Change in Pub Status

I had planned to meet Mr Harris here at lunchtime but unfortunately he couldn't make it so I came on my own. It was very pleasant. There were a handful of tables being used, mainly by people eating. The seating and cushions seem to have been rearranged since I was last here and the place had the feel of an old country house. Also, I found out why it’s called the Parrot. Apparently there’s a line in Chaucer that talks about a “sparrowhawk parrot”.

Came in with my daughter who is now 18, but couldn't persuade her to try the ale. So it was half of Foster's and a pint of Tribute. Sat by the fire which promptly went out. It was pretty empty for about midday Saturday.

Needed a break from shopping and remembered this place has an awesome beer garden. The inside was empty as everyone was sat outside, we managed to grab the sofas!

I was actually pleasantly surprised, this was my first visit since the takeover. Not much has changed which is good. The clientele does seem different, they seem to be attracting more of the trendy types rather than the students that were in here before. I haven't decided whether that's good or bad yet.

I agree with Brian, I don't like it. Give me my old pub back. On the other hand, as Andrew rightly pointed out, if I walked in here for the first time today, it would be ok. Not sure the modern furniture and old building go together.

Ian hadn’t been here since it changed from Simple Simon’s and apart from anything else he was interested to see the new furniture. We sat outside where Ian decided he didn’t like the new furniture. About 10 minutes before I had to leave we bumped into Brian so the 3 of us sat outside and discussed the new furniture. This pub’s generated more interest in furniture than the last advertising campaign for MFI. Soon I had to go which was a crying shame as Ian and Brian were heading off to the Bell & Crown and I’d have loved to have joined them. Oh well.

Garden almost full, inside virtually empty. I'm still not convinced that the refurbishment has worked, but I'll reserve judgement until the winter comes and they light the fires.

The interior is plusher than it was, and the place has been given a spring clean. The furniture is a bit odd - heavy wooden tables and chairs with cushions (cushions in a pub??), but over all it seemed fine. Alaister told me that the garden was great. Came with my wife and daughter who'd given me a lift from the beer fest.

I came here with Adrian with some trepidation. However I was pleasantly surprised. All the furniture is new but fits in with the surroundings well. The furniture in the garden was good too; lots of sturdy wicker chairs and large blocky-woody chairs and tables. Most importantly they had 2 Hopdaemon beers on. The bar maid told me that Skrimshander was on quite regularly and a good seller. Unfortunately there’s no more live music but the staff and customers have all been asking the owners to bring it back so may be they will.