BITE user comments - ellisref
Comments by ellisref
Closed again and the top floor has been rented out as housing.
9 Jan 2023 10:13
We visit on a fairly regular basis on Sunday lunchtimes, a good selection of beers and friendly bar staff.
9 Jan 2023 10:11
Time to kill waiting for a train, outdoor courtyard was reserved for diners and quite busy. Extra tables had been put in the car park for drinkers. Service was a little slow but the TT Landlord was excellent.
29 Apr 2021 13:34
Called in before and after a trip on the steam railway, extra tables (some under cover with heaters) have been put outside. Choice of two ales, Butcombe Original and Pennine Heartland, went for the latter which was in good nick. Friendly service, a few people eating, the food looked good.
29 Apr 2021 13:31
Just round the corner from the Travelodge where we were staying, didn't fancy the GK beers so stuck to lager. Food was ok.
16 Jul 2020 15:50
2020 GBG entry, excellent pint of Wye Valley HPA. Only one other person in there, wasn't asked for contact details.
16 Jul 2020 15:47
Only able to sit outside and, because it was busy, we were only just inside the gates with resultant traffic noise. Average pint of Church End What the Fox's hat.
16 Jul 2020 15:45
Only the outdoor bar open, but it's possible to sit in the larger back bar as well as outside. Average pint of Wye Valley Butty Bach.
16 Jul 2020 15:42
If you look at the address details you'll see it's got a SW1 postcode rather than Islington's N1 postcode.
31 May 2020 07:57
The Famous Old Post Office, Newark
Appeals to the younger crowd with pool tables and lots of TV screens. Outdoor patio look comfortable, a few brave souls out there. Doom Bar and Black Sheep Bitter were on with one other pump clip turned round. Black Sheep was ok and quite cheap (£2.65).
7 Mar 2020 09:45
Appears to have closed down, entrance gates were locked at 5pm on a Friday.
7 Mar 2020 09:41
Comfortable traditional pub, 2020 GBG entry. Beers are from the Banks'/Marstons range plus Thwaites Wainwright and Courage Directors. Good pint of Banks' Amber
24 Jan 2020 13:54
Second visit in a month, on FA duties. Quiet the first time but full of away team supporters on the second. Good selection of ales - eight in total, bat staff working well under pressure. Some of the ales were Fullers Pride, TT Landlord, Oakham Citra, Bass, Thwaites Wainwright.
29 Dec 2019 11:25
Handy for the train or tram. My usual waiting room, now run by Lincoln Green brewery with most of their beers on plus 4 or 5 guests. Comfortable enough two bar pub.
26 Dec 2019 06:12
The Robin Hood Inn, Ironbridge
Busy Holden's pub, the menu looked good by my pint of Holden's Bitter wasn't that good, so ate elsewhere. Most of the drinkers were on lager which tells you something!
7 Dec 2019 09:45
Whatpub says it's open all day, closed when I walked past at 6pm and 7pm, might have open later as it does accommodation and appeared open when I went passed on the following morning.
7 Dec 2019 09:43
Comfortable bistro style pub where I was advised to eat. Marston 61 Deep and Ringwood Best (Razorback) and Woods Shropshire Lad were on, had the latter which was perfectly acceptable.
7 Dec 2019 09:41
My bed for the night as all the hotels in Telford were full, says it's open all day but the doors were firmly shut when I arrived at 3.45 pm. It had a make over in 2018, the rooms are very nice but it didn't work in the pub which wasn't helped by four children using it as a playground. The Three Tuns XXX was decidedly average, the Butty Bach was much better. Breakfast wasn't too bad.
7 Dec 2019 09:38
Nothing's changed, like stepping back 30 years, the Hoskins beers were fine.
2 Nov 2019 19:08
Comfortable enough on a quiet Thursday afternoon, looks to have had a refurb and is slightly food orientated with prices to match. Five handpumps but only had Doom Bar and Oakham Citra on, no contest really.
1 Nov 2019 16:36
Hadn't seen anyone going in for a while, then irregular opening hours, now boarded up.
23 Sep 2019 10:25
The Hunting Lodge, Barrow upon Soar
Couldn't agree more with Blue Scrumpy, the beers haven't changed apart from adding Bombardier, only a swift half as catching the train.
25 Aug 2019 10:37
The Boat House Barrow, Loughborough
In the process of refurbishment, going towards slightly up market food place with prices to match. Good selection of ales though from Butcombe, Titanic and Fullers plus a couple more.
25 Aug 2019 10:35
Soar Bridge Inn, Barrow On Soar
Out and about on FA work again, lots of people in the garden, didn't venture into the eating area. Compact bar with the usual selection of Everards beers and some guests, perfectly acceptable pint of Tiger.
25 Aug 2019 10:32
Pure Bar and Kitchen, Birmingham
It's a 2019 GBG entry, most of the previous posters have summed up the place pretty well. Purity beers aren't to my taste so 1 pint and moved swiftly on.
Oh and they have a desk at the entrance the way upmarket eateries do, nothing more needs saying!
16 Aug 2019 14:21
The Old Joint Stock, Birmingham
It's one of my normal ports of call when working in Birmingham. Yes it's a little expensive (Pride £4.50 and signature pie - lamb shoulder shepherd's pie with braised red cabbage £14.00) but the quality of the food was superb. Usual range of Fuller's beers but increasingly they're stocking a range of guest ales. Well worth a visit.
16 Aug 2019 14:16
Comfortable pub in a side street near the sporting venues, it's also the Navigation Brewery tap, large range of Navigation beers and two Gwynt Y Ddraig ciders. Most important though, the air con was working in the pub!
Went for the Navigation Patriot as it's a traditional best bitter rather than the usual offering of pale beers in this area. It was very good.
Definitely worth another visit - but not on a sporting match day!
24 Jul 2019 09:55
Beats me how a 100+ seater Flaming Grill can operate for two days with no functioning gents toilets.
GK Abbot and IPA together with TT Boltmaker.
Only use the place as it's convenient.
30 Jun 2019 12:20
Forgot the place is licensed for weddings, add this to a hen party and the good weather it was a case of two halves for us - Kelham Island Easy Rider and Ossett Blonde and moving swiftly on.
30 Jun 2019 12:17
Been here again twice recently, the first it was pleasant and comfortable. Yesterday was the exact opposite. Yes, it was busy but the manageress? was heard to moan about needing another pair of hands, surely it's her job to get the staffing levels right. It took a while to get served as they were concentrating on taking food orders. 3 Dancing Duck ales and two from Marstons, my Ay Up was ok.
Defining moment was on the way out we were heading towards the door but our way was blocked by the food ordering queue, the barman who'd served us (who needs a personality transplant) came up behind with a food order and wanted us to get out of the way - nowhere to go. I think I'll save the return visit for a cold night in November!
30 Jun 2019 12:14
Visited at a sensible time (4.15 on a Thursday), ticks all the boxes - good beer and surroundings, service pretty good. Mainly local ales but I stuck with TT Boltmaker which was fine.
12 Jun 2019 10:37
Closed at 3.30 on a Thursday afternoon, no sign of opening hours and Whatpub! didn't have the details either. All in all a disappointment.
12 Jun 2019 10:34
As previous posters say, it's mainly for the craft brigade. Can't see how it got in 2019GBG. My pint of Adnams Southwold was well below par. The place is a bit soulless.
12 Jun 2019 10:32
Street corner pub with several rooms that was quiet during the day, only ale on was TT Landlord which was reasonable.
12 Jun 2019 10:29
Just round the corner from the hotel, eating there (again on recommendation). It was busy (England game) but got a table with no problem and there's extra seating (and bars I think) on two floors above.
Tried the Okell's beers as they're quite hard to find on the mainland, both were good as was the food.
9 Jun 2019 08:11
Enquired if we could come in as we had the dog with us and was told we're dog friendly but some managers say yes but others say only in the garden/patio. It turned out to be the latter.
The choicer was Doom Bar or Town Crier Bitter - couldn't see who brewed it, it was ok.
Standard of literacy in Chester must be poor, two large signs on the patio saying it was now a non-smoking area but it didn't deter the chav couple sitting right next to one and the staff didn't do anything.
9 Jun 2019 08:06
Part of the same chain that have the Corn Mill, Llangollen so had a rough idea what to expect. Fairly busy but found a table as we were eating (on recommendation), had Rudgate Ruby Mild and Lamb Crumble (the crumble appeared to be minted peas) ale and found were very good an a reasonable price given the location.
A sign by the door advertises that they're trying to promote an adult atmosphere so no small children inside or out, if in doubt ask, please. Which I considered to be a sensible means of ensuring compliance.
9 Jun 2019 07:59
One of the highlights of the week, tried to visit here a couple of years ago but couldn't find it as it's below eye level (also suspect the pub sign was off the wall being re-painted).
Although fairly busy the owner took time out to come and have a chat, and having established we weren't staying close (in Chester) gave us some good advice about where to eat.
Only down side was there weren't any of their own (McGiven) beers on so had a pint of Facer's Flintshire Bitter, which was pretty good.
9 Jun 2019 07:49
Could only access the ground floor or outside (had little white monster/dog with us). Difficult to get served due to the number of locals on stools blocking the bar. Fair range of local brews, went for Magic Dragon Ice Dragon which was fine. Magic Dragon appears to be Plassey/New Plassey re-inventing itself.
9 Jun 2019 07:41
I must have been here a few weeks before the previous poster as the place was a little 'tired'. Pleasantly refurbished and the usual range of Robinson's beers, went for the Unicorn which was pretty good.
9 Jun 2019 07:36
Couldn't agree more with BS, it's bigger than most micros. Last stop of the day before the hotel. The stillage is now inside glass fronted cabinets as well. A good range and opted for Bristol Beer Factory Milk Stout which was good.
9 Jun 2019 07:32
Deservedly popular, busy on a Tuesday evening but managed to get a table in one of the many rooms. Having tried Butty Bach earlier I went for the Wye Valley Bitter - in good condition.
9 Jun 2019 07:27
The Spread Eagle Inn, Hereford
A deceptively small frontage hides a three roomed interior and large paved courtyard. 3 or 4 ales on, had Butty Bach which was quite acceptable. Came back late and had some good quality food at a reasonable price given its location close to the Cathedral. A family business.
9 Jun 2019 07:24
Time to kill before the train, went in the small front bar - no problems. A reasonable selection of ales. Would re-visit with more time.
7 Jun 2019 21:10
GBG pub on the outskirts of town (city). Small bar as you enter up some stairs with town rooms off it. Selection of local micro beers, opted for Hobson's Best which was good.
7 Jun 2019 21:05
Handy for Foregate Street station, four ales on, had Butty Bach which was good. Quiet as had only just opened, friendly barmaid.
7 Jun 2019 20:59
Fairly standard GK pub, food stop on the way back to the hotel. Usual GK range plus a guest, fairly busy with locals.
7 Jun 2019 20:52
Fullers pub with accommodation and food orientated so was expecting the worst when ordering a pint of Pride but quality was ok and price didn't seem too bad. Limited range of ales, seems to be more interested in craft keg and designer lager.
Scores on location.
7 Jun 2019 20:49
Tourists still missing so fairly quiet, place didn't make much of an impression, can't even remember what I drank.
7 Jun 2019 20:45
BS missed the large courtyard at the back that was busy, so the bar itself was quiet, had Bath Gem which was reasonable. I missed the CAMRA discount sign until I'd paid - they didn't offer to refund the balance
7 Jun 2019 20:39
Found this place whilst looking for The Chequers (one alley away), dark wood interior appears to be off the tourist list. Marston's beers in the main, Brakspear Oxford was fine.
7 Jun 2019 20:36
Quiet enough on a Monday lunchtime, opted for Hooky as I hadn't had it for a while and it was perfectly acceptable.
7 Jun 2019 20:32
Two visits in the last month as on business nearby. The first coincided with one of their twice yearly beer festivals which was clearly a success. The second was a fairly quiet night and the Holden's Mild had made a reappearance. Good beer, comfortable surroundings and the train service has been improved, what isn't there to like?
25 May 2019 10:19
Pleasant pub in a good location, very much food orientated but drinkers are very welcome. Six handpumps, three of which were Theakston's, opted for the Dockyard which was good.
No sign of the previously mentioned barmaid, staff were young, cheerful and hardworking.
5 May 2019 12:44
The Bread and Bitter, Mapperley
Adjacent to a GK pub and a 'spoons' so it's really a no-brainer for choice. Full range of Castle Rock beers plus guests and real cider. Opted for Japanese Essence of Thames Water (aka London Pride) which was in good nick.
19 Apr 2019 12:21
Nothing has changed since the previous posts, 'lounge' bar locked but advertised as a tea room. All keg in the public bar.
19 Apr 2019 12:18
Has just reopened after a refurb, upper end of Greene King eatery range. Usual offering of GK beers plus TT Landlord, which was perfectly acceptable.
17 Apr 2019 14:05
Came out of the station on the correct side this time (earlier in the day didn't and went in the Midland Hotel - not listed and shouldn't be (no ales). A short walk across the car park. Small, multi roomed with four ales - North Riding Sorachi Stout, Dukeries Arrabella Gold, Hawkshead Gold and Double Top History Maker, which was very nice. Best avoided on matchdays due to crush as the team's doing well.
12 Apr 2019 08:31
Absolute gem, four ales on Double Top Golden Arrow, Buxton Moor Top, Castle Rock Screetch Owl and Eight Arch Quarter Jack Stout (all the way from Dorset - just moved from there!) which was excellent. Has four festivals a year, definitely a return visit is needed, opens at 4pm most weekdays. Exit to platform is ok.
12 Apr 2019 08:26
Looks like it might have just changed hands, current GBG entry. Opens at 3pm most days, 3 ales on Abbeydale Deception, Milestone New World and Batemans St George's Glory - which was ok. Has a carvery on Sundays.
12 Apr 2019 08:22
Closed, Whatpub says open 5-10 but supposedly serves food 12-3? Not on my list for a return visit.
10 Apr 2019 08:46
On previous visits I'd agree with SM, but no brats today. Usual selection of ales but "bittered" out by now.
10 Apr 2019 08:43
Came here earlier this year on FA work and liked it. Unusually today one table was occupied by a knitting circle! Good selection of local ales, went for Tollgate Red Storm as most of the rest were the usual pale/blonde offerings in this part of the world - apart from a 5.4% breakfast stout!
10 Apr 2019 08:40
Popped in for a swift half whilst waiting for the bus. First time we'd seen the place open, comfortable enough, had Blue Monkey BG Sips. Pub husky took a liking to our Westie, ? sizing him up for tea??
10 Apr 2019 08:36
Busy with families as it was the school holidays, but generally ok. Good selection of local ales, went for Peak Bakewell Best Bitter which was pretty good. Awesome Pizza menu.
10 Apr 2019 08:34
Had family visiting now we've moved near here and thought it would be a good place to start the day. Didn't disappoint, 2 Heritage Brewing Beers plus Pedigree and Harrington Whim Ale. Food looked as good as ever - we had eaten here since the previous post.
10 Apr 2019 08:32
Good select of ales, mainly local, and ciders. Extremely dog friendly (award winning) sadly some owners need to be reminded to clean up in the garden after their charges - mainly pitbulls (dogs and owners).
7 Apr 2019 12:25
First call of the day, it's across the road from Willington station, but the service is infrequent. Nicely refurbished with 6 ales on and a good lunchtime trade for food.
27 Mar 2019 20:08
Couldn't agree more with the previous post, very food orientated but the Boot beer I had was pleasant enough. Nice outdoors area by the canal. We went there by train, but the service is very infrequent.
27 Mar 2019 20:05
Pleasant enough GBG pub, but either seriously overpriced (looking at the food) or I was overcharged, no price list on display to verify. Won't be going back.
16 Feb 2019 10:13
Came here for the second time, it appeared closed the first time we were here.
$pm on a Wednesday an no one in, had a pint of Pheasantry which Weights & Measures would have had a field day with, but I couldn't be bothered.
Interestingly they advertise pizza and drinks deals on Thursdays and Sundays but there were two posters in the gents with different prices! Suggests a couldn't be bothered attitude.
Won't be going back in a hurry , there are better pubs in town.
14 Feb 2019 20:13
Found this place on the way to FA duties having relocated from the deep south.
Pleasantly refurbished with Dancing Duck ales and an interesting menu. will be visiting again.
14 Feb 2019 20:07
The Navigation Inn, Nottingham
Obviously this place is struggling to compete with its larger neighbours, whilst there are 12 handpumps only two beers were on, both Marston's, a cooling lager and moved on.
27 Jul 2018 10:29
Two visits, early evening and the following lunchtime, preferred lunchtime as it was quieter. Stuck with the Castle Rock Harvest Pale. She who must be obeyed occasionally was impressed with the range of ciders and tried one from Hawkes. Friendly staff had time to chat at lunchtime - mainly to say hello to a little white dog.
27 Jul 2018 10:19
A true pub with a great selection of ales.
Went there two days running, had Holdens Black Country Bitter, Fullers Pride and Everards Tiger - all in good condition and the cellar obviously does a very good job in the heatwave.
Food's good as well, we had ham and tomato and beef and horseradish sandwiches.
Direct access from the garden onto the station platform helped as we had dog and luggage with us.
27 Jul 2018 09:59
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
The subway under the station is closed at present so turn left out of the station and go to the end of the taxi/drop-off point then left again along the cobbles and under the bridge.
Was there on a Monday night, unfortunately the kitchen closed at 18.00 so wasn't able to sample the hot pork baps again, had to make do with cheese and onion and beef and onion cobs.
Beer as good as always.
27 Jul 2018 09:53
The Bishop On The Bridge, Winchester
Baxterfish understated the current situation, £10.20 for a pint of Frontier and a Cornish Orchard - or had they put the prices up a little because of the football?
14 Jul 2018 20:53
The Horse and Groom, Alresford
Comfortable Fuller's pub, football was on but not too intrusive. Would go back in the winter when it's probably quieter.
14 Jul 2018 20:51
Very few people in, but a good selection of ales, Flowerpots, Bowman and Dark Star but I went for West Berkshire Magg's Mild which was pretty good. Friendly bar staff, was advised it will get busy later as a result of the Bus Rally.
14 Jul 2018 20:48
Handy for the station. TripleFFF beers on, but fairly average, quite busy for a Saturday lunchtime, mainly due to the Beer and Bus rally going on.
14 Jul 2018 20:46
With the greatest respect to all posters, BITE isn't the vehicle for communication between the pub/poster/legal authorities.
To the poster - please try and be constructive.
To the pub - likewise, a cutting reply only makes things worse - and spell check your response.
Let's keep this site for the purpose it was intended, to be informative for those of us that have the good fortune to be able to travel about and seek out decent pubs and decent beer.
5 Jul 2018 22:46
A week away (Friday night).
Nominally a Brains house with a reasonable selection of guests so went for Glamorgan Jemima's Pitchfork, which was ok.
Food was pretty good but the service was a little slow given the pub was fairly quiet, timed to arrive just as you finished a drink so had to get another one!
Given Newport's alleged reputation probably one of the safest pubs, didn't see anyone under 45 in the place!
10 Jun 2018 09:15
A week away (Friday lunch).
Absolute gem, tucked away behind one of the many churches. Good range of beers and I opted for M&B Mild, simply because I hadn't seen it for ages.
Good service and the banter was excellent - especially three visitors trying to negotiate for 3 pork pies for a fiver!
10 Jun 2018 09:02
A week away (Friday lunch).
Agreed, it's a bit like a gastro wine bar but the service was good. Had Salopian Lemon Dream, which was very nice. The other beer on was Butty Bach.
Enterprisingly, someone has produced a map of Shrewsbury's pubs so it was easy to find the next one …….
10 Jun 2018 08:58
A week away (Thursday lunch).
Claims to be the smallest pub in Wales, in the shadow of the castle just off the main square. Had the Llyn Brewery Y Brawd Houdini, a summer ale that was quite pleasant. TV wasn't on.
10 Jun 2018 08:52
A week away (Thursday lunch).
Temporarily closed due to a power supply problem, landlord didn't look happy!
10 Jun 2018 08:48
A week away (Wed and Thurs afternoons).
Definitely not 0.3 miles from the station as it's on the southbound platform in the buildings!
Can drink on the platform (plastic glasses only) or there's a garden. Wye Valley Butty Bach and PM Glaslyn were on - Doom Bar was off - oh dear!!!
Friendly service and locals, well worth getting to the station early.
10 Jun 2018 08:46
A week away (Thursday afternoon).
Our original choice to stay at, but was fully booked. ground floor bar attached to a hotel, three Purple Moose beers on, in reasonable condition. Not a lot of atmosphere to the place though.
10 Jun 2018 08:41
A week away (Wednesday and Thursday afternoons).
Purple Moose brewery tap handily placed between narrow guage and BR stations, tried both Glaslyn and Snowdonia bitters and my wife had the aptly named Chocolate Moose, all in good condition. Didn't try the food but menu looked reasonable. No problem getting a seat.
10 Jun 2018 08:38
Forgot to mention, Llanbedr is a closer station, only about 0.5 mile a request stop but trains are only every two hours.
10 Jun 2018 08:33
A week away (Tues, Wed & Thurs evenings) pub in the centre of the village where we were staying, hence the number of visits. However, the hotel (Ty Mawr) also needs inclusion).
Timeless Robinsons pub by a bridge over the stream with a small stone floored (ex-public bar) where our dog was allowed in - a requirement of the week- much larger smart lounge and accommodation and fair sized garden with covered seating.
Usual range of Robinson's beers, I stuck with the Unicorn which was good, had food on one night, good value.
10 Jun 2018 08:31
A week away (Tuesday afternoon)
Could be the same staff as a previous post, not really a good idea to concentrate on regulars when there's a good number of visitors already waiting - first impressions and all that?? A Banks' beer renamed in honour of the Wolves manager was ok.
Preferred the Royal Hotel (not listed - how do you nominate a pub?) just down the road GBG listed.
9 Jun 2018 13:45
A week away (Tuesday afternoon).
OLde worlde small pub on the edge of the harbour, second visit with a year or so in between - much quieter on a midweek afternoon. Beers are generally from the Marstons range but also had Courage Best and one other. One of the better pubs in Barmouth.
9 Jun 2018 13:38
Ye Olde Murenger House, Newport
A week away (Monday and Friday nights).
Traditional ancient pub, good beer (Sam Smith's OBB) good food and conversation with a few customers and the landlord (Mon). Friday was a bit busier so only had a beer - interestingly the only pub on this bit of Newport High Street that didn't have door security.
9 Jun 2018 13:30
A week away (Monday Afternoon).
Just across the road from the City Arms, ok but not really my cup of tea (or pint) as prefer traditional established beers. Usual range of Tiny Rebel beers plus guests.
OK, but would stay the other side of the road out of choice.
9 Jun 2018 13:24
A week away (Monday afternoon)
Nominally a Brains house with a very good selections of guests (forgot to take notes - bear in mind for future reference) Also a good idea to use glasses to check ABV before trying to order a 7.2% mild! Settled for a Glamorgan IPA, which was good.
9 Jun 2018 13:21
A week away (Monday lunch).
What's isn't there not to like about this pub?
Near to the railway station (this week's mode of travel) adjacent to canal/aquaduct and river with a terraced garden. A nice walk (when it's dry) to/from their sister pub at Freshford.
Our third visit in as many months, usual range of Box Steam beers with Butcombe Original as the guest, which I had. They've created a deli/café on the second level of the garden to make room for selling beer in the small beer. Friendly staff and food was good on a previous visit.
9 Jun 2018 13:18
Captured again thanks to the inefficiency of GWR! £5.10 for a pint of Heineken......... Must try the refurbed Sidings (Reckless Engineer).
6 May 2018 12:50
Time to kill before the train, not sure why door staff needed at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon. Football fans safely at games or would the marathon runners have the energy to play up. Pride was average, service was reasonable.
23 Apr 2018 10:25
Visiting old haunts - stop 3.
Busy with diners but got a table, Pride was in good nick, but tourist prices.
23 Apr 2018 10:22
Visiting old haunts - stop 2. Looks like it's been refurbished, an oasis of calm from the busy HIgh Road. Pride was ok.
23 Apr 2018 10:19
Visiting old haunts - first stop. Busy on a Sunday lunchtime with tourists, escaped the throng by slipping into the quiet public bar. London Pride had just been put on and was in good nick.
23 Apr 2018 10:17
Been in here twice in a week thanks to the FA, usual Fullers/Gales range although on the second visit Holt's Two Hoots was on. Nice backstreet pub but slightly food orientated.
17 Apr 2018 12:43
Under new ownership and recently refurbished, I think we're paying for that though as my Wadworths Horizon was £4.40, a bit steep even if getting into the tourist season. Opening hours appear to have been extended as I was able to get a pint just before the last train (22.29) on a previous visit I was served with bad grace.
17 Apr 2018 12:40
Recently refurbished and re-named The Victoria, handy if you're shopping. Ringwood/Marstons range.
3 Mar 2018 11:36
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Train journey from hell last Saturday, thought I''d have a pint to chill out - pub closed again!!!!!!
9.30 on a Saturday night???
19 Sep 2017 20:36
Modern riverside pub, although you can only see the river from the upstairs area. Following the usual trend towards craft ales and lagers but still got the usual Fullers range with a guest (Butcombe). Aimed at the younger drinker.
14 Sep 2017 07:58
The Express Tavern, Kew Bridge
Sad to see the lawn at the back has been replaced by astroturf and seating, at least the fishpond is still there. Trying to cram too many dining tables into the small lounge. Having said that a good selection of beers and ciders, but had to be a traditionalist and had the Bass - which was reasonable.
14 Sep 2017 07:54
My local in the 80''s, has been renovated a couple of timings but still looks like a traditional pub in a great location. A good offering of Fullers beers both old and new but now concentrating on food - a good number of lunchtime diners.
14 Sep 2017 07:51
The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington
The modern exterior hides a sensitive restoration of the old station building/hotel inside. Usual range of Fullers beers, Pride in reasonable condition. First pub of the day visiting where we lived in the 80''s.
14 Sep 2017 07:48
Out and about for the FA again, passed here at the end of last season but didn''t have time to stop. Slightly better planning this time. Had a good pint of Otter Best, others on were from Sharps, Plain Ales and Bath.
Only downside was the inevitable ''Are you eating today?''.
20 Aug 2017 11:13
Fozzy and slerpy, please be constructive - it's bad enough having to put up with the gibberish computer geeks put on - let's try and keep the site to the purpose it was created for.
25 Jul 2017 19:42
Massive refurbishment and renamed the huntsman, so far upmarket and food orientated. About 10 staff serving food and one, occasionally two serving beer. Usual Marston's range plus a guest from Itchen Valley.
16 Jul 2017 19:08
Closed in the last month, just like Patrick's (around the corner - not listed), both places tried upmarket food but falling customers numbers.
23 Jun 2017 11:13
Bankes Arms Hotel, Corfe Castle
A hot Sunday lunchtime, with the Swanage Railway extension open. Just got in ahead of the rush. Palmers Dorset Gold in very good condition. Two other Palmers beers and Marstons (Wychwood) Hobgoblin on.
Will come back in the winter when it's a bit more peaceful.
18 Jun 2017 19:46
Tried the place twice on Tuesday, closed both times contrary to advertised hours. Went back Wednesday afternoon, open but no hand pumped ale available. Had one of the craft beers from Harviestoun - CAMRA discount only applies to the (non-existant) ales. The excuse for the lack of ale was it had been a busy weekend. All in all a big disappointment.
10 Jun 2017 11:01
Wasn't expecting to get here but had time to kill so went on a train ride, handily place on the station but can also access from the street. Good range of ales, had Brew York Maris the Otter which was good.
10 Jun 2017 10:56
Great pub in the village we were staying, was 'bittered out' from earlier in the day so can't comment on the beers. Was going to eat here the following night but bad weather and transport difficulties defeated us. Better luck next time.
10 Jun 2017 10:54
Had time to kill waiting for trains on two lunchtimes this week so the place was pretty quiet. Extensive range of beers and ciders, deserved local CAMRA branch pub of the year two years running. Tried their own Brunswick The Usual and Everards Tiger - both good.
10 Jun 2017 10:51
Absolute gem of a pub, 15min walk from Darley Dale station on Peak Rail steam railway, only 4 trains a day in each direction but 70mins between them so time for a pint or two. Howard Town Kerala and Doom Bar on the hand pump, needless to say had the Kerala which was good.
10 Jun 2017 10:47
Pleasant enough pub, good selection of ales on, had a good pint of Banks' Mild.
3 Jun 2017 08:09
The Great Western, Wolverhampton
Never fails to impress, came in mid-evening after a long journey and day's work. Relaxed atmosphere, usual range of beers, tried the Holdens Bitter and Bathams Bitter - both excellent. A must if you're in the area.
3 Jun 2017 08:06
Couldn't agree more with a previous post, came here a few years ago when it was in the GBG, this time seriously run down. Only two ales on Holdens Golden Glow and Wye Valley Butty Bach. It was strange that a random customer asked me if the beer was ok, even before I'd tasted it!
3 Jun 2017 08:03
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Dorchester
Enforced stop due to missed train/bus connection, reasonable micro-pub beers.
Best place to stop if waiting for bus/train.
27 May 2017 22:28
Always a must to visit, amazing atmosphere being a rugby pub with the Exeter-Wasps game on.
Wife and daughter liked the ciders, including some of the Westons flavoured ones, usual range of West Country beers on, Butcombe Pure Breed and Sharps Atlantic plus others.
27 May 2017 22:24
Lovely town centre pub, usual range of Palmers beers in good condition, had the seasonal Coastal Path.
Well worth a visit.
27 May 2017 22:19
Popped in before and after watching a game, handy for the station. Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic both in good condition. Friendly locals with good banter about football scores. Well worth a visit if you've got a wait for a connecting train.
17 Apr 2017 21:35
Thanks to the FA been here two Saturdays running. Excellent refurbishment, pie menu is superb - took a cold one home last week. TT Landlord last week was a fraction warm but Yeovil Stargazer today was good. Best place close to the station.
15 Apr 2017 21:59
Looks like it's gone back to the bad old days, came here yesterday for a family meal (wedding anniversary).
Service was poor throughout the meal, but not the staff's fault, simply not enough of them even when it was quiet. waited an age for starters - which were ok. The jug of water in addition to the drinks ordered didn't appear. After asking again when the plates were cleared away it took 10 mins to appear. 3 out of 4 main meals arrived together, the last one was 15 mins late, 2 out of the 4 were very poor and one got sent back.
It's all very well having a carried menu but if you can't get the basics right it's a waste of time.
The beer I had TT Boltmaker was average, won't be back in a hurry.
8 Mar 2017 21:48
The Rose and Crown, Trowbridge
Handy for the station, popped in whilst waiting for a bus to Devizes on Saturday lunchtime - quiet. Obviously been modernised since last post - clean, minimalistic, Butcombe Bitter was reasonable. Called in again on the way back, obviously the place for people in Trowbridge to be 'seen'. Only time for a quick half - although train was late so could have had a pint!
22 Aug 2016 22:11
Absolute gem of a pub, popped in before and after football - non-active role today! The lunchtime quiz was brilliant, no teams, no scoring just the landlord asking questions and people offering answers - banter was superb. Beer was good too - Butcombe Gold.
22 Aug 2016 22:06
Historic Fullers pub with usual good quality beer but on the tourist trail with prices to match.
2 Apr 2016 08:40
Couldn't agree more with previous posters, stunning ambience, good beers. I had Itchen Valley Watercress and Red Cat Prowler Pale - both good. Sandwiches looked good and treats for the dog - not sure what he made of the stuffed giraffe where we were sitting though. Bit of a trek from the station but well worth it.
2 Apr 2016 08:38
The Bishop On The Bridge, Winchester
First pub of the day as the Hyde Tavern was closed, decent pint of Pride in a food orientated pub, sat outside on the patio and watched the river rush by.
2 Apr 2016 08:34
Large open plan bar and eating house on top storey of new development between rail station and bus station. Yes, it's a tourist trap, but having tried it twice today after a journey from hell and before another one, the Bath Gem was very good and there's plenty of space so drinkers aren't pushed out, outdoor terraces will be nice when the weather's better.
29 Mar 2016 00:02
Had 20 mins to waste before my train, pub is in the process of changing hands so nothing on the handpumps but had a perfectly acceptable bottle of London Pride. Friendly (leaving) landlord.
13 Mar 2016 09:25
Pleasant enough pub, reasonable pint of Horizon only spoilt by a couple of very noisy children.
13 Mar 2016 09:23
The Bath Arms Hotel, Warminster
Impossible to get served on a Saturday lunchtime, only two staff serving and that JDW phenomenon where people queue in a line to get served. Gave up after 5mins and went across the road.
13 Mar 2016 09:20
Had 30 mins to wait for a train, slightly run down pub, poor pint of Wickwar BOB, only enlivened by a stag group dressed as doctors with one nurse! They were waiting for the train as well.
20 Feb 2016 23:20
Recently refurbished and reopened as The George Tapps, four handpumps, Doom Bar and St Austell Proper Job are regulars with a St Austell Xmas ale and Ringwood Razorback a.k.a Best as guests. Old Rosie cider on a fifth handpump. Pleasant enough early afternoon Xmas Eve and Boxing Day.
27 Dec 2015 11:59
After my previous experience with the Butcombe I thought I'd play safe and go for Doom Bar - £4.10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daylight robbery.
15 Dec 2015 16:53
Bit worried about 2 so overpowering reviews a couple of days apart.
Yes - it's got a good selection of ales and they're well kept.
Yes - the owner is very knowledgeable.
It's quite small.
On the two occasions I've been there only 2 or 3 others in there.
Please visit and decide for yourself.
3 Dec 2015 21:28
As good as my previous visit, a Thursday this time, but quiet. Beer selection was good, food was good and no delays. Will use on future visits.
19 Nov 2015 20:54
Found the place by accident whilst exploring the extension to the Nottingham tram system. Quiet, traditional pub, good selection of local ales, the one I had was in good nick.
19 Nov 2015 20:52
Only popped in briefly on Saturday lunchtime whilst waiting for a bus, has obviously been refurbished and is a lot more upmarket. Decent enough half of a local brew.
16 Nov 2015 21:21
A good refurbishment inside and a bit of work currently happening outside, Marstons Ringwood Best in good nick (who knows where it's brewed, just heard Ringwood has been brewing Thwaites!). Still plenty of signs to inform motorists about the car park.
2 Nov 2015 20:55
The previous poster's closure refers to when it was Bankes. It's very much open with with 'craft' ales & lagers and gastro food so I've been told. Haven't been in yet, suspect I'll probably need to check with my bank manager first.
2 Nov 2015 11:51
Saturday lunchtime, no Saints game and no matinee at The Mayflower - sheer bliss, room to move. Handy for changing buses/trains if you can navigate the big building site. Otter Amber, Old Speckled Hen and GK IPA so no contest, Otter in good nick.
24 Oct 2015 21:23
Lovely pub, good selection of ales - tried the Harvey's Bitter as it's a long way from home, perfectly acceptable.
25 Sep 2015 14:45
Agree it's a tad jingoistic, militarist and rugby orientated, but the beer is very good, a bit worrying that I was asked if I was a CAMRA member, don't wear shorts, sandels or have a beard, or am I being stereotypical?
25 Sep 2015 14:43
The Butcombe is now an unbelievable £4.30 a pint, glad I only had 20 mins to wait for a train!
25 Sep 2015 14:37
Closed for some months now despite new housing being developed nearby
18 Jul 2015 07:58
Just time for a very quick pint before getting the train. Not overly busy but usual JDW problems insufficient staff and couldn't find an unoccupied table that didn't have uncleared plates/glasses. Beer range average but only handy for the station.
3 Jul 2015 09:41
Like the previous poster it's been quite a few years since I'd visited. Very little has changed, a traditional pub that was a very welcome resting point after a 4.5 hour train journey. Full range of Brains beers, had the Dark - as good as ever.
3 Jul 2015 09:37
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Why oh why do we have to put up with very young kids (3 or 4 year old) screaming and running around at gone 8pm in the evening?
To keep The Woodman (now closed) exiles, some of which said they'd never set foot in here happy.
Combine this with an idiotic SWT employee that spends 5 hours a day in here, in uniform, spouting absolute rubbish and thinks he's funny.
The beer is good but the ambience is getting to be really hard work.
3 Jun 2015 20:07
Now renamed The Minster Arms.
Don't quite agree with previous poster, but it is more of an eating house. The refurbishment is very good - apart from the toilets (more later)
The pricing policy is obviously designed to keep the average punter out and pay for the refurbishment - Doom Bar is £4.00. This probably explains why there were only two other people in there having coffees yesterday afternoon.
The toilets look great but the urinals overflow badly when being flushed - paddling big style!
7 May 2015 17:02
Popped in there last night after narrowly losing to the village team at cricket. Friendly pub, slightly food orientated but a perfectly good pint of St Austell Tribute.
3 May 2015 11:52
Hadn't been in the place for a while, but my daughter who lives in Soton said it was ok. So after walking the dogs and with time to kill before the train ...........
Really impressed, a tasteful refurbishment, menu looks good and so was my Hobgoblin Gold.
Dogs will be getting some more walks!
1 May 2015 20:29
Refurbished since the last time I visited, doing a roaring lunchtime trade due to the steam gala. Food orientated, but prices of food & beer are very clearly geared towards the tourists. All ales were £4.00 - Ringwood Best, Otter Bitter and Bath Gem were on offer. Quite cramped as one dinner found out when a passing camera deposited his cone of kettle crisps all over the floor.
18 Apr 2015 09:22
Methinks cellarbuoy must have strayed too far from the Quay.
The prices are in keeping with the area, I know I'm slightly biased having lived in Chiswick for 15 years, but the Fullers beers are well kept. I'm usually in once or twice a week.
It's a pub for the discerning drinker - the cellar bar, open Friday and Saturday nights (and for rugby matches) caters for the Quay circuit overspill.
13 Mar 2015 18:41
I can understand the previous poster's anger. However (as a non-driver, even I'm aware of this) had they let the staff know they had parked they would have been directed to a machine in which they could have entered the car registration number to avoid a fine.
Pleasant pub, handy for bus and train stations, usual range of Marston's ales, can get busy when Poole Town FC and/or speedway and/or something on at The Lighthouse Arts Centre.
2 Mar 2015 17:12
It certainly is, sadly Tesco has built on the Royal Oak, most regulars have come across the road.
Low beamed pub with a number of rooms, reasonable pint of Sharps Atlantic whilst waiting for the bus that stops outside.
2 Mar 2015 17:02
Me thinks the last poster got mixed up with the Jolly Sailor next door.
This is a Badger pub with a heavy music slant, suits the bike evenings on the quay during the summer.
Standard Badger beer, usual tourist food menu, an acceptable pub in a tourist orientated area, if I visit I try to ensure it's off-season.
20 Jan 2015 19:16
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Beware if you arrive late in the evening, both doors shut at 21.55 last night.
Pub has a voter's choice for one of the hand pumped beers, currently it's TT Landlord - rare for this part of the world, needless to say sales of Doom Bar have dropped.
6 Jan 2015 19:07
The Wheatsheaf Hotel, New Milton
Pub has probably had a refurb since the last post, still heavily into food. I had a pint of Banks's Sunbeam which was pretty good. Fairly quiet on a Saturday lunchtime.
28 Dec 2014 10:40
Did the job for me, ok it was a Monday night about 7pm.
Good Ale selection and food came quickly.
7 Oct 2014 21:18
This place had a refurb a few months ago and has changed hands in the last couple of weeks.
Out - ultra loud music and very late night opening to try and join the Ashley Cross circuit.
In - much cleaner, slightly more food orientated and a customer friendly landlord. I went in on Sunday lunchtime as he was pulling through two lines, he'd never seen me before but immediately offered to get a pint from the cellar.
Normal Badger beer but in good nick.
Worth a visit.
15 Sep 2014 18:46
Quiet on a Tuesday afternoon, nice surroundings and did like the dog.
Beer - Thwaites Wainwright was only average though.
6 Jun 2014 12:44
Found my way here via the Wolsey (not listed - a shame). Clean and friendly with a good selection of ales. Had a good pint of Arkell's 3B (a long way from home.
I imagine the view's good when the weather's nice - dull and wet this time.
6 Jun 2014 12:41
Was fairly quiet on a Monday night, good range of ales - a classic old style pub.
6 Jun 2014 12:36
Haven't been here since 2006, liked it then still like it now. Two visits, Monday evening and Thursday lunchtime. Quiet both times but service quick and friendly. Beers were good and the beef stottie, chips and gravy set me up nicely for my 6 hour trip south.
6 Jun 2014 12:33
Totally agree the previous comments, was here on Wednesday night, just before the football and Thursday afternoon waiting for a train.
Good selection of ales, had Black Sheep, but price was high compared to other GBG pubs nearby.
Why, oh why did the music need to be so loud at 2.45 in the afternoon.
6 Jun 2014 12:29
I haven't been to London for a few years and had time to kill before getting a train.
4.09 for a print of Pride was eye-watering, even the tourist traps in Bournemouth/Poole/New Forest haven't quite reached the dreaded 4.00.
That being said, totally agree, surroundings, service are very nice and the Pride was the best I've had in a long time.
6 Jun 2014 12:23
Re-invented as a London boozer
Been here twice in the last month, a Sunday lunchtime when football was on, jam packed full, a Thursday mid afternoon with only 3 other people in.
Both times a short measured 'pint' of Doom Bar costing 3.90
Unlikely to make a third visit.
10 May 2014 13:47
Has opened and closed several times since the last post, now boarded up, looks terminal.
1 Feb 2014 10:23
It's now The Churchill - a Greene King Meet & Eat Grill.
Food looks good, haven't tried it yet.
Beer is Abbot and GK IPA with a changing guest ale.
Service is generally good but the pillar in the middle of the bar can mean people get missed.
29 Jan 2014 18:44
Went in there with my wife and daughter last week, a bit grubby, my Trelawny was ok and the ladies enjoyed the selection of ciders but my daughter suggested it was a case of "Get orf of my land" At least the pub dog was friendly, moved swiftly on to the Tiger - normal service resumed.
11 Mar 2013 18:21
Pub has been brought by Greene King, currently closed for refurbishment, re-opening in early December
29 Nov 2011 13:14
The Blackwater Stream, Broadstone
Came here on a Saturday afternoon during the beer festival and would totally echo the comments about children, beers were very good as was the service.
Tried it again the following Wednesday, much more peaceful
24 Apr 2011 11:33
The Branksome Railway, Branksome
Speaking as one of the middle aged readers (from a previous poster).
The third handpump is now in regular use, currently Palmers Copper Ale, can't say what it's like as I'm sticking to my usual Otter.
Also the pub is now serving a limited, reasonably priced food menu between 12.00 and 2.30 Monday - Friday.
Still fairly quiet, but that's the way some of us like it!
10 Sep 2010 13:31
The White Lion, Beeston
Lincoln Green Brewery have invested a lot of money into the place. It's got a small bar at the front and the rear is now Blackshale Bar and Kitchen. The locals went up in arms as the White Lion statue outside has been painted Lincoln Green. The ales are ok, but a bit on the cold side.
11 Feb 2024 12:40