BITE user comments - MsWiley
Comments by MsWiley
I popped in here today with my best friend after a spot of shopping (we only went in here because the Adam and Eve had a private party going on) - It looks like a standard Greene King pub, shiny new laminate flooring, spotlighters which dazzle you as you enter, a distinct lack of character and atmosphere, and bad placement of tables (there were 2 groups of people sitting at tables right by the door so it was awkward to get in and out). I won't be going out of my way to come here, but might change after a few turns.
One thing though, the staff were very pleasant and helpful, but then again, that's what they are trained to be...
16 Dec 2009 19:45
St Stephens Tavern, Westminster
I've been here a couple of times with the boys and girls from work, it's very, shall we say, cosy on the inside, and naturally, because it's opposite the Houses of Parliament, it's going to be a tourist hotspot.
A small, charming pub, with a good variety of beers - ruined only by the swarthes of people standing outside and blocking all entrances and exits, awful loos and it gets so cramped in there. Not too bad prices for beer considering the area, mind...
16 Dec 2009 02:17
I used to go here at least once a month when I lived in Milton Keynes (not a bad feat especially when you don't drive!) - I used to love the rock music played there. Even though I don't have a beard (I blinking well hope not!), my friends and I were made to feel welcome. The drinks were reasonable (though one of my mates thought he was charged for a double JD, and not a single, and kicked off)
Not a place for a quiet pint and a read of the paper, but there are plenty of place for that in Northants ;o)
16 Dec 2009 02:07
Terrific staff, friendly locals, reasonable pint price, great atmosphere (especially on match days) - and it's in Ilford!?! Hang on, are you sure?
Nope, it's true, Jono's Bar is on the high road, and would normally be missed by the shoppers in the nearby town centre (as it doesn't have a bus stop smack outside) - considering some of the other local watering holes (and I am serious about the term "hole"), this is one heck of a diamond in the rough.
16 Dec 2009 01:45
It was crap when it was opened - a total dive, almost as if the owners didn't give a monkeys about keeping the place in a reasonable state.
Closed down, and good riddance!
16 Dec 2009 01:39
The new Players Lounge, Charing Cross
I went here last week, the main motivation was that the Ship and Shovell had closed, and was on a pretty good date and neither of us wanted to go home just yet. We arrived when a guy started off on the piano, which added to the atmosphere, and made a great talking point.
Pricey and flat beer let it down, though - as well as the patchy service and the lack of seats...
16 Dec 2009 01:14
The Ship and Shovell, Charing Cross
What a hidden gem (well, 2 in fact), off the beaten path of one of the most touristey areas of London.
A terrific place to go for a quiet drink after work, friendly staff, a good choice of beers and drinks, the ladies toilet does need a bit of attention - On one side, it felt like they have crammed in another loo for the sake of having 3 tiddly loos than 2 good sized ones - I had to contort myself to get in! The other side is not as bad, mind :o)
It is well worth finding this place, as it is my little sanctuary in the middle of a very busy world.
16 Dec 2009 01:08
This is the only pub my Grandad will go to, primarily because his hips won't allow him to walk too far down the road...
Friendly bar staff, the regulars aren't too scary (but then again, if you've met half of my family, I guess nothing will scare you!), but be warned, once one starts talking to you, they won't naff off! Reasonable prices for the area, unfortunately, I haven't tried the food, so I can't comment there.
It needs a bit of TLC, and some of the chair definitely need replacing, and it can feel a bit close and dark in there. Oh, and the toilets do need some attention!
16 Dec 2009 00:58
The Rose and Crown, Woodford Green
Well, I have to say, that since the much needed refurbishment over the summer, this place is much more easier on the eye - I think the Guv'nor is very welcoming, and the locals are happy to let you talk with them (as long as you know what you are talking about)
It's a nice local, it's main drawbacks are the ill though out massive round table, and the music choices, and the sofas are too low (I had fun trying to get my mum out of one of those a couple of months back) - however, there are plenty of screens to watch the sports on, it's well staffed to serving times are not unreasonable when it's busy, and plenty of beer! :o)
16 Dec 2009 00:43
I've been here many a Friday night after work, in their defence, the staff do get pretty swamped at lunchtimes and evenings, as it seems popular with the tourist buses - but I do concur, that considering they are in a tourist hotspot, they really do need to ensure that the bars are properly staffed at peak times.
The food isn't bad, it's normal pub grub type fare (catered towards the one off groups of tourists on buses, I suspect). I used to go there at least twice a month for lunches, but having had experiences such as described by stevebates have put me off from going there again (especially after these groups arrive up to 20 mins later than me, and still get their meals first!)
Although with a recent spike in thefts (ie bags being stolen from under tables and things) - and no bag clips evident under tables, I have been going there less frequently. And god, do they need to sort out their sound system, their music player is at the wrong pitch and even the best songs sound rubbish at the wrong pitch!
16 Dec 2009 00:16
I remember when this was the old Coppermill, it was much better for drinking as there was much more choice for drink. The theme nights made a brilliant variation from just a plain pub night. And I remember the staff so well, and whenever I had a row with the bloke, they were always on hand to ignore him when he wanted serving... those were the days
Now there is a load of music blaring, you cannot have a conversation with your mates when you go down. I have been there 3 times, cos I can't believe how pants it is!
4 Mar 2005 16:08
This place has gone well and truly downhill over the last 3 years.
All the previous charm from before (not to mention all the pool tables and people) has gone and been replaced with yet another characterless Arena.
On a Thursday night (karaoke night) it is taken over by over-zealous staff who think they can sing. In the daytime the jukebox is taken over by the staff playing r n b music, and Friday and Saturday night is full of children before they all pop off to Charlie Chans.
The manager gives the most unwelcoming vibe, the staff are more interested in chatting than serving, and there is a distinct lack of locals in there.
If you think I am an old fart, I am 22.
If you want to see where the schoolkids go at night, come to the Royston!
4 Mar 2005 15:44
The Old Star, Westminster
FAO Admin - could someone please do something about the troll, Unionjak? Some of their other posts is below the belt and plain offensive.
22 Dec 2009 15:22