The Heron on the Lake, Fleet

As previous comments reflect, this pub is now in the McMullen chain. Still had on tap, Country, Cask and a seasonal. The beer was in good shape and the pub itself had changed little since I was last there and it was a Chef & Brewer. I really do like to spend a Summer afternoon at the Heron... the deck on the lake is excellent. Had soup of the day - cream of broccoli; could have used a bit more blending but it tasted good. A dish of olives also went down very well. Best of luck to the Staff - hope the change goes down well. I see no reason not to return and enjoy myself there on those warm Summer days.

7 Jul 2010 20:12

The Squirrel, North Camp

As stated by many below, the food quality can vary at The Squirrel. However, the beer is consistently good, as is the staff's service and attitude. A great local.

6 Jul 2010 23:11

The Swan, Farnborough

Oh dear. Visited again a few weeks ago. Had a conversation with two bar staff that went something like this...
Me: A pint of real ale please, and do you have any other cider? Looks like the Bulmer's is finished?
Staff: The Bulmer's is off. We have X, Y and Z bottled ciders.
[I take my pint and exit downstairs to the garden to consult with the cider drinker on his requirements... after which, I return]
Me: I'd like a bottle of cider Y, please.
Staff: Ooops, sorry, it turns out we don't have any cold in the fridge. Would you like a warm bottle with ice?
Me: I don't think that the cider drinker would be too happy with that.
[I exit again to confer with the cider drinker a second time and to tell him that buying cider here is a challenge best met by himself. The cider drinker returns with a bottle of pear cider that seems to tastes a bit like bad perfume.]
So, not the most positive experience with the staff and drinks. The garden is quite nice and I'm sure it will be packed during the Airshow in a couple weeks time. The car park often seems full and although we didn't eat there, the aroma eminating from the kitchen was very nice.
As for the comment below arguing that Farnborough could use some better pubs - I definitely can't argue with that. Certainly that new Wetherspoons that's due to move into the Centre is bound to give some of the locals a run for their money. Big chains aren't usually my style, but the Swan doesn't seem to be giving me any reason right now to choose them over the new guys.

6 Jul 2010 22:06