The Alice Lisle, Rockford

It is quite true that this pub is primarily devoted to the family-friendly restaurant business (although you can escape to a fairly chilled-out bar with sofas and a pool table). Since Fullers took over Gales a couple of the old Gales brews have been replaced with Fuller's London Pride and Blonde, but apart from that I've not (yet) noticed any major differences (by the way, Ringwood Best is available as well as the Fullers stuff). John (the landlord) is always friendly , chatty, hands-on and very customer-focused (and seems to get on with his staff), and by and large the other staff are also friendly and helpful. The menu is varied - yes, some of it is the "standard microwave lasagnes and stuff", but to be honest when you look at how busy the pub gets on a summer's day that is understandable (this pub is at its best when visited "off-season"). There are always specials of some sort or another, usually including local venison and fish offerings. Specials are always presented in a manner befitting a restaurant, and helpings are pretty good. I think that the Alice Lisle provides a very good service to locals and the tourists alike - quality food at pub prices, nice atmosphere, decent beers and wines, lovely location. I live only a mile from this pub and have rarely had cause to complain.

19 Jul 2006 17:45