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Disappointment of the week with Tris39
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The Crispin, Wokingham
Wokingham
RG40 2AY
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7 of 10) see review guidelines
Graham Coombs left this review about The Crispin
A local CAMRA favourite, a basic little drinkers' pub which remains nicely homely - ie slightly grotty in a good way. The 5 ales on were Rebellion Overthrow, Disruption is Brewing Democracy, Hogs Back TEA and Coffee Porter, and Loddon Dragonfly which had happily recovered from the previous review. In fact no complaints at all about the last two, which were in superb condition.
On 31st January 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Quinno _ left this review about The Crispin
And inevitably, a shuddering halt – served a murky Loddon Dragonfly that looked like it had been fished out of said waterway (Untappd showed me clear serves elsewhere…) and a very passive aggressive/snarky exchange for Hogs Back TEA (NBSS 3). Hopefully an aberration, but there's a hint here of 'not understanding what you serve...'
March 2022
Continues to improve and is now back to the quality of pub I first encountered years ago when I worked for the local Council and therefore called Wokingham’s boozers my backyard. Absolutely heaving on Friday night to the extent that there were no free tables. Five cask on which seemed to be shifting. Plum Porter was on so we immediately defaulted to it after some crap beers in the previous two pubs, much to the amusement of the landlady. Said pint was in great shape (NBSS 4). This is the must-do pub in Wokingham now. Rated 8
November 2018
Some basic TLC has happened here and it is a far nicer experience to have a pint in than was, though more work remains to be done. Five ales on and a good range across the pumps, mainly local ales. Good halves of Stardust chugged by me and my fellow crawler. Upped a point. Rated 7
February 2015
Seemingly cycling through licensees like socks, the latest incumbent seems to have improved things a bit. Three local ales on the other day (2x Loddon and Hogs Back) all in good nick. The unplayable BB table has gone. The place desperately needs some investment – the carpet is literally down to the black underlay in places and the garden is still a morass. Could and should be a destination venue. Rated 6
Oct 2013
Despite a bit of smartening up since my last visit the place still feels a bit down-at-heel and the smell of damp lingers. Even its selling point - a rare Wokingham grassed beer garden - was neglected. Three ales on, all local - Loddon Hoppit, West Berks GOB and Vale Bitter. My Vale was poor and served in a dirty glass, the only saving grace was that it was £1.25 for a half. I spotted a bar billiards (poor table placement, with one side against a wall), darts, crib and shut the box. The jukebox appeared to be turned off. I’d struggle to garner much enthusiasm for an imminent return which is a shame; it should be one of Wokingham’s best pubs. Rated 5
March 2010
A small, low-ceilinged single room pub that has had a turbulent few years but now seems to be getting back on its feet. Usually offers three ales in a decent state of service, with at least one LocAle on the go. There is an outside garden that needs some work doing to it – it’s a bit bald and dilapidated but could be a really nice summer destination with some TLC. Claims to be the oldest pub in the town and the interior does little to dispel that idea. Dartboard and quiz machine available, plus a real fire. A very male-dominated atmosphere which might put the ladies off – if indeed there are any customers in, previous licensees seem to have driven away a large chunk of the old regulars. Worth popping in at present to see what’s on. Rated 6
On 20th September 2023
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Crispin
Our final stop in Wokingham and we'd saved the best until last. Seating areas are fairly limited in this traditional town boozer, but the bar stocks the best range of ales and ciders we came across - Ascot Anastasia's Stout, White Horse Village Idiot, Marlow Overthrow, Hogs Back TEA, Westons's Old Rosie & Lilley's Mango Cider & Rhubarb Cider.
My stout was very enjoyable and the only truly dark beer I'd seen all day.
On 5th October 2021
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Danny O'Revey left this review about The Crispin
Small trad boozer with good ale
On 2nd November 2020
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1456 recommendations about 1434 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about The Crispin
Good Beer Guide Entry - so I suppose I was a little underwhelmed that my Hogsback Tea was slightly metallic and near frothless once a third had been consumed.
Pub was my sort of place (apart from the flags). Old School, plenty of distractions - not least a library of GBG Books.
Would give it the benefit of the doubt and be prepared to try again.
Visit blogged at http://bit.ly/2nvKsbG
On 17th March 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 277 recommendations about 276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about The Crispin
A small traditional with several walkthrough drinking areas,low ceilinged with black beams and posts.There were five handpumps in total, all in use and providing a mixed bag of beer, Doom Bar, Hogsback TEA, Loddon Hoppit and two from Binghams, an excellent Vanilla Stout and V Old Ale.
Certainly one of the better pubs in town and worth a 7.5 rating.
On 9th December 2016
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1871 recommendations about 1844 pubs]