BITE user comments - aaroncp
Comments by aaroncp
My wife and I had a very enjoyable lunch at The Bull today. The food was excellent and reasonably priced - the chef was clearly both good and cared about what he's doing. Added to that, there were a couple of good guest ales on and I thought the decor was a good balance between comfortable and traditional. Will definitely return.
26 Oct 2015 17:37
Very surprised by the poor rating... I can only suppose this is a hangover from when it was run by previous owners. I'd very highly recommend this pub.
I visited a few times on a recent visit to the area and each time was very impressed indeed.
The food was excellent - not especially cheap but still good value given the quality. The drinks were also good, and locally sourced where possible. All the ales were Cornish, and each in good condition. They'd also made an effort with other stuff as well though - the gin, for example, was also Cornish and very reasonably priced for a more 'artisan' product (c£4 for a gin and tonic).
As well as a restaurant area, there was also a large bar area for those that just wanted to stop off for a drink - with a number of people doing just that!
26 Apr 2015 12:36
The Old Coastguard Hotel, Mousehole
Overall, I was quite disappointed with my visit here recently. There was nothing bad about it per se - nicely done up, very friendly staff and good service, tasty food - but it even for that it was very expensive, not least because the portion sizes were tiny. If you want a meal in the village, I much preferred the 2 Fore Street restaurant, which was a little cheaper, at least as good quality and with less pretentious portions.
Following on from others' comments... They did have some tables set up just for drinkers and those not eating - so I got the impression that people just stopping off for a drink would be welcome.
26 Apr 2015 12:31
If you want a drink, this is a good option - a nice pub in a good location with friendly staff and a decent range of (St Austell) ales.
I was disappointed with the quality of the food though, particularly for the prices. If you want a meal I'd recommend the 2 Fore Street restaurant just round the corner, which is only a little more expensive but much better.
26 Apr 2015 12:28
Pink and Lily, Princes Risborough
Went back here recently for the first time since it re-opened and on the whole was impressed. The food was very good and reasonably priced (not cheap, but still decent value). They had few good ales on including a very local one from Malt, which was good to see (and drink!). Glad to see it open again and seemingly doing well - I'm sure I'll return.
5 Apr 2015 19:36
Top notch pub in a lovely village, and well worth visiting if you're in the area. They obviously focus on the food, which is excellent and fairly priced (as others have said, always pretty busy so worth booking a table). But they also have a good selection of local ales and if you just want a drink then you're still made welcome. Also worth noting that the service was faultless and all the staff we had interactions with were both friendly and genuine.
13 Sep 2014 18:59
As others seem to have said, I found this place a bit of a mixed bag. I was staying in the village for 3 nights and ate here each time so hopefully picked up a reasonably accurate impression of it.
The food was undoubtedly and consistently good - a definite plus, despite it being arguably no better than you'd expect for the price (fairly high). The location in the harbour is great, and they've done a very good job of renovating the building without losing the character of the place.
The service was friendly and very courteous at all times, although unfortunately very erratic to the point that it considerably detracted from our enjoying some of our visists. On the first night, there was so little time between courses we'd eaten three by a little over an hour after arriving - so not a big thing but we did feel rushed (despite being a not particularly busy Wednesday, so it presumably wasn't because they wanted the table back). On the second night the service was faultless. But the third night was very disappointing indeed, mostly because despite having booked a table for 7.30 on arrival (on time) we were told they'd given our table to someone else. We weren't given our table until almost 8.30 and instead of being offered a small gesture by way of apology (e.g. some free bread or a drink) we were just told some other walkers had turned up as though that were sufficient justification.
So overall I was left feeling a bit disappointed. With a bit more attention to the quality of service this could be very good indeed, but as it is I wouldn't be especially enthusiastic about returning if I was in the area again.
8 Jun 2014 16:27
I've been here a couple of times in the last few years and on both occasions have been really impressed. The food is excellent, there has been a good range of local ales on and in good condition, the building is lovely, the atmosphere good and the service faultless. I look forward to the next time I can return!
8 Jun 2014 16:13
Very good and reasonably priced food, some good local ales and a friendly welcome. Will definitely be going back.
19 Oct 2013 21:59
The College Arms, Hertford Heath
Definitely at the limit of the gastropub end of the spectrum (i.e. not quite a restaurant, but close), and it does what it does very well indeed. The food was really delicious, and inventive without being either pretentious or weird. The service was very friendly, and very efficient without being rushed. They seemingly have 2 ales on most of the time (Tribute was on but Doom Bar off when I visited) and do still have a small drinking area as well as tables for eating. Would certainly re-visit when in the area.
2 Mar 2013 20:01
Went for a Sunday lunch today and was very impressed. The staff were friendly and attentive, the food was good and the portion size large. Also the meat was almost all free-range, which is important to me, and yet the prices were reasonable given all this: about £13 for a main. And although I wasn't drinking today, I also noticed they had a few good ales on. I'd definitely return when in the area.
11 Nov 2012 17:08
The reviewer below had it spot on: drinking here makes you feel like a battery hen. It's also incredibly expensive, the first pint of Adnams I had was in terrible condition and by the time I asked for a second (it was the only ale) they'd run out. Best avoided, particularly given there are so many good places close by.
27 Sep 2012 21:02
Three Horseshoes Inn, Sidlow Bridge
Stopped off for lunch and the food was good. They also had an impressive 7 ales on when I visited and the landlady was very friendly and welcoming. Nice garden out the back too. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.
28 May 2012 22:55
Visited this pub for dinner whilst walking in the area. The bar staff were very friendly and knowledgeable when asked about the 4 ales that were on. In terms of food, they had a good range of specials on and the meals we had were all good. Although it was dark by the time we got there, it apparently has very good views during the day! A good option if you're in the area.
21 Mar 2012 11:16
Visited for lunch whilst walking in the area. The staff were very friendly and welcoming and I was glad to see 3 ales on, a couple of which were local. The food was fairly standard pub fare at fairly standard prices. A perfectly good option if you're in the area, but in my opinion not worth making a special journey for.
21 Mar 2012 11:12
Had dinner here on a Saturday evening and the food impressed (in particular they'd done the roasted pork belly very well indeed). They also had 3 ales on, the staff were very friendly and the open log fire was a treat. My only criticism is that some of the interior looks a bit tired, but I'd certainly happily return.
8 Nov 2011 07:59
Friendly service and a good range of ales, which they were very happy for me to try before buying. The food was decent but nothing exceptional. Overall, a good option if you're in the area but in my opinion not somewhere worth seeking out specially.
8 Nov 2011 07:56
Stopped off for lunch whilst walking in the area and was very impressed: good range of ales, the food was delicious and some of it produced on their own farm locally. Would definitely return if I was in the area again.
8 Nov 2011 07:54
Popped in for a pint after a game of tennis in Regent's Park. Agree with previous reviewers to the extent that the refurb has left the drinking area is a bit small compared with the dining area judging by their relative popularities on the night I went (a Friday). On the plus side, they had 4 ales on as well as a good range of lagers/wines. I think it manages to keep most types reasonably content and is a decent option if you're in the area, but not worth making a special trip for.
30 Jul 2011 12:50
The Green Man, Great Portland Street
Fairly standard Greedy King fare. Somewhat cavernous, which doesn't help the atmosphere in my opinion, but did have 5 ales, which is good. Very middle of the road, overall.
1 Jun 2011 09:58
Overall a decent option if you're in the area. The food is decent and reasonably priced and the service very friendly (no idea what gin_and_tonic is on about - I couldn't fault the service and am in my twenties, there were also a bunch of lads in at the same time who looked perfectly happy!). My only criticism is that the building's fairly new, and whilst the owners have clearly made an effort to give the bar a bit of character, I still found the decor somehow a bit lifeless.
29 Mar 2011 10:59
Really enjoyed my visit and would definitely return if I was in the area again. The food is very good - gastropub prices but doesn't disappoint at all. They had 3 ales on when I was there and they obviously change them round regularly - 2 were changed during the time of my visit alone! The service was very friendly and, last but not least, the building is just incredible and justifies a visit on its own.
29 Mar 2011 10:54
Very nice food and beer, very friendly staff and the 'bar area' has a good authentic feel and an open fire. My only criticism would be, in line with previous posters, that the restaurant area risks feeling a little sterile. Nevertheless, well worth a visit if you're in the area and I'd certainly return.
27 Feb 2011 19:43
Agree with previous reviewers - a lovely little pub with a very friendly welcome.
30 Jan 2011 12:47
The Beacon Hotel, Langton Green
Agree with the previous reviewer who argued this place deserves a much higher rating than the 4.whatever it's currently on. It's not an out and out pub, but in my opinion strikes a very good balance between restaurant and pub. The food we had in the restaurant was very good, the service exceptional, and the bar area is surprisingly big. A place I'd happily re-visit, either just for a drink or for food, in summer with gorgeous views across the valley or in winter nestled next to the open fire. Recommended.
8 Jan 2011 20:04
Agree with most of the previous reviewers - a good traditional pub serving good food alongside a good selection of ales and with friendly service. Enjoyed the open log fire too!
8 Jan 2011 19:59
The George and Dragon, Speldhurst
Have to disagree with the reviewer below. Good food doesn't automatically equal 'poncey gastropub'. Yes, the food's more expensive than a standard pub, but not unjustifiably - it is very good. Added to that it's a lovely old building, has friendly service, an open fire and a good range of ales (4 when I visited) - I'd certainly go back again if I was in the area.
8 Jan 2011 19:58
A nice interior and promises to be one of the better options in the area, but when I visited the only hand-pump they had was off and hence no ales. Not even any bottled ales in the fridge! Very poor form for a pub to run out of (proper) beer.
3 Jan 2011 22:54
Wonderful location - the tables outside are highly recommended when it's even vaguely warm enough! A group of us ate there and all thought the food was very good. As others have said though, the interior could do with some attention.
14 Sep 2010 09:54
Shave Cross Inn, Marshwood Vale
Lovely beer garden and building, with both dining and bar areas indoors. Had a couple of local ales on, and the one I had was in good condition. They also had some cards/dominos that could be borrowed for free in the bar area which I like. Note that the menu is Caribbean food only - if this is what you want, great, but perhaps not what you'd expect from an otherwise traditional Dorset pub.
14 Sep 2010 09:52
The Old Stage Coach Inn, Crewkerne
Rather quiet when we visited (around 10 on a Thursday night), but the landlords were very friendly and they had a very good local ale (Yeovil Ales Ruby) in good condition. Would happily go back.
14 Sep 2010 09:48
The Old Boot Inn, Stanford Dingley
Visited for Sunday lunch. A slightly odd menu policy - we were presented with a reduced menu (not unusual for pubs on a Sunday) but they proceeded to serve other items to different tables but refused to do the same for us. The nomimal excuse given was that they (e.g. fish and chips) were from the kids menu, although other adults were also being served this. All a slightly odd distraction really, because the food we did have was very nice indeed and the local West Berkshire Brewery ale I had was very nice and well kept. I'd still very happily go back if in the area again.
25 Jul 2010 21:11
Popped in for dinner whilst walking in the area and had came away very impressed. Lovely food, friendly service and a couple of very nice local ales on and in good condition. It's slightly off the beaten track which no doubt makes it harder to attract custom - my friend and I came away agreeing it deserves lots.
18 Jul 2010 20:25
As previous users have commented, they're trying a bit hard with the decor and it's not really to my taste, but the bar staff were friendly, they had a good range of ales/ciders and the prices were reasonable for central London.
24 Apr 2010 01:02
The Knights Templar, Chancery Lane
A lovely building and a good range of ales but it still has the standard 'Spoons feel.
27 Mar 2010 12:20
A nice interior and beer garden tucked away around the back. Four ales on offer and the food was very nice. My only gripe would be that the food was fairly slow in arriving (about an hour), although admittedly the serving staff warned us when we ordered, it was a Sunday lunch and they were completely full, so perhaps I should be more patient! Overall, a very good option if you're in the area.
22 Mar 2010 21:29
Had dinner here twice during a stay in the area; all the meals we had were very good indeed and they had three ales on the go (Sharp's Doombar, T Taylors Landlord and a local one: TEA). Apparently the landlords have only been here for a year - they seem to be doing everything right in my opinion though and it deserved to be busier than it was when we went.
22 Mar 2010 21:26
Very nice food at reasonable prices (circa �10 for mains), well kept beer and friendly landlords. It's obviously a very old building with a lot of character; my only gripe would be that the refub mentioned below somehow strips a bit of this away and makes it feel like a fairly standard pub interior that you might also find in a new build. That may just be my personal tastes though - overall remains a good option if you're in the area.
22 Mar 2010 21:20
A potentially a good pub with some nice decor, but ruined by there being wall to wall TVs and the incredibly surly staff.
2 Nov 2009 21:32
The Carpenters Arms, Tottenham Court Road
Generally very good but somewhat spoilt by the DJ and loud music. Everyone was just sat at their tables talking and the decor is fairly traditional pub fare so this just didn't fit. Have a rotating guest ale as well as Pride and IPA.
18 Apr 2009 00:19
Fanstastic location, good local beer and the landlord really goes out of his way to make you feel welcome. Charming interior.
21 Mar 2009 20:22
Very friendly landlord who really knows how to look after his beer. The food is very good, but also excellent value. I recommend the bar area ahead of the restaurant area for atmosphere.
21 Mar 2009 20:21
Has some character, a good atmosphere and friendly staff, but all the ales were off when I went.
6 Feb 2009 23:18
Like the decor, and has a good atmosphere, but only 2 very common ales (GK IPA and Old Speckled) which don't seem to rotate either. Also don't like the way the staff remove empty glasses from the table literally the moment you've set them on the table and pester you to buy more drinks immediately - makes the experience feel far too rushed/pressurised.
2 Feb 2009 18:33
Good location, and great traditional decor/feel to the place, but let down by a rather boring selection of ales - Pride, GK IPA etc. Get a few guest ales in and it'd be up to an 8 or 9.
16 Jan 2009 22:47
Always has a couple of guest ales in good condition, but the staff have often been rather unfriendly/unwelcoming on the times I've been there.
27 Apr 2008 23:23
The decor hasn't got much character - somewhat dominated by the 3 TVs - and there was only John Smiths and Courage Best in the way of ales, but it had a jovial atmosphere and the cheese and biscuits on the bar were an unusual treat.
27 Apr 2008 23:21
Generally a good pub, good food but the drinks are a bit over-priced.
27 Aug 2007 11:32
Lots of atmosphere and good range of beers, including guest ales. Very good.
27 Aug 2007 11:32
Very traditional interior, full of character. Good selection of beers/ales though introducing guest ales from small breweries would be a a good addition. Sell good quality sausages as a bar snack for 45p each after 6pm which is a fantastic idea.
27 Aug 2007 11:28
The White Horse, Sibton
A very good pub for drinking and excellent for food, with a lot of history and a great atmosphere. Highly recommended.
29 Jul 2016 19:45