when this pub was open, the amount of fights that happened here i have lost count. floor was always…read moresticky and dirty. boys sat outside would throw bottles into street. had to close at 8pm to keep licence. finally closed a few months ago hopefully will become a nice pub when re opened with new owners

This used to be a really good family resturant, but since it became a Toby carvery they don't seem…read moreto cater for children anymore. The food is nice and it's reasonably priced as long as you don't want to order off the menu. They still do child sized portions but only of the adult meals and the indoor playarea has gone. Overall its a good night out, just for adults

This is now a Toby Cavery restaurant. I have only been…read morethere on a Sunday and the food was fantastic. The yorkshire puddings were to die for. You collect you meat from the cavery like the veg and yorkshires etc. If you have a big appetite you can go back for more veg and yorkshires. Well worth a visit.

This place is now run by the Tiny Rebel brewing company and is purported to be amazing for ale and…read morefood. I will review it after the weekend! But I think it's going to be good!

While I've had many good nights at the Pick and Shovel over the years, there's no denying that the…read morefood, definitely lets the pub down. When I first moved to the area, the food was awesome; great value for money, delicious and a decent portion size too. By the time I left three years later, the price had gone up, the quality had gone down and the portions had shrunk considerably. Prime example; after a long night of slaving away on uni coursework, my housemate and I ventured down to the Pick and Shovel for the mighty "hangover cure" fry up - the biggest breakfast on the menu. An hour and a half after ordering, it finally arrived, colder than the draught I was sitting in yet, somehow, overcooked. This would not be the last time I had to wait an annoyingly long time for a meal, only for it to turn out below my expectations. Once or twice, these kind of mistakes can be forgiven but when they become a regular occurrence it's no longer a mistake but just poor standards. Ah. Now that I've vented my anger at the shoddy food, on to the positives. If you're not sitting down for a meal, the pub is a great place to socialise, as everyone tends to know someone there at any given time. The drinks are well priced for the surrounding student area and promotions are held on various nights of the week. There is Sky Sports, making this an ideal venue to watch a big game and the pub is always packed with sports fans on big match occassions. Also, the music is usually top notch as the jukebox is a comprehensively stocked with more tracks than Simon Cowell's iPod. So if you're looking for a social pub to watch the latest Premier League game with a pint and some friendly banter, the Pick and Shovel is a good choice. If you're after some great tasting, quality food with excellent service, I'd probably look elsewhere.

Great little pub, popular with students and locals alike. Good range or drinks and promotions (try…read morethe bayside cooler cocktail if it's available - it looks like trafic lights!). Activities (other then eating and drinking) include darts, pool, music quiz, open mic nights and guitar hero competitions on the wii. The staff are really friendly and the food is pretty good too for the money.

Very friendly pub with great bar staff. Has been decorated recently and feels quite modern. Have a…read moregreat Sunday roast with several good vegetarian options. Good jukebox with a very varied selection of music.Great place to meet friends and hang out.

This pub is in desperate need of decorating. Poor choice of drinks. Toilets are dreadful. Overall…read morequite run down.