Topic ID 1998
Is anyone going to the grand opening? If you’ve already been what’s the verdict?
Reply ID 20965
It looked pretty busy when I drove through town earlier this evening, on my way to Folkestone! Hopefully someone will report back on just how good it is.
Reply ID 20968
I went last night. It has been very nicely done, well appointed, nice decor, plenty of bar staff (15 just behind the bar last night as it was packed). Sadly a lot of the old chav crew turned up, luckily confining themselves to the smoking area. Not too smoky, although when people started to go home, it was more noticeably drifting through to the non-smoking area. Much bigger than the Waterfront, but much much more seating, so still seemed busy if you were standing. The food looked good, although I didn't sample any. So all in all, looked quite promising. Just hope that the chavs didn't like the fact that it was clean and had a lot of door staff and stay away. Wouldn't want it to earn the name "The Chavigator"
Reply ID 20969
I went to. I guess most internet bloggers don't tend to leave the house after dark, unless you know different?! It was obviously busy, well refurbished and fresh inside, a vast improvement on the "Waterfront". However I have to express slight disappointment at the inevitability of another generic chain pub on our doorstep that offers nothing unique. Standard beers and bottles, small wine selection, cheap and cheerful grub. Burley bouncers on the door, although polite, hinted at the clientele they expect and offered an insight into what a Saturday night out at The Navigator may entail. Plasma screens warned us that we would be ID'ed if we were lucky enough to look under 18. There was no sign of the promised free food samples and tastings, perhaps I missed that at the ribbon cutting ceremony? Staff were clearly harassed and busy and any customer service training they may have received was quickly forgotten, as pulling pints and taking cash became the priority. Hate to sound like a party pooper, would be interested in the views of wareonline!
Reply ID 20970
Smoking area? No thanks. Can't believe that a pub would open after a refurb, only 4 months before the smoking ban is introduced and still allow all its brand new decor to be manked up by smokers. Bizarre. But makes it an easy decision as to whether or not I'd go.
Reply ID 20971
I did find that odd too. They have clearly spent good money on the inside, only to have people smoke there and put cigarette out on it! There were several female only arguments and I suspect that there were so many bouncers there becuase of the lure potential free food and drink to the local chavs. There were some free drinks, namely shots and samples of random beers. Didn't find the staff rude, although they were slightly nervous and clearly new to the job. There aren't any other pub chains in Ware that I can think of, so in that sense "another generic chain pub" is a bit different. I am not convinced it will be great, but I will give it another go, perhaps for lunch, in a few weeks when the novelty has worn off, as the menu looks quite nice and a bit of a change from the competition in the town.
Reply ID 20972
Smoking really puts me off too these days and with a choice of non-smoking pubs in town now it's unlikely I'll be trying it.
Reply ID 20974
The smoking area is, thankfully, relatively small, so shouldn't deter people from going, though as stated, stupid to put it in in the 1st place with the ban not far off. Far too packed to give an informed judgement - better to wait a month or so and wait for the 'novelty' value to dip. However, good to see 3 ales on.. Directors, Pride - yawn and a genuine guest ale from Potton but (at) £2.60. I had a pint in a smith jones pub in the city recently and it only cost £2.40!!!! Why, Why, Why are we being fleeced!?!?
Reply ID 20977
I went for the opening night and I thought it was great. The refurb has been well done and I love the 'boothes' as seating. The staff were friendly and the patio area looked great. Also the menu looked lovely and reasonably priced. On inspection of the loos (I believe you can judge a place on its toilets!), I was impressed. I'd give it a 7/10. The best part for me is I found out children are welcome during the day up till 7pm, which will be fantastic during the summer, however, they don't have any highchairs. I think the owners have done a fab job....I hope it stays this nice!
Reply ID 20985
quote:I totally agree.
Originally posted by Alec
Smoking area? No thanks. Can't believe that a pub would open after a refurb, only 4 months before the smoking ban is introduced and still allow all its brand new decor to be manked up by smokers. Bizarre. But makes it an easy decision as to whether or not I'd go.
Reply ID 20993
What are the prices like? (Says he the broke student...)
Reply ID 20994
I went tonight and thought it was good. Much better than the Waterfront. The usual suspects were in there as expected but im sure a little price increase will scare them off. Going there for a birthday on Saturday and will prob go there Sat for lunch. Food menu looks OK. Hope its a bit more lively than tonight thou! [8D]. The original Bridgehouse still takes a bit of beating though [;)]
Reply ID 20997
£5.35 for a Fosters top and a Vodka Lemonade and Lime. They were the only drinks I bought, but i don't know if that helps!
Reply ID 20999
I thought it had been done up nicely, but like others, can not understand the point of allowing smoking when the ban is so close and they've just spent a fortune on a refirb. Also, not all smokers stayed in the smoking area and many were seen stubbing their fags out on the new carpet - that won't last long if it continues! Plus, if you want to get to the patio, you have to walk through the smoking area. I thought that was disappointing. I was also disappointed to see that the fire exit that also used to double up as an accessible level access entrance appeared to just be a fire exit and did not allow for disabled access anymore. The booths are nice, but equally there are a lot of them and doesn't allow for much floor space.
Reply ID 21000
quote:Crikey what a wonderful idea that means that the fresh air from the patio is filtered through the secondary smoke before it reaches the people in the bar ! Unbelievable - That counts us out of even a exploratory visit thanks.
Plus, if you want to get to the patio, you have to walk through the smoking area....
Reply ID 21041
Just had a very slow service lunch in the Chavigator, not impressed at all!! Some beyond limp brown lettuce, dry crusty cucumber and a curious and ungenerous mixture of under- and over-cooked chips, served with the main meals. The "melt" was more burn than melt-y and the "wrap" was sadly filled with the aforementioned limp lettuce. Unfortunately sitting here, forty five minutes after eating feeling less than satisfied and with a slightly unsettled feeling in my stomach. Plus, on Saturday, sources tell me that more than 20 plates were sent back to the kitchen by displeased customers, one man sent his back an impressive three times. Sadly, I won't be going back!
Reply ID 21043
Well we haven't tried it yet, and on the evidence of WOL posters, can't see any reason to!! However, I suppose one can expect 'teething troubles' with food service in a new establishment, but if the standard does not improve quickly, people will soon go back to their previous places. We drove past a few times over the weekend, and it never looked especially busy.
Reply ID 21054
popped in there yesterday lunchtime with open mind only to see all three real ale pumps facing the wrong way. not a good sign...
Reply ID 21055
We haven't tried it yet neither, and by the accounts of people who have sampled the place, we won't be paying them a visit. We heard through the grapevine that they do not cook their food, they heat it all up in a microwave. Still, nothing wrong about that I suppose but it would be so much better if the food was cooked from scratch. We may "eventually" give it a try but there are so many other nice places in Ware.
Reply ID 21056
All about first impressions...out biking on Saturday afternoon along the towpath and took the opportunity to nip in for one on the spur of the moment. First thing said to me at the bar.."Hello glad you can join us" - NO..."Nice to see you, what would you like?" - NO.... it was an extremeley agressive, "REMOVE YOUR HAT, THE CAMERAS CANNOT SEE YOUR FACE" ..... Im a regular bloke of 41 out cycling who had gloves and hat on (it was a touch cold) who just fancied a pint in a new pub - First impressions tell me that they are not interested in people, just rules and petty ones at that... ps Do agree that the smoking area seems pointless for a few months too ....
Reply ID 21062
Secruity Cameras, ban's on baceball caps for the crimewatch clips, flat screen displays shouting "ID is required", doorman and microwave food. Its clear the type of pub The Naffagator is expecting to be, lets hope Abbs Bar can offer up something different?!
Reply ID 22050
Further to my earlier post, I am pleased to say we HAVE now sampled the Navigator twice and are suitably impressed with the food and drink they served us. The atmosphere is very pleasant and I would recommend the Navigator at any time. [:D]
Reply ID 22051
I went to the Navigator on Saturday afternoon for something to eat. I only ordered scampi and chips and had to send it back 3 times as the scampi was burnt. 3rd time it came out it was still burnt but I was so hungry I had to eat it. Chip and peas were cold so they were probably the same ones which came out with the first lot of scampi! My other half had a steak pie which was ok but not great for the money. I must say that the name “Chavigator” suits it as the place was full of people swearing and shouting and being rather abusive and this was all at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon. It is a shame as the drinks are well served, décor and location are good but it is let down by the quality of foods and some of the clientele. One of the things I struggle with is the mixed messages they are putting across – smoking area in the pub rather than being a smoking or non-smoking pub? Making out the food is quality food etc when it is straight from the freezer into the microwave or deep fat fryer. And the mixture of allowing children in the evening is good but then why allow lots of rowdy “chav” types in the pub? I wouldn't take my friends children there with all of the swearing etc going on. They need to decided on what type of establishment they want to be, family pub, Chavigator or just a pub?
Reply ID 22063
must admitt, with the choice that ware has I certainly do not go there - it has had a face lift but still has all of the same problems as before.
Reply ID 22070
sorry to say this but apart from some additional seating I didn't see much change from when it was the bridgehouse, me & my parter popped in their recently and tried to see what they had spent 3/4 million million pounds on, very expensive seats then [;)]
Reply ID 22074
On principle I try and avoid places that need great big guys in black suits outside. I don't even need to go inside to know its not my sort of place. Plenty of other places that are far nicer. Is anyone a member of the Stanstead Abbotts Village club? Nice cheap beer and they have IPA on tap!
Reply ID 22088
My sentiments exactly Pat. Apart from opening night which did need 'bouncers' due to it being manic - there is no need but, bizzarely, some people seem impressed by their prescence...mind you...the chavs need someware to go. By the way...if you walk up New Road to The Crooked Billet...since greedy king sold the pub....Stuarts taken off IPA and given the punters a choice of up to 30 quality ales and, guess what, his sales have rocketed!!
Reply ID 22090
Yes I've heard good things about the Crooked Billet Although you can't always get the same beer every time you go which is a bit of a put off for those that like to have a particular taste. I've often ended up in one of our local McMullen pubs but the AK isn't particularly my taste and strangely often gives me a head ache the next morning after 2 or 3 pints. Something I don't get with IPA after that or more.
Reply ID 22540
all new venues have their teething problems and I think the Navigator will settle down
Reply ID 22550
Me and Mrs Gerbil went for a bite to eat (and drink). All I have for the Navigator is praise. The food was fantastic, the service was fantastic. Even the beer (well Lager) was upto scratch too. My only complaint really, is that it was so nice, that I ate sooooooo much.... Time to get back on that wheel. Whatever they got wrong to startwith, I think they may have finally cracked it.!! Keep it up.
Reply ID 22559
I'll give it another go then - minus my hat !
Reply ID 22589
I went to the Navigator late on this afternoon and had some food and a coffee. The staff were friendly, the food was quick coming, and the customer service angle was well and truly covered. Also looking at the food menu there was a good variety to chose from; all at a reasonable price. My only negative is that it is not a non-smoking establishment.
Reply ID 22590
Not long to wait - July 1st is not far off!
Reply ID 22604
Visited the navigator for first time two weeks ago, Not impressed. Only one choice of bitter, rest off. Smoke wafting from smoking area through big gap into the so called non-smoking area! and when i went to loo. Notice saying, Mens loo broken use disabled loos downstairs. and what a state the disable toilet was, pee and paper on floor, i am sure it wasn't any disabled people. Didn't have any food but brother had food there week before and said it was microwaved rubbish (cirly fries?) Such a big pub should realy be giving better service. Or it will end up the same as the waterfront and bridgehouse, it's previous names. So what should they do? More choice of guest bitters, employ a proper chef and cook simple food but higher standard as (whitehorse, wareside for example)get rid of chavs and ban smoking throughout. At least that would give them a chance.
Reply ID 22610
We visited yet again, for food and drink. The bitter on offer (Black Swan) is yummy and the food well cooked and certainly not microwaved as we had been led to believe. The only trouble I would like to mention is that the tap in the Ladies' loo does not shut automatically so it is left running all the time. If they are on a water meter, they will have a nasty surprise! Otherwise, we only have praises for the Navigator and wish them all the best of luck. Good food, good drink and nice and airy atmosphere. [:)]
quote:
Originally posted by ArtMan
Visited the navigator for first time two weeks ago, Not impressed. Only one choice of bitter, rest off. Smoke wafting from smoking area through big gap into the so called non-smoking area! and when i went to loo. Notice saying, Mens loo broken use disabled loos downstairs. and what a state the disable toilet was, pee and paper on floor, i am sure it wasn't any disabled people. Didn't have any food but brother had food there week before and said it was microwaved rubbish (cirly fries?) Such a big pub should realy be giving better service. Or it will end up the same as the waterfront and bridgehouse, it's previous names. So what should they do? More choice of guest bitters, employ a proper chef and cook simple food but higher standard as (whitehorse, wareside for example)get rid of chavs and ban smoking throughout. At least that would give them a chance.
Reply ID 22612
quote:The Black Swan was off when i was there, as for airy atmospher? smoky? I will give it a try again perhaps they have sorted some issues out and hopefully the mens loo is repaired, i will even try the food and then post my findings again.
Originally posted by Justme
We visited yet again, for food and drink. The bitter on offer (Black Swan) is yummy and the food well cooked and certainly not microwaved as we had been led to believe. The only trouble I would like to mention is that the tap in the Ladies' loo does not shut automatically so it is left running all the time. If they are on a water meter, they will have a nasty surprise! Otherwise, we only have praises for the Navigator and wish them all the best of luck. Good food, good drink and nice and airy atmosphere. [:)]quote:
Originally posted by ArtMan
Visited the navigator for first time two weeks ago, Not impressed. Only one choice of bitter, rest off. Smoke wafting from smoking area through big gap into the so called non-smoking area! and when i went to loo. Notice saying, Mens loo broken use disabled loos downstairs. and what a state the disable toilet was, pee and paper on floor, i am sure it wasn't any disabled people. Didn't have any food but brother had food there week before and said it was microwaved rubbish (cirly fries?) Such a big pub should realy be giving better service. Or it will end up the same as the waterfront and bridgehouse, it's previous names. So what should they do? More choice of guest bitters, employ a proper chef and cook simple food but higher standard as (whitehorse, wareside for example)get rid of chavs and ban smoking throughout. At least that would give them a chance.