The British Hotel, Douglas

Was a nice pub until it was done up two or three years ago.
The re-vamp not only changed the traditional pub-like feel of the place but also drastically altered the acoustics, so now when it is still half empty it is so noisy you have to shout to talk to anyone, thereby making the problem worse.
I had a truly appalling pint of Saison that I barely touched and was only about half way down my replacement pint of ordinary Okells bitter when I decided I'd had enough of the racket and left.

2 Sep 2013 17:36

George III Hotel, Penmaenpool

Most of the earlier reviews comment on the poor service and things havent improved since.
Downstairs in the rather dismal cellar bar the lone barman was struggling to cope with demand so I decided to follow the advice of the numerous signs around the place that suggested avoiding the queues by using the bar upstairs in the restaurant - only the barman there clearly didnt like having sweaty, muddy walkers and cyclists in his posh bar and used bored indifference to make sure we waited as long to get served as we would have done if we'd stayed in the queue downstairs.
And for this you pay the highest prices in the area.

2 Sep 2013 17:15

The Lamb Inn, Clearwell

Two years since my last visit and it's still as good now as it was then.

28 May 2013 17:21

The Lion Inn, Trellech

Arrived 50 minutes before opening time on a chilly day with ever-present threat of drizzle in the air. Dithered about whether to wait or walk on to my alternative lunch stop and decided in the end to stay.
Glad I did. The beer is good and the food even better.

28 May 2013 17:18

The Lamb Inn, Clearwell

One of the nicest pubs I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.
A total stranger to the area, never mind the pub, I arrived at opening time and had the landlord assist me in trying to identify the origins of a beer I'd sampled at another establishment earlier in the day. We might have failed in that task,but so what? How many other pubs would bother?
When the regulars started arriving I retired to the smaller side bar, not wanting to intrude, but was still able to overhear the conversation taking place and still felt very much welcome and at home.
It is an extremely good example of what all pubs ought to be but so rarely are nowadays - good beer, company and conversation in very pleasant surroundings.

14 Jul 2011 21:13