibly extensive bottled beer selection, and a good few things on tap. It's mostly foreign imports (American, Belgian, etc.), but some British beer too. Don't remember seeing any cider.
Downside is the high prices. Don't be surprised to pay �6 for a pint of transatlanticly shipped draught beer.
19 Jun 2011 14:57
Good ales and food, but very expensive. Nearly �4 a pint. 3 for �11 tapas is probably the best value food.
The downstairs area is nice and cozy and often not too busy. The music is too loud however.
19 Jun 2011 14:51
The Southampton Arms, Gospel Oak
Visited for the first time recently, and it's getting a tentative "10". Excellent range of ales and ciders from lesser known producers, and knowledgeable staff. Very willing to give tasters. Constant supply of pork behind the bar.
19 Jun 2011 14:30
The ale quality seems to have improved in recent months. Previously, getting a bland (if not quite off) pint was too common.
Beer is still very cheap for London. Food arrives very quickly. I only go at off peak times, however, so haven't experienced the overcrowding and slow service that others report.
19 Jun 2011 14:15
This bar is large, with rather old-fashioned decor.
But never mind that: they don't serve ale!
I didn't dare try the food after being warned off by friends who know the place.
The gents toilet often has no soap.
I haven't been to any of the live music, so it might make up for the above, but I currently don't plan to go here unless I have a special reason to.
14 Sep 2010 14:59
The The Old Monk Exchange, Westminster
This is a spacious pub with some nooks and crannies at the back.
Not a vast selection of ales, but they've had a well kept Wandle every time I've been in.
Plus two real ciders/perries hidden on the far right of the bar, which are variable in quality but occasionally excellent. Have a taster first (they often encourage you to, because "proper" cider is not to everyone's taste).
They also serve food, which I've found to be quite good.
14 Sep 2010 14:48
They have several flagons of cider and perry behind the bar, which the friendly staff were more than happy to give tasters of.
Not many pubs have proper cider, so this is good to see.
Unsurprisingly was very busy on a Saturday night.
14 Sep 2010 14:35
The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden
It was very busy when I visited late on a Saturday afternoon, with a sudden surge presumably as a nearby show ended.
There were about six ales on handpump, mostly very well kept, and the bad pint of Courage Best I was served was exchanged without question (although curiously it wasn't taken off sale afterwards).
Unfortunately standing near the gents is a bad idea, as the smell does carry some distance. It's near the bar so hard to avoid.
14 Sep 2010 12:34
The Amersham Arms, New Cross
Neither cask ale was particularly appetising last time I went here, but they do make up for it with their tasty Sunday roasts of epic proportions, and cocktails.
The special deal on cocktails is good - 2 the same for �7 if I remember correctly (and after a few of those, you probably won't).
19 Jun 2011 15:25