The Waggon and Horses, Surbiton

Well-rated pub that has learned to adapt and embrace a broader culture than evening drinkers. Offering free coffee throughout July (or was it June?) was a nice touch that brought us in on a Saturday morning for brunch where we'd previously been lunch and evening customers.

Has a few different areas catering from various customers: the front bar with stools and a sport-showing TV, a large back-lounge with big sofas and large tables, a dining lounge with a large log fire and a cosy drinking room in middle-left side.

Good food in generous portions though the suggestion that the sandwich menus have been pulled is worrying - they did a great-value chunky sandwich which I'll be mortified if it's not available now.

Not seen any of the theatrical output so can't comment there.

If they've over-done anything it's the transport and local-tourism posters from the early part of the last century which pepper the large lounge. I'm all for local history but it does feel like the London Transport Museum in places and the sea-grass matting and cabana feel of the (smokers') garden is peculiar.

Service, quick and friendly. Wines are good though not extensive and beer/lager is averagely priced. If it was closer to Surbiton town-centre it would be rammed and all-the-poorer for it. Placed on the Kingston-end of the town we're not always inclined to trek up there but when we do we're annoyed we don't go more often. Up there as one of the top 3 places to spend an evening in Surbiton, definitely.

27 Aug 2009 14:02

The Lamb, Surbiton

Can't remember when in the last year we started dropping in to the Lamb but I do know we were tempted in by their chalkboard proclaiming family farm-sourced food. Having said that I've never had anything other than the cheeseboard in there which was humble (borderline frugal) but enjoyable. The landlord(s) are warm and efficient, amongst their regulars they are clearly well-thought-of and their attention to music and atmosphere has made this place a growing success through the past 12 months.

I do remember going one night in the winter and seeing a fire-walking event taking place in the beer garden. Quirky and typical of the 'folk' feel to the place. I wouldn't be surprised to see a skiffle band in here at some point or a local meeting of an environmental group.

I'd suggest not sitting by the back door as you get a waft from the gents and a draught from the beer-garden door but the small round tables nestled against the left wall are perfect for couples and friends to gather in the low-light over drinks. Alternatively there are a couple of couches and a smattering of bar-stools generally occupied by the regulars.

Can't remember what I usually drink in there so apologies for not commenting on the drinks.

27 Aug 2009 13:43

The Fox And Hounds, Surbiton

A quiet, local pub. Amstel on draught which - as a lager drinker - I like. They take cards which - as someone who rarely carries cash - I like. A great view of the setting sun over Hampton Court and the river. If you crane your neck a bit. The regulars are mild-mannered and friendly but there aren't many of them. A recent refurbishment in 2008-9 feels only partially completed and the pub's decor is an acquired taste but it certainly doesn't feel characterless, just that perhaps the fun-times here were in times-gone-by. After the re-fit (which mainly involved a lot of work on the patio out the front) there was an interesting looking Italian menu being served but - as of August 2009 - there is no food being offered. Just looking around at the number of people in on a Saturday night will tell you all you need to know, there just isn't the trade.

Surbiton has quite a few pubs really and here, perched on the end of a residential 'river road' and facing a busy Portsmouth Road it just feels a bit isolated and forgotten. Perhaps when the students return in the autumn it will fill-out again, sitting on the pilgrimage between Seething Wells halls of residence and Kingston-upon-Thames. Other nearby pubs and bars offer more in terms of style, wines, views and food but the Fox and Hounds is honest & friendly. It certainly deserves some attention and investment from the local community and perhaps a bit of work to improve the interior layout from the owners though - I suspect - this might be a challenge given the low trade at the moment. The landlord confessed the other night he didn't have Sky, I suspect cost is the issue here too. It all just feels a bit precarious.

27 Aug 2009 13:22