BITE user comments - sacredriver
Comments by sacredriver
This pub has a wonderful character, but like so many hiddens gems it's run by the wrong people, so what should be the heart and soul of an area remains at times like the Mary Celeste. As a result the staff seem increasingly frustrated and at times unable to cope when there is actual demand. Actually, Dickens used to live just round the corner, and I'm sure if he were still alive he would come in for inspiration. Well, if he could afford the prices!
30 Jan 2012 12:06
The landlady and her staff seem to live in a parallel universe to their customers, in which the only overlap that occurs is to take your cash or your drink and throw you out. I suppose if one could see inside their universe one might be able to understand their actions, but I think it really would be quite scary to be in heir head space. I think I'll stick to acid, it's safer! If you're an anthologist with an interest in cults this would be a good case study though, and you'd have a great excuse for staying in the pub all day. Just make sure you don't go native!
30 Jan 2012 11:31
Currently closed down by the police because of more gang violence, so they're closed for "refurbishment " again while the council decide what to do with them. The place has becone a complete blight on an otherwise wonderful area, so If you want to get stabbed or shot after paying over the odds for a limp sandwicesh and a pint of flat lager then this is the place to be! However, if you want a good time with friends then there are many better places nearby.
30 Jan 2012 11:09
The Ladbroke Arms, Notting Hill
Being a recluse now it is good to come to a place like this as its the last place I probably would have come before. Its very simply 'nice'. The beer is ok, but I haven't gone in detail on the wine so you will ahve to work that out yourself. I have as yet to try the food, but what I have seen and smelt seems worth further research. I did note some dishes more recently were not visually to my liking, and a bad haddocky smell once, but I can be critical at times, so watch out for the upcoming food review. The atmosphere is on the sloaney side, but not terribly so. As with most bars that have the benefit of outside space, it comes into its own in the Summer, and there's always full tables outside in the front beer garden in the day time. Overall, its a well maintained, safe pub (it is right opposite the local police station) with a not too restrained atmophere. It is more focused towards dining at times, but the casual drinker can be accomodated seems equally welcome. I would say its a nice place for groups of women to come as the average male clientele there seem to have a bit more decorum that other places nearby. I'll give you an update on this when I've eatne there though, and so my rating doesn't take this into considersation.
23 Apr 2009 12:58
This was a great pub, now its just another pub. When the landlady started believing her own press it turned her eccentricity into arrogance, and many like me simply walked away. I went back recently to see what had happened to the place, and its sad to see where it is now. More sad was to hear that the landlord Dennis had passed away, as despite his 'old fashioned views', he was a good guy at heart. Many people will remember the old Golden Heart before the press spoiled it and, regardless of what its become now, the landlady and her family should feel proud to have been part of a great period of time in East London's history, which is sadly now lost.
23 Apr 2009 12:26
These review are hilarious, and totally spot on. I was there yesterday, and its even worse, but if you're a social anthopologist its got to be the best bar for people watching there is. I have to say I had no problem with the service as we only ordered a couple of drinks, and everyone else was outside drinking stuff from the off licence. What was wierd was the girls that came from out of nowhere and walk into the pub at regular intervals and use the bar as as a catwalk. Some were going in the toliet to do some quite hideous wardrobe changes. They didn't even hand around outside. They'd just come from around the corner, walk in, loiter in the doorway and then disappear again. Personally though, it was too much for me being in an environment where everyone is trying so hard to be 'it', but its not just the bar either now, its overspilled because of the weather, and its just everywhere; London Fields, all down Broadway Market. The only decent spot is the great chippy at the other end. We went there afterwards to get some sense of normality and it made us feel a little human again.
23 Apr 2009 12:09
Having lived mostly in East London I have been spoiled by choice with pubs, but since I have been living in Holland Park in the last two years I have gone out infrequently, and selectively. My visit on this occasion was a purely chance affair to catch up with a friend and I have to say I didn't register the name of this place when it was suggested. This is surprising since I have walked past the place practically every day in this time. Having read the previous reviews before going my prejudices seemed justified, but I was willing to give it a go myself, and come to my own opinion. My first was the extractor fan needs changing, as it stunk of burning fat, but there was no sign of any food having been served to create the stench. Around me there was a sense of industry as new signs were being freshly written, but I felt the place was more due a paint job and general tidying as fixtures appeared to be coming of the ceiling and the the lamps were matted with old dirt. The space itself needed reorganizing as there were far too many covers to male it homely as a bar. Some sofas at the front would help. The choice of beers seemed as before, and so I plumper for Kronenburg, which was cold and for me a little clawry, that suggested a pipe cleaning would be beneficial. My friend turning up fashionably late was treated very well by the staff as I watched from afar, and it is clear there is more urgency here, but the bar was practically deserted, so I would expect no less. My friend seemed to know more about the place, and he seemed to concur with the reviews, but suggested that it was good for group drinking, due to it's size, particularly on Fridays. Unbeknown to me she had ordered some chips on arriving, and so I was surprised when the waitress arrived with them, and intrigued to experience their culinary skills. Alas, of was not a good start. The chips looked burnt in places and reheated, which seemed somewhat mean given the cost of a patato, and the taste was best forgotten. In the distance we could see another batch ready to go, which looked significantly more appetizing and yellowy And we were left wondering why, given the new managements wish to change the pubs image that it did not start with basic quality control, especially given he seemed to be running round making new menu boards. On this limited display I would be loathed to take anyone there and try the more expensive items ok the menu, which we thought overpriced compared to other quality establishments in the area. Would I go again? I couldn't imagine why, and certainly not for bubble poker nights! That sounds truly ghastly! My advice for the new owners would be to spring clean, soften the front area with sofas. Oh, and always, always test the food you serve; if you wouldn't eat it why should a paying customer?
10 Mar 2009 11:27
The Coach and Horses, Soho
The last time I was there, about a year ago, the flooring was removed, which admittedly looked like it had been there for a century, but when I returned recently the floor was the same. Come on now, I know it's a bloody recession, but at least the landlords could stump up the cash for some Lino? When I was there It was packed full of weird people in drag and forties outfits, so they must be earning enough to do the place up by now. Apparently it's even turned itself into a tea room upstairs, which seems a sacrilege given its notorious past, and that they're clearly feeding of the wonderful Maison Bertaux next door, which has the most amazing cakes in all of London. I was also informed that the current licensee has sold out to Fullers, so at some point we can expect the floor will be put back, but it will take what's left of its soul in return. Not that there's much of that left since the current asset stripper took over, you can practically hear Jeffrey Bernard screaming "Tea and bloody cakes?!"
30 Jan 2012 12:28