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

A Record Breaking Month

2008-10-06T10:01:00.002+01:00

Last month, September 2008, proved to be a record breaking month for the HM Pub Guide. In total there were 1175 recorded hits- which is the first time our monthly total has exceeded 1000. Below is the complete monthly hits per day graph:

We are now fully up-to-date, and all reviews sent in are on-line and available for your perusal. In total there are now 110 Official HMPG reviews, and 112 reviews sent in by you- our avid readers. So carry on the good work and keep those reviews coming in.

Roving Reporter Rob E visits Southend and London

2008-10-01T12:19:00.009+01:00

Our independent reviewer Rob E has been out and about reviewing the Pubs of Britain. On a recent Hereford United away trip he checked out the Golden Lion at Southend (pictured right). Rob decribes the pub as a 'Scruffy pub but with character'. Check out the full review here.

The next day he moved onto London where he visited Doggett's in the Blackfriars Bridge area of the city (pictured left). This is an impressive sounding pub with 4 differently themed floors. Click here for the full review.

The All New HM Pub Guide Facebook Group Page

2008-09-25T15:59:00.008+01:00

The HMPG now has it's own Facebook group page. So for all of you
account holders login here and then type in "HM Pub Guide" in the search box at the top right of the screen.

There you can find all the latest news and gossip, plus the chance to meet and talk to other like minded HM Pub Guiders, post photos and videos and join in group discussions. Join the group today and help us expand our ever growing database the of pubs of Great Britain.

New Reviews Added

2008-09-23T20:06:00.004+01:00

Last night we visited a new bar in town- Arte's on the corner of St. Ethelbert and St. Owen's Street (formerly known as Doodies).

What we found was very pleasant. Although very posh and expensive looking we are pleased to announce that the pricing is reasonable and is definitely worth checking out. See our full review here.

Whilst on our travels we have also re-reviewed The Barrels, The Queen's Arms and The Grandstand. Check out their new standings here- and you will also notice a new section added; that of closed down pubs- if anyone has any news regarding the re-opening of these pubs then drop us a line.

We have also received another review from our most prolific reviewer: "Rob E". He has already reviewed 18 pubs for the Guide, and his 19th review is of The Old Market Inn.

Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Riding through...Catalonia?

2008-09-17T17:02:00.001+01:00

We've received another review from a pub in sunnier climes. Grievesie has sent in a review for the Robin Hood Pub near Barcelona - located between Malgrat and Santa Susanna.

It sounds like a home-from-home abroad and as close as you can get to a British Pub atmosphere overseas. As Grievesie explains in his review:

"This was an amazing bar run be two charming English gentlemen. The main thing I liked about this pub was everything was English - all the beers and ales were imports. They even had Newcastle Brown Ale on tap!

The kitchen served bacon sarnies, chicken and chips - anything you wanted really with Heinz Tomato Ketchup and HP sauce."

Check out Grievesie's full review here where he details the bar games on offer and tells of a Dad's Army sing-a-long.

Hereford United away trip pubs - Southend 13/09/2008

2008-09-11T12:12:00.007+01:00

The Bulls are on the road again this Saturday - this time making their way down to Southend (Pictured above is the beautiful Southend Pier). Many thanks to ExLandlord over at the Bulls Banter Forum who has recommended the following pubs to travelling Hereford fans:

"The nearest Pub to accept visitors is The Golden Lion just up the A127 from the car park. It does get busy but the service is good and it has Sky TV on big screens although it is a bit of a fizzy beer outlet.

The nearby Spread Eagle is mainly a home Pub but usually accepts well-behaved visitors and sports a selection that includes London Pride, Spitfire, Highgate and Bombardier. Going back to the traffic lights, you will find The Blue Boar with Tetleys and Green King IPA. The Nelson in North Road may be worth a look as it has Sky and a beer garden.

A mile from the ground on London Road is The Trading Room, a converted Bank that reportedly serves Courage Directors and Ridleys Old Bob along with decent food.

The delightful Golden Mile seafront offers a multitude of premises including The Liberty Belle, which does a Real Ale or two although nothing of particular note. Close to the Pier, you will find a gynormous Wetherspoons trading as The Last Post. It offers the usual fare including Spitfire, Directors and Theakstons Best as well as several guests and TWO CIDERS (probably fizzy).

Please note, The Shrimpers Bar at the ground is now members only and no alcohol is served inside the stadium although refreshments are available from a cafe type building behind the North Stand."

Your Reviews Updated - Mixed reviews for The Grandstand!

2008-09-07T16:04:00.003+01:00

Thanks for your latest submissions. Check out the Reviews section to see the latest additions. These include two contrasting reviews of the recently refurbished Grandstand (pictured). Regular contributor Rob E has given a glowing review whereas William Thomson has contrasting views.

Also reviewed by William Thomson are The Kings Fee, and The Nell Gwynne. In addition Jenny Vernal has sent us a review of The Black Lion.

Our Best Month... EVER

2008-09-03T14:26:00.003+01:00

It seems that the new and improved website has achieved it's goal. August 2008 has proved to be our most popular month- ever, with 768 recorded hits. Below is a graph showing the daily breakdown of recorded hits:We have also received several more reviews:
The Black Lion- by Jenny Vernel.
Nell Gwynne, Grandstand, King's Fee (Wetherspoons) - all by William Thompson.
and from further afield: Robin Hood Pub, Santa Susanna, Spain.
These reviews (and any others we receive) will all be published soon, so keep checking back to see your name up in lights for the world to see!

New Stella Brand Available- or is there???

2008-09-01T12:02:00.002+01:00

I was walking around a local supermarket the other day, and what did I see on offer? Only a new type of Stella Artois! seeing as it was only £3 for 4 cans I thought I'd give it a go; however, I was immediately suspicious as the new brand was 4% alcohol and I already had in my fridge at home Peetermans Artois- which was also 4%. So I thought to myself I'd better do a taste test!!!

After several cans of each variety, and much to my partners annoyance, I was quite drunk but my point was proved. I was unable to tell the difference between the 2 beers. The next day I was determined to get to the bottom of this. I tried to log on to the Stella Artois web-site, but for some reason I was blocked out. I immediately suspected a conspiracy theory- that Stella are trying to make more money out of us poor beer drinkers by selling the same beer under two different names.

However, the helpful people at 'Wikipedia' came to my rescue. It seems that they are indeed the same drink, and that in due course the 'Peetermans' name will be phased out and repackaged as 'Stella Artois 4%'.

So there we have it, it turned out not to be much of a story, but I thought I'd include it here because then everyone can enjoy looking at my photo of a lovely pint of Stella- mmmmmmm.

N.B. seeing as we are an independent pub guide it seems only fair to point out that other beers/lagers are available.

The Old Market Inn - Very nice!

2008-08-31T07:51:00.003+01:00

I'm glad to report that Mr M and his delicate spleen is back out and about and to celebrate we thought we'd check out the recently re-opened Old Market Inn (formerly the Newmarket Tavern). We were very impressed by this smart and modern pub that caters both for the traditional drinkers and those seeking pub grub. Check out the full review here

We also took the opportunity to re-assess The Spread Eagle and weren't so impressed. The pub seems to be resting on its laurels somewhat as it still draws in the punters despite being in dire need of a lick of paint here and there, and even lacksa sign for the Gents door (see Mr M's previous blog post). Click here for the full review

We've also received a few of your reviews. Jo has kindly reviewed The Wye Inn and The Broadleys, plus Rob E checked out The Old Fish Market, Bristol on a recent football away day that Hereford United fans would rather forget!

Happy 2nd Birthday

2008-08-29T15:27:00.003+01:00

This week marks the 2nd birthday of the HM Pub Guide going online. This milestone almost slipped past us unnoticed; however, to celebrate this achievement we thought we'd share with you some interesting facts about the HMPG:

there have been 12,728 recorded hits.
with this month (August 2008) having the most hit so far- 671 (as of 29/08/08).
there are 109 official HMPG reviews.
and 101 reviews submitted by our avid readers.
the most northerly rated pub is Randolf Turpin's Bar on the summit of the Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales.
and the most southerly (and furthest away) rated pub is the Daly Water's Pub in Australia's Northern Territory.

Thanks for all your contributions over the last 2 years, keep up the good work and more importantly keep those reviews coming in.

Toilet Signage at the Spread Eagle

2008-08-28T10:56:00.008+01:00

We were in the Spread Eagle the other night re-reviewing the establishment when I needed to use the facilities. After following the signs and heading off up stairs the following doors greeted me. Obviously the first door was for the Ladies, but where do us blokes go- I was brave and went through the next door, and luckily enough it was the Gents- but how hard is it to put a sign on the door!!! OK, it's alright for us locals because we know where to go, but what of the visitors? To my recollection this door has been like this for a year or so- which just makes the issue 10 times worse!!!

This might sound petty but this lack of attention to detail really annoys me. After all it is a service industry and us customers should be looked after- especially as the price of beer keeps going up. Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now and get back to the important things in life.

Our full re-review of the Spread will be published soon, so check back later to see if the pub has gone up or down in the rankings.

New Reviews Submission Form - Lightning Quick!

2008-08-27T17:01:00.004+01:00

We've updated our online submission form - The old one was creaking along a bit and needed a revamp and so we were burning the midnight oil over the bank holiday weekend to get it sorted.

Check out the new version here. Its already been described by an independent source as "Lightning quick!"

We've also been busy updating the Your Hereford Pub Reviews Section. Check out the newly added reviews:
LWLS's review of The Barrels,
and from regular critic Rob E - The Barrels, The Hop Pole, The Moorfields and The Herdsman

The Newmarket Tavern Reopens

2008-08-25T10:59:00.004+01:00

Several months ago the Newmarket Tavern on Blueschool Street closed it's doors to the public; however, this month it reopened- albeit with a new name: The Old Market Inn.

Unfortunately, we have not had the opportunity to assess the new pub yet (primarily due to the fact that I've been struck down with glandular fever for the last 5 weeks!) so if anyone has been in there, why not send us a review, and if possible some photos of the interior.

We look forward to hearing from you, and will try to get an Official HM Pub Guide review of the Old Market Inn done soon.

Recommended Pubs for Bristol Rovers Away Trip

2008-08-21T12:13:00.004+01:00

With Hereford United on the road again this weekend and with a bit of luck picking up their first League One points of the season we asked the folk from the Bulls Banter forum for their recommended pubs to visit...

WX Bow Drinker and The Prowler both mentioned The Gloucester Arms which is located near the ground. This seems a regular pub with away fans though it doesn't seem too jovial with the landlord being not too keen on singing.

Celebrity supporter Des O'Connor recommended a variety of boozers: The Inn on the Green (a mile or so North of the ground along Filton Road) has a variety of ales but an arsey landlord, The Sportsman is a nice pub near the cricket ground and also nearby is The Annexe which serves a number of fine ales.

Special thanks go to Crooked Famwlad for his interesting sounding pub crawl:
'Starting at The Engineer by Temple Meads (a rough pub but fun!) moving on to The Cornubia or The Shakespeare around Temple Meads and then heading towards Old Market Street and some of the weird pubs there (there are millions).

Head left where you get to signs for the 'Bristol & Bath Railway Path' up through the park following the River Teme, then you'll eventually meet The Fabulous Duke with its ciders and ales and continuous reggae and skittles. Then on to The Miners Arms and heading up the hill past the allotments zigzagging up to the Sportsman and The Annexe.

Finally move up to the Bath Ales pub on top of Gloucester Road near the ground....then fall asleep on the doorstep of the Socialist club and wake up with some teenage Gassers pissing on your face!'

A Review from Down Under...

2008-08-17T19:22:00.004+01:00

We have a new winner for the furthest flung review submitted by a reader! CJ has sent in a review of the Daly Waters pub in the Northern Territory of Australia.

CJ visited this historic pub back in 1993 and commented on its wonderful collection of travellers memorabilia and the potency of its cocktails. Check out his full review here in the newly added 'And Beyond...' section.

We welcome reviews from all round the globe so if you have fond memories of any similarly distant pubs submit them in the usual way.

Litten Tree Photos

2008-08-13T13:37:00.002+01:00

We have received some nice new photos of the Litten Tree which are shown below...

Remember that you can send us your own pub photos and we'll add them to the website's gallery section

Hereford United Away Trips - Leyton Orient and Crystal Palace Pubs

2008-08-06T12:11:00.005+01:00

With a couple of big away games coming up for Hereford United as they begin their League One and League Cup campaigns we thought we'd have a quick look at some of the pubs near the respective grounds to try and recommend some pre-match watering holes...

Leyton Orient Away - Saturday, 9th August 2008

The Birbeck Tavern
Serves a fine selection of ales and also has a lovely beer garden. Usually frequented by friendly Orient fans on match days so could well be the ideal place for some pre and post-match banter. A couple of minutes walk from the station - head down Goodall Road, then Langthorne Road

The Northcote
Another friendly and reasonably priced pub and a regular with football fans. Less than half a mile from the ground - just head down Warren Road on your way from the tube station to the ground.

Leyton Orient Supporters Club
Located in the West Stand of the ground. Away supporters are welcome though there may be a small charge on the door. A fine selection of ales available and even comes with a CAMRA recommendation.

Best Avoided: The Lord Clyde

Crystal Palace Away - Tuesday, 12th August 2008

Clifton Arms, Clifton Road
The nearest pub to Selhurst Park. Turn right out of the station and take the 3rd left. A large Victorian Pub known for high quality ales. Away fans are only admitted if they turn up early.

The Railway Telegraph, Bridgestock Road
Popular with away fans. From the station cross at the zebra crossing and turn right. Pub is 100 yards down this road.

The Alliance, Station Road
Located by the clock tower this small but friendly pub can get crowded but has a choice of real ales.

For the less adventurous: A Wetherspoons is directly opposite the Thornton Heath tube station - Always a safe bet!

Your Reviews - updated 05/08/2008

2008-08-05T12:02:00.004+01:00

We've had some new reviews submitted by readers which have been added to the site. Check them out here... http://www.hmpubguide.com/yourhereford.html

New additions include the return of a former HM Pub Guide regular - the legendary Rob E - who has re-reviewed The Kings Fee and found the service to be much improved.

We've also added a very favourable review of The Barrels from the mysterious real-ale loving 'Me' plus a review of The Exchange from Will J.

We Have Lift-off!!!

2008-08-01T17:11:00.001+01:00

After many, many delays the new website is now up and running - hurrah! You should notice your favourite pub guide is now looking very smart indeed and is hopefully just that little bit easier for you to use.

The new design also means the site is far easier to update meaning a lightening fast turnaround from when you send us a review to it being published - double hurrah! Why not test us out and send us a review using our on-line form? Click the link to the left and get cracking...

The Year So Far...

2008-07-29T08:49:00.002+01:00

It has been an interesting year for the HM Pub Guide. Although it might seem to the casual observer that the site has been neglected for a while, in fact the opposite is true. Behind the scenes we have been beavering away, working to bring you a more complete and user friendly internet site. We are currently ironing out the bugs and putting the finishing touches to the new guide. So keep checking back to be one of the first to see the new and improved HMPG.

Don't forget to keep sending your reviews in, whether they be of Hereford pubs or those from further afield. Hope you all have an enjoyable summer holiday, and we look forward to hearing from you...

The New Logo - with a twist

2008-07-25T12:27:00.002+01:00

In celebration of the fact that the site will soon be getting a bit of a face-lift we've created this beautiful mosaic based on our new logo.

From a distance it looks just like the regular logo only perhaps a bit blockier. Take a closer look and you can see that it is in fact made up of hundreds of photos of the interior and exteriors of pubs taken on our travels around Hereford and beyond. Click the image above to enlarge it and view it in all its glory.

For a better look at the photos why not check out the Photo Gallery section of the site. And remember, we're always keen to receive your pub-related photos - Drop us an Email at the usual address.

An Easy Mistake to Make...?

2008-07-18T18:22:00.002+01:00

Has anybody else fallen for this particular quirk in Widesmarsh Street, Hereford. Picture the scene...

You've been out on the town in Hereford and are on your way back to the Tescos bus stop in an effort to get that last bus home before its too late. Legging it up Widemarsh Street you opt to take the route down the delightful Mansion House Walk (that little alleyway by Blacks) which should take you almost directly to the bus stop.

But no, in your haste its all too easy to instead go down the side alleyway by the Imperial and end up by a load of bins and other such nicities. It might even take you a little while to realise your mistake leading to much confusion in your slightly merry brain. For a brief second it seems as if you have entered an alternative reality before you realise your mistake and sheepishly turn around hoping nobody has seen you for the idiot that you are.

I must have done this on at least three seperate occasions! Surely it can't just be me?!?!?

Is it Christmas already???

2008-07-12T16:31:00.003+01:00

Christmas time seems to have come a bit early in one Hereford pub!!!

The other weekend I was having a meal in the Wye Inn, there was a tape playing in the background- mostly inoffensive cover songs- then out of nowhere came "Frosty The Snowman". Now I like Christmas as much as the next person, however as it was the start of July it did seem a bit inappropriate (and it wasn't even the Dean Martin classic version).

On the plus side, I can recommend the Sweet and Sour Chicken- it's very nice. To be fair all the food looks pretty good and is reasonable priced. No doubt I'll be re-visiting the place soon.

Hereford Pub Watch – July 2008

2008-07-11T12:23:00.003+01:00

The on-going pub closing/opening merry-go-round continues with the pub’s of Hereford city. Recent developments have seen the closure of the Litchfield Vaults but the re-opening of the Orange Tree.

This week the HM Pub Guiders enjoyed a quiet pint in the Orange Tree beer garden and we can confirm that the pub is much the same as it was pre-closure which is no bad thing. An impressively large Stella umbrella can be found in the back beer garden too.

Mystery surrounds the closure of the Litch though. Is it just an extended Summer break or a more permanent closure? If you’ve heard any gossip drop us a line.

Some good news is the imminent re-opening of The Newmarket. We eagerly await August’s unveiling and are intrigued to see what the new landlords have done with the place. The early signs are for a more food-orientated venue but we can only hope that they have also catered for the drinkers. We’ve enjoyed many a pint in the cosy ‘Old’ Newmarket down the years.