The Manor Arms, Streatham

Very pleased to hear about this pub. And have been along 4 or 5 times now. But each time something seems adrift and whilst i will probably go back to have a drink again i probably wont eat again. It is very expensive for for the area, portion sizes are small and not quite good enough to justify the price,
Went for a quiet meal with my husband on a week night at 6.30 or so and we were amazed that hits of the 70s and 80s were playing so loud. The place was nearly empty but the type of people there clearly wanted to eat and talk without being deafened by such rubbish music. It did get turned down once or twice but kept being turned up again by someone. When we went in (and it was empty) we stood in the nice bow window area and commented to the waiter that it was too noisy and would the other end be quieter. tried again - took friends there fro BRUNCH on a sat lunchtime as it was clearly advertised and on the website only to be told yes it is BRUNCH but its just the usual menu. a half hearted offer for a bit of bacon or sausage doesn't really cut it. I also agree that the creche atmosphere is not so good. So might try again, but very dissappointed.

17 Oct 2011 17:06

The George Inn, Rye

Stayed the weekend at the hotel and visited the bar a few times over the weekend. Disappointing not to be told the dining room was closed so had to have dinner in bar too. Food was great but the scary head waitress shouting to the bar staff didn't do much for the atmosphere (WHO MOVED MY KEYS!!!) and in response to the lumpen bread - YES ITS NOT VERY GOOD IS IT. Lots of long faces behind the bar, but we did get great service from one barman. And some of his excellent cocktails, rosemary and thyme thing was amazing. Compared notes with fellow guests at anotehr estaurant the next night and they too found the atmosphere strained and not helped by Herself bellowing across the bar. Easy stuff to fix. But i expected better at these prices.

18 May 2011 21:07

The Ypres Castle Inn, Rye

Visited this pub a couple of times while staying the weekend in Rye. Sat in the garden the first time and really enjoyed our food, (a ploughmans with the pork pie and the crab special). went back for a sit down on the sunday and sat inside (we did buy drinks!) and was strangely entertained listening to the landlord and the barmaid arguing. the he was arguing with a customer paying his bill (which was over a hundred quid so a decent customer in most places). And then when we were eating in an italian (some hours later) we were greeted as old friends by the same chap. I got the impression that he doesn't actually love being in the pub actually doing the work (which was also the barmaids view....) lovely spot for a pub, take your pick, garden views or watch the staff inside. I would go back.

18 May 2011 20:57