BITE user comments - Surreyyokel
Comments by Surreyyokel
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
Can't believe I'm risking saying this, but the latest in a long line of managers of pretty miserable managers appears to be be perfectly pleasant!!!!
What's more they have adjusted some of the truly ridiculous pricing - food and drink - to more realistic levels. The beer, which with the exception of Ringwood's Best, seems to change quite a lot,.I have enjoyed all that I've tried with the exception of one solitary pint which was off but I don't think the young barman understood what "off" means, never mind.
Have tried the food on a weekday lunchtime and it was good, but dreadfully slow coming out of the kitchen - the menu warns of a 20 minute delay while it's prepared but think (on a quite day) more in terms of 30/40 minutes with some pretty amateurish service i.e. vegetables coming out long after the main course. I would avoid eating at the Hatch at busy time until the sort this out - I'm sure they will!
Those who like the but have been appalled by some pretty poor managers (who hired them?) should give it another try.
6 Nov 2012 11:32
The Rose And Crown, Nottingham
Visited here earlier this year and I guess things have changed over the five years since the last review. It was pretty busy with quite a lot of well behaved young people (University?) who seemed to be enjoying their food and drinks.
We did exactly the same - good food and well kept range of bitters which I understand change pretty regularly.
Give it a go, you may well be pleasantly surprised!
19 Sep 2012 12:49
I must have passed this pub hundreds of times without really giving it a second glance - how wrong I was.
The interior is much nicer than the exterior. Excellent Doombar, excellent food at reasonable prices: brilliant home-made pies!
Yes the pub is pretty much devoted to eating, but enough space has been left for those who just want a pint.
Friendly service means I shall add The Bulls Head to my list of pubs I rate 'very good'.
11 Sep 2012 11:14
The Kings Head, Holmbury St Mary
Visited this pub several times and have not been disappointed once. Good selection of bitters including their own 'Quaffers' (I think it's spelled) which is a 3.4 bitter, so not too strong for those facing a session - and the taste is fine!
Have also tried the food which is fresh, good quality, well cooked and served promptly.
11 Aug 2012 12:07
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
This pub is now closed which just goes to show that people in this part of the country don't really value a good well run genuine pub. Good luck to the landlord and his wife!
23 Jun 2012 10:56
Just to add one further note to my January review. If you visit on a Sunday afternoon (not during the actual lunchtime) be prepared to wait if you want a drink. One such visit a couple of weeks emphasised what I have seen before: a row of customers trying to buy drinks waving �10/�20 notes in the air but nobody was serving behind the counter: you wait until one of the waiters becomes free from serving duties.
When will the Wotton Hatch learn that the bar is a profit centre too and appoint a (or designate) a barman/barmaid?
13 Jun 2012 10:23
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
Very sad news when a good, genuine, well run country pub closes. Just goes to show that despite an excellent landlord (and Lady!) it looks like to the locals in Abinger don't really care. Sad.
Good luck to you both.
13 Jun 2012 10:13
This is a really nice small pub offering (when I visited) three draft beers, I tried the Brakespear which was excellent. While I didn't try the food because of time shortage the menu looks interesting.
Speaking of time shortage, why do so few pubs offer a simple sandwich for those who have not got the time to settle down and really enjoy the food.
24 May 2012 10:32
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
If what Morocco says is true (and I am sure it is) I feel desperately sorry for the lady in question and I hope she has made a full recovery. One question that bothers me is that it appears the Police have taken no action following this awful event since the perpetrators are a "well known local violent family "and it seems there were plenty of witnesses. I think Morocco that since you have so much detail you really should follow this up with the Police and, if necessary, carry it through to the Police Complaints Commission if necessary.
I doubt that this branch of Wetherspoons (or any other probably) employs a 'Chef' but having been fortunate enough it eat in some exceptionally fine restaurants in various parts of the world I am relaxed about maintaining that given the exceptionally modest price of the food I am quite happy with the food, I am also aware that I shall never experience 'fine dining' in a Wetherspoons - but then it has never set out to provide such an experience.
Once again I do urge you Morocco to go further on this unfortunate lady's behalf since you clearly have detailed knowledge of the terrible event.
6 May 2012 12:03
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Curious comment from Wyndham in view of his highly favourable September 2011 review. Having said that I agree it was pretty poor to have a curry shortage on a curry night.
3 Apr 2012 09:44
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Only just caught up with Morocco's vitriol dripping post - how very, very, sad.
Just for the record Morroco I visit the pub about once a week on average and I have passed the age of three score and ten so I think it doubtful I shall indulge in any of the activities Morocco suggests.
The Edmund Tylney is still an excellent pub that provides good beer and wines at affordable prices and couples this with some very edible food, again at affordable prices.
There - the last piece is actually a pub review!
2 Apr 2012 11:35
Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common
Visited the pub last week. Beautiful setting, brilliant construction work since I last visited and very friendly people running the pub. Downside; tried two different beers that were just about drinkable (perhaps I was just unlucky), food that even by the elevated levels of this part of Surrey was expensive.
Having said that I wish the pub and those who run it well. Nice pub and nice people, my suggestion - get a bit closer to reality in this very rural setting.
2 Apr 2012 11:23
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
Went to have yet another look last week. Little sign of the new management, so I can't comment on that. Not sure I agree with RolfHarris when he suggest the beer is reasonably priced at �3.80 a pint - I know of pubs in Mayfair where it's less expensive.
Certainly RH is right to describe this as easily the best pub in the Surrey Hills if he's talking about the visual appeal: they've still got a long way to go in terms of running the pub - including washing the floor, you could grow veg on it which is pretty amazing given we're in a drought.
2 Apr 2012 11:12
I have popped in a couple of time (I don't live in the village) and frankly I feel there's been a change for the better. Standard FST beer offered - and in good condition. Warm welcome. Haven't tried the food yet, but I will!
12 Jan 2012 12:12
This yet another 'pub' that is 90% restaurant and 10% pub. The beer is generally good but at busy restaurant times and other too I would add you can forget about them putting a new barrel on when one runs out.
The food, while not cheap, can be very good.
In short, if you go in just for a drink it can be just a little intimidating in such a foodie environment. Staff are usually very good.
12 Jan 2012 11:52
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
The charm offensive I mentioned (and hoped for) in my badly spelt October 21 comment has yet to arrive: short on the welcome and long on the dismissive.
12 Jan 2012 11:41
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
Lionel, you have a good pub that serves good beer and fine value food - just a friendly tip: please try and cheer-up a bit, it could do wonders for the till.
12 Jan 2012 11:37
Charming mediaeval pub in a quiet back street. I share slerpy's surprise that in the second week of the New Year there were still Christmas ales on offer, I did have a pint of Miss Lapland (or some such name) which was surprisingly good.
Only criticism would be the prices which are very high - I could drink in Kensington or Chelsea for less - a lot less!
12 Jan 2012 11:33
Jack George Phillips, Godalming
I know that Wetherspoons has a formula (which seems to work pretty well) for all their pubs, but this Godalming pub is a step-up on the average Wetherspoons - they consistently seem to acquire excellent staff.
Well worth a visit!
12 Jan 2012 11:19
This is an exceptionally nice pub which seems to be run by a very pleasant family. During a recent visit I thought the beer (Sussex in my case) was well kept. We opted to eat too, steak and kidney pudding (excellent) and fish pie (plenty of good fish but the cheese topping was totally over the top, it could/should (?) have been sold as a cheese pie). Perhaps we were just a bit unlucky with the cheese.
I would (and will) happily return because it's well worth while.
Keep up the good work (and save money on the cheese!).
27 Oct 2011 14:00
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
Under the previous ownership I rated the 'Hatch' (which I have known and used for a very long time) a lowly 2. I have been back three times since the opening earlier this year. The new owners have made big steps to clean the place up and it really does look very good: I wish that the word 'good' could be applied to some of what I presume is the senior management who seem to be somewhat lacking in the customer relations area.
Clearly I incurred the wrath of the owner/manager during a recent visit when I asked for a spritzer that I had paid for - clearly he didn't believe me and thought I was trying to fiddle the place. In the end he grudgingly dispensed what could best be described as a glass of soda water with a splash of wine added - probably the most expensive glass of soda water I have ever come across.
Still, I will up my rating to four in the hope that a charm offesinve is on the way!
21 Oct 2011 12:52
It has already changed hands and reopened today September 2: will it be another attempt at a gastro-pub?
2 Sep 2011 20:23
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Do you know beerlagaer I never knew the Savoy had ever served beer, I'm wiser for your inspired comment!
8 Aug 2011 13:18
Anyone in the area who likes a first class pint of beer should visit the Chequers Inn where it seems they brew all their own beer. I have visited other pubs who do self-brewing and frankly all to often the experience does not encourage you to go back for more of the same, but the Chequers tiny brewery produces outstanding ales! During my stay nearby I tried Binham Cheer and Cullam's Ale - bot were first class: a big congratulation to the pub!
I notice one reviewer remarked on the the price of the food, I agree it is pretty pricey - especially the puddings, they really drive the price upwards. The food is good - but not that good.
25 Jul 2011 10:34
Anyone in the area who likes a first class pint of beer should visit the Chequers Inn where it seems they brew all their own beer. I have visited other pubs who do self-brewing and frankly all to often the experience does not encourage you to go back for more of the same, but the Chequers tiny brewery produces outstanding ales! During my stay nearby I tried Binham Cheer and Cullam's Ale - bot were first class: a big congratulation to the pub!
I notice one reviewer remarked on the the price of the food, I agree it is pretty pricey - especially the puddings, the really drive the price upwards. The food is good - but not that good.
25 Jul 2011 10:33
It's now operated by the same group that runs the Wotton Hatch which is about five miles east on the A25. The Wotton Hatch will not appeal to everyone but it's a lot better than the Horse & Groom where they offer the same menu as the Hatch and similar beers. At the moment the Horse & Groom seems totally lacking in any warmth, as an example the day I went there I was served by a barman who came and stood in front of me and simply raised his eyebrows.
I think I'll leave it for a while.
14 Jul 2011 12:38
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
The new owners have made a good job of the decor (which I think is probably ongoing) and there are some gestures of friendship - borrow a rug to take outside for use on the lawn; good for families.
Sadly it looks as though Surrey hase got yet another gastro pub - �11.50 for what looks like a decent burger in a bun? Beer prices are a little 'toppy', the aim seems to be to get the price as close to a half-way decent bottle of plonk in a supermarket as possible.
I suspect that except for Surrey's would be Chelsea set there wont be too many locals drinking here which is a pity: perhaps that's what the owners want.
1 Jun 2011 10:28
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
I understand the pub reopens today (April19) after a refurbisment.
I'm going to offer-up a small prayer: "please don't let it be yet another so-called gastro pub; which is shorthand for 'I really wanted a restaurant but I'm disguised to look like a proper pub'."
Anyway until I try it, best of luck to them, I hope I will not be disappointed.
19 Apr 2011 15:56
Not having been in for a while (I don't live close by} I went in again last week. What a pleasure it is to visit a 'real pub'. Do make a point of having a pint if you're close by!
16 Mar 2011 15:30
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
You're right Morocco, I am a yokel I have been in the Ritz and the Savoy, also the Dorchester, Hilton and Park Lane Hotel plus a few more. For anyone who's interested The Edmund Tylney is nothing, I repeat nothing, like those hotels.
If people are interested in having a decent pint at a reasonable cost then the Tylney is fine - but don't forget it's not a Ritz or Hilton - absolutely not.
Having thought about again, I think I'll up my rating once more because I'm pretty sure I wont have to share the pub with dear old Morocco!
16 Mar 2011 15:12
The Running Horse, Leatherhead
This is a really nice pub and well worth a visit. The best pub in Leatherhead? Could be true!
12 Jan 2011 12:49
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
No Morocco, I've no shares, I don't work in the pub - in fact I don't know the name of one single person in the place.
Morocco, you and one single lady (presumably) reviewer, must feel very lonely with your views about the place - you both seem to be in a very tiny minority.
It's a Wetherspoons, the beers are good and relatively low cost, the food's fine bearing in mind the cost, the staff are fine: in fact now I've thought about it I think I'll up my rating for the pub!
12 Jan 2011 12:45
I have known the Horse & Groom for many years but I confess I have not been in since the latest in a long line of refurbs. As suggested I've had a look at your website and in particular the menu - look as though we have yet another gastropub to add to the many already in Surrey.
But I wish you well.
22 Nov 2010 10:50
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Good old (I presume) Aphrodite having yet another rant about this pub to join the other rants about Leatherhead's pubs: how sad can you get? I see she (he?) is now joined by Morocco who also specialies in rants - not one and the same person by any chance? By the way you two, the management has changed, but perhaps you haven't noticed.
The Edmund Tylney is a pretty standard Wetherspoons pub which is fine. The beer is (in my experience) excellent 99% of the time and the food has improved.
8 Nov 2010 22:52
As others have remarked this is a lovely pub in a beautiful location. I will go and have a look at it again (I've known the pub for about 50 years) but Im not going to hold my breath: most of the pubs that change hands in this part of the world seem to have owners with a fixation with trying to turn them into a restaurant - why don't they go and open a restaurant?
But whoever owns the place now I wish them well.
8 Nov 2010 22:36
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
This is a truly beautiful pub and the present owner in my opinion did a great job on rebuilding the interior and initially had some pretty good people working there. The bar/pub is still beautiful but sadly the staff seem to be pretty naff and just not up to the job. On my last visit the relatively expensive beer was close to being undrinkable and the food: well the kindest thing I can say is that I've eaten better food in extreemly modest cafes
15 Aug 2010 12:20
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
Just seen your post Lionel. Keep the good work, don't know what's the matter with Abinger locals, they must be daft not to be making use of a good pub like yours.
As a matter of interest what's the matter with CAMRA members, you would expect them to be swarming all over a decent pub like the Arms.
5 Aug 2010 19:42
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
I said in my July 25 report that the locals don't seem to be supporting their pub. Looks like this was an accurate comment, when I drove past today I see that the pub is to let. What a shame, the landlord and his wife have transformed it. What a fickle lot pub goers are.
29 Jul 2010 15:25
The Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury
Excellent bar and great staff serving some very good beers. Stayed overnight - the room was very tired.
25 Jul 2010 11:59
Stayed here overnight recently and quite honestly I have to say it was very enjoyable. Leaving aside the room (which was absolutely fine) I tried the bar and the food, both were excellent as were the staff.
This is a good Wetherspoons!
25 Jul 2010 11:55
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
I was pleased to see Oldesmithy's review, it confirms my feelings precisely. The landlord and his lady have transformed this pub and it does seem to be attracting far more passing trade than previously - and it deserves to!
One sad point; from what I've seen it doesn't look like the locals are giving the place much support which is amazing since most small communities treasure their village pub.
The Arms is a good pub and well worth a visit!
25 Jul 2010 11:43
The landlord was at the Old House at Home and before that he was at the Bulls Head - so really he's back where he started.
This is a lovely little pub and the landlord knows how to run a good bar. It's well worth a visit, but personally I shall not be making too many return visits because I think that Pride at �3.30 is extracting the Michael a bit - I know it's Surrey but I can think of many bars in the middle of London where I can drink Pride cheaper than this.
21 Jun 2010 15:16
Jack George Phillips, Godalming
Ten months since my last post and since then I've been in about every two weeks on average and, honestly, I have enjoyed each visit. I have tried the food and (bearing in mind the modest price) it's very good - it will never get a Michelin star but personally I'm not too concerned about that.
The ales are good and, for Wethersoons, they have got a pretty good group of staff. Worth a visit.
9 May 2010 12:19
How did this place get a 6.5 out of 10 rating? It's difficult to understand because it's so very average.
9 May 2010 12:10
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
Almost six months have passed since I last did a post on the Abinger Arms, GGG's is more up to date.
The pub has undergone a major redecoration (inside and out) and is very clean and tidy: but the important point is that it's still a village pub with an ever changing range of bitters (two at the time) from an array of brewers and occasionally a mild makes a welcome appearance. Personally I have not had a bad pint in the pub and for Surrey a pint at �2.60 is not bad.
They do food at reasonable costs (they don't try and pretend to be a Michelin stared restaurant like some of the others around this part of the world). Personally I have still only tried the ham baguette with salad which was less than �3.00 - it was fine, and the rest of the food coming out looks promising.
The pub is still dog friendly, kid friendly and if you like traditional style pubs go and have a look. The only downside is a small car park, but other parking is close by.
9 May 2010 12:00
Wow gun-80 I'm impressed by the speed of service. You posted this on Sunday 29 November at 12:54 and talked about the excellent lunch you had enjoyed. That must have been truly magnificent ultra-rapid service.
I see you have only made one posting, perhaps you could share with us your knowledge of other fast food pubs?
9 Dec 2009 14:44
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
I've been keeping any eye on this pub (i.e. making a visit from time to time) and I'm bound to say the new landlord is trying hard. There has been a massive clean-up inside and out.
Youngs is always on and there appears to be a new guest beer every week, condition of the ales is good. Food is fine and seems to be growing in popularity. Poker evenings on Thursday plus darts and a pool table.
Two big pluses for this pub. First they seem to be trying to run it as a genuine pub rather than a bistro (rare in this part of Surrey) and second it's still dog friendly.
Worth a try if you're passing.
14 Nov 2009 13:18
The Earl Of Burlington, Eastbourne
Back in September while on a visit to Eastbourne we (wife on the same trip) had breakfast three days on the trot - usual sustaining freshly cooked meal. We also visited it two or three time in the evening when we had a meal, which were fine, and I also sampled the excellent range of ales on offer. Every one I tried were in excellent condition and I would recommend anyone to visit this Wetherspoons which is a good pub with staff who try very hard.
14 Nov 2009 13:00
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Aphrodite! Welcome back, it must be about one year since you last spent so much time slagging off this branch of Wetherspoons, then I seem to recall you went elsewhere in the town and started having a go at other pubs. I would give up using pubs if I were you, your'e clearly not enjoying the experience.
The Edmund Tylney for those who are interested is a pretty standard Wetherspoon pub, the decor is a bit tired, the staff are OK and quite honestly I have yet to have a bad pint in the place.
26 Oct 2009 19:21
Carl2222
I see you've only made one posting, i.e. for The Volunteer.
This is quite one of the most beautiful pubs around this part of Surrey...BUT!
It really could do with a wake-up call, you know - daft prices in the middle of a recession really aren't a good idea and a bit more staff training would not come amiss.
It's well worth a three for the beauty of the setting.
21 Aug 2009 15:26
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Clearly I'm a pretty lone voice, but I use the place two or three times a month and I never seem to suffer the awful experiences of so many of your 'posters'. It's not the biggest Wetherspoons ever, and it does from time to time suffer from Wetherspoons' well known condition - staggeringly sticky tables. Yes it does have a few customers who probably spend a lot of time there, but show me a pub in Leatherhead that doesn't have these.
Having said that I have never had a bad pint (usually Pedigree), I've tried the food and it's OK - in fact for what your'e paying it's exceptionally good.
My only general observation is that whenever you read a review of a Wetherspoon pub there are always a gaggle of people moaning about it - are they all members of some sort of 'we hate Wethersppons' club? Why do they bother to go if they don't like them?
19 Aug 2009 14:22
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
An update on my July 14 post. The positive news is it remains much cleaner and tidier than of old, there is an impressive offering of draught bitter, usually Youngs as the 'anchor' but a regularly changing second offering - when I last went in a few days ago Marston's LBW was on and very good it was to! There has been quite a change in the bar food menu and prices are lower. It looks pretty good and I have tried a ham baguette, it tasted very good and the price was modest. There are two big plasma TV screens in what was the public bar (mainly sport) and one small one in the saloon bar.
Negatives? Not really except that perhaps the landlord could cheer-up a bit; mark you he's a Pompey supporter so perhaps he doesn't have too much to smile about.
19 Aug 2009 14:09
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
The pub has changed hands and the new people are indeed ex-Blue Anchor in Reigate.
They've undertaken a big clean-up which was needed and have brought in some interesting beers - Sharp's Doombay for instance.
It's still dog friendly.
14 Jul 2009 13:25
Jack George Phillips, Godalming
I have visited this pub a couple of times, on the first occasion I thought this is OK, but perhaps I've hit it on a 'good day'. Went back to try it again and I'm delighted that I did - it was even better and the staff (as on the first visit) were impresive. A really good Wetherspoons!
14 Jul 2009 13:21
A really nice pub which, as others have commented, doesn't know whether it's a pub or a dedicated food house - I suspect the landlord would really like to be running a restaurant. The fish and chips were good, but expensive and the same comment applies to the London Pride - �3.10 for a pint is bit rich in a Fuller Smith & Turner's pub: especially when up the road at a Mitchell & Butler pub (Wotton Hatch) it's �2.70 which is quite enough
7 Jun 2009 16:57
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
I am told this pub changes hands in a couple of weeks time and that the new tenants will from the Blue Anchor in Reigate.
19 May 2009 14:40
Because the previous reviewer said this is the best pub in Dorking I went back (I have been there before, but some time ago) for another look.
Yes it's certainly a pub and someone has done a good job in cleaning it up. The beer is OK, I didn't try the food. The staff are OK, you get served but not with any great enthusiasm.
The best pub in Dorking? I don't think so.
12 May 2009 19:33
In Surrey this pub must be almost unique, it's totally genuine in fact a real pub that doesn't rely upon trying to be like a bistro. Visit this gem and give yourself a treat!
As an aside if there are other pubs similar to this in Surrey I would like to know about them.
14 Mar 2009 20:54
I agree this is a splendid pub. While I'm sure it serves the local community superbly, it also welcomes visitors.
Well worth a visit.
8 Mar 2009 12:47
The Old House At Home, Dorking
I agree with the last reviewer, the pub under the present couple is quite outstanding!
First class Young's beer coupled with an outstandingly good bar and brilliant food - including homemade pork pies, sausage rolls and scotch eggs as bar snacks - they'll make you want to have a go at the main menu.
The pub has always been excellent, but it's had some terrible managers: no longer is this the case thank goodness.
31 Jan 2014 12:32