The Well House Inn, Mugswell

I usually love this pub. Good food, excellent ales, and great beer garden. But, given they cater for so many families and do so much food, I was disappointed they had no high chairs. Not only that, but when we expressed surprise that they had none they claimed they had no room for them because they were a listed building and short on space. Last time I checked you don't need planning permission to buy three or four folding high chairs. Mine host then told us that 'usually people bring their own' - yeah, right. My arse! Not only disappointed at there being no high chairs, but more disappointed at the dismissive attitude of the (presumably) landlord/owner. Very poor. Will never be returning.

2 Jun 2010 14:22

The White Hart, Chipstead

Last night I met with friends at the White Hart in Chipstead, Surrey.

I anticipated, based on the prices on the menu and the atmosphere of the establishment, that my food would be of a very high quality.

I ordered the Steak, ale and Stilton Pie. The pie was over-cooked, had a mere seven pieces of steak (yes, it was so disappointing, I counted), very little gravy, and no hint of Stilton cheese. The dish was served with chips and fresh vegetables. The vegetables were over-cooked and the chips were in short supply.

In addition, having had, upon my arrival, a pint of Finchcocks Original, I ordered a pint of the same during my meal. I suspect the second pint was poured into a glass from the slops tray under the beer engine. My suspicion stems from the following: the first pint I ordered whilst stood at the bar was very 'lively' and some beer had over-flowed into the tray; my second pint was served to me sat at a table rather than at the bar where I could witness it being poured; the second pint, rather than tasting as it should, had a taste of sweetness most akin to lemonade and I suspect, therefore, that someone had previously ordered a bitter shandy and I was tasting the overflow from that drink from the slops tray as well.

Last, based on my experience of the main course and real ale, I considered the desserts to be sorely overpriced.

Simply put, I have had far better pub meals, far better real ale and have paid close to half what was paid for my meal last night. I will not be returning to the White Hart

18 Apr 2009 10:37