The Dukes Head, Wallington

I visited the dukes head last night, our first visit since the refit, we used to visit every couple of months for dinner in the week. The new look of the pub/restaurant is light and airy but much like a lot of chain pubs trying to modernize their image, it lacks any kind of individuality or local relevance. The dukes head was a nice old pub with plenty of character, but not now. I was misinformed about the beers available by the black barman. I asked what beers they have and was directed to the 4 pumps of mass produced lager and 2 pumps of other beers. I was not told which Youngs beers they had, or what bottled beers or shown any other beers.
The food we ordered was ok, the mushy peas with my fish were dry and the steak and peppercorn sauce were not very tasty compared to what we were used to at this place. I do not know if they changed the chef, but the food was not as good as previous visit before the refurb and seemed a bit more expensive. I dont think we will be dinning at the dukes head now. I bought a pimms for my partner and a half of lager for me, those two drinks came to over �6, which seemed pricey to me.

12 Sep 2012 19:30

The Stepping Stones, Westhumble

This pub is under new management since April. They still have some great beers with plenty of guest beers to try as well as regulars like London pride. The new management have seen fit to do away with a written evening menu, you now have to read the blackboard style menu on the wall, of which there is only one and so much is written on it that its hard to read. Hopefully you won't get to sit at the table below the menu, otherwise your privacy will be nil.
If the management read this, please bring back written menus, its pants having to read from the wall before sitting down. The food is lovely, although no fish n chips with mushy peas on the menu :(
The beer is well kept, the service is good and I enjoy a weekday evening in this pub, just need the menu back :/

23 May 2012 20:46