BITE user comments - Richardhuddleston
Comments by Richardhuddleston
The Dusty Miller Inn, Longwood
Strangely empty on Saturday night.
Anway all beers good, Oakham and Newby Wyke as guests so worth another look.
26 Feb 2017 00:02
The Wharf Side Inn, Slaithwaite
Closed for good and being converted into an "arts centre".
28 Oct 2016 22:43
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Beer quality has been "very average" for some time now. Too much choice to be honest, perhaps they don't sell enough.
28 Oct 2016 22:38
Closed, currently being converted to - you guessed it - houses.
28 Oct 2016 22:36
Stripped-out, down-market, unwelcoming place that may or may not have real ale. but who cares?
28 Oct 2016 22:31
The Rat and Ratchet, Huddersfield
Just seems to be slightly losing it's edge over the last year or so, probably due to successive changes of manager. Beer choice a bit limited due to Rat & Ossett ties and quality's (only!) 9/10. However, contrary to comment below the White Rat is probably one of the best pale hoppy beers you'll ever taste.
Fingers crossed it'll settle down and come true soon enough.
28 Oct 2016 22:26
Bit of a "hip" place but mixed clientele; town centre bar without the dickheads. I like it - always at least one good beer, but never more than three. Early Friday evening it's a clean, pleasant place, sometimes busier than you might expect. Serves poncey cocktails so if you time your bar visit wrong you might have a bit of a wait. But there's usually a decent-looking barmaid on so that ain't so bad.
Food looks good but never eaten it so...
28 Oct 2016 22:21
Only ever been in early Friday evening and it's fine. Beer choice is very limited but it's not far to "somewhere else" if it don't suit.
28 Oct 2016 22:15
How on earth is the Grove averaging 7.6/10? There's all the beer choice you could wish for and more, always in tip-tip condition and in a friendly atmosphere. Only downside - no comfortable seating.
Regarding "sour" barman - well, that can only mean the miserable young Ulster tw@ because the rest are fine, so I can't argue on that point.
28 Oct 2016 22:13
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
Improved over the last year or two. Beers good. Staff seem a bit better. Choose carefully where you sit and you should be ok.
11 Jun 2016 23:39
The Plumbers Arms, Huddersfield
Nice refurb'd pub, same customer dross. He needs to poise them out asap. Beers good.
11 Jun 2016 23:30
Lively boozer with character, decent pint, only fairly small. Careful barman doesn't overcharge you.
2 May 2016 22:11
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
All fine except £8 for a (Greggs?) pasty and undercooked chips. What a rip-off.
5 Aug 2015 22:22
Probably variable depending on what time & day you visit, but the beer's been spot on the twice we've been (Barnsley Brewery beers + others). Quite small.
The usual jaw-droppingly ropey Barnsley women in, as an added attraction.
31 Jul 2015 22:43
Half way through a great, painfully slow, re-furb. So far so good.
Watch this space. Still great beer.
31 Jul 2015 22:31
It's behind the new leisure centre. New signage also.
Strange - comment below says too many pale beers but often has too many dark and strong ones; personal taste I suppose. The range is much better than it used o be anyway, and bear in mind the local taste is traditionally for weaker pale beers.
Beer as good as ever, artworks as eclectic as ever. Don't
go if you're a hunt saboteur or other sadd-o. Go if you love quality real ale For a reasonable price.
31 Jul 2015 22:29
Completely refurbed and now called Noble's.
Wine bar/restaurant, seems to have immediately gone over to 5 corporate beers, plus one local (Empire) the other day that was in poor condition.
Still, 100x better than when it was The Star.
31 Jul 2015 22:16
Much better now - done out a bit, redecorated tastefully without losing character and cleaned up loads. Still not the widest choice of beers but at least they're all worth drinking.
29 Mar 2015 21:46
Old Gate Bar & Restaurant, Hebden Bridge
Great surroundings, beer and food.
There were several beers of various types and strengths, all we had were in perfect condition.
We had the early fixed price menu and to be fair you don’t get much. It was lovely though, for about £12 (I think) for two courses. This isn’t on their website.
The seating downstairs is a bit wine bar-ish – picnic benches and Chestertons which don’t lend themselves to comfortable and relaxed eating. There are a couple of proper tables and I think upstairs is more of a restaurant but it might be a bit quiet.
17 Mar 2014 14:32
The Dusty Miller Inn, Longwood
Done out and reopened March 2014. OK but lost a little of its character, but as good as you can hope given the part-ownership by Punch Taverns. Bar staff may be a bit in-your-face but that's a matter of taste and individuals.
I confess to not particularly liking Milltown beers (half-owners of pub) but quality-wise what they had was fine. Usual rubbish of Black Sheep and Landlord - how can Taylor's brew such a tastless beer? Plus Milltown and 1 or 2 guests.
Parking getting out of hand, and it'll get worse as Kirklees Council intend further restrictions. Bus stop across road.
16 Mar 2014 10:19
Difficult but not impossible to make Thwaites' a good pint. The Jacob's Well doesn't. Some 3.5% so-called hoppy bitter £3.30/pint as well.
Pub full and selling lot of food at 7pm on Friday so some must like it. Food ain't cheap either. Needs refurbishing as well - it's starting to look tired now.
Don't go for the beer then.
9 Feb 2014 23:20
I could do with this place if they had more than the Ruddles Bitter/Abbot/Sameoldsameoldwetherspoonsstandard beers on. Half the pumps with corporate garbage, half the rest "coming soon" and the rest just odd. Very hit-and-miss. Shame.
16 Jan 2014 21:23
The Crown and Anchor, Barnsley
Think it changed hands or was done out not long ago.
Went in Xmas eve and it was rammed as you’d expect, still got served ok and staff were good-humoured.
About 4 beers (usually more apparently, not the usual crap either), what we had was absolutely fine.
So on a very untypical night it was great, but I’m sure it will be more of an eatery than a pub – the bar-only area’s small.
8 Jan 2014 22:30
For a start – it’s further out of Ardley than you might think!
Don’t be fooled by the olde-worlde exterior – it’s like a bit of an open-plan wine bar fit-out, ie not homely.
Pint and pineapple juice - £5.45! When I queried it landlord asked if I was from up North – cheeky b$”£$%!
Anyway he and the locals were welcoming and friendly, beer was good but he only had three on so you might not get something you want, although he reckons to always have a dark beer on. Tellys all on football night we were in.
I wouldn’t rush back but it’s ok.
2 Sep 2013 22:10
Lovely pints, food very expensive but we didn’t eat here so can’t comment on quality. Owner was doing weekend menu while we were in, driven by what he’d bought so I guess it’ll all be fresh.
Frenchman owner, very nice guy. Got talking to locals and had a right good time. Very quiet even on Thursday night. I assume it’s mostly restaurant trade. Nothing notable about interior.
Local CAMRA bod reckoned it was as good as anywhere local.
2 Sep 2013 22:04
Very good pints of London Price and ESB, and I wouldn’t drink either by choice. Food ok-ish – the starter was out of the freezer but mains were fine; not cheap though.
Interior odd mix of 70s wheel-backed chairs and lights and brand new modern stuff. Fake beams and new wood flooring. Maybe they’re doing it up piecemeal.
So ok in the absence of anywhere else but as you’ll be driving anyway there are nicer places locally.
2 Sep 2013 21:59
Suited us - good beer including a couple of non-York beers, staff fine, good atmosphere and mix of clientele. Seating in the back not ideal – ex-pews. Could get busy as it's fairly small.
10 Aug 2013 10:55
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Spent a few evenings here lately due to taxi driver having broken arm.
Wide choice of beers but a bit restricted to Osset group, as you’d expect. Beer seems to be in consistently good form, at last. Staff better as well, by and large service is good.
The only thing that really, really, really PISSES ME OFF is how many dickheads stand or sit at the bar all night to the extent that you can’t find a single gap to get served and consequently sometimes get overlooked.
6 Aug 2013 20:59
Appears to have closed and been converted to something else.
Not to be confused with the Wharf at the bottom of Tuel Lane (also closed, waiting for Wetherspoons refurb).
5 Aug 2013 10:34
The Craster Arms, Beadnell Bay
Packed on hot Saturday with beer festival in garden. £5 for glass & 1 pint – I don't think so pal!
Only two beers inside – Marstons EPA (tasteless) and the syrupy classic, Strongarm (fine, if you like it).
Service remarkably good given number of customers, including food, which was fine but not cheap.
30 Jul 2013 21:50
Gets worse here every time we go.
Red hot day, Halifax at home – big surprise the pub was rammed on Saturday to the extent they'd nearly run out of beer by 9pm when we got there. Just three obscure dark ones and Blonde, which was in poor nick given how much they must have sold. Likewise "haven't had time" to restock the soft drinks, or hadn't ordered enough. Interior gets no nicer or cleaner either.
Wasted potential at the Three Pigeons.
Losing patience now; best just stick to the Big 6.
30 Jul 2013 21:34
Another “why did Osset buy this place” pub. Up a back street with few locals or passing trade, there were about 12 regulars in at 10pm on Saturday. Poor choice of beer, which was ok quality-wise, pub itself is fine.
But no point really.
30 Jul 2013 21:27
The Sands House, Crosland Moor
Food-oriented although the bar area's fairly large and plenty of beer garden.
They had Golden Pippin on which was good but I've had better, Wainright's which was poor, Moorhouse's White Blonde and something else run-of-the-mill. So presumably it's Punch Taverns or soemthing. Staff were fine and there are worse pubs, but don't go out of your way for a drink here.
We had an organised buffet for £7/head, which was a bit expensive for what we got. They have deals on main courses.
19 Jun 2013 08:59
The Fleece Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Barkisland
Gone away from being a boozer, more high-class food etc, very expensively done-up (£1m apparently). Bar’s a bit wine bar-ish and doesn’t invite you to linger. Nice seating area outside with great view, for the 3 days a year it’s warm and still enough.
£3.20/pint, 3 different beers, supposedly always locals. Last night were Landlord, Nettlethrasher and Osset Yorkshire Blonde. Nettlethrasher and Osset in good condition. Food good but dear and you don’t get much.
14 Jun 2013 14:03
The Scape House, Scapegoat Hill
Recently taken over (again), by a guy with some idea of what he’s doing this time.
Not impressed with food – see Trip Advisor. Beer quality neither really, but it may settle down. At least it’s not entirely tied to Jennings any more so may be worth a try.
14 Jun 2013 13:44
Unusual interior with barging theme. Beer excellent, staff great. Bit of a long walk from town though, but worth it.
4 Jun 2013 15:52
Great back-street boozer. Beer lovely (5-6 different), staff friendly and food good.
4 Jun 2013 15:51
To be honest, a bit of a dump. Typical long town-centre pub that seems to rely on a few regulars. Beer ok though.
4 Jun 2013 15:50
Run-down, 30 years out of date, even seating shot. Needs a strip-out. Beer fine & staff fine.
4 Jun 2013 15:50
The good – at least 8 handpulled beers, 5 in great nick when we were in, but they should be over £3/pint.
The bad – needs a complete strip-out. Even has the God-awful wooden light fittings with fake dripping candles.
The ugly – clientele rough, loads of kids (including crying baby). Maybe Saturday teatime is unrepresentative.
Beware – may not be able to approach in car from the north across the bridge and it’s a hell of a long drive round and still hard to find. And not really worth it anyway.
18 Mar 2013 15:26
Mainly eating; the bar’s about 20’ x 8’.
Tired, old-fashioned place and the restaurant looked the same. They had Landlord & Tetley’s (I think), plus two Elland beers which apparently they always have. Obviously we only had the Elland which were both fine – so they should be for £3.40 a pint in this atmosphere.
You probably couldn’t get to this pub without passing better ones, so why bother?
18 Jan 2013 12:43
Bought and done out by Osset brewery late 2012. Fine job too, style like the Rat & Ratchet only nice.
Absolutely rammed last Friday and Saturday (January!). Beer was excellent but unfortunately all 9 were from Osset group breweries so a bit samey – no dark beer even. Maybe because they’re so busy.
This will end up on the real ale trail, which will be a mixed blessing.
Never seen so much mutton dressed as lamb in one pub. Yeuch.
18 Jan 2013 12:32
The Town Street Tavern, Horsforth
As below, everything that counts was great.
Maybe an exceptional day BUT I got sick of the whining / yapping dogs. Also not keen on bar staff petting and feeding them. Do they wash their hands every time before serving my beer?
11 Jan 2013 14:31
It's a plain old fashioned BOOZER, with mixed boozer clientele and great beer. Love it.
1 Jan 2013 16:11
Only redeeming feature is a couple of real ales but they tend to stick to the usual Abbot and Ruddles rubbish. The Leeds bitter was fine.
Less character than an airport departure lounge, loud music, fat rough birds trying to dance. Walk on past.
10 Dec 2012 14:44
Well we think it's ok! (Actually, can't really speak for the wife).
Beer quality's always been good, no trouble when we've been in, music can be a bit loud sometimes and seating doesn't lend itself to lounging. Clean, new venue for Colne Valley. Usually some attractive clunge in - cream of the Golcar crowd at least (ok that's faint praise, I know). Couple of fanciable barmaids as well.
9 Nov 2012 22:27
Very good quality beer but very expensive even by MMT standards. Food not badly priced for a �gastro-pub� and what we had was lovely, so tc imbiber must have been unlucky. Staff very helpful and approachable. Might be worth booking to eat � they were full when we arrived at 6.30pm on a Wednesday.
A lot smaller inside than it looks from the outside, pleasant interior without any particular character; maybe a bit lacking in comfy seating. Needless to say it�s by the station, which isn�t actually all that easy to find � down the side of Carriages wine bar on the main road just as you come in from the Harrogate end.
10 Oct 2012 22:40
Different inside from what you�d expect looking at the outside, ie less twee and more pub-like.
Open plan, unusual open bar in the middle, clearly does loads of music. Sadly can�t get away from huge tvs.
Six beers I think, two/three Thwaite�s, a Bridestone, another and �Fox Bitter� or something, 3.5%, at �1.50/pint and well worth it. Bridestone�s in good condition too.
Landlord bit of a card (�Half at �1.50 a pint! What part of Lancashire are you from?�. So he gave me a taste) but seemed a decent chap. We�ll be back if we get chance.
20 Sep 2012 12:19
See below, yes it�s characterful etc, yes 6 beers BUT at least 4 are common or garden, Hales Ale I guess will be some Daleside beer rebadged, Old Leg Over�s not to my taste. What made me laugh is the way they offer a �tasting tray� of 6 beers, presumably for extremely inexperienced drinkers and foreigners.
The Golden Pippin was not particularly good. Barmaid was friendly etc but loud and WAY over the top with endearments, every other word darling or sweetheart etc.
We had the Tuesday night special - 2 �sizzlers� for �10. OK you don�t expect chateaubriand for a fiver but my steak would have been better last Saturday and probably off by tomorrow. My mother�s Cajun chicken was very good.
So the beer�s not worth crossing the road for, food�s ok if you like pub grub, atmosphere�s a matter of taste � all in all worth going once if you�ve never been.
18 Sep 2012 22:34
Jesus wept, who wrote the comments below? It�s like a cross between Private Eye�s Pseud�s Corner and Viz�s Real Ale Twats. Who says things like �as befits this throwback to a gentler age�, �exquisitely quaffable� and �real-alery�? And why is it worth a �!� that your mate had to get the football scores via his phone? BTW it�s CONSIDERABLY more than 2 miles from Hudds station.
We�ve been drinking at the Sair since about 1990. For a few years we went just about every Friday night. It was always a gamble which smell would be strongest � wet dogs, dope or sour beer and piss. The pub was filthy � God knows what the brewery was like. But it relied on its reputation from when it was one of the few real ale pubs about. The beer was hit and miss, but when it was good it WAS good. Ron admitted he only brewed about 5 beers and made the rest by mixing � hence if one dark one was �off� they all were. Bet that explodes a few myths.
Some nights a right good laugh, some a punch-up outside. The oddest thing of all was that it got �pub of the country� from CAMRA just at its nadir � the beer was absolutely rank. Just goes to show CAMRA�s priorities these days. That�s about when we stopped regularly going in.
The fire and Ron�s dotage have been mixed blessings � new brewery, new urinals (that have never been plumbed in), new dodgy wiring, cleaner all round (even the fish tank) but lacking the character it used to have. Three beers tonight, all fine but lacking taste and could have been anything. Same last time, and the time before. And still got the damp patches on the walls in the front room, just not hidden by plants any more.
Time�s moved on in terms of beer quality. The Sair hasn�t.
14 Sep 2012 23:53
Bank Holiday Monday tea time so very empty.
Clean, new, modern with wood and tasteful paint etc.
Beers were good but could have been just slightly fresher & cooler, presumably not enough turnover that particular day.
Staff fine, probably a nicer experience on a warm sunny day. Anyway it's worth a second call.
29 Aug 2012 09:02
Wine bar not a pub, fine if you like that sort of thing. Clean and fairly modern, can look out onto street (for what it's worth).
Leeds beers on, the one we had was fine, barman nice lad.
Not much to go for really.
29 Aug 2012 08:58
Well what can I say?
Called one afternoon last year and left immediately because it was like a social club - loud music, kids everywhere etc.
Last Saturday 10pm - us two in, four other punters, barmaid, someone (landlord?) on some sort of Ipod disco and that was it. About 5 beers on, one of the two we had was off so I changed it for another half of the other one, no quibbles, and that was fine. So can�t really comment on overall beer quality. We were welcomed and cheered on our way so it�s friendly enough.
BUT. Whether the pub�s been refurbed on the cheap or what it�s hard to say, plus it had zero character because it was empty, but either way we couldn�t find any redeeming features. Why so empty on Saturday night? OK it�s off the circuit but it�s still a town centre pub. They just don�t seem to be making any effort to attract the mainstream.
Sorry but there are plenty of other good pubs with good beer in Halifax; we won�t go back to the Ring o� Bells.
22 Aug 2012 11:49
Nothing special. Copper Dragon IPA, Magic Rock and something run-of-the-mill. The Magic Rock was ok but we've had better. Only 2 sofas and ours was knackered. ohterwise stools & benches.
More of a bar/cocktail/trendy whatever. Probably ok for music but a bit small and who cares if the bar staff are "kool"?
12 Aug 2012 09:40
Olde-Worlde mixed with �new-ish but a bit tired�.
The landlady having a fag at the front door was a bit off-putting but I suppose she�d only smoke out the back otherwise so hey-ho. The owners seem to be East European or something but spoke great English, were pleasant and very helpful. Only a couple of beers but both on top form, food good but not cheap (yes we�re Northern) and they have Wifi if you�re interested. Worth a call.
8 Jul 2012 22:25
Nice pub and we were made welcome by the gaffer and his missus. Only two others in at about 9pm on Wednesday so it�s difficult to be objective about atmosphere.
Problem � only Hall and Woodhouse beers, which are of course tasteless crap. (They brew supermarket own-brand beers). Having said that, the two they had were in very good condition.
So there isn�t much point visiting this pub for beer.
8 Jul 2012 22:20
Yes it�s difficult to find � keep going right to the end of the road. Also it appears to be in a rough area and looks a bit iffy from the outside � we nearly didn�t go in but once inside it was fine. We were made welcome � only ones in at about 5pm but it soon filled up.
Yes it�s more for eating although the beer was excellent albeit a very limited choice.
Food nice but expensive (by Northern standards anyway).
Not really worth a special journey, we called for tea on the way to the Chunnel.
8 Jul 2012 22:13
Coincidental that swifts and kip2011 both have recent, multiple, positive comments? I doubt it.
11 Apr 2012 21:28
1) Never come across stroppy staff
2) Never smelt bad
3) Never had a bad pint
4) Never had a cheap pint
Decent atmosphere I'd say. Haven't eaten there.
Probably best to judge for yourself.
It's over the river from the bus station, and to the right, across the car park from the Picturedrome.
11 Apr 2012 21:20
Only recently started visiting (only twice actually) so I can be objective.
I like it, and I like the restaurant as well. The beers have been excellent both times, the tapas brilliant and great value for money (please � if you go complain about the cold plates). Also the young staff are warm, human and efficient, although I got the impression that could all collapse quite easily.
What it's like just for drinking I can't quite say, though it looked ok to me; young crowd but that's fine. There's nothing much new under the sun when it comes to village wine bars now.
Compare it to the Nook? Not really! I've been going in the Nook on and off for nearly 30 years and it's always been to varying degrees a shithole, usually with poor quality beer. God knows when its halcyon days that gave it a reputation were.
11 Apr 2012 21:12
The Rose and Crown, Slaithwaite
Not really a drinking pub since its renaissance, nevertheless it's always had up to four handpulled beers on. Unfortunately Black Sheep etc plus one guest, usually a Daleside and they obviously never sold enough for any to be quite right. Bit bland and old-tasting.
Goose Eye now brews one served as a house beer, which sadly isn't typical Goose Eye, ie pale & bitter. Last week they had BS, Daleside Bitter, Own Brand and Wainwright on. The Daleside and OB were so similar in taste (ie bland) I thought at first we were being conned - poor choice by cellarman. They were both in good condition though. The Wainwright was much better, very pleasant, and I don't really even like Thwaites' any more.
So at least the quality's improved. Still expensive though.
Food's still good and reasonable value (but not cheap).
Car park can be packed even at Wednesday teatime in March, which says a lot.
11 Apr 2012 20:59
The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury
arihall�s comment below is absolutely true for tonight, but I wouldn�t call it ghastly. Yes there were dickheads in who thought they were funny students (maybe they were students) but the beer�s excellent, albeit dear. On a quiet night it�s probably fine but it was certainly rowdy tonight. Some folk like that!
Could the comments about the management be personal?
25 Mar 2012 00:07
The Slubbers Arms, Huddersfield
What on earth has gone wrong? 10pm Saturday - six people in, plus us two.
I�ve always thought The Slubbers to be good but over-rated and more so since Taylors lost their way, but this was a depressing experience.
Let�s start with the good � two different pints (not Taylor�s) were excellent quality.
The bad. The place stank of bad drains. It was cold, and I don�t feel the cold. Barmaid was clearly in training and the gaffer was wrong side of the bar, where he stayed even when nine people arrived together. He got off his arse to sweep up a broken glass.
Someone complained, so it took two staff to break some wood up for the fire, which lasted about five minutes.
What a shame. This pub�s in a roughish part of Huddersfield but is full of character and has been a gold mine in the past. Maybe they rely on it being rammed before and after Town games.
Not rated it.
24 Mar 2012 23:51
Three beers � Jennings Cocker Hoop, Banks' Bitter and Wychwood Dirty Tackle. The Cocker Hoop was cool, clear, good head � and tasted like vinegar. It was my mate's and he wouldn't take it back. The Wychwood was fine. Banks is crap anyway so we didn't try it. It looks as if they have some sort of tie with Jennings or a wholesaler. Beer at �3.30/pint for this is ridiculous � go into Holmfirth instead for a drink.
The pub's ok although it's very pub/restaurant-ish, another one that tries too hard to be a country pub when it's not.
The food was also good, also overpriced, limited choice and not modern - just pub food really.
There's not much point going to the Fleece unless you're in the exact area for another reason.
10 Mar 2012 18:55
Called just before Xmas.
Very rarely indeed do you get such good service in a Wetherspoons; maybe it was just quite. This was the best choice of beers (about seven or eight) we've seen here over the last few years of occasionally calling, we had four and they were all in excellent nick.
This place is actually a very good conversion job if you take the time to sit and look. It's only that it's a Wetherspoons that you have preconceptions. Yes there are the usual rough ones in for the cheap beer, but it certainly ain't the worst.
There's always the Ship of course, if Oastler is not to your taste.
31 Dec 2011 20:17
Well that didn't take long. Called last week to give it a try.
What can I say? For one thing it doesn't smell any more. Even the toilets have been refurbed (albeit with the wc out of order, �still�, according to the graffiti), the whole place is cleaner, I assume it's had a lick of paint or maybe just a damned good fettling, even the floor looks like new.
Nearly as many beers as before, some of the usual faces and all 3 or 4 we had were in great condition. Even Mark the long-time former landlord was in having a pint.
Busier that I've ever seen it, but a strange mix of client�le. Bit rough actually, some of the women quite amusingly so. Not that I'd tell them to their face.....
Good to know it's still worth a call.
31 Dec 2011 20:09
We liked it. Characterful given that it's relatively new, the beers were excellent � choice or 4 or 5. Staff also very pleasant and helpful.
It appears that the days of good-value beer in Manchester are long gone, most places seem to be just behind London prices.
The food was fine � veg chilli �6.50, goulash �8.50, but I wouldn't call it cheap or excessively large portions.
Worth a call in anyway; we'd go back.
29 Dec 2011 11:08
Nothing special here, only 3 or 4 beers on and 3 were strong. They were good enough tasting though.
Presumably there was something (Planning? Structural?) to stop Wetherspoons from gutting the place like they usually do, consequently it's loads of rooms opening into each other through loads of doorways with no doors. Could have been cosy individual rooms but no, a bit lacking in character and ruined by the massive aircon duct � another 'Spoons speciality.
29 Dec 2011 11:03
Yes fine, couple of beers in very good nick, expensive though and only three handpumps on. Worth a call, it's cosy and welcoming. Big choice of bottled beers.
(Wonder how �poor� students (below) can afford �4 for a bottle of Rochefort)?
29 Dec 2011 10:56
Certainly unusual mixed interior, no name outside and not the easiest place to find.
Generally young crowd, two beers from Restless and Magic Rock. Both excellent but so they should be for �3.50 a pint.
Don't see much point in going back, there are nicer and cheaper places.
29 Dec 2011 10:52
28 December. Jennings IPA & Marston's EPA. Why bother stopping? So we didn't.
29 Dec 2011 10:46
Spring Rock Inn, Upper Greetland
Beer still great, food still great, barmaids still great(........).
30 Sep 2011 22:08
Been going occasionally for about 15 years on work's leaving dos etc.
The service used to be absolutely dire, the beer poor even when they had a decent brew to start with.
Now they�ve got Hornbeam brewing them a house beer, the only handpulled one on, still below par. Clearly they either don�t know how to keep beer or don�t care.
Service started ok last Friday tea time, even though they were warned of a leaving do it wasn�t brilliant. Later it got a whole lot worse. Every seen anyone actually move consistently in slow motion? I have now, it was strange sight indeed. The third time the barmaid ignored me and passed to put glasses away I loudly ordered a drink. Pints were topped up a bit if requested, with very bad grace. Why employ someone like this behind a bar?
It�s all a shame because the pub�s really nice and the food�s always been ok (but slow).
25 Sep 2011 22:00
About ready for a refurb but clean and welcoming with great staff.
Five beers on from Marston & Wytchwood which aren�t to my taste but the one we had was in good enough condition so it�s down to what you like.
They did us a good-priced dinner for a coach trip, which every one enjoyed, the minced beef slice was fantastic.
25 Sep 2011 21:50
Even if you've never been in a pub and don't drink, go in here. Why aren't there more like this left? Awesome.
Five Leeds beers on the other day, the two we had were great. Hunslet's rough and the pub takes some finding (next door the the Job Centre, ironically), keep your head down if there's any sign of trouble. In fact just run for it.
Nevertheless a superb pub.
29 Aug 2011 22:53
Went to a silver wedding do. Let's assume the bar & food takings were �2,000 for the night. Still didn't stop him charging �1/pint for TAP WATER.
Never again.
29 Aug 2011 20:52
NOTE. Changed hands. Sold out to Punch Taverns, which rarely bodes well. They're looking for a landlord so if anyone fancies their chances......
The beer was still fine last night (Friday) but choice more limited. The pub was emptier than ever.
Real Radio on in background louder than ever.
How long before it's demolished and/or turned into housing?
13 Aug 2011 10:14
We only went inside to actually order then sat outside. Appeared to be a very eclectic mix of styles inside which to be honest didn�t look appealing � bit too open plan as well.
The barmaid was a nice lass, there were five beers of which we had three. Stilton Porter at 5%+ isn�t the best type to have as the first pint of the evening��
Either way, all three beers were good so we left happy. Worth finding � it�s up the hill from Waitrose.
2 Aug 2011 22:35
Just had the one on the way back to the B&B.
Asked what a particular beer was like, barmaid didn't know or particularly care.
Anyway the two we had were excellent and the place was a typical boozer which suits us fine. Choice of about five.
2 Aug 2011 22:29
It�s got wood panelling etc, comfy seats, multi-roomed olde-worlde atmosphere (at the front anyway) and only about four beers but the two we had were well kept.
I could spend time here, given chance.
2 Aug 2011 22:26
We had a couple of well-kept pints and a main course in the restaurant, which was also good. Limited choice on food and not cheap.
Clean, classy open pub/hotel with outdoor eating area at the back.
I wouldn�t say it was much dearer than anywhere else we supped in Stamford, ie outrageously pricey. Pretty much Hobson�s choice for eating on Sunday evening as hardly anywhere else does it.
2 Aug 2011 22:23
The Bull and Swan Inn, St Martins
We thought this was a nice pub, nearly empty on a Monday evening but maybe that�s not unusual. Beers pretty much as Blackthorn (below) says, in very good condition. Food very nice and fresh (one of the few places doing food on Sunday evenings apparently). Southern prices, like the rest of Stamford. Staff very pleasant and helpful.
BTW the signage is so subtle you�re nearly there before you see the place
2 Aug 2011 22:18
Yes it�s a bit OTT with televisions and sport themes but the beer was fine; limited choice of local beers though which is ok if you�re not local, like us.
2 Aug 2011 22:11
Sorry, it's not actually on Trip Advisor.
So, food is just well-overpriced pub grub of no character and poor choice.
Also we ordered pork steaks and they sent crappy chops with no meat on.
Take a look in then drive on by.
22 Jul 2011 23:42
Four handpumps, three with beer tonight.
Bombadier (...Christ), Kelham Island Pale Rider and Copper Dragon Golden Pippin.
Kelham Island crap, I find it hard to believe it wasn't something else. First Copper Dragon full of flock. They changed the barrel - second pint crystal clear and tasteless. I've never had Golden Pippin tasteless before.
Massive screen, open plan pub, lot of scrotes late on Friday night. My mate says the Pippin is usually good.
Food also crap and overpriced - see Trip Advisor.
Very disappointing.
22 Jul 2011 23:35
Only been in about 3 times over the last 12 months since we finally found it but this is one of the best pubs I�ve ever been in. I wish we lived nearer.
Beer quality superb & wide choice, staff fine, lovely trad boozer inside and out in the multi-room style.
Most of us know to ignore the idiots on this website, I�ve not experienced the silly abusive banter below about any other pub.
9.5/10 for the Crown.
20 Jul 2011 22:41
Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, Sowerby Bridge
We went a few times, won�t repeat all the accurate reports below, we stopped going simply because they shut about 9.30 on Saturday (and maybe other nights) which left the place a bit hollow whenever we got there. Get the impression it�s more of a breakfast bar and �on the way home from work� pub. Additionally it's not paricularly comfortable.
Anyway, beer�s always been great and staff (owners) are very welcoming.
BTW it took years of battling bureaucracy and jumping through hoops to get this place opened as a bar, so support it if you�re able.
23 Jun 2011 22:47
Bit different this, eclectic crowd � one week it�s all middle-aged roughish divorcees on the pull (funny these) and bearded beer bores, next week its full of young blades and babes (guess which I prefer). Certainly Fridays and Saturdays are lively, last Thursday was very quiet but beer still great.
The upstairs is now something of a comedy club / theatre which attracts biggish names, there�s a full padded cell sorry room at the back - now this really IS different.
Beer�s always very good and a good choice.
They don�t suffer dickheads, which is great as well.
23 Jun 2011 22:40
Don�t know when it was reviewed at 4/10 but it�s better than that. Only had (as usual tasteless) Landlord on when we went in last week but the place is nice enough, bit of a wine bar type atmosphere. We only really went for the food the beer was just a bonus (food excellent and cheap by the way). Bar was empty on Thursday. Think it�s had a recent refurb.
Give it a try, it�s behind the Moorings.
23 Jun 2011 22:32
Absolutely cracking pub. Excellent beer quality, great interior, packed in May, really good food (best venison I've ever had), staff bent over backwards to help and be sociable - and they were run ragged on Friday night.
Beer garden and conservatory, lovely setting in village square.
Don't be surprised if they don't answer the phone. Did have a few kids (all ages) in, not a problem though. 9.5/10.
29 May 2011 18:31
The Golden Lion Inn, High Bickington
Why on earth is this pub in the Good Beer Guide?
Interior nothing unusual, behind bar looks a bit ropey.
Three beers on - two typical nationals plus Sharps, which was ok but nothing special.
Crappy pub food only and uninterested staff.
Barely worth walking next door for, certainly don't drive there - go to Chittlehampton or Umberleigh instead.
29 May 2011 18:26
As below, plus they've upped the ante beer-wise recently. Now not restricted to Anglo-Dutch and Taylors/Black Shite, there are usually several to choose from plus regular Mallinson's which is always fail-safe. Not had a bad pint yet, usually faultless quality.
Interesting interior - even the gents'.
29 May 2011 18:15
The Rising Sun Inn, Umberleigh
Apparently recently reopened with new landlord & lady, who are young and keen.
Pub is ok, nothing particularly out of the ordinary, but three beers on which were all lovely on three visits (at a quiet time of the year), and the food was also great. You won't need a starter - steaks and s&k pudding were really nice.
Owners and staff very nice and sociable. Certainly worth a try.
If you're at the campsite turn right out of the site and left after about 200 yards (on foot) - it's a 1:4 hill; you'll need a torch on the way home, it's less than 10 minutes. Seriously avoid walking on the main road.
29 May 2011 18:00
The real McCoy � claims to be oldest hostelry in the country, 700yrs. Stone walls, cruck frame, idiosyncratic nooks, doors, stonework etc, real fires. Spoiled a little bit by the 70s-ish area by the toilets, which was presumably the mistal. Situated in a delightful quaint spot by the river. Bet it�s lovely in the summer.
Six beers � three regular Taylor�s and three guests. We only tried two of the guests (Phoenix Pale Moonlight and one I wasn�t keen on), both were in very good condition.
The Pork Pie Appreciation Society was founded here � I guess they don�t pay �4.95 ( :-O ) for pie and peas but they�ll have to pay �3.20 for Landlord. Presumably that�s why the pub�s full of frightfully well-spoken people � meeting place for Ryburn�s well-to-do southern incomers? The Phoenix was �3/pint � does Taylor�s insist that their beers always have to be the dearest in any pub they�re served in? Rest of food fairly dear, we didn�t try it so can�t comment. The staff were very friendly.
Beware, there�s no pub sign that we could see, almost impossible to find from the main road so turn down towards Barkisland, left towards the church and it�s the white building over the footbridge to the left.
31 Jan 2011 19:40
Actually the Railway is now very tired inside, fake beams on the walls with painted rough plaster in between - you know the theme. Wires everywhere in the music half, pool bit is really tired. Atmosphere seems good with decent clientele but they do get the odd rough ones in (full Adidas tracksuit in 2011? Get a grip!)
They seem to be sticking with regulars Golden Pippin, Deuchars, Bombadier and Tiger Rut, plus a guest or two. You don't often get chance to make a direct comparison but we did tonight - I've thought before that the Tiger Rut's nice here, which it is, but it's twice as nice at the Rising Sun up the road in Mossley. The Old Pec was syrupy tasteless crap but then Old Pec is these days.
Only real good thing is the live music on Fridays - bring your axe and have a go; it's a good atmosphere.
If the continually-slamming front doors don't drive you mad.
Otherwise, go somewhere else.
22 Jan 2011 23:30
Yes, this is a lot better.
Went a few years ago, not impressed. Now got new owners and 10 handpumps, most of which appear to be guests. We had 3 - all in top condition.
The pub's clean and modern with out being poncey, the back room's a bit spartan though. Saturday night in January and packed - what does that tell you?
Aparrently the refurb was supposed to be a "lick of paint and in job", but actually cost a fortune...
Bit understaffed maybe when we visited, perhaps they had a rush on.
Anyway, well worth a visit.
22 Jan 2011 23:15
The Lower Royal George, Scammonden
Cosy pub in a bit of an old fashioned way, not sure whether it�s deliberately over the top cottagey or what. Nice and warm with fires and amenable landlord.
Beer-wise they had Stones, Rev James and something called Goose Eye Bitter which neither tasted nor looked like any Goose Eye Bitter I or the misuss have ever had. Should have know when a regular said �I�ll have the Reverend James, the Goose Eye�s a bit wishy-washy�. Hmm. But it was palatable enough. Didn�t try the other it looked a bit dark for my taste. Obviously we don�t entertain Stones any more.
Sunday lunch was ok-ish, we had mixed roast beef and pork; the meats were very good, stuffing not (uncooked?) and veg overdone with carrots left in water, new potatoes nice and gravy nice, as if it was actually made from the meat juices � now this is unusual. Strange that the �roast� tatties (ie deep-fried) appeared to be bought-in and warmed up. Ambiguity about the bill as well � be sure to check.
Ok pub, but don�t make a special journey.
30 Nov 2010 21:43
I didn�t realise places like this still exist, let alone in Huddersfield. Poncey pretend-upper-class, gentleman farmer-wannabes. Even the barmaids are Hooray-Henriettas.
Dress in wellies and a tweed waistcoat or golfing Pringles � you�ll look a tit but at least you�ll fit in. Talking of which if you�re female just get them out, however inappropriate it�ll look for your age.
Six handpulled beers � yeah, well�. The ubiquitous Black Sheep Bitter and Landlord, Tetley's (!), Green King IPA, and the day saved by two Brass Monkey ones which in fairness were in good nick. Make sure you�re not thirsty as well � locals served first, second and third.
Pub decor�s getting a bit tired now. Don�t try finding the phone number on the net � it�s not on.
No rating because it obviously suits some people.
22 Nov 2010 22:38
Pleasant bar with oak panelling etc. Only 2 hand pulled beers, Wye Valley & Sharps. Both very good. Nice staff. Eat in bar or restaurant at back, food also good but not cheap pub prices.
3 Nov 2010 12:41
The usual really, nicer from the outside, beers all very good.
3 Nov 2010 12:38
Three venues in one this place. Warm trad pub front room with big open fire, oak etc, modern restaurant in middle and comfortable restaurant at back. I�d say nicer inside than it looks from the outside.
5 hand pulled beers, 4 local plus Abbot (why for God�s sake?). All in good nick. Food again not cheap but nice. Service was spot on when we were there, including being gently advised that there was some delay for food (there wasn�t).
3 Nov 2010 12:24
About as good as it gets. Unusual layout of small rooms, 9 superb beers mostly local, decent service and staff ok (if hassled), food (pies anyway) great if a bit dear.
It�s hidden beside the building with columns that stands in the middle of the road (near the church � obviously).
3 Nov 2010 11:31
The Old Bull Ring Tavern, Ludlow
How nice does this pub look from the outside?
When we went in (Friday night) the right hand bar was empty and loud. Left hand side looks better but beers? Landlord and Black Sheep. 700 UK breweries to chose from including cracking local ones and they chose run-of-the-mill ales. So we didn�t stop.
Go to the Church instead.
3 Nov 2010 11:24
Bitter �3.20/pint. For this rubbish? In Marsden?
Think not.
10 Oct 2010 22:03
Still as good with new owners/managers. Five beers � two regulars three guests, we only had two but both excellent condition. Good atmosphere and nice welcome, couple of free sandwiches on Saturday night. They are doing food, not sure exactly what or when though. The old pool room appears to be for eating now.
4 Oct 2010 08:51
Not many pubs like this left � genuine old-fashioned country boozers in out-of-the-way places. Beer�s always good but limited to Landlord, Black Sheep and A. Guest. Fine landlord and pleasant locals.
27 Sep 2010 11:08
North Riding Hotel, Scarborough
Reasonably nice pub inside, pleasant staff, got some sort of York Brewery tie-in so there should always be something decent on what with guests as well. They had about six handpulled beers on altogether when we went in, all the ones we had were in fine form.
Lounge better than bar, away from tv noise & pool table. Handy for cricket club.
14 Sep 2010 13:08
Not particularly salubrious inside, bit like a tired WMC. Very hot as well when we went. Nice big outside area though � better than it looks in the picture.
The beer was excellent, about 6 independents� ales. Staff fine.
Might be easy to miss if in car.
14 Sep 2010 13:07
Nice enough inside, various SIB beers all in good form. Food was much nicer than the price or location might suggest. TV in one half, quieter in other. Well worth a visit. Easy to miss if in car.
(If there's still a contradictory posting from me below it's because I got the pubs mixed up!).
14 Sep 2010 13:05
T&S ain�t certainly what they used to be. Five beers but the usual suspects � Landlord, Black Shite sorry Sheep, Wells� something or other, Everard�s Tiger and �guest� Ruddles bitter. Can�t comment of beer quality as we didn�t stop � might as well walk 5 minutes further/less to the Valley or Cellars.
14 Sep 2010 12:59
Not sure what market they�re aiming for here. A couple of beers from SIBs, in fine nick so a good start.
No character, not enough chairs, too many televisions. Saturday night was middle-aged blokes dressed like 20-somethings standing up drinking Bud from the bottle and perving at teenagers and hen-party goers. I could see fights kicking off here (there was one (small) doorman).
Dinner times and early evenings might be better.
14 Sep 2010 12:59
Usual Wetherspoon�s formula ie old building looking nice on the outside, huge stripped-out inside and refitted with Wetherspoon�s panelling and old town pictures etc. Beer was fine but down of a choice of about 4 by 10pm on a Saturday night in September. Nothing out of the ordinary except upstairs with hole in floor to look down from.
14 Sep 2010 12:58
Not particularly salubrious inside, bit like a tired WMC. Very hot as well when we went. Nice big outside area though. The beer was excellent, about 6 independents� ales. Easy to miss if in car.
14 Sep 2010 12:57
Superb inside entrance, about the best you�ve ever seen, giving great atmosphere at one end. Inside it�s a bit of a barn. Actually it�s a lot of a barn. Beer choice and quality the usual high JD�s, service sadly the usual poor JDs - does Tim EVER read any reviews? Nice beer garden out the back which you can get in from � saves walking round to the front door, if you know where you�re going. Expect a few of the usual scrotes.
10 Sep 2010 15:08
The Old Bell Tavern, Harrogate
Lovely old atmosphere and classy, understated old wood panelling etc. One half is the old, old Farrahs toffee shop with original fittings. About 8 beers, in fine fettle, not particularly expensive, always one Rooster�s on (which ran off for me!). Bistro upstairs is fine but slightly overpriced for what you get, not convinced the goats cheese tart was home made either. But at least you can get a good pint with it. Definitely recommended, 9/10.
10 Sep 2010 15:01
Been going years. Always loads of beers on. Nice canalside location. Yes the landlord & landlady can seem a bit odd, and some of the staff certainly can, but their hearts are in the right place.
Example. Once I got a bad pint of Eastwoods (only one I�ve ever had there). No problem, changed for something else. Landlord changed the barrel and 10 minutes later brought me a fresh half of perfect Eastwooods, free.
This guy really does care about his beer and when you�ve been in a few times they�re friendly enough. And we don�t actually go in that often because it�s not local.
Only downside � bit barn-like. 9/10.
27 Aug 2010 14:57
The Strafford�s always been fairly cosy in an old-fashioned way but it�s now ready for redecorating at least if not a full-blown refurb, especially the restaurant. The view�s still nice though.
Beer-wise there was only 1 handpump but the landlord has somehow gone part way towards making a silk purse from the sow�s ear that is Tetley�s Cask.
Food was ok for Sunday lunch 3 courses for �11, but again nothing to write home about. Beware, pub closes in the afternoon even at weekends.
So certainly not worth going out of your way for but no worse than many Barnsley pubs, and handy for Wentworth Castle.
12 Aug 2010 15:45
The Head of Steam, Huddersfield
Always been a nice pub, the beer quality seems to have improved of late, all very good the other day and good range. We�ve heard this from a few friends so it can�t be a one-off. Still dear though. And yes the beer�s much better in the King�s Head. Still not entirely sure about the staff attitude either.
22 Jul 2010 11:55
Very pleasant inside, fresh and clean, real fires, decent food at reasonable prices, friendly efficient staff. Tetley�s, Landlord and Black Sheep � the awful predictability broken by one guest beer. Beers usually in very good condition, the one big down side of the place � outrageously priced. Hence 7/10.
The summer rock afternoons bring out an interesting crowd, to put it one way.
Beware � the pubs keeps odd hours including 9.30 closure on Saturdays some times.
20 Jul 2010 15:38
Not sure what this place is meant to be. Very clean and pleasant inside, albeit a bit of a barn. It soon becomes obvious it�s part of a chain selling (over-priced) supposedly high-quality food (we didn�t have any). It�s like an up-market Beefeater but with ten hand pumps; all the beers we had were excellent. Saturday teatime had a few children in, I guess it can get worse. Large outdoor area with a bit of a playground. Don�t get the impression its much of a drinker�s pub, it�s a bit characterless.
19 Jul 2010 10:30
Not what you�d expect from the outside. Bit of an OTT refurb some time in the past is now an odd layout. Friendly staff, good quality ales - 4 hand pumps including guests. Worth calling in if you�re passing but probably not worth a special trip.
19 Jul 2010 10:26
Great beer, good atmosphere and staff, great food. Cask beer was �2/pint because England were playing (world cup). 4 handpumps - Landlord, "Bouncing Bomb", an Abbeydale and something else.
Food also lovely, beef dinner awesome. Gravy tasted of beef not Oxo. You don�t need a �large� portion. Right next to Howden station. Nice big beer garden with benches. Had marquee up for televisions for world cup. Not the biggest pub in the world.
14 Jun 2010 11:47
The Higher Buck Inn, Waddington
Good pint of Thwaites (which I don't even really like), they had 4 on. Food was fine but nothing special and not cheap (nowhere up there is it seems). I wouldn't really say it's a drinkers' pub. Staff fine. Interior quite nice. Certainly not worth going out of your way for.
7 Jun 2010 12:04
Nice pub, plenty of beers in very good condition (can�t remember what). Very expensive by northern standards, about same as elsewhere for London. We had to eat upstairs where the beer choice isn�t the same but you can walk downstairs for a refill. Food good and reasonable price. Waitress/hostess (French?) upstairs a bit short with people if she didn�t have room, but very efficient � don�t let her put you off (actually she was heavily pregnant so she might have left).
Incidentally the comment below about CAMRA is just silly.
1 Jun 2010 12:27
Nice enough but only Shepherd Neame beers, which were fine (if you like them). Food was great, and reasonably priced, staff fine. Don�t be put off by the outside � it needs sprucing up but the inside�s fine, especially the room to the left. The Bull up the road is a slightly better pub.
1 Jun 2010 11:37
Very nice place, lovely beers � Harveys, Hop Head, couple of guests all in really good condition. Food was great and reasonably priced, staff fine, landlord affable and entertaining. Curry night very popular � need to book! (but you don't have tohave curry). All in all a slightly better pub than the William IV.
1 Jun 2010 11:35
The Moon Under Water, Hounslow
Usual Wetherspoons scenario - reasonably pleasant, beers fine and cheap as usual (less that half the price in Whitehall). Also the usual Wetherspoons crowd of slightly low-life but certainly not threatening or anything. Off the �main drag�, slightly out of town so might take a bit of finding - it�s to the west.
Can�t understand why others have rated this place so low.
Hounslow is a right dump, nobody even speaks English, even the whites � except in Wetherspoons.
1 Jun 2010 10:46
Can't understand why other reviewrs have scored this pub so low.
The inside's pleasant enough, the (only) beer we had was excellent and at least you don't have to drink John Pith's. The barman seemed surpirsed that I wanted a FULL pint though (as opposed to 1/2" short).
5pm on a Saturday race day so it had all sorts in, most had had a few but no problems. OK, a few of the usual Wetherspoons scrotes but that's par for the course in JD's, and I've always had impression that Thirsk's a bit rough pub-wise anyway.
Would certainly go again.
4 May 2010 12:24
The King's Head is a dump, dump, dump.
The beer is about the best in Huddersfield and that's saying something.
the only saving grace is the lovely floor. Planning permission was granted for big alterations (restaurant, mezannine) which would be great, but that was years ago. Come on Richard, get cracking with it!
23 Feb 2010 13:45
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Something�s changed!
Went in Thursday before last and tried about 5 different beers � all very good quality and fresh, even mid-week, and the pub was fairly quite.
Then went upstairs for a meal, which was excellent. Goose salad as a starter - the meat was pink and like butter, and �trio� of game, again the meat was divine. Can�t remember what the missus had but she was very impressed as well.
It�s not cheap � starters about �4-8, mains about �12-19, but you certainly won�t go away hungry and the presentation was super.
So it�s well worth a visit.
29 Sep 2009 13:21
If you can look past the pretentiousness of the food presentation, d�cor, other customers and for that matter Hebden Bridge as a whole, Moyles is a real find. The food was excellent � starters about �6-7, mains �12-19, choice of about 8 of each including a couple of vegetarians. Also about 6 hand-pulled beers on (mostly local ones), the three we tried were excellent and very surprisingly no dearer than pub prices. Service was excellent, staff friendly and approachable. Half price if you�ve got a Hi-Life card.
Parking may be a problem during the day.
12 Aug 2009 13:04
The Commercial Hotel, Slaithwaite
Forget all you read below, the Commercial was done out and reopened under new management in July 2009 as a wine bar (!) - cum - real ale emporium.
9 handpumps including a Westons cider, so far in very good condition and a wide choice, mostly fairly local beers.
Owned and run by Johnny and Tricia of the Swan at Crimble who know a thing or two about a good pint. They are apparently determined to keep all the idiots out (they�ll need to).
Pleasant interior, usual faces and good atmosphere.
Worth trying at least once.
28 Jul 2009 15:30
Spring Rock Inn, Upper Greetland
Been again and eaten here this time. Good-quality pub food, not cheap (mains �8-9) but well-presented and plentiful. Beer still great.
24 Jun 2009 15:12
You�re unlikely to get brawls on Sunday or Monday nights, indeed there was hardly anyone else in.
Beer was great (choice of 5), barmaids friendly, locals seemed fine as well. Excellent rock jukebox which played continually both nights, free presumably.
Outside drinking/smoking area looked good too. The pub�s nicer inside than it looks from the outside as well.
Give it a try � you don�t have to stay!
3 Jun 2009 13:17
Beer very good and varied (4/5 handpumps), again not cheap but not a rip-off either.
Interesting place, inside and out. Trad interior, outside is above the river, which is actually quite noisy. Conservatory is best bet. Note real water wheel.
Mad busy Monday evening 1st June, despite being told it would be long wait for food it wasn�t � staff swarming everywhere, helpful and pleasant.
We had starter and �light bite� each which was quite enough, total cost about �27 for 2 people without side veg etc. Ok it�s not cheap but it was good value � plenty of meat and very well prepared and presented.
Certainly a place to recommend (parking can be iffy).
3 Jun 2009 13:12
The Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
To cut a long story short, the Riverhead originally opened with a great ethos and great beer and many good years were had.
Eventually it ran out of steam and was thankfully taken over by Osset Brewery.
At first we could forgive the mediocre beer, at least it was better than the erratic rubbish that we had come to expect. But they�ve now had long enough to sort things out, so at he expense of upsetting the other reviewers I�ll say the beer is still very average indeed. We go in every few months to make sure, hoping for improvement. Osset beers are lovely and most Osset pubs� beers are superb, but the Riverhead still ain�t one of �em. Sad to say, however, it�s probably still the best beer in Marsden.
It�s still a lovely setting (spoiled by the huge red Kirklees Council bins outside) and still is busy with a good crowd. I�ve not eaten there but I�ve never heard anyone who has say it�s less than very good.
So hurry Osset up and get the beer right!
14 May 2009 11:42
Spring Rock Inn, Upper Greetland
Just started going recently.
Lovely setting, EXCELLENT beer quality and varying & unusual range, lively crowd, good bar staff, cosy and olde-worlde interior but not in a tired way. Nice place for an summer drive-out.
Not eaten there yet but the food looks reasonable value and again there's a touch of the unusual. What's gone to other peoples' tables always looks nice anyway.
27 Apr 2009 10:40
The Foresters Arms, Grassington
Saturday March 21 2009 6pm.
Landlord very amenable to a party of 10 inc 2 kids, and pub was busy.
Old Bear guest beer was sour, Taylor Landlord was fine but does anyone actually like it these days? Other beer selection usual run-of-the-mill N Yorks rubbish - John Smiths, Tetleys etc.
Food good but not cheap. (Make sure your order has been taken correctly). Wasn't quick but wasn't unpleasantly slow either, staff fine.
Worth going back.
23 Mar 2009 08:36
Not a bad pub, Tuesday night in October�s probably not the most representative time but the pub just lacked something. The staff were fine.
Can�t remember which beers they had but the one I had was very average and nothing unusual so went onto the Old Rosie scrumpy. Not a bad pint but �3.20 a pint�? Southern prices maybe.
The food was fine but certainly WELL overpriced.
All in all, The Compasses in Damerham (just up the road) is a better bet.
20 Oct 2008 13:20
We�re from Huddersfield and have only visited twice (consecutive days in Oct 2008), so can�t comment on what it used to be like which seems to be the main bone of contention amongst the locals / other reviewers.
The first pint of Summer Lightning was off. We complained, got the barrel changed, received an apology and the beer was excellent.
We returned to eat the next day. Food was great for me & wife, not cheap but southern prices I expect. One criticism � cold plates.
Nice pub, restaurant & people. We�d certainly go back.
20 Oct 2008 12:01
Back to Richardhuddleston's profile
Junction One, Golcar
Much quieter (poor weather in February though), still quite a classy place and clean. 2 Bradfield and 2 Bob's beers, good condition but not to my taste.
26 Feb 2017 00:06