I'm not sure how to describe this place. It calls itself a pub, or pub-resturant, on its website but then again McDonald's calls itself a restaurant. So, it's not a pub as most people use the word. It's a low budget restaurant with a bar, but not the sort of bar where locals gather over a few pints at the end of the working day. The website says it's 'a place soaked in maritime history ', except it really isn't. It's a modern Marston's estate venue, the sort of place inflicted on soulless new housing developments where people's aspirations aren't very high. That said, it suits its purpose for those not wanting to spend a fortune on a night out, or families with younger children that just want a break from reality. But, that doesn't mean it should be quite so drab and uninspiring. These places are all the same, like McDonald's, so you already know what you're going to get before you enter and if that's not your thing then go elsewhere. Sadly, I didn't have that luxury on this occasion but I was more disappointed than I anticipated. I asked what bitters they had on - these places always have Marston's own Pedigree bitter, but not tonight. 'We have IPA' I was informed, but that's not bitter. I can't remember what I opted for, which sums it up really. And a diet coke, please, only to be given Pepsi max instead, without telling me. Shouldn't really be a problem, but a friend has an adverse reaction to one of the ingredients in Pepsi max so she has to avoid it. Had the bar staff said they weren't giving me what I'd asked for it would have helped. And a straw, please, but they had none although I was informed they'd have some on Tuesday as if that might help. The food; overcooked burgers that were dry to the point of being inedible and sausage and mash which managed to taste of nothing. Bland and dreary really sums it up. You can call it going out, but staying home with a takeaway would have been a better option.