please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Went in on Sunday and had an awful experience. The bar staff were really off and didn't quite comprehend the concept of customer service. They were also ignorant of the drinks that they served. Had a Sunday Roast which was really poor (and cold) and the general feeling was of a place that wasn't doing well where staff morale was low. The only redeeming feature is the Beer Garden which is a little sun trap but I wouldn't rush back just for that.
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Okay here is a write up coming from someone who drinks here between once and five times a week.
It is a good pub in general, good selection of ales and lager. It lost some of its appeal when it was refurbished but the shiny, polished look has been knocked in a bit and so it has become a comfy boozer again. Always worth a visit- no football rabble ( I watch the games in Queens then move up here) and more places to sit and chat and slightly cheaper than Nags.
Food- the food here is woeful. It is as bog standard as it gets. Dishes arrive steaming hot, a temperature than can only be achieved with Sub Atomic Nuclear Power Station or a microwave- I received about 8 chips in a portion and witness the manager walking through the pub with a huge bag of frozen roast pots- the roast is a terrible attempt, with all usual thrown in without the slightest bit of finesse, just boiling hot gravy poured over tasteless Aunt Bessie frozen/steamed veg- and it weighs in at around a tenner- try the Village Kitchen for a lovely roast then head here for a nice drink afterwards.
The bar staff are really vey friendly with the distinct exception of the Manager- he is just plain grumpy. His missus also looked at me like the mug I am when I questioned why she poured a Guinness for me, all in one go- I asked her why she did it and she said " well you only have to ask if you don't want it like that" .....err, its a Guinness love.......
Anyways- it is a very good pub to have a long relaxing drink, just don't eat there and try to avoid the manager when ordering.
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I went here with my parents last week and they enjoyed it. The food was average and the service (a woman bartender) was friendly. So we went back in the weekend because my parents wanted to take the whole family out for lunch. This time I had my 3 year old with me and the experience was quite different. We were directed to the 'snug'. I think it's fine to have a separate area for people with children but it was freezing - a nasty chill crept up behind us the whole time we were there. We were also asked to put the buggy outside for 'health and safety'. It wasn't blocking the fire exit and could have been put elsewhere inside. Amazingly, other pubs and restaurants all over the UK and even Walthamstow manage to comply with H & S regulations and keep buggies in corners or folded up but The Village policy is outside so don't go with a very new baby, or one that's asleep, or if it's raining... I think it's fine for pubs or restaurants to choose to be child free if they're up front about it but I do resent being made to feel unwelcome and uncomfortable in order for the pub to make the point that they don't want children in it. I won't bother going back with or without children.
jcole - 17 Dec 2011 16:21 |
I used to live locally a few years ago and this was a great local. My goodness it has really gone downhill. I won't be back.
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When travelling to Walthamstow village for an ale the Nags will always win over this place and the Queen's. Why? Nags has better outside space, better guest beers and this year the bar staff (mainly women) have been nothing but smiles and decent manners when I've visited.
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This pub would have a lot to offer if it wasn't for the manager. Really good food, good choice of beers with lots of ales on tap and great big beer garden, but the guy behind the bar can't even greet you with a smile let alone say hi! I thought bar managers were meant to also play host? Good pub to go have a drink in as long as your not intending to sit at the bar as his miserable face would put you off your drink!
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This pub once the hub of village life, a thriving centre for the community has been transformed into a souless and overlit room with a bar in it. The food leaves a lot to be desired and the Sunday roast is a definate no, as is the managers personality or rather lack of it.
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We weren't planning to visit this pub, but passing by we spotted the Adnams pumpclips. Broadside, Bitter, Explorer and Yuletide were all on, in addition to Fuller's London Pride. The interior is rather bland and characterless. Sometimes refurbs work. Often, as here, they don't. There's not a lot to dislike about this pub. But there's little to like about it either.
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Don't eat the food. I had the salmon salad and the salmon was like an old piece of sauteed flannel, plonked atop a bed of iceberg lettuce, quartered tomatoes, cucumbers and ... drumroll please ... mayonaise. Do not eat the food.
Beer was perfectly fine, and I enjoyed the outside area. Inside looked a little generic.
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I have lived in the area now for 15 years and the Village has been the local perrennial under achiever for all of that time. Yes I had a soft spot for its jaded shabby chic and its carpet so old it had a life of its own. The solid pub grub menu and the unpredictable quality of its beer. But I felt that it was never really loved and if it had a landlord who really cared about the place, with its location, atmosphere, and great outdoor space it could claim total supremacy as THE pub in the area. Imagine my excitement when significant refurbishment was mooted. I walked past the pub every day on my way to work during the redevelopment, excited by the possibility that the pub may at last fulfill its true potential. The cosmetic changes on the outside seemed to indicate that the Village was finally on its way to pub greatness. When it re -opened last week I skipped down there with a pronounced spring in my step eager to be blown away by the new revitalised Village. Life can be so cruel, how by the love of god could they have got it so wrong? The priceless ,`always seems like midnight` semi darkness has been replaced by spotlit perpetual daylight and the fabulous floor to ceiling bar replaced by an open plan bar area. In short, what was an atmospheric pub bar is now a a brightly lit room with a bar in the corner. The outside area which is one of the pubs best features is still underused and shabby, anyone for a jetwash?. The better half and myself both had a pint of GK IPA which was not good , and neither of us was able to finish it ( see global list of things that never happen!, this has probably not occurred since Jonathan Ross was entertaining). In short a golden opportunity missed, or maybe I am out of step with what people want from a pub these days. Oh well maybe in another 15 years!
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Just heard this place is closing for six weeks and that they're going to re-open as a piano bar !!!
What is wrong with a good british pub ???
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I went here on Saturday both before a wedding at the registry office and afterwards, before the reception. It is your traditional boozer, just one screen discreetly placed in the corner, friendly staff and a good selection of beers: Bass, London pride, Speckled Hen etc..The food looked nice. Eclectic mix of customers: us and the local intellegensia. Leave it as it is, shabby appearance and all.
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Nice pub, could do with a refurb and I've heard that one is due in the new year. Staff friendly and polite, beer well kept and good company, didn't try the food but what I saw looked good.
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went there this afternoon ,what a lovely pub.
staff are friendly and pub is clean,prices are average.
sat by a lovely open fire and read some of the courtesy sunday papers on offer, I left happy and relaxed .
will go again for sure.
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I've been a couple of times in the last 18 months, most recently for the quiz last week which was well run and well subscribed too.
There were plenty of staff behind the bar and all were jovial and professional whilst serving. I had a few CW Bombardiers which tasted great but I've since had to give up cos it gives me a hangover when I've really not drunk enough to warrant it.
The crowd are a proper eclectic cross section of folk from Upper Walthamstow with a lot of regulars knowing each other and not just the bar flies. I'd rather it was tatty than cheaply tarted up like yet another gastropube. Yes, pube, alright?
Maybe Orford Road E17 will go the way of Broadway Market E8 one day but this is far cry from the Cat & Mutton thank goodness.
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A loveyly boozer with a nice garden and friendly folk. Staff are nice, however the beer is starting to taste a bit bad...
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This is a reliable boozer as far as I'm concerned. Always a good choice of beers and food during the week is not bad. Decor is a bit tatty but it hasn't been decorated for about 10 years. Bit more down market than Nags Head but probably a better pub for that. Big back yard (not really a garden). Nowhere to park your bike though have to lock it outside.
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When I moved to Walthamstow 10 years ago, this was THE pub. Now it wouldn't even occur to me to go there. I'd go to the Nags Head or more likely the Rose & Crown which is well on it's way to being the best pub in Walthamstow.
As for the Village on the rare occasions I've been in during the last couple of years it seemed tatty and the beer was shite. Sort your beer out and I might come back, if not forget it.
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Seems to have got better since the Nags opened and usually has some nice ale. Beer garden is great. Seems more homely than the Nags if you ignore the infamous brick-throwing incident. Some nice times in there that haven't quite been equalled by the Nags.
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I think the writers of the previous reviews have obviously been spending too much time with the velvet leopard print table cloths of the Nags....
The Village is a great pub. Yes, it could do with a refurb, but frankly the decor doesn't bother me when I'm having a great night out with like-minded people.
The landlord is actually a really nice guy who works there 24/7. As the pub is owned by a weird parent company/brewery thing, his hands are tied when it comes to the ales he has on and the decoration etc. I think he does a good job with what he's got.
I have to laugh at the comment about the world's worst ponytail, as I know who you're talking about. All I would say is before you slag people off (including the group of hatch moaners), try chatting to them first! The Village regulars (with a few exceptions) are the nicest bunch of people you ever could meet who are always up for a talk if you are.
Just don't get started chatting to the old guy with the walking stick. Lovely as he is, you will NEVER get away!!
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If you like your ale but dont drink there regularly youve got a bit of a problem as too often they're serving it flat and you could get bored sending it back until you get a decent one. If its your local you know whats good n' bad on whats just gone on but if it was kept properly you wouldnt need that.
The owners must've made a fortune from this busy pub as theres been nowt spent on it in 10 years - not so much as getting the tables varnished/polished.
I like the pub despite this and the landlords disinterest in his ale.
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I know what offthewagon07 means. The landlord is amisery but he supports Sunderland so that in part explian things. The crowd that hangs around the bar has, in its number, the possessor of the worlds worst pony tail. The owner, a 40 something bloke really should know better. Pubs ok though, especially the Tuesday night quiz.
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This place is ok generally. It is really worn out though and needs major refurbishment (or at least a thorough clean). The beer is generally ok too. My main observation in recent visits is that the Manager, a shaven headed bloke is the most miserable man I have ever seen behind a bar. He obviously hates being there but is probably incapable of getting a job anywhere else with a look like he has. He never says 'hello, thank you, how are you' or anything else humane. He always seems to favour another group of moaning misery guts by the hatch. Serves them first etc. They must have been desperate when they let him loose in there. I think out of the 3 Pubs in this Road, the Queens is the best and that is a one drink stop for me!
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Seemed ok. Makes me want to yawn every time I go in. Dull. Good if you like real ale and dreaming about your past. Don't bother if you already have a life.
anonymous - 4 Aug 2007 13:55 |
Nice local pub with some nooks and crannies to hide in with yer pint! staff ok not over friendly on this occasion.
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Not a bad looking establishment. It's one of the few pubs in Walthamstow with a half decent beer garden. It's set in a nice location with some fine restaurants nearby. Great place to bring a gal on the first date. Good selection of lagers & the staff seem friendly enough. Quiz nights midweek are quite entertaining.
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Nice beer garden, awful beer.
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Nice looking old place, and a bit more genuine than the nearby Nag's Head, but badly run, with dirty crockery and glasses.
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Good pub - food is MUCH improved recently - new chef I suppose - sun trap of a beer garden in the summer, cheap beer, good pub quiz... good mix of people - nice bar staff...
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Was my local from 2001 - 2003. Great place to relax with a pint and the paper. Used to show old Bnw films in the garden in summertime. Will deffinately go back next time I'm in the stowe.
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Can't understand the carping about the food by previous commentators. My mate & I had a very good meal a couple of weeks ago. Good beer & friendly service too.
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A nice old fashioned London boozer. Very friendly, a bit cramped when busy.
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Perfectly decent local boozer which does what you want. Dark, smokey with friendly staff and a reasonable choice of beers including various guest beers.
Beer garden is big (albeit on concrete) with proper picnic tables. Food veers between appalling and just about acceptable but at least it has a good and usually popular quiz on a Tuesday. Doesn't have Sky at the moment though so if you want live sport, you'll have to try the Queens instead.
Good place to relax, smoke a couple of cigarettes, drink a beer and read the paper/ chat with friends.
anonymous - 31 Aug 2006 16:15 |
Walthamstow's best pub by far. Good ale, although not an extensive choice. Huge beer garden, but the real asset are the staff who are always very friendly. Poor food lets it down
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This pub was probably a lot smarter a few years ago as it is starting to look a bit dated, the beer is good and the garden is of a good size although is troubled with lots of bugs. One major plus point, a tenner fell out of my wifes pocket on to the floor, we wouldnt have noticed had the barman not come running after us once we had left to return it.
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Used to be dreadful - now its just poor.
anonymous - 9 Jul 2006 15:50 |
I like this pub. A nice little local. Not that I'd spend a whole evening in there. But it's nice to pop in for a couple.
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Better than it used to be. In 2003, I had the worst pint of my life here, but since the Nag's Head opened, things have improved (competition?). There are regularly rotated guest ales, and the place is definitely a proper pub (i.e. brown and cosy). I've also had stuff thrown at me here, and the bar staff can range from friendly and chatty, to extremely surly.
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A real 'hole - I gave up drinking here after the local drunks started chucking bricks across the room. If only the quiz would relocate to the Nags Head....
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Good pub, friendly enough staff but the manager seems to only want to talk to his favourites, this despite the fact that me and the other half have been drinking in here regularly for about a year. Good in the summer because of the beer garden but no Sky TV so the pub across the road nicks a lot of that trade. If it wasn't for the attitude of the manager I'd score it highly but as it is I can only give it a 4 and probably take my custom to the Nags Head 'round the corner from now on.
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Good choice of real ales if that's your thing, good sized beer garden out the back but the place seems full of teachers and social workers ! Think I better go and get an 'ology' before I go back.
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Quiz has been re-instated for Thursdays at 8.30.
Beer still decent GK IPA Bombardier, Pedigree, Broadside
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My local, so a bit biased.
The ale choice is pretty good, with Bombardier Pedigree and GK IPA, and Spitfire the regulars and always in good condition.
A great place for eating and try the Wednesday night quiz. The best in the area by a mile with something for everyone.
Walthamstow is not quite Henley on Thames but it definately isnt the cespit suggested. Try the revamped Nags Head and its environs round the corner from the Village - cesspit? I dont think so and its under a mile from the southern edge of Epping Forest.
Paul - 20 Apr 2004 12:10 |
I love it. Good beer and friendly staff. A welcome oasis from the cess-pit that is Walthamstow.
Leo Tennant - 2 Oct 2003 22:02 |
the best pub in the stow, also nice pubs very close the grove tavern, ok so only nice in the beer garden and the nags head, check these both out as well, but yeah the best beer garden in the stow is the village, good sunday roast as well, sorted
john wayne bobbet - 23 Jul 2003 15:47 |
This is a decent pub in Walthamstow - a miracle! Clean glasses, real ale, a pleasant enough garden and even a giant Connect4 game outside. Worth a visit if you're sick of the modern pub chains or filthy locals in the area.
Flash Wilson - www.gorge.org - 23 Jul 2003 11:02 |
The Village is one of walthamstow's few redeeming features. Prehaps its only. Wander into the village on a sunday to be greeted by a long victorian bar. Its barpeople actually know what they're doing and serve a good range of refreshment. In the back there is a snug room and a great alfresco dining/drinking area that could easily accomodate 100 people. Its smart, fun, relaxed and feels safe.
steve - 2 Jul 2003 11:13 |
