The Anchor Inn

The outside doesn’t make the best first impression, but it’s a case of not judging by appearances. We dropped in with friends on a Monday afternoon, a week before Christmas, for a few pints and felt right at home. Staff and locals were friendly, the Guinness was spot on, and there was a good mix of songs on the jukebox.

The room was badly neglected. It looked as though it hadn’t been dusted in ages, and the carpet seemed to get vacuumed only down the middle. We’d read about noise from the nightclub across the road, but hadn’t realised the bedroom windows wouldn’t shut properly. We could hear each person leaving as if they were passing through the room. Downstairs, pub customers smoked outside our bathroom window and spent much of the evening loudly arguing and swearing. I’d chosen a Saturday because I enjoy live entertainment, only to be told on arrival that it had been cancelled. When I asked for a menu, I found out they don’t serve food. I definitely wouldn’t stay again. At least there’s a Costa just a few doors away.

The staff were lovely and friendly, but the beer was really poor. My pint of Morritte came in a Thatcher's glass, which didn’t bother me. The lager, though, tasted like snakebite and was unpleasant.

Ian, the new Landlord, is lovely, but his choice of staff has cost him customers. When I pointed out a problem, they attacked me on Facebook in posts and personal messages. I used to be in there when I was often the only customer, so you’d think they’d value someone spending money at the pub. Ian needs to take responsibility and get rid of the staff who have driven people away.