Ok, first review of a UK pub. Walked into this place as an American and got the idea that this was a local watering hole not used to "strangers". I was all alone, so I bellied up, ready to do some drinking with my first pub in Britain experience. The bartender was an older gentleman, maybe in his 60's and appeared gruff as we he chatted up a few of the regulars on the opposite side of the bar. When he asked what I wanted I asked him about the cask ales on tap and found out they have two "visitor" cask ales, which means a rotation of two taps for seasonal beers. I asked for the darkest one, to which the locals exclaimed "brave man"...this was the ice breaker (and show of my manliness) needed to start having some conversations with the bartender and locals. Soon I knew them, and they knew me, and we became drinking buddies.
Now, the reason I bring up my experience is I've heard from other American's who have came here they felt not very welcomed, and this could be the case if you approach it the wrong way, but if you come in, have some thick skin and be brave enough to order some dark beer, it can be a memorable experience.
To review the drink and food itself. Besides the two rotational cask ales, there was your standard light taps (and of course the Guinness tap). I appreciate that I can come back here and continue to try new cask ales that come in. The food was good, not great, but then again, I don't really know how you can screw up or improve upon standard British fare (which in this case was "bangers and mash" (sausage and mashed potatoes). The menu was limited to pub fare with a special that I can't remember, but if I come back here, it won't be for the food, it will be for the beer and conversation. read more