please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
No longer a pub.
Being converted to residential.
Great shame.
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Closed.
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For Sale sign up now!
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'To Let' sign - now outside this Reigate Hill pub, about a mile from J8/M25.
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The new landlord has unusual views - and signage - about the pub's altered parking arrangements!
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Was closed - but reopened this week, under new management. Restaurant expected to be trading again, within two weeks - with a new menu.
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Most pleasant restaurant/pub - run by friendly management and staff.
Nice beer garden at rear, and ample parking at front.
Well kept beer and first class good. Ideal for drink or meal before joining/after leaving the M25.
Junction 8 is less than1,000 yards away.
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Popped in on a Friday lunchtime. Friendly owner and a decent pint of Young's sat out in the rear beer garden. It seems set up to attract diners rather than those seeking an afternoon pint but nonetheless a pleasant experience all in all.
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In here just after noon last Saturday and I am they only customer.
It is very smart in here with the bar seperated from the dining area by a large fire place (no fire on). Some pipped music is playing.
This place has been in the Good Beer Guide in the past but I don't think they are now.
They have 3 hand pulls for the dreded Doom Bar, Youngs Bitter and Black Sheep Bitter.
I had a pint of the latter which was ok and cost £4.00.
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Primarily a restaurant now - well located with good parking. Food and beer are good, as is the beer garden at the rear. Just one problem - the governor who obviously went to the Basil Fawlty school for personality enhancement.
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Three real ales on tap but nothing exciting ie doom bar and young's bitter. This is definitely a gastro pub, with the emphasis on gastro. The interior is lovely and the ladies toilets are possibly the nicest pub toilets I have ever been in. However most of the seating is given over to diners so it's not really the sort of place to pop in for a pint. Beer was reasonably priced and staff were friendly enough.
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I stop here now and then. Its the last watering hole (on the A217) before hitting the M25. A pleasant place with a handy car park and a good pint of Youngs; newspapers are available.
With regard to the governor (last post), I can confirm his demeanour - but also that he seems to be rarely about. Quite a friendly lady usually serves my pint whilst organising, what appears to be, a busy food trade.
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Really a restaurant now - although the ale is well kept. Decor is nice. The real downside is the governor who is obviously in the wrong job and can be quite surly.
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Good real ale, good food, pleasant building and easy parking. Nicer than most in the town centre I thought.
I'd certainly call in if passing.
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The smoking ban and much needed Spruce up certainly improved the tired interior of this pretty pub , but at the expense of its character.On the occasions i have stopped for a pint over the past few years I felt the atmosphere more like the reading room of a Gentlemans Club . The beer has always been good and I hear the food worthy of a mention but I drink in pubs, and enjoy the sound of Laughter and chatter with my pint, which has sadly deserted The Yew Tree in recent years. Lets hope the new Licensees can bring the smile back !
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Now - with new management.
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If you enter a bar past a pub's newspaper rack, you can't go far wrong
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Very homely in the Winter. Visited recently and the staff were very friendly. Didn't eat but the food looked grand. Very warm atmosphere with an open fire.
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I have seen this place change in the last few years, since the ownership changed, and I believe it is undoubtedly the best it has been. The recent d�cor change along with the staff & menu really has put this in my top ten in this area. I like the Sportsman pub, it�s sister site, however for me the Yew Tree has the edge. It is cosy and relaxing without being over phoney. The food is by far its best offering. A recent chef change has made an already good menu into a good thoughtful pub menu, without the prices rocketing. Has a proper pub side as well as a laid up restaurant area, beer selection is good and the interior just always seems to be really clean and polished. My wife enjoys this place too, which is always a bonus as I am an avid pub goer. The getting in and out can be a slight pain on the main road, but this place is worth the hassle. Reading through the comments on some pubs around here I just think that some pubs are really trying to combat the declining pub industry and I for one think this place is achieving just that.
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Made my first visit in a while yesterday, and only my fourth in the last 10 years. It perhaps would have been a better choice for a cold wintry day rather than a balmy May afternoon, with its copious wood-panelling, log fire and cosy seating, set in a pseuod-baronial 1930s roadside-style building. Nevertheless, it is not unpleasant, and one is promised a "sun-trap" garden at the rear, which I eschewed only because by that time of day the lee of Reigate Hill would surely have obscured any rays from the garden.
So, a pleasant pint of Caledonian 80/- (or just "80" as it's now known, presumably because the majority of people aren't sufficiently educated or aged to recognise that the stroke and dash signifies "shilling"?!) was supped at the bar for �3.10. Not bad, considering the multi-millionaire neighbourhood the pub is adjacent to. The only other cask ales were the ubiquitous London Pride and Young's Ord, although the conditioning of the 80 suggested these would at least be likely to be found in good nick.
Plainly the current incumbent, whose "time well spent" strapline also applies to the Sportsman at Mogador - do we have a nascent mini pub-co developing here?! - has orientated the pub towards food, which is always a modest disappointment if one is visiting solely for drink as one can feel somewhat sidelined in favour of eaters, and when busy I don't see the Yew as am obvious place for a solitary drinker to use. However, as the owner passionately argues in response to criticism of his other pub, this is now a vital means of staying afloat, and turning a profit if you're lucky, and it is true that many licensees now cannot simply rely on wet sales for survival. I daresay it is popular for grub, with a good range of predominantly solid British fare on the menu, with specials also featuring.
Not many in at 6:30PM on a Monday, but at least the lady serving was most welcoming, and pleasantly chatty without being invasive. I overheard her saying she'd ruled out paying �700 for a Hog Roast. Wise move, although some of the nearby local residents would probably think nothing of it!
All in all a jolly and perfectly decent place that does have some warmth and character, and is worth a visit, especially if one is in the market for a spot o' din-dins. But as to value for money, I would reserve judgement until I'd eaten there.
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I love this place, it is really cosy and relaxed. It is even better now Naomi from the BlackHorse/ Skimmington Castle now running it!!!!
It is so good to see her again. The outside court area is really pretty and the food and drink is always really good. I bring my family to the quiz night which is just great fun, the man that does it is very funny. Always packed.
Easily the best pub in Reigate.
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Seriously good pub. Suits the middle classes with it's relaxed approach. We went for lunch after reading the reveiws on this site and we agree with most comments. Not a very big place but would have to up there with the best of them in this area. Food was not to gastro but tasty and value for money. Warm and friendly with a nice feel to it. Glad we went, well worth the visit.
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We went here on Sat evening and had a really nice time. The fire was roaring away and the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. The service was attentive without being over the top and the food tasty. We came her a while ago and noticed they have recently done the restaurant up. Very tastefull, much more cosy. Husband told me the beer was good and the wine choice is varied. On our top three list for this area. Well worth a visit.
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A few of my friends often use the pubs in Reigate on a friday evening and we tried this one last night. The place was busy and had a really good feeling to it. You can really get a sense of the time it was built with all the oak panelling and parka flooring. Beer was good and the menu looked varied(we did not eat this time). All of us agreed that the standards were one of the best in the area. A solid pub restaurant which is refreshingly trying! Worth a visit.
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Nice little pub,but found the ladylady blows hot and cold.Very welcoming but when i pointed out that the beer was off i got a cold reply.Only two beers on tap ,Youngs and Summer Pearl.Not a fan of either so had to have
Cider.Closed early on a Sunday(7pm) for food.A bit of a shock as i planned
a roast after a hard day in the garden
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We stumbled on this little gem Yesterday and we were completely bowled over that such a cracking pub exsists on our doorstep. The pub is very clean and standards seemed high without being pretentious. The beer range, Youngs, Summer Pearl and Broadside was kept well and there seem to be a very friendly regular set enjoying themselves around the bar. The outside terrace area was a complete suprise. A mature garden with some beautiful flowers and a water feature. My wife kept on going on about how nice the ladies toilets were and the food was really tasty. Service was tip top as well. I know i am banging on, but it is so refreshing to see a great british pub being kept and run really well. We will be returning soon and would recommend The Yew Tree to all our friends.
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Have only used this pub once, but was very pleased, dog friendly which good after a walk on the downs, good food, and good beer.
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Popped into this pub last xmas eve and can say i was pleasantly surprised as being told it was mainly for more mature types it had a mixture of all ages .Traditional pub atmosphere with good ale and well presented food. A little oasis
jeanp - 28 Dec 2008 11:03 |
Yew Tree has always been a great pub. I did however come across a hairy fox tail wrapped in my pasta. I was quite concerned after nearly bitting into this animal part. I spoke to the dear manager and she re assured me it was a regular occurance and fox tails sometimes get caught into the food due to the ones that come through that kitchen at night. Besides this i find the pub great.
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We call into this very pleasant pub, now and then, when travelling up/down Reigate Hill. Staff, beer, decor etc. are great; the only thing missing - during the day and early evening - is customers. A happy hour or two seems called for.
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A lovely building with a really pleasant clientele. Only had a sandwich to eat but it was really tasty and well prepared. Spotted some other diners having bigger meals which looked and smelt very impressive too. I'll be back soon!
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Nice pub and great to stop off at after a walk on the Downs. The beer and the service are both excellent but the food, whilst pretty good, is rather over priced for what it is.
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My friend and i went here last night and we were very impressed with this place. The real fire was roaring away the atmosphere was lovley. The menu was not over he top and food very good. Has a really good feel about it. We were gald we went and would be returning very soon. Recomended.
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Had lunch today at The Yew Tree, welcome open fire burning, bitters out of this world, food and service top class.
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Me and 7 friends went here on Saturday night and was very pleased with everything. The food was really tasty and varied, service friendly without being over the top and the building is somewhat suprisingly stunning inside. It is really good to see people making a effort to get the traditional pub vibe right. We have already booked for next month!
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I don't know about 'time well spent'- it was certainly money well spent. The food was expensive and dire with meagre portions. When informed that the beer was 'off', (which it was), the landlady was visibly miffed, even disbelieving. The pub itself is pleasant, but I wouldn't return there in a hurry.
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We are really enjoying this place since it has had it's refurbishment. Me and my wife use it a lot and feel it is very relaxing and friendly. The place is really clean and the service is good. We have eaten here a lot and found it very tasty & varied. In our opinion one of the best pubs in the area and we certainly recomend anyone a visit. The courtyard has a lovely water feature in it.
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Msandy - We were saddened to read you about your poor experience at the Yew Tree. Since re-opening this site we have always been proud of the friendly service and good standards we offer, however it seems we have feel very short of such service. I take some solace that up to this moment you were enjoying the Yew Tree and therefore i would like to offer you a complimentary evening. I hope you take me up on this offer so your lasting impression of us will be of a good one. Please e-mail me personally at [email protected] . Of course this will all be done with discretion in mind. Marc Jones
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I'v been to this pub several times , and thoroughly enjoyed it on each occasion.But i went there with my husband and parents on a saturday night and experience the rudest service I's ever come across. I send my steak back because it was overcooked and dry as a bone.The ensuing dialogue went like this.
manager or staff:you've got a problem with your steak?
me:Well i asked for rare and this is too well done.
manager or staff:Actually I've cut in to it and it's a perfect example for a rare steak.
me:But it's completely dry....
manager or staff:Well suggest you eat it.I'm notgoing to waste a perfect steak just because you think it's not cooked right and walks off with a departing comment of ''I'll apologise to the hef for you,shall i?
Completelyruined the meal.A real shameas i had really enjoyed going there.I certainly won't be recommending this pub to anyone i know anymore.
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My husband and I visited this pub for the first time for lunch today. We often lunch in pubs, and I can honestly say that this was one of the nicest we have found...the ambience,the staff, and the beautifully presented food were all excellent. A very pleasing experience, and the first of many visits to come .
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what a lovely pub!since its october refit myself and my husband have frequented the yew tree more and more for both food and drink and i can asbolutley recommend it!
the service is great with friendly staff and the manageress always makes us feel so welcome!add to the that fine food and subtle decor i cant wait for the summer to enjoy their charming garden!
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This pub seems full of Chipstead rugby players everytime I go in - as well as Esso employees from next door (who have a distict aroma of diesel).Last time I was there,a regular fell off his stool and got carted off to East Surrey Hospital in an Esso tanker.The Yew Tree offers free rides down to Reigate town centre; you pay a �3 deposit on a pair of rollerskates and the staff gently push you down Reigate Hill.In March,when I last used the scheme,I ended up wrapped around Margot Fontein - and they still wanted their deposit back ! A pleasant but eccentric boozer though.
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Oh dear I bet the landlord wsn't happy you pooped in his pub Maria! Good pub not mant around.
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My Husband & I live near the other site Marc runs and we pooped in here as we were passing through. We think it is lovley. Very charming pub with very friendly service and good food. The young lady that looked after us was very charming. We can understand Marc's influence haere but it somehow has more of a less formal feeling to it compared to the Plough. My husband said the beer choice was good.
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Some interesting comments on this pub. However I see that food is served all day every day. If the couple who walked out in the afternoon left because they were not serving food at this time, the landlord must be telling porkies.
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The pub is certainly more pleasant than it was before and looks like a worthwhile stop if in the area. Shame that the beer range is not more interesting though.
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read the recent reviews and am somewhat surprised of certain comments.
Myself ,Family and Friends have drunk and eaten in this good old fashioned ale house on many occassions since it has reopened and on the rugby day in question and i can only suggest that Mr davies may of had a bad morning to write such a sad review of the YEW TREE.it was a vibrant fun afternoon with the pub as a pub should be (had he forgotton it is xmas!!!).The crowd was very courteous and welcoming as was the staff.Since this pub has been reopened it has been a been a breath of fresh air to me and many other decent drinkers and eaters in the area.It is not clever writing comments which are clearly unfounded. Good on you mark and your staff for all your efforts for this fan ale and eating house. keep the good work up and dont let these very silly comments grind you down.
jeanp - 27 Dec 2007 13:55 |
My name is Marc Jones and I am the operator for the Yew Tree. I am posting this comment as I am irritated by Nick Davis comments below. I was working on site the Sunday that he is referring and the atmosphere was upbeat & festive. The Chipstead Rugby club was in attendance for the Xmas Lunch and as usual they were courteous, well mannered and behaved. The �Chav� table he is referring to are a family that live locally are very pleasant indeed and have supported us well since our time here. The couples that �walked out� did so because we were not serving food, not because the ambiance was not their cup of tea.
The customers that were in on that Sunday are our kind of custom and I feel no need to sort that out.
I find it incredulous that he feels that he can make arrogant, derogative and rude remarks about a pub full of normal decent people.
For a person that clearly spends the majority of his time posting reviews on pubs I am curious as to his level of direct experience in the industry. Pub owner, operator, chain director, brewer or simply a man that wanted to be involved but never really made the plunge. Standing on the edge and making false statements about others work is not helpful to anyone. So, if Nick would like to shadow a real publican I would like to offer him to call me on the Yew Tree land line I would be more than happy to let him shadow me for a week in the pubs I run. Perhaps that way his obsessive comments on beerintheevening might amount to something worth reading.
We are very proud of what we have achieved at the Yew Tree and almost all of the customers comments have been of praise and support. We have taken a sad, tired, worn and dirty building and turned it into a vibrant, happy, clean and upbeat place to be. I wonder if Nick Davis has ever achieved this?
The Yew Tree telephone number is 01737 244944.
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Stopped by this afternoon and will have to revise my opinion I'm afraid. Most of the the place laid up for a what looked like a rugby club (shirt and tie with jeans is the giveaway) dinner. So one end had that lot, noisy pissed and obnoxious even as they were assembling, while the other end had several tables of equally noisy chavs left over from lunchtime.
In the twenty or so minutes we stayed I served two couples come in and walked straight out again, the ambiance clearly not their cup of tea. Most likely customers lost for ever. I'm sure there were to be more as the evening progressed.
They're going to have to sort out what sort of custom they're after if they want to move this place on from the Yew Tree of old.
Reduced to five points.
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It's fine. I never was a fan of the Chipstead enterprise but this one is great. It is indeed now a classic 30s roadhouse and well worth a trip just for that. Something more adventurous on the beer front than Pride and Young's Ordinary and it would be the best in Reigate.
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Visited this pub recently lunch time after reading reviews on this site. I wasn't disappointed!From the outside at the front it looks like your typical bulk standard pub but step inside & there is a transformation. Nicely decorated & a warmth about it with friendly bar staff & good polite service. Just had a snack lunch but that was very good & well presented. I will certainly come back to try something from their main menu which sounded very inviting.
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Finally we have a proper pub with great food in this area. Me & my wife have been so unhappy for some years about the quality of the pubs around here. We find them boring and disappointing to say the least. Walk into the new Yew Tree the difference is very apparent. The service is friendly, choice varied and the place is so clean. We feel that at the new people are caring about the customer gets because all the things they have done suit this area. We now enjoy a good glass of wine in lovley surrondings and we are pleased as punched the new people have finally sorted this place out. Excellent.
anonymous - 16 Nov 2007 09:10 |
I live near the operators other venue so me & my wife thought we would give this a try.At first we thought the venue was strange given the style of the Plough & Atticrooms in rusper, however you can see the standards are equally good here. Very warm, friendly & good service with a thoughtful pub menu. The decor is stylish with no over the top refitting. We have never been to this before they did it up but i would be very happy with this if i lived around here. A very good pub.
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The heavy oak-panelling used in the refurb makes the place feel quite small and slightly claustrophobic. However, you can't complain at the intentions of the owners, and by and large they have done a good job. And at last a pub that hasn't forgotten to tart up the loos as well as the bar!
I don't know Reigate at all, but I would imagine there are a lot worse pubs in the area. Worth looking in on.
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Beautifully refurbished, and now run by warm and welcoming staff. I have eaten here three times since it re-opened and would highly recommend it.
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This place has just been taken over and it's like a breath of fresh air for The Yew Tree. I remember the place described below very well and I confirm that it has been well and truly kicked into touch! The place has been cleaned up, redecorated and that disgusting carpet has been stripped out to reveal lovely oak parquet flooring. The beer tastes great, the food menu is wonderfully varied and lovely, great selection of wines and, best of all, a working glass washer and caring staff that would never give you a dirty glass! And to top it all off, the courtyard out the back has been cleared of all the rubbish and I�ve actually found the pond and waterfall now. Seriously, if you have not been there in years then now could be the time to visit once more. Give it another go, you won�t be disappointed anymore.
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Very handy if you need a wee after a long drive home on the M25 or back from London. I thought the Kronnebourg was OK maybe it's a real ale and amount through the pipes thing
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