This user has reviewed the following pubs:
Beoley Pubs : The Village Inn pub in Beoley near Redditch
'This is a leased pub tied into Greene King
11 am opening time. 12 noon on a Sunday.
Mixed age group.
Restaurant is non-smoking.
The Ruddles Smooth is OK, and there are other bitters, but as above, tied to Green King, and what looks like a guest ale is still from the same brewery, and doesn’t change very often. Perhaps could have some more guest ales, but may be restricted by the term of the lease. A reasonable selection of wine, and champagnes. They could do with stocking a dessert wine.
I haven’t seen a children’s menu.
They have the theme nights, like Burn’s night, etc. Very expensive New Years’ Eve compared to other places locally. I think it was close to £30 a head, which gave you entrance to the pub, a glass of champagne (or first drink free), and a buffet.
They have a weekly quiz night, but not sure if it is Wednesday or Thursday.
Upper and lower, both have suffered from car theft and damage, but not a regular occurrence.
Although they don’t have a function room, they have catered for private functions in the lower bar, and allowed the restaurant to be booked for private functions too.
I just couldn't fault the food on my visit, although mixed reviews from other people of late. Recommend you try, and, if at peak times, book.
'
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Tanworth-In-Arden Pubs : The Old Royal Oak pub in Tanworth-In-Arden near Solihull
'Background: This used to be a bistro type restaurant within a pub. Lease was up for sale recently. The restaurant is now run separate from the pub. An Italian by the name of Agostino runs it.
I cannot comment about the beer, but the food was very good.
We all had fillet steaks, three of us having the same, and my friend asked for something not on the menu: Fillet Rossini. The chef said yes it can be done, and did. The steaks were absolutely brilliant. I have mine cooked “bleu”, it was so tender and succulent, and sauce was fantastic. Steak Royal: c£13, Steak Rossini: c£14, cannot remember the exact prices.
I've been back several times now and the steaks are superb, the chef has clearly got a good meat supplier.
They still seem to be finding their feet, although the pub is separate, the waitress couldn’t say what lagers they sold. I visited again recently, and they were still unsure about drinks from the bar. I think that the waitresses are new to restaurant work, and they need more training. Both waitresses were attentive, and joined in with our stupid humour.
The wine list was limiting, but they are looking to improve. This is the responsibility of the pub side, not the restaurant.
Sweets produced by outside supplier. A restaurant as good as this should be able to produce their own. I enjoyed mine, but I do prefer a chef’s own. I am told that this is due to kitchen facilities, and the chef is looking to change the situation.
Table space not the best, but very small area for them to provide intimacy, and enough covers to make it pay.
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Beoley Pubs : Hollybush Inn pub in Beoley near Redditch
'I think it was 2006 when I last visited this pub. Yes, the staff are friendly, but the food wasn't living up to its reputation. Quite frankly, it is difficult to commit to going back and spending £50 - £60 if the same is still true.
It must have been back about 4 years ago, the place buzzed. There was a manager front of house, and recommending the specials, and although all tables taken he would keep a look out for the nect available table and get you seated as soon as possible.
So do we take the chance to return? What has changed? Have the numbers declined, a new chef?
Yes, I was surprised that they didn't admit under 14s. So what is the difficulty in obtaining a licence? The issue may be is that they don't want to cater for children, and that is their prerogative. Be upfront and honest if that is what you want.
You can't blame people if they have a bad experience with the food, then why should they return. You only get one chance in this business. The worse case is people leaving discruntled, and not telling you at all.
I'd really like to see the pub make a constructive reply, which is not overly defensive, but explain what sometimes goes wrong, and how they will rectify if it is brought to their attention.
I'm off to "The Boot" in Mappleborough Green, so watch this space for my next review.'
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Belbroughton Pubs : Ye Old Horseshoe Inn pub in Belbroughton near Stourbridge
'Beer scores high for the Enville Ale. The starter and main courses were excellent. Unfortunately didn't try the sweets, as the waiting staff took too long to get to us. Pleasant enough crew, but obviously very busy. I would return if my wife drove next time, so that I can have another pint of Enville Ale! '
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Redditch Pubs : Foxlydiate Arms pub in Redditch
'Although I don't like "Branded Pubs" much this is a Brewers Fayre, this one is reasonably OK. My friends live nearby so it is more convenience. Unfortunately, I have had some trials and tribulations.
Once they deducted my food bill twice, and incorrectly assigned a tip on one of the charges, and it took 3 months to resolve. I finally got my money back, and the tip was recompensed (as they tried twice but couldn't credit this sum back) by a free bottle of wine.
This last visit, the bottle of wine was left with jagged shards of metal, as the barmen failed to remove the wrap, as he just sunk the corkscrew straiht into the top, and pulled out the cork. Yep, you've guessed it, I cut myself trying to remove the metal wrap.
Then they took absolute ages to produce the main course from finishing our starters at 20:00 they eventually arrived (after a number of inane comments from the chef relayed by the less than professional waitress) at 20:50. Bear in mind that the order was placed at 19:30.
I had ordered the ribeye steak, and they said they recommended that it be cooked medium. It arrived well-done and dry as a bone. Neverthess I soldiered on, not wanting to make any scene. Then I dived my fork into the peas, only to find a "best before" plastic label on my fork. Now I was angry.
(Just as an aside my friend's wife had asked that her chips be served separately in a dish. The reason being she didn't want the chips, but the rest of us could have then, as they would be paid for as part of the meal. Yep, they arrived on her plate.)
Back to my meal. I called the waitress over, showed her the problem, and she went away with my plate. It came back with the most succulent steak, cooked to perfection.
Added to which the management said that I would not be paying for my part of the meal.
Well they made amends, but the attitude of the chef was infuriating.
Will I return? Reluctantly if my friends still want to go.'
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Earlswood Pubs : The Bulls Head pub in Earlswood near Solihull
'First Visit - 2 Mar 2006
Good food. Starters and Main. Not keen on the sweets (puddings). Friendly serving staff, though a bit scatty. Join in with a good laugh. Potions tend to be a bit variable with the meat, but plentiful enough with chips and veg. I think the fillet is overpriced. Average list, reasonably priced wine. Not found in the tel. dir. under pubs, but under English restaurants. Bar area tends to be quite packed on a Friday. Non-smoking area. TURN OFF THE MUSAK. Can't hear myself speak.
Going again: 22/6/07 '
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Earlswood Pubs : The Bulls Head pub in Earlswood near Solihull
'22/6/07 - Why do they have the music on? No one is listening, it only a droning thump thump in the background, and drowns out the conversation. Please turn it off it is adding no value.
This place will greatly improve with the introduction of the smoking ban.
The food is homely, and cooked well. One gripe, that the chips were over-cooked.
Had a problem with the bill. Items on there which weren't mine. It was resolved quite quickly.
The bar area is very busy, so it demonstrates that it is a very liked pub.
We will return.'
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Stoke Prior Pubs : The Gate Hangs Well pub in Stoke Prior near Bromsgrove
'Jul 18, 2005
It has been a long since the last visit, when it was decided never to return. Then ownership changed, and I was advised to try it again. What a transformation. Garden created at the back is magnificent. The food matches the total ambience. So, great food, and great service. I will return. I had my steak "blue", and it's not many places I can have that, especially at a country pub. Go try, and enjoy. Can't fault the food.
I have been back many times and the standards have maintained. They have also won some awards for their ales, but I'm not a beer guru.'
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Beoley Pubs : The Cross & Bowling Green pub in Beoley near Redditch
'Visited: 22/2/08.
New owners from about 9 weeks prior to this date.
This place has changed quite significantly.
If anyone knows the area, the chef has come from Nuthurst Grange (a superb venue, and ace cuisine).
I paid about £16 for my fillet steak, and it was perfect for me, as I have mine cooked "blue"; no blood, a perfect example of a good steak. Starters were good, as well as the sweets. I had tiramisu, and my wife had creme brulee, the best tiramisu I've had in any restaurant, and that includes the Italian restaurant up the road.
New owners out to impress, and did for us. White table cloths, etc.
Tried to book a table this Friday (29/2/08), and fully booked for Saturday and Sunday.
So the word's out!'
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