The Dartmouth Arms

sokratis

Well, I kinda agree 23rd February 2007

2 found this helpful

Buraco is kinda right. The manager can be a bit arrogant in Dartmouth Arms, but it's only one particular guy. The regular landlord is a great guy.
The chicken Sunday roast I had was also fantastic. And the organic ale that followed a perfect refresher.

Buraco

I beg to differ 19th December 2006

3 found this helpful

I feel a tiny bit evil to do this, but I feel that honesty is very important to Trusted Places, so it's got to be done.

I was actually in agreement with Soks and Obi's opinions that this was a lovely old style pub. Very pleasant ambience and an endearing unique style that made me want to go back.

However, my most recent experience of this pub proved two things to me:
1. The unexpected will always happen
2. Some things are just so important that when they are compromised then even if everything else is good, the whole experience goes out the window.

This Sunday Soks and I went to the Dartmouth Arms for a Sunday roast and to watch a football match. I love my Sunday roasts and I really love my football, especially when Everton (my team) are playing, and even more when its a huge game against champions and everyone's least favourite team, Chelsea. Things were going swimmingly...we got nice seats with a good view of the TV; Soks roast chicken arrived and looked delicious; plenty of papers on hand to scan before the footy. Football starts, Everton begin very well, quite against my expectations take the lead and keep up the good work to go in 1-0 at half time. All good.

This is where it all went wrong. Soks departed for a snooze and I ordered my food. Second half starts and Chelsea equalize. Oh well. Then after about 55 mins of the game the barman switches over the channel. Yes! He interrupts MY game to put another game on. I was outraged and registered my disgust in a very audible manner. "But this is a Tottenham pub" he responded. Some excuse I thought, but I held my tongue knowing my dinner was on the way. I was prepared to wait for my food despite the game I wanted not being on.

After another 15 mins of waiting (making it a total wait of approaching 40mins) and seeing food being brought to people on the table next to me who had ordered about 25 mins AFTER me, I decided enough was enough. I demanded a refund and did my best 'storm out in disgust' routine.

In conclusion, I feel that this may well have been a one-off experience, but one which was so irritating to me that they have to suffer for it with a negative review. In this industry, there's so much choice around that they almost have to nail it every time to keep you keen, so when they really mess up, it's time to sharpen the knives. I probably would go back there, but never to watch footy.

God it's good to rant sometimes! I've even included a photo on this review that demonstrates exactly how angry this pub made me. Thankyou once again Trusted Places for granting me this power.

sokratis

One of my locals 5th August 2006

4 found this helpful

One of my locals
The Dartmouth Arms is such a great hidden gem in the Dartmout Park area. You get a really warm feeling about the place - I think the copper coating on the bar and other places around the pub really helps for that. Good selection of drafts and really nice food as well. It's a bit hidden away, but if you live in the Highgate / Tufnell Park areas or visitng Hamstead Heath it's definitely worth a visit - if you don't it still is.

walid at 17/08/06

I have to agree with you Soks, I remember when we visited the place together it did have this feel of being local and having character. Next time I'm over at yours we will have to stop by the Dartmouth Arms for a nice cool beer.

sokratis at 23/08/06

Oh yes I think we need to. Any excuse will do.
Btw one the of the pics I uploaded says 'No sport, so you'll have to talk' but I did watch greece receiving a 4-0 spanking by England last week - would have much prefered a nice conversation and maybe even a game of chess!

walid at 24/08/06

Yes and lets hope they add a "baby foot" (table football) soon!

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ouce100

Lots of Copper 22nd July 2006

4 found this helpful

Great non-pretentious little pub where you can go for a quiet chat or just to watch the footie. Staff are friendly, clientelle are friendly. Good place to go and read the paper on a sunday afternoon.