Antony's reviews
Review of The Bull
15 Dec 08, 21:19
Useless 
We chose this pub because of other reviews saying that there was a good selection of beers. When we went on Friday there were a good selection of beer TAPS! No real beer at all. I didn't notice anything else about the pub. It doesn't matter what colour the car is if it has no wheels.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Green Dragon
26 Oct 08, 13:29
Gone up?hill 
This used to be a friendly pub that served food and also sold great beer. The current owners have emphasised the restaurant side of the business so if you are calling in for a pint at lunchtime and want to eat too, you have to find a table before they will serve you.
The staff don't work together. One waitress will start to serve you then the Green Dragon owner appears and starts serving you all over again and bullying you to sit down.
Having said that the beer is still good and there are often 3 real ales available that are well kept.
The food is pretentious in my opinion, which means that it is expensive. They sell a burger and chips but it is signed with the chef's signature (www) and the chips and pickle come in separate dishes on the main plate - which is square.
Now I like a good restaurant and enjoy well prepared and presented food but I don't expect that in a pub at lunchtime.
I have noticed the last couple of times that I was there that the car park was much emptier than it used to be.
So why do I still go there? For variety. Every couple of months I am looking for a change and the food and drink are good and I can put up with the Dragon every so often.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of FOCUS
21 Oct 08, 23:45
gone!
Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location. Focus is no longer at this location.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Rose & Crown
21 Oct 08, 15:28
Good beer 
IPA and London Pride. Friendly bar staff and a pleasant welcoming atmosphere. There was a large fire lit when I was there which was most welcome as it was cold and wet outside.
The pub dog roams around the tables - well behaved but not if you are allergic to dogs!
Beer was very well kept and price reasonable. They serve food here but we weren't eating. Looks like a large garden but because of the rain I ran past it.
Large car park just down House Lane.
Recommended.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Cock
19 Oct 08, 22:51
Great food and beer
Small pub at the corner of Hatfield Road and St Peters St.
Beer is always good and there is always a choice of 4 or 5 ales.
I've eaten in the restaurant a couple of times and thought the food was particularly good. It's not standard pub grub; much better quality than that and cooked by a chef that cares.
There aren't that many tables due to the size of the place but perfect for a evening meal for two or 4.
There is a TV in the front bar showing golf or the day's sport but it is unobtrusive. It is a pub where you can sit on a high stool by the window on your own and watch the world go by with a great pint.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Strafford Arms
19 Oct 08, 22:45
Former glory faded
This used to be a very popular pub especially at lunchtimes with so many businesses around. Then it changed hands filled with Sky televisions. It changed hands once more and the food and beer got worse.
The last time I went, they wouldn't take credit cards for food, they had no bitter at all and the single barman had no idea in which order to serve customers.
The car park still looks empty at lunchtimes and evenings as I drive past, so although I have not been back for a while I imagine it has not yet recovered. They do have notices outside that bands are playing so there is a glimmer of hope that someone is making an effort at last.
It would be great if this pub returned to the way it was a few years ago when it was run by a jolly young Irishman and the large garden would once again be full in the summer.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Woodman
19 Oct 08, 22:38
Camra award winning pub
I've only been a couple of times because it is too far for me to walk but I know this pub is always winning good beer awards. Check the opening times, I driven past some times and it seems shut. Go for the beer.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Sibthorpe Arms
19 Oct 08, 22:34
Popular local 
Although this pub is often very quiet weekday evenings, it is very popular when the weather improves. The tables at the front are often full as soon as there is some sunshine.
There is quite an extensive restaurant here and a large conservatory on one side though I haven't eaten there for so long I can't comment on the food.
The McMullens beer is disappointing: no Country served here. Stick to the Guinness or lager.
A small fenced play area to the side has a few childrens toys, slide and swing - and is a reasonably safe area for the kids.
Definitely a locals pub - worth a try.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hope & Anchor
19 Oct 08, 22:28
Run down
Haven't been in for a couple of years so things might have changed. Grubby looking building, and never seem to be many visitors.
The last time I went a friend came to see me, found me not in so went there. I went to meet him and was embarrassed about the state of the pub. I ordered a pint of bitter and it was one of the worst I had ever tasted. I would suggest drinking the lager if you have to go or better still something in a bottle.
As I say, it is a couple of years since I have been so it might have changed. On the other hand the Sibthorpe is only a hundred yards further up the road and a safer bet.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Cock O The North
19 Oct 08, 22:22
McMullens pub
There are a few McMullens pubs around that are very similar: this is one of those. Like the Red Lion in Hatfield this serves a good range of food with specials. On the Friday I went it was a fish special and there was a good choice.
The beers on were AK and Country. The Country was well kept and as not all McMullens pubs serve it, it was a welcome find.
Free Wifi! Although I didn't try it, it would be a good environment for an afternoon's reviewing!
There was a strange noise coming out of the speaker near where we sat, which we eventually decided was supposed to be 'ambient music'. It was tinny, rattly and distracting. The atmosphere would have been much nicer without it. The other strange noise was the young waiter-bot that spoke with a robotic - everything good with your meal - anything you want with your meal - anything I can get you? I don't mind being asked if it is sincere.
Lunchtime meals are £8 - £10 which I would say is slightly pricey but a nice change from some of the other lunchtime places and I will certainly be going back - with my laptop.
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