The Old Market Inn - Very nice!

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

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

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!

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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!!!

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...