This user has reviewed the following pubs:
Lancaster Pubs : The White Cross pub in Lancaster
'Quite a while since this pub has had a comment so here goes!
A few years ago this pub had hit rock bottom and I mean rock bottom! Then the new landlord took over and began the task of getting the customers back in and turning the place around. For quite a while this was the case, the beer range was improved, the food was sorted out and the internal fittings and fixtures had a small make over.
BUT! The problem I now have with this pub is it seems to have suffered from its own success in that it has, in my opinion, started to go backwards again. The cliental you don't really want to be drinking next to have started to drift back in and the inside and outside are starting to look drab again, the gents toilets are still those fitted by BASS all those years ago when the pub first opened or so I’m told. Even though money was spent on the ladies they are still only ok.
As for the carpets well, after the recent flood they had from the car park one can only say they stunk and had started lifting at the edges! and I don't think that's the first time the rain has come flooding in either on the same carpet maybe? The whole place is looking tatty again. The upholstery and decor is again looking rough round the edges. Also the day to day cleaning of the place upon close inspection is a bit on the ropey side as well.
Now don't get me wrong I would happily pop in for a pint after work since the beer is still more often than not excellent as is the range of other drinks available. But I wouldn’t include it on my list of pubs for a good night out I’m afraid. I can't comment on the food but if it’s as good as when I went last then it is excellent value.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but I also believe this landlord also has two other establishments in Lancaster which I give him credit for, however I think he has stretched himself too far and is now ignoring his flagship pub to the point where it is not my first pub of choice anymore.
Please, and this goes to all landlords, don't forget that it is by no means cheap drinking out these days and if you feel that your hard earned cash is only buying you an expensive pint of beer and not the overall experience of drinking in that pub and savouring its quality's beyond the actual pint then I’m afraid landlords have lost the whole point of providing/running a pub in the first place. I wish anybody any success in what they do however I still prefer some of the other pubs in town at the moment, albeit not many I must admit!
Please don't be put off by these comments go and see for yourself to make your mind up.
No doubt people will disagree with what I have said but are they in a position to have known this pub since it first opened in the 80's? I could have written a book about all the previous managers/landlords since there were some strange ones believe you me!
'
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Lancaster Pubs : The Borough of Lancaster pub in Lancaster
'Still think this pub is better when you can find somewhere to sit! The Hen Harrier is lovely. Always a good selection of ales on for you to try something different. The staff always seem to be good at serving in order you arrive at the bar as well which is a good thing since most pubs these days just want to serve you as fast as they can and get your money in the till and move onto the next person! The toilets still smell nice which sounds a bit camp but at least it means they care about them. Empties are collected quickly, or at least they have when I have been in. I think it's a great place to drink with friends and to talk and its even better when it goes dark and the candles are flickering away. Just one thing! HOW MUCH DOES THAT MAGICIAN GET FOR JUST WALKING ROUND SHUFFLING CARDS?...good work if you can get it!...I've never seen him do a trick yet...I reckon I'll ask next time I'm in! :)'
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Lancaster Pubs : Horse & Farrier pub in Lancaster
'Like previous post says....a city centre pub that is just how it should be...traditional, cosey and friendly. Was full of, how shall we say, senior drinkers when I went in and I had a great laugh with a good number of them. You know the ones, pint for the bloke and half bitter shandy for the lady. Excellent stuff. Can get a bit busy due to it not being too big but give it a go.'
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Aldcliffe Lance Pubs : The Waterwitch pub in Aldcliffe Lance near Lancaster
'Even though this is now under the Mitchells chain it seems to have lost none of its charm. Still the best pub to sit outside of and have a pint in the sun! Shame the White Cross is having such an ugly tall building put up in front of it and will no doubt starve it of sun earlier than it used to cause I reckon it will only make more people want to come here to get the last rays with a pint! Never eaten but the menu does look pricy but if the quality is there then no problem I suppose. The range of drinks is fantastic and all the bottles behind the bar are a sight to behold! Still one of my regulars on a night out! Just one thing could you please sort out some of the outside seating since it is getting dangerously worn out!'
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Lancaster Pubs : Fibber Mcgees pub in Lancaster
'gruby little pub that can get full of all sorts of people, very loud when music is on....not very nice...can't here yourself think!'
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Lancaster Pubs : Litten Tree pub in Lancaster
'typical national chain pub....just like the rest up and down the counrty...absolutely no dire!!'
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Lancaster Pubs : The Brown Cow Inn pub in Lancaster
'still only just ok...gets very busy with the bottle neck next to the bar still present even after the refurb. thwaites beer...need i say more...not cheap either!'
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Lancaster Pubs : The Sun Hotel & Bar pub in Lancaster
'cracking little pub when you can get anywhere near the bar....and i have to agree about the way you are served...its like being in the sales at Next...the staff make no effort to serve in any sort of order of arrival at the bar...i know it gets difficult but with such a small bar they should try!...still atracts the better end of the food chain which is good but can sometimes get very loud if it is full...i must be getting old since i like to sit down these days :) still expensive as well...will go in with a crowd but would not chose to go in on my own favouring other pubs to sit in alone and have a swift one! '
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Lancaster Pubs : The Sir Richard Owen (Wetherspoon) pub in Lancaster
'still a weatherspoons and you still get what you pay for! however is good for a couple of swift ones if you fany trying some of their ales they have on guest...and if they can charge what they do for bottle and still make money what does that say about how much the other pubs are making on it....yes i know you are going to say they have massive buying power but it is still my money i am spending regardless of where i am buying and we all like a bargain now and again don't we :)'
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Lancaster Pubs : Penny Bank pub in Lancaster
'Now a cosey little pub that has a lot of charm. I know its probably not possiblt but a coal fire would be great in here during winter, would really finish of the snug surroundings it has created! The beer on the whole is excellent, but I have one or two dodgy pints in there but only very occasionally and the bar staff are happy to replace instantly if that is the case. Try doing that in some pubs and you'll just get funny looks
or even driven out of town! Can get busy at peak times but that adds to the appeal in some respects, I much prefer when its quieter and you can lounge in one of the comfy seats! The only slight problem I have is that it isn't the cheapest pub in the area/centre of town but if you are getting a decent pint in decent surroundings then if its a night out you shouldn't be bothered! Not tried the food but that could be something to put on my list of things to do maybe! The previous owners of this establishment seemed to attract all of Lancasters low life which thankfully have now been moved on. Please update the picture as well since it looks far better now! Keep up the good work.
PS: Where has the current manageress gone...you know the one? she had short legs and could hardly see over the bar? she was always smiling and laughing.'
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Lancaster Pubs : Royal Hotel pub in Lancaster
'Like previous commments state I'm not too sure what this place is attempting to be. The beer is from Thwaites which needs no more discussion! The food is from Spain(tapas), well sort of and the decour is from, well not too sure. Last time I was in few months ago it seemed to have a bum on every seat with people eating which means it must be doing something right but that also means there is little seating for casual drinkers and standing at the bar is a right pain since you get barged a lot by people wanting to be served or even the staff trying to get food out on what can only be descibed as the bigest trays you have ever seen! Sometimes you just think there are accidents waiting to happen with the amount they struggle out with on one tray to serve to the hungry crowds! OK I suppose to pop into for a swift one and the coal fire in winter is great when you can get near it but appart from that its hard to say.....been past a few time recently and it does seem to have got quieter so maybe the novelty of the pub is getting a bit thin on the ground!'
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Lancaster Pubs : The Three Mariners pub in Lancaster
'A cracking little pub tucked away at the bottom of town! Not too big however but the beer is good and it is overflowing with history as well. Give it a go and I reckon you'll be surprised what you find. If I'm down that end I always pop in and have always found a seat even at the weekend. Locals a plenty but no worries since they are all there to enjoy themselves. Looks clean and tidy after recent spruce up. Give it a go! If you don't like it you can always walk down the quay to try the couple of pubs there!'
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