www.hmpubguide.com - Hereford's Premier Pub Guide

What are fathers meant to do? -sexism in pubs

2010-03-19T10:00:00.003Z

Whilst visiting a pub last week I noticed the above toilet signs, this got me to thinking what does a bloke do if the baby he's with needs a nappy change. I have a 10 week old son, and quite often we have a wander round town; if he's due a feed then I'd happily pop into a pub, and it's milk for him and a pint for me. But what happens after that? He invariably dirties his nappy halfway through a bottle, so where do I change him? I can hardly go in the "ladies", and it's not really fair to change him on the table, especially if there are people close by having a meal.
So I call upon all pubs not to be sexist (if there were baby changing facilities in the gents and none in the ladies- imagine the uproar), either have a separate changing facility or put one in both toilets. Don't make things even harder for blokes to spend time with their kids!

2010-03-19T10:00:00.000Z

Change of ownership at The Black Lion

2010-03-18T13:36:00.002Z

Last weekend saw the closure of another Hereford pub- The Black Lion. However, upon closer inspection, there is a sign in the doorway saying that it will re-open on Friday 19th March at noon under new management. As usual we will endeavour to bring you an updated review as soon as possible, but if you get there first then let us know what you think.

Hereford Pubs on Google Street View

2010-03-15T13:45:00.004Z

To celebrate the recent addition of Hereford to Google's excellent Street View feature we've done a bit of a collage of some of the City's pubs.

Pictured above are the Rose and Crown on Ledbury Road, a view of Widemarsh Street showing The Imperial and Saxtys, and Commercial Road featuring the Litten Tree, The Hop Pole and The Kings Fee. Click the picture for a more detailed view.

As well as being great fun to play around with, Street View is sure to become a great tool to use when planning pub crawls - especially when visiting new places.

Another week, another update

2010-03-09T16:16:00.002Z

Last week saw another HMPG reviewing session around the streets of Hereford. Just click on the pub names below to read the review:

The Treacle Mine (pictured below)- after being closed for a short time , we are pleased to say that The Treacle Mine is open and definitely worth a visit. On our visit the place was vibrant and friendly, and therefore it rightly reclaims it's old position as the best pub south of the river.
The Stagecoach (pictured below)- this town pub has an olde worlde charm, with nice oak beams on display. However, it also embraces the modern era with some well placed tv's that are ideal for watching the sporting events of your choice.
Queen's Arms (pictured below)- another friendly town pub. Ever since I can remember there has been a Man United shrine in the back corner; however, this has gone and now "Waster's Corner" is a shadow of its former self and now has no unique features.
The Bowling Green (pictured below)- this lively town pub now has a pool table but no tv's (televisions not transvestites- however, the locals can look pretty scary but they seem nice enough!)

Ye Olde Black Bear, Tewkesbury

2010-03-08T18:09:00.003Z

Will S has sent us a great review of the Olde Black Bear, Tewkesbury along with the above photo.

The pub is decribed as the oldest working pub in Gloucestershire and dates back to 1308.

To check out Will's full review together with some more details on the Olde Bear's history click here.

The Whitehouse Closes.

2010-03-03T13:37:00.003Z

The Whitehouse in Whittern Way is the latest Hereford pub to call last orders.This has been on the cards for many months and means that the good drinkers of Tupsley will have to walk that bit further to either The Cock of Tupsley or The Rose and Crown. This may not be such a bad thing as these pubs are far superior to The Whitehouse. Just look at the Official HMPG rankings: The Rose and Crown scores 74% (and is currently the highest ranked pub in Hereford); The Cock of Tupsley scores 62%; and the Whitehouse scored a meagre 36% and was languishing near the bottom of the table. However, that being said, nobody wants a pub to close and I'm sure the place will be missed by it's locals. We'll keep you posted if we see any signs of life there and if we hear any rumours of a re-opening.

The Treacle Mine Re-opens!

2010-02-27T15:02:00.004Z

As you can see from this drive-by photo, rumours of the demise of The Treacle Mine have been greatly exaggerated.

We will be reviewing the all-new Treacle Mine in the week, but if anyone else goes there then let us know what you think, and why not fill in an assessment form yourself, or even email us some photos (our address is: email@hmpubguide.com). To download an assessment form click here, and to fill in an interactive form click here.

More Hereford Re-Reviews Added

2010-02-22T22:48:00.002Z

Last week saw the HM Pub Guide Team re-review 5 Hereford pubs, just click on the pub names below to read the all-new reviews:

The Litten Tree (pictured below)- seeing as this was voted the "2009 Pub of the Year" it seemed only fair to re-evaluate the establishment. What we found was a nice, bright, welcoming pub that's great for watching sporting events in, it also serves red Guinness- which different!
The Barrels (pictured below)- what can we say about this place- opinion is definitely divided, you either love it or hate it. However, it must be said that there is a wide variety of good beers available.
The Victory (pictured below)- this place never changes, it still looks like a boat- see picture below.
The Volunteer (pictured below)- a nice, little pub in the back streets of Hereford. The toilets are outside though, and it was -4 degrees C on this visit, grrrr!

Zane Wine Bar and Bistro (pictured below)- this was formerly called Charlotte's, not a lot has changed since then, it's primarily geared towards dining but is very welcoming.
We have also had a review of The Cock of Tupsley sent in anonymously. They had nothing bad to say about the place and describe their visit as: "In short a very impressive night out and would not hesitate to use it again on a regular basis..."

Treacle Mine Closes!

2010-02-18T14:58:00.003Z

The credit crunch has claimed another Hereford pub. After a prolonged spell of limited opening hours The Treacle Mine has finally closed it's doors. We only hope that sometime in the future, as the economy recovers, this friendly, welcoming pub re-opens. We have heard rumours that several other drinking establishments are facing similar difficulties; so if anyone has any information let us know and we'll post it here.
Last week saw the HM Pub Guide Team, re-assess some of the pubs in town, so check back soon to read these new reviews; also included will be all the reader reviews sent in.

The Grafton - Reader Review

2010-02-08T12:13:00.004Z

Chris French has sent in a very favourable reader review of The Grafton. Chris describes the food as being excellent and says its well worth the short trip out of town along the Ross Road. Check out the full review here.

Myself and Ms. W visited the Grafton just last week and also had a very nice meal. Its also worth noting that there is a promotion on at the moment giving a £5 discount on a meal for two, a £10 discount on a meal for four or two free glasses of wine. Vouchers were available on the bar and are valid up to the end of February.

Mr Pink Reviews The Old Market Inn

2010-02-01T20:48:00.002Z

Mr Pink has kindly sent in a reader review of The Old Market Inn in which he highlights the excellent value offered by their current meal deal.

Check out the full review here.

HM and Son Pub Guide

2010-01-21T09:05:00.002Z

The future of the HM PUB GUIDE is secure.

I am pleased to report that two weeks ago Mrs. M gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. Mother and baby (and father) are doing well and the future of the HMPG is now assured. For the next few weeks (and possibly months) you might notice a decline in the amount of updates and reviews added to the site. I hope you will be understanding throughout this period and stick with us; as once we get into some sort of routine, and get more sleep at night I will be able to donate some more of my free time to everyone's favourite pub guide. I look forward to handing over the whole operation to Master M in 18 years time- I can only hope that Mr. H sires a son in that time so we don't have to change the name and logo!

The Barrels and The Exchange - Reader Reviews

2010-01-19T17:01:00.002Z

We've received two contrasting reviews from reader HUFC Dan.

Dan is a regular at the Barrels which he describes as a 'Lively Pub with great prices'. check out the full review here.

He's also recently visited the Exchange which he says is 'Not the boozer that it used to be' and he can see why it is no longer so popular with the Hereford United fans. Read his full review here .

On the subject of Hereford United, why not check out the new HUFC Talk forum . Its a totally independent and unofficial chat forum set up to talk exclusively about our beloved football club.

2009 Pub of the Year Complete Results

2010-01-06T20:00:00.002Z

Above is the final, verified results for the 2009 Hereford Pub of the Year poll. Our congratulations go to the landlord and staff of The Litten Tree on Commercial Road. Below is your certificate to print out and display for the world to see. We look forward to re-visiting the establishment soon, and of course we'll publish a fully up-to-date review. In the mean time we invite readers to send in your reviews, and then we'll know for sure if The Litten Tree is a worthy winner of the poll.

And The Winner Is...

2010-01-05T17:38:00.003Z

Over the last month or so we have been inviting readers to vote for the 2009 Hereford Pub of the Year. In total 144 of you voted, and with an outstanding 60% of the vote, with 87 votes, we can announce that the winner is... The Litten Tree.
In second place, with 17% (24 votes) was The Hop Pole; and in third came The Barrels with 7% (10 votes).

Thank you all for voting and we look forward to hearing from you in 2010.

Happy New Year + Las Vegas Pub Reviewed

2010-01-04T12:52:00.000Z

A Happy New year to you all from the HM Pub Guide team. We hope you all had a very merry time and used it as an excuse to visit plenty of local pubs.

Don't forget to check back soon for the Official Pub of the Year 2009 results. We've also had a new review submitted by Grievesie of Hooters in Las Vegas - check it out here

'Twas the night before Christmas...

2009-12-24T20:50:00.003Z

Well it's Christmas Eve and I've had too many snowballs, so I'll keep this short. At the beginning of December we visited the UK Snooker Championships in Telford (pictured below)- whilst there we had lunch at the local Wetherspoons, The Thomas Botfield, (pictured bottom). Of course we reviewed the place, click here to read that review.

This will be the last update of 2009, so we would like to thank you all for your comments and reviews over the past year. Don't forget to vote for the "2009 Hereford Pub of the Year" and we look forward to hearing from you in 2010.

All that remains to be said is: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

Vote for the 2009 Pub of the Year- POLL NOW CLOSED

2009-12-22T11:36:00.001Z

As the song says: "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..." therefore it must be time for our annual HM Pub Guide Pub of the Year Poll. Just vote for your favourite pub below, and feel free to leave any comments and opinions. The result will be announced in early 2010.

Merry Christmas and Happy Drinking
THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED, ANY FURTHER VOTES WILL NOT COUNT.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-02T23:13:00.017Z

Christmas is just around the corner, decorations are going up all around and Christmas carols can be heard on every TV advert.
Therefore us folk at the HM Pub Guide would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your contributions this year and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Seeing as it's a time for giving and sharing, why not send in some photos of what drinking activities you get up to this Yuletide. If you have a Christmas party at a pub why not review the establishment. You could even let us know which pubs have the best and worse decorations.
We look forward to hearing from you, and don't forget to vote for the "2009 Pub of the Year."

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Reader Review: The Volunteer

2009-12-01T17:06:00.010Z

Mitzi has sent us in a rave review of the Volunteer on Harold Street.

The review praises both the new beer garden and the great salads which are apparently the best in town!

Check out the full review here

Pub Quiz Trivia

2009-11-26T09:50:00.004Z

Below are some interesting facts and trivia that you may find interesting; and who knows, one day they might prove useful in a pub quiz!

Who had the most UK hit records without a No1? Depeche Mode- 42 chart entries but none reached higher than No4.
How many cigarettes are smoked worldwide every day? About 15billion.
Why does alcohol make you drunk? It slows the brain and increases the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is related to pleasure.
What was the first name of Officer Dibble in Top Cat? Charlie.
How many different surnames are there in the UK? About 1.38million divided between 60.78million people- one surname for every 44 people.
Why is roulette sometimes called The Devil's Game? The numbers on the wheel add up to 666.
You sail a boat, fly a plane, but what do you do with a submarine? Drive.
Which is the nearest Commonwealth country to the UK? Malta.
How many different wines are there? More than 60,000.
How many people did Skippy the bush kangaroo save? In 91 TV episodes Skippy and human sidekick Sonny saved 39 people- plus a Siamese cat and a wombat.
Where did the term freelancing originate? The first 'free lancers' were medieval soldiers, often armed with lances, who sold their services to the highest bidder.
What happens when you put slices of cucumber on your eyelids? Cucumber acts as a mild astringent. In other words, it shrinks body tissue and so reduces puffiness in the short term.
Who made the Nazi SS uniforms? Designer Hugo Boss.
Why doesn't a trick candle go out when you blow on it? The wick has magnesium flakes which ignite from the relatively low heat of the just extinguished wick.
What is the highest number of winners of the National Lottery jackpot? The draw on November 14, 1995, saw 133 ticket holders share £16million.
Is it true that the people who paint white lines on roads get paid more than firemen? White-line painters earn £53,000 a year compared to an average firefighter's £25,000.
Where is the world's biggest car park? West Edmonton Mall in Alberta, Canada, has space for more than 20,000 vehicles.
Is it true that a male Hollywood star played a female in all his films? Yes, Lassie is a female character but all nine 'Lassies' have been played by male dogs.
Which animal has the most teeth? Snails- they have 15,000 to 50,000.
How many cats are there on the Isle of Dogs? Assuming the national average of one cat for every six residents, there are 20,000.
Why isn't the Rotherhithe Tunnel under the Thames straight? It was built with bends so horses would not see the light at the end from a distance and bolt for the exit.

If anyone else knows any other random trivia and facts, and wishes to expand our minds then feel free to add it on the comments section below.

2009 Hereford Pub of the Year Shortlist

2009-11-24T13:52:00.000Z

Well it's that time of year again; the clocks go back tonight, Christmas is getting ever nearer and therefore time is right for our annual 'Pub of the Year' poll. 2008 saw a tied result with both The Barrels and The Hop Pole receiving 27% of the vote. 2007 saw The Hop Pole easily walk away with the title and gathering a 33% share of the votes. Our inaugural poll back in 2006 saw The Exchange take the title with 23%.

With this in mind I am proud to announce this years short-listed pubs for your perusal. If you feel that we have left out any worthy pub, or that some of the below list is not worthy then leave your comments and we'll make a final determination late in November.

The 2009 short-list is (in alphabetical order):

The Barrels
The Exchange
The Grapes
The Heart of Oak
The Hop Pole
The Imperial
The King's Fee (Wetherspoons)
The Lichfield Vaults
The Litten Tree
The Monument
The Old Market Inn
The Rose and Crown
The Spread Eagle
The Wye Inn

Don't forget to check back in December to register your vote; and the results for the '2009 Hereford Pub of the Year' will be published in early January.

Three Elms Re-reviewed

2009-11-15T18:04:00.002Z

Last week we popped into The Three Elms for a re-review. We found a nice foody pub also nicely catering for its regular drinkers.

Check out the full review here

TGS Bowling and Axe & Cleaver Reviews

2009-11-04T12:08:00.005Z

We nipped into TGS bowling last week and took the opportunity to re-review it for the Pub Guide.

Click here to see the full review. Its much the same as it was before but the food is surprisingly good - anywhere that does a burger with a fried egg on is fine by me.

We've also recently reviewed The Axe and Cleaver at Much Birch. This is a pub with a great reputation for food but there's also a seperate bar area if you just fancy a pint. Click here for the review.

Be sure to check out our full review index which includes reviews of both Hereford and non-Hereford pubs both by ourselves and submitted by our readers.

Which pub should win the title "2009 Pub of the Year"?
	The Barrels
	The Exchange
	The Grapes
	The Hop Pole
	The Imperial
	The Kings Fee (Wetherspoons)
	The Lichfield Vaults
	The Litten Tree
	The Monument
	The Rose and Crown
	The Spread Eagle
	The Wye Inn
	Other (please specify below)