The Robin Hood

Popped in here for one last Friday afternoon. Compact & bijou to say the least but decent service & a good range of ales on tap for a bar of it’s size. A local rather than a session pub but good nevertheless for a couple on a bigger night if like us you were just passing through town.

I’ve been in the Robin Hood a few times over the years and have never really taken to it. Perhaps it’s something to do with the cramped, thin shape of the place that makes you think the walls are closing in on you like something a James Bond master criminal has concocted. Any vestige of atmosphere has been carefully scraped off the walls in recent makeovers and the owners seem to be pinning all their hopes on the Sunday lunch crowd these days. Nevertheless, I suppose it’s worth a stop on your way up (or down) St Michael’s Hill as you should find plenty of elbow room and quick service at the bar.

This drinking establishment has changed hands several times in recent years and is now what I would describe as more of a wine bar than a pub. The most recent change has seen the dark wood and tiffany lampshades be replaced with pale painted wall panels and trendy lighting.
Situated towards the top of St Michael’s Hill, the pub is surrounded by residential buildings and perhaps relies too much on passing trade and people that no it exists. The low lighting and old man feel has been replaced by a posh new menu, glass front entrance and clean, modern décor, which perhaps attracts a different kind of custom.
As a result of this recent referb, there are plenty more ales on tap and a larger choice of wine and cider too. ‘Beers from around the world’ is a great opportunity to try something new though what this place has gained in beverages it has lost in atmosphere — for a Friday night it was very quiet compared to many of the other pubs on the road.

I like the Robin Hood. It used to have a very good quiz night and a karaōke night.
it does a variety of draft ales and the manangement have always been very friendly