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BITE user comments - caliwag

Comments by caliwag

The Beaufort Arms, Clifton

Spot on place in a popular part of Bristol...will make a special pilgrimage from the North East

23 Jul 2019 14:13

The Bulls Head Inn, Baildon

Staying in Baildon for a spot...Very pleased to have discovered this superb local, several hand pulled ales and guests, including the wonderful Goose Eye Chinook. Regular hot and cold food on the bar...friendly locals, great staff...what more can you want?

20 Aug 2017 09:12

The Orchard Inn, Bristol

Superb spot...always my pilgrimage on a visit to Bristol...over 20 ciders and a good range of snacks. Get the feeling they don't want too many people to know about the place!

31 Jan 2016 12:07

Bonapartes, Bristol

Ha...at those prices, you would expect a full range...only one handpull on (Saturday middle of the day, 29.01.16)...very poor show or poor management...unbelievable. Now the King's Head, less than half a mile from the station, in Victoria Street, is an absolute delight, so go there instead for a cheaper pint in a great pub!

31 Jan 2016 12:03

The Living Room, York

CLOSED...Now another burger restaurant!

30 Jul 2014 20:08

The Edward VII, York

Closed

5 May 2014 18:43

The Star Inn, St. Day

Just won the best pub in Cornwall...includes a hairdressing salon and library: camping site on the way!
Article in the West Briton says they support all the 20+ Cornish Breweries...excellent stuff.

Congrats to all

2 Apr 2014 10:50

The Old Barn Owl Inn, Langport

Put on market by small chain British Country Inns for £360

Reviews across the internet would suggest that it has a considerably better rating than above.

30 Jul 2013 11:45

The Slip Inn, York

Place going from strength to strength to my mind! Small screen Sky footy and cricket, excellent staff, good ale choice, good atmosphere...a real local feel too. Regular beer fests with food and music!

23 May 2013 12:42

The Golden Ball, York

Huh! Sadly the bar manager was relieved of duties after 6 months probation and there's been some most odd redecoration ideas. The traditional Thursday evening music spot has been scrapped and the opening time has reverted to 5pm
So, a coop idea has not proved so wonderful!
Visit and make up your own mind though. Slip Inn for me though peeps!

23 May 2013 12:37

The Golden Ball, York

Huh! Sadly the bar manager was relieved of duties after 6 months probation and there's been some most odd redecoration ideas. The traditional Thursday evening music spot has been scrapped and the opening time has reverted to 5pm
So, a coop idea has not proved so wonderful!
Visit and make up your own mind though. Slip Inn for me though peeps!

23 May 2013 12:37

The Woolpack, York

Now open...big range of Taylors ales.

20 Mar 2013 11:04

The Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth

Bloody hell, how unusual is that...bizarre

20 Mar 2013 11:00

Hope & Anchor, Wirksworth

Visited yesterday and thought it very good...warm (coal fires lit) and very friendly.
Excellent beer in the form of Wirksworth brewery and another local which I forget.

Handy for the railway and the local farmers' market

3 Mar 2013 13:02

The Woolpack, York

Taken on by Paul and John of Slip, Volunteers fame, so another free house for the area. Closed for refurb for a few weeks...watch this space.

Bloody ring road seriously gets in the way however!

23 Jan 2013 13:28

The Golden Ball, York

Now open 4pm daily...midday at weekends. Five revolving guest ales...often Salamander, Ilkley, Great Newsome...good Yorkshire ales!

23 Jan 2013 13:22

The Golden Ball, York

I think you'll find tiger on regularly as several of the regulars love it!
Just FYI, opening times for the season (I just drink there, but as the new management coop haven't got the website up, here goes

27th 4-11.30
28th 12-11.30
29th 12-11.30
30th 12-11
New years eve 3-1am
ne'er day 5-11
Wed 4-11
Thurs 4-11.30
Fri 4-11.30

Alternating music Thursdays and all-comers guitars, violins, banjos, accordians...Sundays

Enjoy Peeps.

26 Dec 2012 17:52

The Golden Ball, York

Well worth a visit under new cooperative management. Deuchars (note it's dewchars, not doichars...with the ch as in loch!) and Bombardier removed in favour of two more revolving ales (that's 5 now + Tiger and John Smith cask) The latter still popular with some long-standing locals.

New Golden Ball website on its way.

Place has a delightful atmosphere.

5 Dec 2012 09:59

The Shakespeare Tavern, Durham

Agree...delightful interior, but a very uninspiring range: one from London, one from Cumbria and two from Scotland...what's that about, why no representation from local micros: poor.

5 Dec 2012 09:53

The Eagle, Cambridge

Friday evening at 5pm...busy but enough seats. Great atmosphere and efficient service: so will return.

1 Dec 2012 11:43

The Old Ebor, York

Shame the last reviewer had a bad experience...new landlord trying hard against adversity of owner wanting to convert to flats and placed on a very annoying ring road. On the plus side they seem to be concentrating on O'Kells from the Isle of Man and the beer is very cheap...for York: only 10mins brisk walk from centre!

18 Nov 2012 12:55

The Golden Ball, York

Reopened after one day closure as a community-run cooperative...well worth support: a true local. Keep an eye on opening times: 5pm weekdays, all day weekends...at the moment!

18 Nov 2012 12:50

The Kings Head, Bristol

Bloody gem...stumbled across this, with student son, in a wander from Temple Meads station in a traffic-hostile part of Bristol. A real 'must visit' if you have an hour to kill atween trains! Seems to be open all day...delightful pint or three of Butcombe too! Superb.

13 Oct 2012 14:03

The Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth

Or...Rocktail (geddit!!) mix of Own and Special!

24 Jun 2012 09:54

The Golden Ball, York

Community share issue for GB to be launched on July 2nd.

After then check out goldenballyork.co.uk for info
Got a mention in the Guardian money yesterday.

24 Jun 2012 09:51

The Little John Inn, York

After image problems and a dodgy landlord it is reinventing itself as the Dick Turpin...don't think I'll go out of my way though, it's an Enterprise Inn!

19 Apr 2012 17:36

All Bar One, York

Reinvented as All Bar One or something, now with Doom Bar, pretty busy place with tapas type stuff, about 10 years after it became trendy: but hey it is York.
Nice atmosphere though: music a waste of time all you can 'hear' is bass...bit like a band is practising upstairs...maybe there was of course.

19 Apr 2012 17:34

The First Hussar, York

It's open again. Pubs within the City walls are rarely closed for long, so worth checking your 'day out'

19 Apr 2012 17:23

Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York

On form. Now 10 hand pumps, but all with good turnover! Agree staff superb, nothing appears to be a problem even when busy busy or the coffee machine is playing up...excellent.

5 Mar 2012 17:41

The Ackhorne, York

Beer still very much on song, with generally an interesting choice.
Food excellent too....however very much a summer pub as the doors don't seem to close...!

21 Feb 2012 15:05

The Locomotive Inn, York

Demolished!

11 Feb 2012 19:49

The Cygnet Inn, York

Closed!

12 Jan 2012 23:02

Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York

Now then...news today that the Market Town Tavern pubs are to be taken over by O'Kells of IOM. Probably no problem except that we might see O'Kells in the pubs! At the expense of what one might ask?

Black Sheep, no problem! but, say, interesting Yorkshire micros...mmm!

1 Nov 2011 21:29

The Golden Ball, York

still very much on song...committed to two rotating unusual beers (for York at least) Wylam, Goose eye, Great Newsome, Ilkley and recently an excellent Maxim dark ale...Rumour has it that they may have Old Spot on board from Cullingworth! Watch out for a new, regularly updated website.

31 Oct 2011 21:57

The Ackhorne, York

Its still on form...dumping the daft Green King pump, I understand....doesn't bode well though when they can't even be bothered to fix the outside lighting to the sign!! Pretty basic stuff surely...given its obscure location.

31 Oct 2011 21:41

The Volunteer Arms, York

Currently closed for refurb. Taken on as a freehouse by Paul and John of Slip/Swan fame, so should put some decent ale into that side of the tracks! Fox notwithstanding. Due to reopen close to bank holiday weekend...watch this space.

13 Aug 2011 04:00

The Ackhorne, York

Yeah...beer cock on now. Look out for some unusual ones. Three different Brown Cow recently! Oh! open at mid-day everyday too. Bl++dy dangerous for a local!

15 Mar 2011 17:06

The Golden Ball, York

According to the Ouse Boozer, Fozz is holding a beer festival April 1-3...4.30 Friday, Noon Sat and Sun.

Beers from Ilkley, Naylors, Brown Cow, Salamander, Goose Eye, Great Newsome and other Yorkshire goodies + BBQ Sat, Sun.

15 Mar 2011 12:15

The Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth

Mmm...Sharps bought by Coors. Bah, how long before that brewery disappears? Well there's always Skinners and St Austell, to say nothing of all the new micros in Cornwall...maybe it'll do 'em favour.

6 Mar 2011 20:44

The Golden Ball, York

Good stuff...some lovely guest ales, Goose eyes and Great Newsome, a beer fest 1-3 April...Yorkshire ales, including Selby, so it goes!

6 Mar 2011 20:39

The Locomotive Inn, York

Watch this space...news soon, I understand!

2 Mar 2011 22:05

The Ackhorne, York

Ha...meant Golden Ball or that last post made zero sense...see, still positive after a beer!

2 Mar 2011 22:02

The Ackhorne, York

Currently opens at 4pm it seems through the week. Times to be revised soon. Worth a visit though (if you can) Brown Cow absolutely superb last weekend. Has to be said they still keep a good beer, though I prefer the Ackhorne personally...

2 Mar 2011 22:00

The Ackhorne, York

They have a beer request box on the bar, so I guess the list is at least as good as before.

12 Jan 2011 22:16

The Ackhorne, York

York press says back open from 5pm 3:12:10, and the Golden Fleece is still trading.

3 Dec 2010 19:12

The Ackhorne, York

Closed as Local heros chain has gone under, taking all 18 pubs with it. In York that's Ackhorne, Golden Fleece, Tap an Spile. The pub trade paper today (Monday 29th) only mentions two in York as "iconic", Fleece and Tap...none more Iconic and arguably the oldest as the Ackhorne... they will be back, I have no doubt.

29 Nov 2010 17:08

The Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth

Same owner for the many years I understand, but pleased you enjoyed the welcome. I visit several times a year and it's my second home...what else can I say?

6 Aug 2010 21:55

The Snickleway Inn, York

Well, in terms of York, I would not go out of my way to visit. I agree it has character, but atthe end of the day the beer choice is not wonderful, never has been. Whoever the landlords are need to get real and understand that there are now hundreds of fantastic breweries within 50 miles of York...Choice is the watchword of the politicians, so lets have more choice in a decent pub!

6 Aug 2010 21:47

The Three Legged Mare, York

I damn well hope you do take my thoughts seriously! Yes...a grand pub, with a well kept range of York brewery and guest beers. Very friendly and knowledgable staff, but also an interesting range of spaces from quiet gloom to a morning sunny spot, where you will hear the Minster bells.
True, the place has a non-pub feel, perhaps more continental really...should really be allowed to spread tables onto the pedestrian street, but hey, this is England!

6 Aug 2010 21:34

Montey's Rock Cafe, York

Well, a shadow of it's former self when they served beer off the barrel.
Forget it now, if you can find it open! No real ale anyway!

6 Aug 2010 21:14

Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York

I would agree with the last reviews entirely. But it is now so popular (OK Summer!) that the knowledgable staff spend half their time clearing up...glasses, dishes etc...the place needs a "sweeper" so that there is always someone on't bar. The beer prices must justify such a person!

6 Aug 2010 20:59

The Minster Inn, York

Yup...As a local I hear more of these sorts of tales...if visiting York turn right from the station and left at the lights...take it from there, but check opening hours.
There's Brigantes of course, Ackhorne, Golden ball (after 5 through the week), even the Swan and the marvelloues Slip (both late afternoon jobs)...but worth the wait. Oh and even a decent Wetherspoons in the old Punchbowl in Blossom Street. Sorry, just don't turn left from the station.
However if you fancy a grand cheep beer (Sam Smiths) I recommend the Wellington in Alma Terrace...a brisk 12 minutes walk at a good clip...Google the location!

25 Jul 2010 19:58

Meltons Too, York

I always felt that this was a bold venture in an old converted saddlery. Actually a sensitive conversion with as little intervention as possible, so it is a place with loads of character. Not set out as a pub of course, but a very successful bistro type tapas place...opened by the nationally acclaimed Melton's restaurant (though I have to admit I have never ventured into Meltons)

However M too has a small bar, at the last count serving draught York brewery strangely cheaper than the brewery bar!

There is a small, characterful function/ performance room in the medieval attic too.

So all in all a fine place for an early evening "tapas" style snack or a Sunday breakfast with all the trimmings...definitely worth a try if on a flying visit to York...close to most of the recommended pubs too.

17 Jul 2010 13:46

Buzz Japanese Restaurant and Bar, York

Renamed Tokyo Joe last year, but just as good...love the spicy noodle soup. Excellent ambient music last time I was there.
All in all great value and a very cool atmosphere with cooking done before your very eyes.

13 Jul 2010 15:25

The Mitre, Knaresborough

Agree with Sinful855...on a sunny day or a Wednesday (market day) I pop over on the train from York. Worth a look too if you are travelling on the train from all points West as every second train seems to turn round at Knaresborough, leaving you 20 minutes to grab a pint. But, hey, why rush there'll be another along in an hour or so!
For any train buffs reading, the signal box (controlling the crossing and the train movements to replatform for return to Leeds) is uniquely bolted to the end of a row of terraced houses descending to the river.
Quite splendid part of a gem of a railway.

12 Jul 2010 15:28

The Slip Inn, York

New lease of life care of the landlord of the nearby Swan who has bought it freehold.
Still undergoing refurb, but open every day. Friendly locals and curious couples from nearby caravan park make for interesting conversation.
For those that desire, there's a couple of modest flat-screen televisions which discretely display football and cricket via sky.
When the telly isn't turned up (who needs it for football, you can see the game and make up your own mind!), the landlord thoughtfully supplies interesting alternative music. Excellent service too the times I've visited.
Wold Top Falling Stone a splendid regular ale, with occasional Ossett and Leeds brewery.
All in all a spot-on place that's going make another grand local.

12 Jul 2010 15:09

The Blue Bell, York

Excellent little place, linked to the Hairy Fig deli down the road, from where you can make up your own tapas, take back to pub and enjoy with yer pint.
The ticket only business is a ploy to allow the Landlord to keep out the f++kwits

12 Jul 2010 14:59

The Living Room, York

Menu revised to fit more with the pub-grub brigade...mains are not good value, but there'e a large starter/tapas menu which is reasonable value.

Grand riverside location and ace staff and service.

No real ale though and often very inappropriate squawky, so-called, background music probably piped from head office. You really do not want that on a romantic lunch or supper!

9 Jul 2010 11:59

The Victoria Vaults, York

Still a good locals' pub, though a bit light on the choice of real ales. Well run, however, by a friendly couple.
Live music with local jazz outfit on first and third Friday of the month.

9 Jul 2010 11:53

The Ackhorne, York

Good pub which has been through a bit of a rough patch. (been drinking there since '88). New enthusiastic tenants. An open mike music night on Tuesdays and a popular quiz night Sundays.

Very interesting and ever changing range of unusual and well-kept ales from the likes of Ossett, Durham, Rooster's and Northumberland.

Well worth a visit

9 Jul 2010 11:48

Chainlocker and Shipwrights, Falmouth

would suggest the place is closed for a refurb...festooned in scaffolding.
The Falmouth Town sailing club claim to hold meetings there so perhaps a look at there website if you are curious. Look back up the narrow street to the steps and go to the Oddfellows Arms...haha

27 Jun 2010 11:10

The Gurnards Head, Zennor

Recommendation in Saturday's "The Information...50 best country pubs" supp as a great "weekwenders pub with accommodation, along with the Tinners arms as a walkers pub.

27 Jun 2010 10:55

The Golden Ball, York

Just awarded "best overall pub in York"...and is now listed grade ll status.
Thoroughly deserved...Well done Linda and Fozz.

1 May 2010 11:06

The Golden Ball, York

Indeed a gem with the best garden in York. Good range of ales, including Landlord and rotating guest from the likes of Great Newsome, Northumberland, Goose Eye, Oldershaw and York.
Opens 5 through the week and mid-day weekends. No Food...but, sandwiches on Rugby international days! Splendid, home-cooked, free finger buffets appear fairly regularly though.

25 Apr 2010 16:16

Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, York

Splendid spot for family groups or newspaper readers. Child and dog friendly (the dog gets a biscuit and a bowl of water!) Eight hand pulled with a regular in Black Sheep. Always a representative from Taylors (though not Landlord...too expensive it seems), and the splendid Leeds and York breweries.
Guests mainly from Yorkshire, though recent forays into Derbyshire have proved interesting.
I'm told that the food is always freshly prepared, so can be a bit slow but I've never had a poor lunch...served daily, and all day Saturday.
All in all, a great place.

25 Apr 2010 16:02

The Oddfellows Arms, Falmouth

Very friendly pub run by a welcoming couple. Whilst they don't do food, don't be surprised if cheese or the splendid home-made pate and biscuits don't appear on the bar. Local and a some national papers too. Quiz night and free pool table in back room.

25 Apr 2010 15:42

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