BITE user comments - robf
Comments by robf
The Malt Shovel, Wirksworth Moor
A welcoming, homely, very traditional pub. Reminded me of the way these out of town pubs were some 30 years ago and I found the experience most enjoyable!
Marstons ales - all in good nick, open fire, good mix of locals and rambling types, basic fodder at reasonable prices.
Well worth a visit.
16 Oct 2012 12:45
Bit touristy but then it would be given it's location. Very nice none the less.
4 handpulls on, Doombar, Wainwright, Titanic and another I forget. All in good order.
Food was good, but tourist prices, only way they can survive I suspect.
Had a good few locals arrive by end of the night and a bit more atmosphere ensued.
All in all well worth a visit, steady 7/10 from me.
9 Oct 2012 16:08
Well worth a visit on the way into town, which seemed to be what the bulk of the punters were doing. 4 or 5 handpulls, but selection can vary between the two bars, so worth checking both sides before buying. TT landlord was on good form.
20 Aug 2012 15:54
Good feel to this place, good service and good beer. About half a dozen to choose from as I recall. Well worth a second visit.
20 Aug 2012 15:49
Hmmmm, seems as if things have slipped a bit since last visit, can't exactly put my finger on the reason though.
Ales still good, both choice and quality, though staff seemed a little disinterested.
Got a bit of a feeling the place was resting on it's laurels, living on past glories perhaps. But then again everyone can have an off day I supose.
20 Aug 2012 15:43
Bog standard spoons with all the best and worst traits in equal measure.
Beer never dissapoints though.
20 Aug 2012 15:37
Now serving Brampton Ales, a local brew, very nice too.
One of the better town centre offerings still.
20 Aug 2012 15:35
Standard GK pub with standard GK offerings.
Friendly enough staff and locals.
Handy enough for an early doors pint.
20 Aug 2012 15:32
Said I'd never go back but the group I was with insisted on going in.
Vast improvement on previous visit! New management perhaps?
Cleanliness issues adressed.
Quality pint of black sheep, at bargain price, promptly served by friendly staff.
Keep up the good work whoever you may be!
20 Aug 2012 15:16
Starting to feel more spoonslike since my last visit, corporate stamp now firmly in place.
Still good though, beer quality still high, staff still friendly, even the doormen!
Like all spoons it's a does what it says on the tin place, unlike many a spoons it's well worth a visit still.
30 Apr 2012 11:26
Taylors house, bit of a gastro pub with modern bright interior. I'll forgive that sin for the superb quality of the ale, Golden Best and Landlord, both superb,served by friendly welcoming staff.
30 Apr 2012 11:10
Classic alehouse. Great selection and quality, great atmosphere.
Still the best in Ripon in my opinion.
An absolute must visit when in town.
30 Apr 2012 11:04
Local pub for local poeple, but friendly enough.
Average ale, nice guinness.
Makes a good early stop off on way into town
30 Apr 2012 11:00
Well if it looks like a dump, smells like a dump, sounds like a dump, it's probably a dump.
But I entered with an open mind and left shortly afterwards for the only place I found worse than this in Ripon.
Places like this I suspect have fuelled the supermarket beer boom.
30 Apr 2012 10:55
Well if it looks like a dump, smells like a dump, sounds like a dump, it's probably a dump.
But I entered with an open mind and left shortly afterwards for the only place I found worse than this in Ripon.
Places like this I suspect have fuelled the supermarket beer boom.
30 Apr 2012 10:55
GK house with standard GK range of beers which were well kept and served. Still has a friendly local pub feel despite obvious food leanings.
Good stop off on way to the One Eyed Rat. Oh, and as that short walk takes you past one of the best fish and chip shops in England I didn't try the food.
30 Apr 2012 10:46
Seems to be duelling with the Hornblower Tavern for the title of worst pub in Ripon. serious smell of decline pervades, among numerous other unpleasant aromas, which unfortunately included my pint!
Don't, just don't!!!
30 Apr 2012 10:40
Formula Green King house, very food orientated, nice and clean, with friendly efficient staff.
Abbot, Speckled Hen and IPA available, all acceptable qualitywise.
Friday night was heaving, live music on. saturday busy but not too crowded.
Suspect this may the best the area has to offer so will most likely call again when over that way.
30 Apr 2012 10:33
Bog standard GK food-barn. Called midweek, didn't eat.
Usual suspects on offer, Abbot and IPA, plus guest. All reasonable to the tastebuds. Service prompt and friendly, otherwise average in every way.
2.9? Suspect one or two posters have never been in a proper 2.9 pub!
Steady 5/10
21 Mar 2012 12:51
Called in on a friday night, no "local roughs" in evidence, very friendly welcome in fact! Strikes me as a "good honest boozer" - well patronised at that. Seems to have plenty going on from posters on display, there had clearly been somthing on earlier as we were invited to partake of the free buffet provided for the event.
Was there a downside? - Yes, only two handpulls in evidence and only London Pride available on the night, the other having run out. Ignoring this a 4 out of 10 score is unfair, harsh even, 6 borderline 7 (sort the second beer out) from me. based largely on the overall feel of the place. Would be more than happy to call again.
21 Mar 2012 12:43
Classic country pub, 3 or 4 handpulls on, stuck with the superb and locally brewed Wincle Waller. Cracking Ale!
Warm welcome, muddy boots and dog friendly. Food looked good, generous portions in evidence, but didn't try myself.
Return visit a must.
20 Feb 2012 11:37
This place is miles from anywhere but was busy with "locals" on friday when we called. Immediate impression was of a pub that values it's regulars, and that they value it in return. that said the welcome we received was as warm as for anybody in there.
Beer wise, of the three hand pulls two were in action serving the ubiquitous GK IPA and Hancocks bitter. The later being quite passable. Selection changes apparently. Also on the friday John Smiths (If you must) was on offer at �1.60 a pint.
An extensive pub grub menu was in evidence, likewise a coming events list shows regular w/end entertainment is offered. Singer when we were there, next friday is rock night!
Would I make a special journey to visit? No. Will I call in again if I'm passing that way? Definitely.
20 Feb 2012 11:30
Called in saturday afternoon, place half full with others like ourselves seeking refuge from the snow. Seemed to be very food orientated and staffed exclusively by studenty types, one of whom caused great hilarity when asked as to the style of the Pirates Gold, "Er, well it's a beer." Phd in the bleeding obvious heading your way young man!
Suspect it to be a toursit trap when toursits are in season.
As to the beer, Blacksheep, Pirates' Gold and Yorkshire Terrier on offer.
All passed muster with our party with the later two being particularly well received.
Nice enough, I'd call in again if passing but won't be making a special trip.
6 Feb 2012 10:41
The Black Sheep Brewery, Masham
Obviously a bit tourist-tastic, in particular the attached gift shop, but an interesting and worthwhile tour none the less.
Sampled the Blacksheep ale, very nice. The Riggwelter, superb. Goldensheep, nice crisp and refreshing. Only minor dissapointment was the Ruddy Ram, a porter served way,way too cold. Needed half an hour to attain a temperature at which it's flavour could be appreciated.
Didn't try the food, but it looked good.
All in all a saturday afternoon well spent.
12 Dec 2011 11:53
Said I'd go back and I did, on a saturday night.
Had a band on and the place was packed, good band and a good atmosphere, really friendly crowd.
Still achoice of 4 hand pulls, Theakstons best and OP, Thwaites wainwright, TT Landlord. Went with Thwaites and very nice it was too!
Can't see any point in going into the town centre whilst this place is open!
28 Nov 2011 13:50
The Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon
Hot topic among the locals is the dropping of this venue from the CAMRA good beer guide. The alleged reason being that the bar is not big enough!
Perhaps there should be a CAMRA big bar guide?
Certainly nothing has changed with respect to choice, quality and service. Still an 8 in my opinion, and that of many others.
28 Nov 2011 13:39
Hidden gem on the hillside above the town.
Traditional interior comprising two fairly small rooms, bar in each, books and board games available for customer use.
Called in about 6:30 sat evening, already half full, 5 hand pulls available.
Had a pint of Brimstone - nice enough, companions went with TT Landlord, claim it was the best they'd ever had!
Will make a return visit for sure, one of those pubs that just felt right!
28 Nov 2011 10:57
"Under new management"
Stopped off early saturday evening. Friendly welcome from cockney geezer behind bar, (presumably the new management), and a couple of chatty locals.
2 hand pulls on, tried a blonde beer which was well served and very palatable.
Looks like a good solid local pub to me.
28 Nov 2011 10:47
Found this place rather by accident one sunday, it's a bit off my nomal chesterfield circuit.
Hard to describe, not exactly an estate pub, not exactly a trditional local, not exactly a sports bar, not exactly a foody pub.
It does however combine some of the best bits of all four!
From posters seems to have regular entertainment on too.
Very warm welcome from staff and locals, found Thornbridge Jaipur, Everards Tiger, TT Landlord and Theakstons Best on offer. Theakstons in very good nick.
Didn't try the food (carvery)
Will be making a return visit or two.
7 Sep 2011 14:08
Didn't really feel like a 'Spoons, seems to have all the plus points and none of the minus points associated with it's breed.
Absolutely superb pint of Ripon Jewel, served by friendly, smiling and efficient bar staff on a busy saturday night. Choice of 4 or 5 others I hazily recall.
More than happy to return, more than happy to recommend.
7 Sep 2011 13:55
This is the more traditional village pub of the two in Great Longstone. I tend to be a summer visitor, it's in walking/cycling distance from home, so I called in for refreshments one evening last week mid bike ride.
Made most welcome by the landlord who resumed a conversation from 10 months ago as if I'd been in there the night before!
Beerwise it's a Robinsons house, with three maybe four offerings from the Stockport based outfit. Now Robinsons is one of those breweries, some swear by them, some swear at them. But at least here there is a choice and they are all kept in good nick.
I would go as far as to venture that you will not find a better pint of Robinsons served anywhere!
Foodwise an extensive menu with lots of satisfied looking diners, didn't eat myself.
28 Jul 2011 15:45
The White Lion Hotel, Great Longstone
Went here for a family celebratory meal not too long ago.
Previous two reviewers have got it bang on, it's an eatery more than a traditional villlage pub.
Our meal and the service were both excellent, but dear oh dear, only one beer on! Robinsons at that and not very inspiring. They may be tied to that particular brewery but a choice is surely not too much to ask.
28 Jul 2011 15:25
The Old Poet's Corner, Ashover
Effortlessly excellent!
Great selection of ales including those brewed on site, other locals/micros and a couple of major breweries. Extensive cider choice too.
Had a pint of Absolution which was just superb, together with a very nice pork pie!
Great atmosphere, great service, great beer, just wish I lived a bit nearer!
10 Jun 2011 12:17
Called in for bank holiday beerfest and very good it was too.
Warm welcome from friendly landlord and team and just �2.50/pint for festival ales.
Pub itself cosy and traditional, 2 maybe 3 handpulls on (bit hazy by the time I got inside) Didn't dine myself but overheard lots of positive comments from those who did.
Return visit this weekend! - hopefully!
3 Jun 2011 10:46
Pretentious? Moi?
Yes! Very, very yes!!! - With pricing to match.
Though in fairness the peak ales were superb and the service good.
3 Jun 2011 10:36
Given the number of pubs on this site now listed as closed, together with the many on shortened opening hours this place most definitely deserves an honourable mention as one of the few that are actually fighting back in the face of the recession.
Over the last few weeks the Queens has had on ongoing kind of rolling mini beer festival, together with live music most saturday nights. Some, to name but a few, of those I've sampled were, Kels Red, Golden Host, Boondoggle, Two Hoots, Flying Dutchman and Sweet Chariot. All well kept and well served. Tasting notes are posted adjacent to the bar.
There are in any case always four hand pulls on together with a similar number of lagers.
Definitely well worth supporting, keep up the good work landlord!
4 Apr 2011 10:25
Called in saturday lunchtime during a days walk round Stanton Moor.
First impression was of a very traditional styled interior, not at all contrived, also very clean all round. (For those who like to comment on such matters th loos were pristine!)
Had four ales(local breweries) and two ciders(westons) on offer.I tried both the nine ladies and old intentional, both very good. Young lad behind the bar willing and able to offer advice on the beers available, as well as a friendly welcome.
On the food front the menu board looked very appetising, eventually I went for a lunchtime special of bacon, black pudding and egg ciabata with chips and salad. A real plate full for just �5! Both bacon and black pudding were home produced and the best I've tasted for a long, long time.
Overall very impressed and will definitely be making a return visit.
4 Apr 2011 10:05
Best in Ripon by a long, long way!
Good selection of ales, lagers and ciders. Tried Viking, Chinook and the Honey porter, all superb.
Great service from friendly staff, good atmosphere and a warm welcome.
Will definitely be back!
14 Feb 2011 10:35
It's a 'spoons, no getting away from it, but one of the best of the breed that I've been in, went for a quick meal at the start of the night and ended up stopping three hours.
Average food, six ales available on the night, tried a selection and all were fine. Bar service good even as the pace got frantic.
Good place to start the evening if you're out early.
7 Feb 2011 16:36
A Yates's is a Yates's I know, but this is the worst of its kind I've ever visited!
Good customer skills from very friendly door staff enticed us in.
Alarm bells should have rung when entering a town centre pub at 10 on a saturday night that was barely patronised at all. Immediate impression was of a dingy, unkempt and gruby venue, sticky florrs, uncleared/unwiped tables etc.
The lack of customers had obviously led to the staff getting lost in their own little worlds but when we were eventually served I opted for a pint of Black Sheep. This arrived in a less than sparkling glass and was truly awful, god alone knows how they got it this bad.
How bad? I left above 3/4 of it! Bar staff informed me "it's always like that!"
Well there are plenty of pubs nearby where it most certainly is not, so out we went.
I won't be going back but if you must then don't forget to wipe your feet on the way out! Or wash them in the gents toilet floor lake!
A generous 2/10.
7 Jan 2011 13:38
Having been dragged round the delights(?) of various trendy town centre bars featuring loud music, poorly kept gas in a glass chemical brews, and generally gormless staff I feared more of the same as we approached Chandlers.
Wrong!
Amazed to find three hand pulls, including at least one local brew. Prompt, polite staff prepared to offer advice that one needed a bit more time before it was ready to serve. went with Taylors Landlord, allowed to settle before topping up (unprompted) and serving, very good it was too.
Very professional, well worth a visit, seems to cater to all tastes. If it can be done well here why are so many others so bad?
6 Jan 2011 11:20
Decent pint of Brimstone, er.... thats it!
Otherwise definite delusions of adequacy1
29 Nov 2010 12:20
Can only endorse the positive reviews already posted, a must visit watering hole when in Chesterfield.
Called in last friday to find a good selection on offer, the usual suspects and local brews, went with "Tramway", a traditional bitter with a capital "B". Prompt service and topped up unprompted.
I'll be back!
29 Nov 2010 11:46
The Bear Inn, Alderwasley
Good selection of ales for a place aiming very obviously at the dining market.
The Black Sheep I had was however not very good, though no complaints from others in our party who made a different selection.
Nice interior and decor, but don't think I'll be making a special trip to revisit
16 Oct 2012 12:50