The Golden Lion, Port Isaac

The Golden Lion is a disappointingly scruffy pub in the heart of Port Isaac. Three St. Austell beers (Tinners, Trubute and HSD) were on offer. Yesterday the HSD was in excellent condition, but today the quality was noticibly poorer - drinkable but not quite the standard one would expect from a well-run pub.

The bar staff are surly and unprofessional, but I forgave that on my first visit as the beer was good. Today I was served by the chunky bar-maid who short-changed me. I did not count it immediately, but a few moments later I realised the error and approached the bar. At which point the bar-maid saw me and without saying a word, walked to the till, took out the correct change and handed it to me. Clearly she knew that she had tried to con me, and by exactly how much.

27 Apr 2011 23:59

The Sovereigns, Woking

Has a good selection of real ale... unfortunately it's of almost undrinkable quality. The food is just about okay - mostly frozen/microwaved, so not fresh or particularly tasty, but adequate.

I'd avoid this place if possible. It's not awful, but there's just nothing good about the place either.

12 Feb 2011 16:06

The Three Mariners, Bagshot

This is a pretty nice traditional pub - I think it must be independent (rather than brewery-owned) as there's usually a selection of 3 or 4 real ales and it certainly doesn't feel like a bland chain pub.

A few years ago I noticed that the quality of the beer seemed to vary quite a bit on each visit, but for the past year the beer has been in top-notch condition every time. I think there was Courage Best, Hop (Hog's Back) and Doom Bar (Sharpe's) on tap and recently there's been a guest ale straight from the barrel in the function room (which is a great idea - it's always nice to try new beers and I've never understood why beer needs to be "plumbed in" with hoses that have to be kept clean when you can just get it straight out the barrel...)

Fortunately, the nearby Hungry Horse pub attracts all the chavs, which makes the Mariners a great place for a quiet pint. The village needs a decent pub like this. I really hope the current owners keep looking after the beer!

16 Aug 2010 10:14