The Hopsmiths

conformable_kate · July 2015

Given the starting point of this thread, don't forget about living wage, good staff relations, etc ...

bigspoon · July 2015

so hyped for the new noble already! <span style="font-size: 10pt;">even in the pre-refurb state they already have beers from kernel, beavertown and siren on tap and that, my friends, is enough to make me very happy.</span><div><div><br></div></div>

Mr_Arif · July 2015

Went in last night and had a pint or two or three called Morning Glory at £3.80 a pint tasted beautiful and great value for money.

skev303 · July 2015

Been in there a couple of times this week, fantastic beers and the burgers are amazing! It's been very quite in there though, hope word spreads and they get more custom.

CityOfSin · July 2015

They'll need to work hard to win back the regulars and bring in new blood.<div><br></div><div>skev303 - What's the rest of the menu like? Or is it just burgers?</div><div><br></div><div>Looking forward to seeing what they do with the decor (goodbye, weird wallpaper!) but I hope they get some regular mixers in. On a recent visit the barman sloshed that flat, heavily spiced Dalston cola over my spirit of choice - totally ruining any hope of tasting anything else. I can't be the only who thinks it tastes like a Panda Pop that's been left in a warm car.</div>

skev303 · July 2015

There was a limited menu, so just burgers (Cheese & bacon, Hot & spicy & a veggie option) & skin on chips..oh a beer stick cured sausages. All really nice + beer

skev303 · July 2015

Closed now for the fit out

krappyrubsnif · July 2015

Burgers with everything, everywhere, these days.

Arkady · July 2015

The beer sticks were great, very Southampton Arms. Ah, so they have closed so soon? Good, I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with the place.<div><br></div><div>They are officially renaming the pub 'The Hopsmiths'.</div>

ADGS · July 2015

Hopefully there will be a Southampton Arms-style cider offering too, as against the total lack of any during the brief taster period...

Arkady · July 2015

They did have a cider on when I went in.

NorthNineteen · July 2015

Two types when I went in including I think a ginger infused cider<br>

ADGS · July 2015

Ooooh. Perhaps I was just unlucky, but the barman told me they didn't yet have the pipes for it, or something technical to that effect.

Arkady · July 2015

Yeah it was being served by gravity when I was there.

ADGS · July 2015

I have no idea what that means, so I'm just picturing this guy behind the bar.<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3d/Gravity_(comic_cover_art).jpg">

Arkady · July 2015

Yeah that's the guy. Seriously, served on or by gravity means straight from a tapped barrel, as opposed to served under pressure from a hand pump or electrical pump. Yes, I'm a CAMRA member.

poxy · July 2015

I walked past this evening. It looks a long way off being finished but I was told it will re-open at 5:00pm sharp tomorrow night.

skev303 · July 2015

Twitter feed says open from 5, i'm gonna pop in for beer!

Arkady · July 2015

I'm waiting outside, they say they will be open in minutes...

poxy · July 2015

Bastard! I wanted to be first. Pint of Saison, please.

Arkady · July 2015

I was in the first three! Looks great. Massive beer range, menu projected on the wall. Complete refit. I approve. They gave me a beer while I waited outside.

skev303 · July 2015

<div>So..good beers, but I think they missed the mark for a local boozer. </div><div><br></div><div>Gone are the comfy sofas, sadly 6th form chairs all round & grouped tables which works in Brewdog, but I'm sure will return to smaller individual tables at some point. </div><div><br></div><div>The beer selection is great, however, you will only go to this pub if you appreciate non-commercial brews. And they don't serve the usual commercial spirits and mixers. I've never understood this, your rep is not going to be questioned if you sell Jack Daniels ffs! </div><div><br></div><div>The food menu was a little confusing, was that a burger advertised, or a bread, lettuce, pickles & the 12th ingredient a burger, who knows? </div><div><br></div><div>BUT good people, good beers & the décor will be finessed, I just wonder if their niche exists between the Dairy, Stapleton & Shaftsbury. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Peter Crumb · July 2015

The Shaftsbury is the only pub anything like it in the area. The next nearest would be the Swimmer and the Jolly Butchers.

Arkady · July 2015

I do understand what @skev303 means about the comfort factor. Once they settle down they could do with thowing in some comfier furniture. but all in all I quite liked the décor, and above all it's unusual - the closest thing we have to it is Max's, they have a shared aesthetic. And aesthetics aside, it's the only place around that has a decent craft beer selection, indeed it has the most unusual range of real ales too. Pretty sure it will be my pub of choice from now on.<br><br>My missus shares skev's distaste for the lack of standard coke, but I'm 100% behind it - screw the corporates, I want unusual stuff please.

Arkady · July 2015

Just before it opened:<div><br></div><div><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae221/Redarkady/IMAG0001.jpg"><br></div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae221/Redarkady/IMAG0002_1.jpg"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The kitchen area:</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae221/Redarkady/IMAG0003_1.jpg"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The beers: </div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae221/Redarkady/IMAG0004_1.jpg"><br></div><div><br></div><div>The bar:</div><div><br></div><div><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae221/Redarkady/IMAG0005_1.jpg"><br></div>

skev303 · July 2015

I also have a headache from Kernal IPA, 7.1%!!! <div><br></div>

Arkady · July 2015

You only have yourself to blame.

poxy · July 2015

My head hurts. I liked it. For an opening night I thought it was great. I'm sure the place will adapt and evolve over the coming weeks. The guys running the place want it to succeed and have been very open to requests and suggestions so far. I've changed the name of the thread. Again.

Mr_Arif · July 2015

Yes a good opening night ,good beer , and also all meat and fruit and veg is bought locally , tony's the butcher for example, good helpful staff , an enjoyable evening, looking forward to going again.

Arkady · July 2015

Yeah Tony Jr was congratulating them while I was waiting for it to open.

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