Clare's reviews
Review of The Bulldog
30 May 08, 12:02
YMCA! 
I swear I saw the Village people in here last night! The place is full of men with handlebar moustaches and vests. Not a place I'd usually frequent, I was surprised to have a really good night here. Not one to visit on your own, you need to be in a big group to have fun here. It's wall to wall men, very small and cramped so a little sweaty. Good place to go if you're trollied and drinks are AMAZINGLY cheap - 3 double vodkas for £6!!
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Review of The Mill
28 May 08, 13:18
Good food but no staff!
This place has the potential to be a really nice venue. It's quite large, with a lovely beer garden and play area for the kids. The menu here is better than your average chain restaurant (although don't expect anything too fresh!) My biggest problem here is the staff. The few they have are very good but, considering the size of the place they need more! The last time I visited, there were 2 waitresses serving the bar, the outside and inside so their attention to detail was poor. You felt guilty to say anything as it wasn't really their fault! A good place for young families to visit.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of Tipsy Toad
27 May 08, 13:57
A real gem 
Situated off the main Trowbridge to Devizes road, this country pub is another little gem. Under new management, meals are produced to a menu that changes daily, but the quality remains at a consistently high level. The head chef doesn't hide out back but frequently appears to ensure everyone is happy and pleased with their choice of fare. The beer is most acceptable too and an evening at the Tipsy Toad is guaranteed to fit the bill. Don't miss it.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Quarryman's Arms
27 May 08, 13:52
A little haven 
A nice secluded pub, just off the A4 between Corsham and Box. Situated high up with superb views axross the valley to Colerne, Bath and towards Bristol, it's very popular particularly with ramblers. This is the place to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Wiltshire countryside. The beer is good and the bar snacks very tempting. Coupled with friendly staff there is no better way to while away an hour or two in the Spring sunshine.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Richmond Arms
08 May 08, 16:30
Used to be good. 
The Richmond used to be my local and I've spent many a drunken evening in here. It's quite a dark dingy pub, with 2 bars. There are screens dotted around, so it's quite a good place for watching the football. However, it is frequented by quite a few odd characters so I wouldn't recommend gonig on your own (unless you take a paper and keep your head down) The garden is huge, with plenty of seating so it's a good place to go in the summer. Having been back a few times recently, I'd say it's got a little rougher round the edges.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Rodmill
08 May 08, 16:09
Great place
The Rodmill has recently been done up and is now a great place to while away a sunny afternoon. The inside is light and airy and there's plenty of seating outside to enjoy a sunny day. The menu is really good, with a great choice of traditional pub grub. And, as most of my male friends will tell you, it's great for talent spotting as there is a sixth form college opposite with plenty of women wandering past!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Station
08 May 08, 16:02
Great for popping in...
...but don't stick around!
This pub is ok for a quick drink. As it's right by the station, it gets very busy with office types, heading home. It's not got the best atmosphere but does get extremely busy, so there's plenty of 'people spotting' to be done. The seating is a little odd too - there's not alot of it and there's a real mix of odd chairs and stools! The menu looked ok but I haven't ever sampled any of the food. I think the fact that you can see the food being cooked (they have an authentic pizza oven on full view) is a sure sign the food is fresh?
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Berwick Inn
08 May 08, 15:56
Ain't like it used to be!! 
I have to agree with Katherine on this - in my youth this pub was a place we'd happily venture out to because it was worth the trek. Sadly, it's all gone downhill. The food is below average, with most dishes being microwaved to oblivion and not a fresh vegatable in sight. The decor is now extremely shabby, and in desperate need of a complete refurb. Stay away, unless you're desperate.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Toad Rock Retreat
08 May 08, 14:30
A real find
Situated near Toad Rock, this is a real find of a pub. Inside you'll find lots of little alcoves to hide yourself away in and with two bars there's no problem getting served. There is a small garden area out the front, which is a real sun trap in the summer. A small and cosy place.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Dinkum
03 May 08, 19:27
Looks nice...but that's it.
This pub looks really pretty from the outside. Smack bang in the bustling Polegate high street (watch out for zimmer frames) this pub is painted a lovely yellow and looks welcoming. However, when you enter the place is small, dingy and old fashioned. The sandwiches are on show in a fridge and are of the curled corner variety. The bar staff are grumpy and quite often ignore you, even though it's never busy. The only nice part about here is the open fire. I would say stay away!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Freemasons Tavern
03 May 08, 10:30
Busy but not for me...
I have visited here quite a few times and am yet to leave feeling like I've enjoyed it there. It's always really busy with loud loud music! There is a real 'Brighton' feel to the decor, quirky and interesting but a little odd? Upstairs has a nice cocktail bar, but the lighting is a little stark - everyone seems to have a blue tinge! Also, the seating is very haphazard, you can be perched on a stool whilst your friend has been swallowd up by a battered old armchair. I always feel that this place looks good on the surface, but it's not particularly practical? A good place to stop off on the way into town but don't spend your whole evening there (unless you've got stuck in one of the armchairs)
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Daisy O'Briens
30 Apr 08, 21:04
A great Craic!
I love this pub - for all it's dark and dinginess, it has a really good atmosphere. It's very tiny inside but always very welcoming. The staff are friendly and they serve up probably the best pint of guiness in Bournemouth. If you're lucky, you'll get a shamrock adorned on the top! It has such a friendly atmosphere that you often end up chatting with everyone else in there and I have even seen a few sing songs start up. Only drawback is it can be a bit of a struggle to get to the toilets upstairs and if it's busy you end up clambering over people!!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tapp & Hobbit
30 Apr 08, 20:57
Rough around the edges.
A great place to spend your Saturday afternoons after a hard morning shopping! This pub is centrally located and great value. They have a wide selection of food and ale and there are plenty of TV screens dotted about so you can catch up with all the weekends sporting actions. You tend to get alot of stag do's and hen partys in here, so don't expect to go in for a quiet drink. A nice sun trap area out the front so it's great in the summer.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Brasshouse
30 Apr 08, 20:37
A young crowd...
Not the best place for a quiet nice - this pub is strictly for the youngsters. It has a huge dancefloor and some very cheesy DJ's. On a Friday/Saturday night it's like a foam party without the foam. Ultimate cheese but fun if you're in a big group.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of O'Neills
30 Apr 08, 20:35
A great Irish bar.
This pub is a fantastic place to go on a weekend. They always have a live band on and everyone there is up for the craic! You get alot of students there but also an older crowd. They've provided a great smoking area outside, with heaters that actually work! They also offer a table service for drinks which is a nice touch when it's busy. There is also a top bar, which is better to go if you want to chat. If you visit during the day it can seem a little dark and dingy but the lunch menu is good value, offering favourites like bangers with colcannon mash. A good all rounder.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Dewdrop Inn
30 Apr 08, 20:11
Average
I used to drink in this pub alot but the last few times I went it had changed hands and was not so good. The decor is nice but there is no real atmosphere. It's very quiet in there, with lots of people drinking on their own at the bar. The bar staff are all friendly but it's not a great place to go with a big group. They do a pub quiz, which is taken very seriously - they don't like hecklers!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Chambers
30 Apr 08, 19:57
Small but perfectly formed
Chambers marks the first in line for the 'South Street Shuffle' It's a great pub that's always busy with some proper, hardcore drinkers! They provide some great entertainment if you pop in for a quick drink and there's a great atmosphere. As it's a small pub, it can get a bit hot and sweaty. Also, you do end up sitting very close to your fellow drinkers but this can also lead to some interesting nights! A good choice.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Marine
30 Apr 08, 19:51
Santa's Grotto
This pub is brilliant around Christmas time, with twinkling lights festooning every surface area. You really feel like you are in Santa's Grotto! It's cosy throughout the Winter, with big comfy seats and some lovely little alcoves. There is no real provision for smokers, so if may be one to avoid if you enjoy a ciggy with your beer.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of J.D Wetherspoon
30 Apr 08, 19:49
Sticky Sticky!
This place is what you'd expect from a Wetherspoons, although I imagine there are better ones. The place gets extremely busy, throughout the day and weekends. It's a good spot to watch any big footy matches but it does get a little rowdy. The bar, carpet and tables are all covered in various sticky substances and there are enough dirty old men propping up the bar to put you off ever going back. However, as a Wetherspoons, the prices are really cheap so it's a good pub to neck a few drinks in on a night out.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Wheatsheaf Inn
30 Apr 08, 19:44
Local pub for local people...
The Wheatsheaf is a lovely quaint little pub, tucked away from the hustle and bustle (ahem) of Willingdon. It generally gets busy with locals, lots of regular drinkers so it can have a really good atmosphere. There is a little bit of a feeling of everyone turning to stare as you walk in but that soon goes. They quite often do entertainment on the weekends, although it tends to be of the 'singing duo' variety - good for a singalong!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Tally Ho
30 Apr 08, 13:47
Needs a refurb.
The Tally Ho is traditional - lots of dark beams, alcoves and paisley carpets. It's a great place on a cold Winter's night, particularly around Christmas as they deck the entire place with millions of fairy lights. Also, they have lovely open fire which adds a really nice atmosphere. I have never eaten here but the menu is quite old school - fish and chips, hotpots etc.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hove Place
30 Apr 08, 13:44
My Local
Deceptive from the outside, this pub hides one of the best beer gardens in Hove. It's quite small on the inside, with lots of little alcoves but you can generally find a seat. The food they offer is of a good standard and they do PROPER chips! The best part is the garden though, it's a lovely place to while away a sunny afternoon. One of my faves.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Mash Tun
30 Apr 08, 13:34
Very studenty....
I have always liked the atmosphere in this pub, it has a quirky feel to it and as it is quite small it always has a buzzing atmosphere. Very popular with students and young folk, with people spilling out on to the street. There is quite a large seating area outside, which is great in the summer. Also, they have a great game called 'Celebrity Deathwall' (I think it's called that) - pay a pound and pick a celeb who is next to pop their clogs and if you get it right you win the money pot! A great twist!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Waverley
25 Apr 08, 22:19
Stay away!
This place was very popular in days gone by (particularly with underage drinkers) However, I don't think ANYBODY goes there anymore. Tucked away behind the shopping centre, it's not in the best spot and, when I visited it last year, my friend and I were the only two people in there! If you fancy warm cider, cheap house doubles and soggy beermats then The Waverley is the pub for you.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Eagle
25 Apr 08, 22:16
Good game!
Great pub to watch any major sporting event in. They have a massive screen, plus plenty of others dotted around so you can catch all the action. It gets quite rowdy and sweaty but that all adds to the atmosphere. The only downside is there is only one toilet, so make sure you're aware of this before you start downing pints.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Lamb Inn
25 Apr 08, 17:29
Great for special occasions...
...Have spent many a New Years Eve here and it's got a great atmosphere. Lots of little snugs and cosy sofa's. The food here is also awesome, menu changes regularly and they d o proper pub grub! Great place to go to recover from a hangover too.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of British Queen
25 Apr 08, 17:22
Welcoming
You'll always find a warm welcome here, it's a proper local's pub. There is a small dining area, although most people tend to eat in the bar. There are 2 drinking 'areas' - one for the regulars and one for the more 'young' crowd. Good house doubles!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Victoria
25 Apr 08, 16:58
A Pub's Pub!
The Vic is what you'd class as a 'proper pub' - sticky carpets and all! The drinks are cheap, the staff are nice and the food is traditional but also cheap. Their karaoke nights prove popular, with many regulars enjoying the mic! Good place to go for after work drinks and one of the few that provide quite well for the smokers.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Moon In The Square
24 Apr 08, 17:29
Wether it's a Wetherspoons or not...
...it's a pretty lame pub. It's gets really busy, mainly due to the cheap deals they do on drinks and meals. The pint and a curry night was always popular. This particular Wetherspoons is probably more disappointing than the rest - it's in need of a refurb and the staff need a bit of customer service training!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Hop Poles
24 Apr 08, 17:13
Smokers Paradise
This is a perfect pub for a smoker. They have craftily kitted out the backyard to feel like the indoors - brilliant heating, excellent seating and it's so nice to be able to sit at a proper table with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. Beats standing huddled in a doorway with no shelter from the rain. Always extremely busy, this pub has a real cosy feel to it and is always a nice spot to end up in.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Blind Busker
24 Apr 08, 16:57
A Pubby Pub
This pub is not glossy, or showy. It's just a great pub for beer, football and your mates! Have enjoyed a few messy evenings there and vaguely remember they do some good jugs of cocktails! I have heard the food is not so hot but it's a great place for a few beers after work. Also, there's quite a nice area outside which is a real sun trap.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Walkabout Inn
24 Apr 08, 13:44
Spit & Sawdust
This place is heaving on the weekends, with plenty of talent. It's more of a spit and sawdust kind of place but after a few sambuca's - who cares! I wouldn't recommend this bar as a place for a quiet, intimate drink but they do some good themed nights so it's perfect for a big group of pals.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ancient Mariner
23 Apr 08, 20:48
Work Fave
A popular choice for after work drinks, this pub gets quite busy and has a nice buzz to it. The food is proper pub grub, with a good selection for veggies. The Sunday Roasts are particularly good, although hard to eat if you've gone for the sofa option! Also, stay away from Sunday lunchtime if you are not keen on kids, it can get extremely tiring on your eardrums with all the screeching and running about. Good outdoor area for smokers, although the heating could be better. Bar staff are friendly and happy to perform, my last visit included the barmaid doing an impression of the lady in the Baileys ad, who shakes about all over the shop. Particularly amusing after a few large wines.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bibendum Public House
23 Apr 08, 20:17
Mmmmmm....
This bar has tasty food and tasty staff! Located at the top of South Street, it's the perfect place to start your Friday/Saturday night out. It's always busy in the early part of the evening, with most of the crowd moving on by around 10ish. The food is gorgeous, if a little pricey. One nice aspect is you can see the kitchen from the restaurant. There is a small row of tables outside, where you can enjoy the sunshine most of the day.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Hogshead
23 Apr 08, 19:37
Does what it says on the tin.
Not one of my favourites. If you've ever been into any of the Hogshead chains you'll know exactly what it's like. Boring menu, with microwaved meals and frozen veg. Beer is relatively cheap but no real atmosphere. The staff are young and grumpy, as are the old men who prop up the bar. Can think of better places to spend my hard earned money.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Greenhouse
23 Apr 08, 19:16
My Fave
This bar is a popular choice for me. Despite be a little out the way, it has a really lovely feel to the place and the staff are always friendly. It can be a little dingy (probably why I like it!) but it's perfect for a cold, wet winter night. Always a good place for after work drinks - age group tends to be 25 upwards and it gets very busy on a Friday and Saturday night with the pre-club crowd.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Via Bar
23 Apr 08, 19:10
Location, Location, Location.
The best bit about Via is probably it's location. It's directly opposite the train station, so always a good place to start off your night out. The upstairs part is good for private partys but please don't get me started on the toilets. They are vile. It's always a busy bar, day or night so good on atmosphere.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Bar Bn21
23 Apr 08, 19:05
Cheap and nasty.
Very busy bar, full of your typical student/stag do's/teens. Perfect for getting some cheap drinks in - always deals on beer and spirits. If you like sticking to the carpets, no toilet paper and loud, loud tunes then this is the bar for you. It can be fun in the daytime, as it's location is right in the town centre and you can while away the hours people watching....
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Loft Lounge & Bar
23 Apr 08, 18:58
Hic!
Fab bar for a weekend drink - always busy on a Friday and Saturday and the table service is always a winner (as long as you can get a table!) Not so hot on the smoking facilities, huddling under the small shelter at the entrance is never fun in the rain, although it does mean you make friends quickly!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Ship
23 Apr 08, 18:54
Yum Yum
This is a real foodies pub - they serve a real mix of fresh, quality food with plenty of vegetarian options. There is a lovely garden to enjoy when the sun is shining and the atmosphere inside is also warm and friendly. Definately one to take the whole family to.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.