please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Flower Pot was our first stop on a short crawl of Sunbury pubs. Situated opposite the river, it's a Marstons (formerly Brakspear) pub. The interior is quite light and airy. But despite it being quiet, it took an eternity to get served. We were offered a table when we walked in and it would probably have been quicker to have accepted. Nevertheless we waited patiently at the bar whilst another couple deliberated about what food they wanted to order and then the barman went to get some meals to take to another table. Could probably do with more staff. The 2 ales on were Brakspear Honey Bee & Wychwood Hobgoblin. I opted for the Garden Cider Plum & Ginger. Pretty average pub.
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New owners...again! Same old customer service, or perhaps it's managed to get worse. Wanted to give the barmaid/asst manager a shake she was so gormless and unhelpful. New owners by New Year is my guess...
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Popped in with a couple of Camra mates, and most pumps (including lagers) were off. However Brakspears Bitter was available, and was in goo dcondition. However, could not have a second, as informed pub was shutting .... until August! Sounds like yet another refurbishment / change of management. If this place ever gets steady management might go places, come on Brakspears Pubco, what are you playing at?
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New owners:yet again. Advertise Tapas but cant even spell it. Food is now ropey. They put dodgy sauce on all sandwiches without putting it in the menu.
TheGP - 21 Jan 2012 23:33 |
Booked a room at this pub and arrived to be told that their card reader was down , so that I would have to pay cash or cheque when checking in.
I don't bother taking a cheque book anywhere now and needed some cash, so asked where the nearest cashpoint was and was directed to the Post Office. ATM was out of order so walked back to pub and said I would have to cancel booking.
The barmaid just said "OK" and turned away to resume her conversation with a customer/admirer[she was very good looking].
No suggestion that the card reader might be fixed by morning or that I could leave my card details and they could charge it when eventually fixed.
They lost �75 plus drinks and I will not be going back.
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Although I don't reside in Sunbury I used to enjoy visiting the Flower Pot when i'm with my Sunbury friends given that the Magpie up the road isn't quite what it was. If you want a (very) quiet drink, this is your place. However, seems not to be the friendliest of places of late. Can't put my finger on the vibe. Good selection of beers. Food and hospitality is good, so I'm told; still, there's something missing. Maybe us oldies remember when landlords and landladies made you feel welcome, perhaps im just behind the times. not a bad pub, but certainly consistently under-performing in terms of "atmosphere". and it's very, very quiet.
IMHO. I'm sure others will disagree.
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New owners seem to be giving this place a good go - the interior is still a bit hotel lobby, but the service has improved ten fold and the food is excellent.
Would definitely rate it the best pub in Sunbury for food without a doubt.
TheGP - 26 Dec 2010 19:34 |
Popped in on a cold winters evening for a pint. A Christmas party was in full swing, waiting for their mince pies and coffee. Licensee as always most welcoming, and all real ales (Brakspear Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Ringwood Best Bitter) were in great condition. Pub clean and smart, and range of food available though felt completely comfortable just having a beer. On 216 & 235 bus route between Kingston & Staines see tfl.gov.uk for details. Well worth a visit.
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Popped in on a cold winters evening for a pint. A Christmas party was in full swing, waiting for their mince pies and coffee. Licensee as always most welcoming, and all real ales (Brakspear Bitter, Wychwood Hobgoblin & Ringwood Best Bitter) were in great condition. Pub clean and smart, and range of food available though felt completely comfortable just having a beer. On 216 & 235 bus route between Kingston & Staines see tfl.gov.uk for details. Well worth a visit.
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This pub/hotel is now under new management and has been since June 2010. Having read, with some trepidation, trhe previous posts, my wife and I visited on a Sunday afternoon. Absolutely not what we'd expected.
Bright and cheerful, with a smattering of locals as well as people who were out for a nice lunch. Varied menu included fish finger sandwiches- kids will love that- to pasta and full roast dinner- all for less than �10 per head. Got chatting to someone and said I liked the decor- white over black- and the large 60" TV. The someone was the owner's father who also promised all major sporting events on screen. Said he'd been a regular for 20 years, seen it fall to pieces and decided to bring it back to life. It's still a Brakespear pub with 6 pump/cask ales as well as the obligatory Guinness and lagers. A small function area is available and was in use. Could do with some parking spaces (only 4 available)
Advise booking, especially on Sundays for lunch, as it was rather busy. Clearly not the finished article yet, a picture light with no picture underneath it- apparently it's on order- shows that this pub may well be coming back to life.
Well worth a visit if you've never been, a return if you used to go and don't now.
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Now re opened under new ownership, has been redecorated to look like a wine bar with a tacky chandeler hanging from the sky light. is open and echoey making it feel cold and unwelcoming. The pub had a few people in all 3 of who turned and stared as we walked in, we recieved no welcome or even a smile from anyone not even the woman at the end of the bar which turned out to be the manager. All in all doesnt seem to have improved one bit since the last owners, we will attempt to vist again when they have had time to get on thier feet and see if they can improve on their customer service.
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Pub will re-open on Fri 30th April at 3pm. Redecoration and some repair work has been carried out, and the new tenants are a couple from Lower Sunbury.
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Pub is closed. Notice, from Brakspears, in window stating they had entered and secured the premises as the lease had been forfeited.
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just to add to my previous comment, in actual fact the pub seems to have gone to pot - went in the other day, they had run out of most beers (including Guinness), there was no-one in the bar, Also having a child running around the bar after 10 is not right, even if she was something to do with the owner.
all in all A once good pub in danger of going under unless someone pulls their finger out..
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now under new management which seems odd, considering how much money the old owner must have spent renovating it.
Went in and was still OK, the Pride was still excellent, food was nice, albeit from a smaller choice than before, A few little things I might change, but overall still seemed nice enough.
TheGP - 24 Feb 2010 16:25 |
Yes, ok I agree to a certain extent and at least it's clean and tidy. In fact I went in there recently and had a good meal, even though it was very pricey. Unfortunately my first pint (Pride) was off so they exchanged it for Abbot which was fine. Coudn't complain about the service either - very good. It's still a restaurant though, and that's the part I'm not keen on.
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erm, and Pride as well as Brakspear? Maybe it was off.
I agree the refit went too far, but it's still OK, and compare the pubs in Lower Sunbury to the dreadful ones in Feltham and Ashford.. It's an Oasis of good pubs!
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This pub could be very very good, but it's not. The refurb is far too trendy and is trying to pretend this is a restaurant. Lower Sunbury is in need of damn good PUBS. This is a missed opportunity. The atmosphere is that of a restaurant - i.e. no atmosphere. If you laughed out loud or talked too loudly (i.e. having a bit of fun) everyone else in the place looked round! What sort of pub is that?
I disagree with the person who said the ale is good. It's average and you have not much choice (Brakspear). Much better nowadays is The Goat in Halliford which has a good management team now and Youngs or Bombadier served perfectly.
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The Flower Pot is now open again but we think, worse than ever all round. We haven't been back since the old owners left and ended up having a horrible experience when we went back a month or so ago. Their booking system for the hotel is useless and have friends who have had their booking double booked, to then be told there is nothing they could do by seemingly unconcerned staff. In particular a long haired middle aged italian looking lady, who was also very rude to us when we tried to order our evening meal when we were there. We also noticed two members of staff pocketing cash given over in the restaurant and speaking detrimentally about their boss at the tops of their voices across the restaurant. I went back to have a word to the manager the nest day about my concerns, to then be told he was unavailable, when I asked if he would be down at all tonight, the Polish member of staff left in charge laughed and said "no, he has a very bad hangover, he has been at golf all day" I thought this was very unprofessional and not funny at all. The customer service is terrible now at the Flower Pot. We have stopped going there now as we found the whole experience very stressful and uncomfortable. Bring back the old owners!!
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Couldn't disagree more with the last review - Yes, the ambience has gone a bit hotel bar, but the positives are very good food, good service and definitely one of the best pints in Sunbury, so they know how to change a barrel.
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While The Phoenix was shut I took the opportunity to visit all of the pubs in Lower Sunbury. Of the 10 I visited, I can safely say that this was one of the worst. The heart and soul have finally been ripped out - the ambience has been in steady decline for about 10 years, but has now hit an all-time low. The first impression was that I was waiting for the maitre d' to inform me that my table was ready, rather than waiting to order a pint. I eventually realised that I hadn't been visiting a 'pub'; it's either (as has already been suggested) a restaurant, or - even worse (!) - a 'bar'. Think Pitcher & Piano, Slug & Lettuce, All Bar One... I disagree with the sugestion that they're aiming at the 'mature' clientele - I think they're looking at the trendy crowd who spend as much on their drinks as they do on their clothes. Definitely one to avoid.
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Yes, a nicely done refurb! Welcome to the Flowerpot! A pleasant, welcoming bar greets you on entrance. Then there's a mauve/purple wall, and 2 x fishtanks, to take your mind off the stresses of the day! They have about a dozen small tables dotted around the bar, with 2 x brown leather 3-seater sofas, one large table by the far wall with a 6-seater wall sofa! At the back is a small restaurant area (where the loos used to be!) with 6 or 7 small tables. So its geared to food this pub, no room for milling or spilling your pints! I hate to say it, (but it does make sound business sense..!) this pub is aimed at the more 'mature' clientele, with priorities of good food rather than drink alone. And the background music was good too, not a rapper or drug-spoiled brat screamer in sight! (..or hearing!) Definately no chavs aloud!
I do like the tiling in the new toilet-block extension! Tastefully done. (Any rival landlords checkout the loos here, see how it should be done..!!) 8/10, just lacking that bit of 'pazzazz' at the moment, that could make this pub 'the best' by far in the area..!! (There's a challenge landlord/or lady)! The sort of bar that 'does' grab you, and makes you want to stay for that extra drink..!!! Fine job staff, keep up the good work!! TJ
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Flower pot is now revamped and open for business. It's a definite improvement on the last refit, although I prefer the decor 2 refits ago now, when it was more traditional.
However, I can't blame the landlord as he must be making double the takings. It's been well done and the staff are always friendly, definitely the best pub to eat in Sunbury, especially now the Admiral Hawke is being run into the ground..
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Looks like The Flower Pot is open for business again, just in time for the Christmas party rush..! We've missed you "Little Weed"...!!! (showing my age a bit there..!) TJ
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Wondered what was going on when I drove past yesterday. Looks like they are ripping it apart inside. I agree and hope they dont ruin a good thing!
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major renovation going on, hope it doesn't ruin the pub!
anonymous - 4 Nov 2007 08:44 |
Funny pub, weird barstaff, beer okay. Perfect pub if you want to have a quiet pint.
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6.3????? NEVER
What a weird pub with ever so odd regulars - fake posh people, The food has by far gone totally down hill, word is the chef is leaving, NOT soon enough.
anonymous - 7 Jun 2007 12:57 |
6.3 ????
Did you walk in with your eyes shut ? Very good pint of Brakspear's and excellent food, but top marks for the bevy of gorgeous Eastern European bar staff.
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Classic quote about the bar staff being like Alan Partridges girlfriend ('Is he right? He's not wrong! etc). Our Olga from the Volga looked like her face would crack if she smiled.
Quite enjoyed my pint of Brakspear in here, it was a fairly good atmosphere. However, wouldn't settle in for a sesh cos there wasn't much choice beer-wise and the music was TOO LOUD.
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Ate in the restaurant part of the pub just before Christmas. Pleasantly surprised to be able to book this close to Xmas because so many places are hosting Xmas meals.
Food (fishcakes) were fantastic and the vegetables were nice and well presented too. I recommend it for a quiet meal good food
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Less is more TeeKay, less is more.
Flowerpot has the best food in Sunbury, and is the only pub in the area that I know of that serves the bowel shatteringly good Addlestones Cloudy Cider - Why they serve this potent brew here I have no idea but good on you fellas and keep it up.
TheGP - 27 Aug 2006 20:54 |
Quite busy during the week - a good sign. Food I noticed was a tad more expensive than last time I visited (only a couple of months ago)so the 'Squire' & I hot-footed round to the 'Admiral Hawk' where you can get a servicable burger for a fiver! Dr Kronenbourg was as smooth & satisfying as usual though! TJ
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I quite like Alan Partridge's girl friend! Does she pull a good pint..!! TJ
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If you like 'Bill & Ben' you'll luvvit in the Flower Pot! Left-hand side of pub is now restaurant, right-hand side is the 'boudoire' with trendy decor and modern seating. Its not like your usual boozer. But that's good, it has a different persona!
I had a Christmas meal here, which was fine. I have more recently stopped off for a quick snack in passing, and the burger meal was very good.
The bar staff are intriguing, two girls were of Eastern European origin, smiled sweetly, but didn't understand much of what was being said! Makes it interesting when ordering drinks. I like the place. And I recommend you try the Flower Pot at your earliest convenience! (V.small parking area immediately outside, but there is street parking nearby). Hasta la vista! TJ
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Bar staff are still all like Alan Partridges girlfriend, but apart from that, a nice pub.
anonymous - 16 Jul 2006 18:29 |
Was a brilliant pub some years ago - now its a Hotel with a good restaurant. If you want a pub try others in Sunbury - however the last person was right, great food - but no longer a pub if you ask me.
anonymous - 22 Mar 2006 11:46 |
I can see why this pub gets up some peoples noses, as it has gone from being a traditional pub to somewhere the landlord clearly has ambitions of grandeur for. I am not sure being too strict on the attire is a good idea, go to the Sunbury conservative club perhaps if you want to be a dress nazi.
However.. The food in here is staggering - Restaurant quality (and a good restaurant at that). My Guinness was quite nice too. If you want somewhere to go for a top notch meal and a few chilled out drinks, this place will suffice. The Admiral Hawke is better for your traditional pub grub, but if you fancy something out of the ordinary go here.
And the bar staff are always good looking, albeit all act as if they have never worked behind a bar before.
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visited this pub many years ago and enjoyed it immensley. went there recently hoping to eat with family, the barman/owner was very unfriendly with regard younger children. went back the following week for a few beers with some colleagues and relaised we were not dressed in the correct attire to be deemed suitable for this place - boating shoes, a sou'wester rolled up, a captains hat and a set of oars - although you can always find a few of the latter propping up the bar most nights!! never again
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The only way I feel I can descibe this pub is that it's just like a hotel lobby.
There is no atmosphere and the staff are always changing and don't know what they are doing
anonymous - 12 May 2005 13:42 |
I have had to reassess this pub, it is a lot better than it used to be but the service that I got was rather confusing, on ordering a Guinness, a Strongbow, a large white wine and a bitter shandy I got a Guinness, a Strongbow, a small red wine and a lager shandy; I have put this down to it being a bad day for the barmaid, she was very apologetic about itand resolved the problem quickly.
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The refit which stalled at first, seems to be slowly working - Went in on a Sunday evening and was busy. Now has a fancy fishtank installed. Service was friendly. All in all, much improved.
TheGP - 11 Apr 2005 09:19 |
Amelia, you are the last hope of the pot!
TheGP - 13 Sep 2004 16:49 |
What a beautiful location - on the river Thames. After a long walk from Hampton Court to Lower Sunbury we were quite happy to rest our weary feet at the Flower Pot - lovely food . The staff are friendly too would definitely re-visit.
Amelia - 10 Sep 2004 23:43 |
Losing customers hand over fist - All the men who used to drink here have gone elsewhere, leaving an empty Tarts Boudoir, playing unfeasably loud "music" obviously catering for the "laydeez" eg. Wind Beneath My Wings, Katie "Wombles" Mellua etc. Absolute rubbish.
The service behind the bar has also declined drastically.
I almost feel sorry for them - This used to be a nice pub.
TheGP - 10 Sep 2004 11:40 |
Looks like a tart's boudoir inside - which is a shame as it used to be a good pub - if the refurb had been done with some conisderation i would have rated this pub as at least a 6/10
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Until very recently, a decent, if sometimes rough, pub to drink in. Does a pint of Cloudy Cider that you rarely get outside the west country. Had a decent restaurant as well.
BUT... Has recently been subject to a refit seemingly undertaken by a combination of Lawrence Lleywelyn Bowen and Stevie Wonder. This has ruined the atmosphere, and also attracted some of the Magpies "trendy" clientele, obviously attracted like flies to the wooden strip flooring.
So sadly, not worth a visit these days.
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Boring pub, no music, expensive drinks. Boring boring boring.
Richard Smith - 21 Apr 2004 13:38 |
very nice. you are able to get a take out pint and go to the flower pot green which is on the thames. friendly bar staff. recommended
anonymous - 1 May 2003 10:14 |
A big kiss 2 all the staff from The Flower Pot Hotel,you're the best.A special one 2 Emma, Shavon and Paul...
Tania Figueiredo (Portugal) - 15 Apr 2003 20:51 |
The barmaid, landlord and regulars were very friendly and helpful to poor lost AFC Wimbledon fans who wanted to be on the other side of the Thames.
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