skip nav  
 


BITE user comments - ifyouaskedmeonafriday

Comments by ifyouaskedmeonafriday

The Roebuck, Hampton Hill

This is a pub of pubs. Take it from someone who's been around. Fire in winter. Gazebo for the summer. Never mind: ale for the ale drinker. I'll say it again: this is a beer drinker's pub, and you shall never see the like again. Unless you support this one. But shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh !! It is/has
a) lovely and quiet
b) offers great fresh and cheap lovely food
c) no kids
d) pure passionate love of beer
e) respectful of clientele and of staff
f) a step into a more dignified age
g) the pub you'll tell everyone else about when pub are lost to mankind

So please. Visit the Roe at least once

28 May 2012 02:24

The Minnow, Weybridge

OK look this is without doubt a yummy mummy establishment. However. I went there today and was blown away by the fact that despite the Doom tap being turned around, the chap on duty took it on himself to check if the cask was ready, pulled it through and poured a fabulous pint for me and my mate, as well as a reasonably priced soft drink, for a fraction of what it would have cost over the road at the cost "local" establishment. Love live professionalism.

28 May 2012 02:15

Old Crown, Weybridge

OK. I have lived in Weybridge for 10 years. I have heard a lot about the Old Crown and I have been there a dozen times: 3 times for solo lunch, 3 times for solo drinks and the rest of the time in a party of people. Have to agree regrettably with previous reviewers who found it overpriced. Today I paid �2.75 for a bottle of Diet Coke. Please, readers, read that again. Also, it is very hard to get served at this "local pub". I have never had a problem at the Jolly Farmer or the Prince of Wales. I do feel that this landlord is somewhat up himself. I approached the bar from the restaurant side with a friend alongside. We were signally ignored by this prat and then he turned his back and started serving people on the other side of the bat with not a word. I spend a pretty penny on beer in Weybridge, sit, and none will come your way. Ever again. Despite the nice club sandwich I had here a year ago. That was your staff, not you. You utter utter utter mockery. Brian Ford would have crushed your skull with one hand. Never shall I darken your door.

28 May 2012 02:08

The Jolly Farmer, Weybridge

This pub is now the first choice for the lover of real ale in the entire 5 mile radius. Shhhh ....I don't want it to get too crowded ! Very well kept Doom Bar and Tribute and a good turnover of guest ales. Jim is justifiably proud of his cellar and the proof is in the beer. Very reasonable weekday lunches and I've heard the Sunday roast is very good, but the kitchen is not huge so I expect they struggle to meet demand from time to time. Still, a triumph for individualism and, in summary, the ideal drinker's pub with high standards (no headgear).

15 Nov 2011 13:42

The Trinity Arms, Brixton

Absolutely superb gem of a pub: properly kept Youngs beer, courteous and on-the-ball staff, and from what I saw, generous portions of reasonably priced food. It's the 2nd time I've stopped off in the Trinity before heading off down the road to a gig at the Academy; last time was before the refurb, which has retained the character whilst achieving a burnish which could compete with any watering hole in London. Returned to see the Secret Garden after the gig ! Will be back for more Ram & Special (no need to ask these staff twice !)

15 Nov 2011 13:34

The Harrow, Charlton Village

An extremely pleasant pub (thatched roof, exposed beam interior), efficiently run by a family who are popular with locals (they are packed with punters almost every lunchtime) and run a very able kitchen. In particular I'm hooked on their daily curry; I shall have to try something else one of these days. Impressive wine list too. Best place in the 2 mile radius.

7 Oct 2010 21:19

The Admiral Hawke, Sunbury on Thames

This has become seriously grim. Went in there on a Friday lunchtime, was served worst pint of Pride ever, fled after struggling through half of it, since I had no intention of ordering food.

This used to be (I'm thinking 2005/2006) a family establishment which served good hearty food. It's become dreary. I'd like fans of the pub to prove me wrong by explaining what's good about the place now.

19 May 2010 17:10

The Prince Albert, Twickenham

It's gratifying to see people interested in the quality of the Pride: this is the single most important criterion on which I judge a Fuller's pub. I can report that the landlord not only runs a tight ship but looks after the Pride, and they certainly turn over enough of the stuff ! Pleasing too are regular guest ales: not only have they had London Porter and the new Hock mild on tap in past months but I've even had 1845 (not encountered on draught since I toured the Fullers brewery some years back). Last but certainly not least: the FABULOUS Thai food (and they do traditional English food too, and can be pretty busy on Rugby days at Twickers, during which you are advised to book a table). My favourite Fuller's pub.

18 May 2010 16:21

Ruby's, Walton on Thames

Friendly, welcoming wine bar serving excellent lunches (half a dozen specials changed on a chalkboard menu daily) made to order and presented with personal service and pride. Just the one lager and Guinness on tap, but an impressive range of bottled ale, lager, cider and bubbly on offer, and large spirit measures so be careful when asking for a double ! Tiny but (apart from the loo) comfortable setting, with seating at the bar, couches at the French windows, and high and low table seating. Tapas during cocktail hour. A gem.

17 May 2010 15:36

The George and Dragon, Thames Ditton

And incidentally, I didn't need to request a top up once. I will say that this establishment is firmly a neighbourhood drinkers pub without seeming like an overly "local" joint. Friendly enough.

27 Aug 2009 06:26

The George and Dragon, Thames Ditton

Cased the joint out over a quiet lunchtime, and later went there for the Tuesday evening jazz, very pleasant. This is about as close as you get to a traditional pub in the midst of suburbia, tucked away as it is at one end of the Thames Ditton village. Efficient, brisk service from young female staff, good selection of Shepherd Neame ales including Master Brew, the ubiquitous Spitfire and the rather excellent Whitstable Bay. Large customer car park, a couple of patio areas, and 3 interior areas make this a pub suitable for almost any occasion.

27 Aug 2009 06:23

The Anchor, Ripley

This is a brilliant place to get away on a sunny day for a pint and a Thai meal served with a smile and with great speed ! in a friendly atmosphere. I will always remember the Anchor with affection and am going to make an effort to get back here regularly.

19 Mar 2009 15:01

The Black Dog, Ashford Common

Gruesome. 2 pit bulls and a collie roam this pub, which no longer serves food despite the copious signboarding proclaiming the contrary. To see a horrendous caricature of a pub, come here and tick all the boxes: scary locals, druggies and losers, scary bar staff and .... well, it's just scary. Not nice.

8 Mar 2009 19:50

The Trinity Arms, Brixton

Proper local tucked away in residentia but not too far from the main buzz. This Youngs establishment turned out to be the perfect place for a pre-gig drink and meal: I was very put off by the reports of rip-off Brixton establishments closer to the Academy and beerintheevening came to the rescue ! Brilliant. Usual range of Youngs bitters, and in addition a very acceptable draught Amstel which hit the spot. Would go back any time, fantastic.

27 Mar 2008 13:36

The Angel Hotel, Lavenham

Took the missus here a couple of weeks ago: dinner, bed & breakfast. INCREDIBLE. More of a dining pub than a local, but they do an awesome job. There's a resident's lounge I'd love to hide away in for days at a time with a good book (of which they have a selection).

I'll be back

19 Aug 2007 10:37

The Hand and Spear, Weybridge

I went to this pub on my birthday and I won't be going back next year. This is a pity because it's a beautifully appointed (and vast) premises in a lovely secluded location set back from the car park alongside the station. I regretfully agree with the anonymous previous poster: I encountered staff who were surly and unhelpful to a point verging on Little Britain's "Computer Says No" character. Less than a quid change from a tenner for a pint of lager and glass of (decent but not spectacular) wine; and a tenner for a deli board containing food that can only be described as bonsai. Seriously. Bread and oil were fine though. Must do better !

18 Apr 2007 16:33

The Admiral Hawke, Sunbury on Thames

Today I returned to the Admiral Hawke after a hiatus of nearly 2 years to find the standard as high as ever. It was a beautiful hot April afternoon, and the front parlour was perfectly cool and comfortable. A supercooled pint of Fosters and an excellent Thai green curry set me back less than a tenner. Long may the high standard be maintained !

18 Apr 2007 15:50

The Hare and Hounds, Sunbury on Thames

As the reviewer said in Oct '05, this Fullers pub is under new management and has in fact been refurbished since that review was published.

There's an excellent Wednesday-Sunday carvery on offer in a separately partitioned non-smoking dining area, although you can get food served to you anywhere, including the huge outdoor seating area which includes a substantial beer garden.

Shaun the manager runs a tight ship with polite staff, clean glasses and the best-kept London Pride I have ever tasted: and I've been going there several times a week for over a year, so I can attest to the consistency of ale quality too. He'll do you a roast meat baguette with any of the current carvery meats on offer, my favourite being the ever-succulent turkey and cranberry with dressed salad garnish on a freshly baked baguette.

Outstanding value too: where else in Surrey could you get a nosh like that AND a pint of Pride for less than 6 quid all told ? Come and enjoy the Hare and Hounds, always good for footie with a big screen, and no tolerance of any of the dodgier Sunbury element.

Let's reward the effort and commitment of landlords like Shaun. This is John saying: Cheers !

11 Nov 2006 17:42

The Stag on the River, Eashing

It truly is a wonderful site. On the river, a very tranquil setting, with tons of outdoor seating.

Indoors, it's a classical country pub, with cosy decor and daily newspapers. Well kept London Pride and a good wine list, with a food menu printed on the day. In fact when I was ordering the first drink the landlord said "I'll see if the menus are ready" and his good lady called out that they were and handed me one hot off the presses.

We'd arrived at noon to make sure of a table - which one usually has to do to be sure of a table in a popular Surrey pub! but needn't have worried: lunch was a bustling time, but it felt less pressured than pubs like say The Prince of Wales in Esher. Courteous efficient service from what is clearly a very professional team.

We had a Sunday roast, which was just fantastic: the homemade Yorkshire puddings which accompanied the beef and the crackling which came with the pork were sublime. The menu is small enough to let you feel confident that dishes are made to order from fresh ingredients, while extensive enough that there should be something for everyone -- they also will do a children's roast with price adjusted accordingly.

This pub also had a nice "local" feel: in fact perhaps nicer for the locals than for the brand new customer trying to get a pint of Pride at noon and having to wait 10 minutes. Other than that, 10 out of 10.

10 Jun 2006 23:41

The White Horse, Shere

I have come to The White Horse on a semiannual basis for many years now and I'd go so far as to say it's the best it's been since the refurb in 1997.

Had a smashing lunch there today; the food - from the extensive and not terribly overpriced for Surrey menu - was really delish and we love all the little rooms; it is still essential to get there early on a Sunday if you'd like to pick your table.

We had nothing but obliging, efficient and expert service from the polite staff (Antipodean and British alike). If you compare The White Horse to other Chef and Brewer pubs (one I visit often is the Prince of Wales in Esher which suffers from all of the minus points observed by fellow reviewers -- and more) the clincher for me which sets The White Horse apart is the GREAT !! decision to start table service (for food and drinks) once you've opened a tab. Believe it or not this detracts not in the slightest from the classic "pub" experience and in fact leads to less queueing and more happiness for all concerned !

In fact, White Horse, you're getting an extra point just for that: 8 out of 10 !!

23 Apr 2006 22:38

The Badgers Rest, Walton on Thames

There is something very wrong with the Vintage Inn formula. First of all, they somehow manage to take food and turn it into something very bland. Secondly, they seem to employ people with no interest whatsoever in service. The word dull does not begin to do justice to the anodyne lassitude which fills one's mind on spending time in their establishments.

The Badger's Rest needs to be singled out on account of being located in a very salubrious environment; and commenting only on the place as a pub, I can say: very very poor indeed. Up at the bar it feels hostile and turnstile-busy; the indifference to quality and timely service makes you think you've stepped back in time to somewhere east of the Berlin Wall pre-1989. The menu is, as others have commented, unreliable and the food is dull. AVOID.

27 Feb 2006 15:51

The Jolly Farmer, Weybridge

This is the best local in the world. Few pleasures in this world can rival a stolen hour spent reading the paper and enjoying a peerless pint of Summer Lightning.

10 Feb 2006 12:00

The Hare and Hounds, Sunbury on Thames

I just went down to the Hare and Hounds at lunchtime, and was very very impressed. Massive beer garden, drastically underutilised, but then it is midweek. GREAT pint of Pride, �2.35, beat that !

31 Aug 2005 14:24

Back to ifyouaskedmeonafriday's profile