please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Just a great pub - Good food and ales. A friendly welcome
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A lovely looking pub in a wonderful spot next to the pond and the large green.It has a nice patio area with decent garden furniture, the beer was too cold for real ale (I tend to like my ale very slightly colder than most) My pint of St.Austell Tribute was decent after ten minutes of warming up a bit.The pub is exceptionally clean throughout, this is a chain pub and lacks a genuine pubby atmosphere, the customers are mainly ladies who "do lunch".
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First time in here ,what a great pub great service the staff are so polite and friendly.The beer was ok.I will be back very soon.
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The Cricketers has been our local for the last 10 years and you couldn't wish for a better, well run pub. The team including Steve. Aimee, Ebling and Kate ensure that you are given a warm and friendly welcome.
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Had a staff leaving do here on a Friday evening mid August 2012. One of the hottest days/evenings we've had this month - the pub was heaving - the young staff worked really hard and gave good service in the sweltering heat to accommodate our orders for various jugs of cocktails, beers, coffees and food. Sat out in the garden till very late and had a wonderful evening. A week later, weather not so good, two of us returned to try the two meals for �9.95 offer. Not as busy. The service was good and we enjoyed the food. An enchanting location for Epsom - may have to make this our regular.... keep up the good work.
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A great location on the green and by the pond. The interior's pleasant enough too though it sometimes seems grubby. The beer is just about good enough but I advise against eating. It's cheap but every time I've eaten here (not really my choice!), it's been very poor quality.
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I Visited the Pub about two weeks ago for the first time. From the outside it looks stunning, there is plenty of open space for children to run around, a duck pond and big jumbrellas to keep you warm in the evenings. The pub had a very cosy and homely feel when I go inside, a bit on the small side but I guess it adds to the character. The drinks are reasonably priced and the food is very affordable too. The food quality is excellent for the price there was a small problem with one of my meals (it was a little bit cold) but when I spoke to the girl who brought my food it was quickly replaced with a new hot one and she apologised. This pub is my favourite in Epsom now and I will be returning.
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Quite plush in a modern sort of way. Seemed to be much smaller than I remembered it, but havent been there for about 20 years. Couldn't fault thebeer though, not a great choice but the Doombar was spot on
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Checked out the Cricketers last night after the recent refurbishment. Dodgy decor, but that's their choice BUT do not appreciate having someone sweep teh floor round our feet at 10.15pm when we had just paid �10 for a bottle of wine - they then stacked chairs around us, and gave us teh 'last orders' bell at 10.40! It was a Wednesday night ... I assume the (two) bar staff wanted to get home early. We felt unwelcome and won't bother again. Walked home past the Coopers on Stamford Green Road and the place was kicking with live music - know where we'll go next time. The Cricketers may look the part for tourists, but actually it is a rubbish pub. Grim boring meals on the menu too, or we would have eaten - which was probably a lucky escape ...
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I must say I don't recognise the pub from the bad reviews posted heretofore. I accept that the Cricketers - which is by a pond and a cricket green - had a bad rep before, however the new manager - who is from Inverness - has sorted the place out and put on a range of beers of which we were invited to try the Marstons Pedigree which was newly on and in good condition. The pub has a large outside area with jumbrellas which are like large umbrellas with heaters built in.
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Turned up at this pub in its picturesque setting expecting to be able to get a ploughmans or something similar after our long bike ride. We were starving. Our "goat cheese roulade with portabello mushroom covered in rich tomato sauce" from the specials consisted of raw PASTA with flecks of something that may or may not have been dried, reconstituted mushroom flakes, the cheese could possibly have been cheddar - that is our kindest interpretation. When I complained about the lack of portabello mushroom to the person behind the bar she informed me that a roulade was a pasta dish. Moving on...I had the "stuffed flat mushrooms heaped with broad beans, peas and mint with cheddar cheese with crushed potatos and a side salad" from the main menu. What arrived were two tiny mushrooms covered in an oil slick of possibly reconstituted cheddar cheese and at it's best chopped up crackers or maybe toast. No hint of a vegetable in those babies. The crushed new potatos looked like a couple of new potatos that somebody had trodden on. And cold. I complained to the person behind the bar who said she would have a word with the chef to be clearer about what he meant on the menu. I would say that this was more an issue for the manager who charged us over �15 (including a couple of diet cokes) for the privilege of one of the worst meals I've had. I am embarrassed for you if you think it's ok to serve food like that to your customers, regardless of what you have advertised it as on the menu.
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Spot on wishingwell.
The sooner pubs understand that the way forward is NOT having chavvy little brats running riot in a pub whilst their "parents" stand at the bar getting rat assed the better.
Pubs are for adults, take your brats to a cafe, costa, wacky warehouse etc etc. Leave the pubs to the adults.
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This is one of my local pubs which I have regularly used in the past.I am afraid to say that the idea of children being freely allowed to run around screaming until 9pm (which incidently is past my bedtime ! ) is not going to provide a 'quality' experience for me.
What a shame.
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The quality pub in the area is not this one !
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The Cricketers is undergoing a major investment and is closed until 29/6/11 On reopening we will have five cask ales rotating on a weekly basis a new and improved product list and in keeping with our child friendly policy a new children s menu. So i must agree with the last comment about the place being a bit tatty before the investment. However there is only one quality pub in the area so come visit us after we reopen.
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If you don't like the Cricketers try the Jolly Coopers its 200yrds away!
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This used to be a lovely pub. Ember Inns took it on and negected it, when we heard it was to be under new management we hoped we'd see some changes, but it's actually worse than it was before! It's very shabby, the furniture inside looks like it's for storage, not for sitting! The overall feel is that it's dirty and noone cares. We visited on a Saturday night (21st May) no wonder it was half empty.
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I must take exception with mhh review.
I run the Cricketers having taken it on on the 4/4/11 the first thing I did was change the children's policy that was in place.
All children regardless of age are permitted in any area of the Cricketers up to 9pm in the evening. After 9pm we are an adult environment therefore parents are asked to take children home.
We are in the processes of re-training our team and employing more staff in order to better serve the community and I will look into comments regarding my teams "unfriendly behavior"I hope any guest who is dissatisfied would ask to speak to myself or my assistant so that we can resolve the issue and would look forward to meeting mhh in person to disscuss further.
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Visited this pub on the evening of 20.4.11. Was advised by staff in a very blunt manner that children under 18 not allowed to sit in garden with a soft drink. No other customers were in the garden, and we were not making any noise, so dont see what the problem was. Staff very unfriendly, wont be going back there. No wonder the garden on a warm summers eve was empty.
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To my previous comment I hastily add that the management/staff operating this pub are not Ember Inns but tenants paying exhorbitant rent and forced to buy from Ember Inns at artificially high wholesale prices, regardless of customer requests for locally supplied ales. Hence the tenants/staff are stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you tire of the same ales and the limp salad, think of the people at Ember Inns who spend their profit, our hard earned cash, somewhere, anywhere but a chain pub !
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Having stopped with a walking group here yesterday (Wed lunchtime) I had to find this pub on here to comment: alas a poor example of a chain pub. Albeit a pretty looking pub on a green, it is analogous to biting into a ripe rosy apple to find soft pulp inside.
The Young's Bitter was on the turn (distinctly sour with a vinegar aroma). The bar lady pulled some beer thru but the second try was still off. The Adnams Broadside was drinkable. The food was typical British chain pub fare, re-heated baked potatoes and a small pile pile browning limp lettuce for 'salad'.
OK, it was cheap, but still does not qualify as value for money, and few will return.
Ember Inns, Enterprise Inns and PubCos of the like are just greedy landlords, selfish people that are killing British pubs in a currently difficult market. They know they're on a winner: if the pub fails, then they'll realise its value by selling it for housing. So why would they care? I believe the Gov't is looking to change laws to sort these parasites out.
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Beautiful setting, but the building could do with a bit of TLC. It's an Ember Inn, but the company's admirable real ale policy could do with a bit of a push here... it's frequently nothing more than Adnams and Greene King. Perfectly decent ales, but easily available in just about any unimaginative free house. There are plenty of breweries within a 50-mile radius of Epsom - support them!
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The food isn't too bad here, you just need to remember you are in a pub and a chain pub at that, if you want really good food, look elsewhere, if you want a quick snack, burger, sandwich, then this is OK.
Location is great, nice to cycle or walk through the forest before going in, and then enjoy a few cools ones. Staff are often a bit hit and miss, talkative one minute and then only talkatiev to their friends.
But its worth a beer or 2
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"followedthrough" must have low standards if he/she considers the food good at the Cricketers! A few years back it wasn't bad, but Ember Inns have presided over a massive slide into sub-mediocrity. I live nearby and took a group of walkers there last Saturday. Staff were rude-to-indifferent, food was uniformly awful. Only the beer was OK-ish.
Generally one to avoid until the ownership changes to someone more concerned about quality...
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So the Cricketers is child-unfriendly... GOOD!
Most people don't want to hear squealing brats when they go out for a nice quiet drink and I'm no different.
I like the Cricketers- a good place to stop at after a nice walk around the common. Nice scenic location. Food is good. Fairly good choice of drinks. And because they're an Ember Inn they have fires in the winter. It has a nice cosy feel without being too much of a "locals" pub.
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This Pub used to be full, a few years back, with young families, often after school in the summer, parents enjoying a quick Friday evening drink together whist the kids played safely on the green by the pond, in view. Probably the safest pub in Epsom to take kids wheere they could enjoy themselves too. The beer and food were both excellent.
I say a few years back, because the last time I was there with my son and his friend and his parents we were very unwelcome, the beer was truly awful and when I took my pint back, as not only was it very poor beer, it wasn't actually what it said on the pump - (I can tell the difference between london pride and the strong ale - can't remember which - that I'd ordered), the barmaid said it was no good asking her as she diodn't know what beer tasted like - couldn't tell if was off or not. The attitude of the staff stunk, and it is such a shame that kids are not welcome at the safest pub for them in Epsom. Don't waste your time going here, just pop up the road to the Coopers - beer is great, and people are freindly.
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This Pub used to be full, a few years back, with young families, often after school in the summer, parents enjoying a quick Friday evening drink together whist the kids played safely on the green by the pond, in view. Probably the safest pub in Epsom to take kids wheere they could enjoy themselves too. The beer and food were both excellent.
I say a few years back, because the last time I was there with my son and his friend and his parents we were very unwelcome, the beer was truly awful and when I took my pint back, as not only was it very poor beer, it wasn't actually what it said on the pump - (I can tell the difference between london pride and the strong ale - can't remember which - that I'd ordered), the barmaid said it was no good asking her as she diodn't know what beer tasted like - couldn't tell if was off or not. The attitude of the staff stunk, and it is such a shame that kids are not welcome at the safest pub for them in Epsom. Don't waste your time going here, just pop up the road to the Coopers - beer is great, and people are freindly.
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I had the pleasure of managing this pub for a few months, some 25, years ago, I have never been back, but (i stand to be corrected) this is a listed building, And when I was there, there was a cellar, situated if i remember right, under the dinning area, or to the left of the pub (viewed from the front) I'm going to make a journey back this year to check it out, I hope it's as good now as it was all those years ago :) Happy drinking !!!!!!!!
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I went to this pub at lunchtime today with a group of 6 friends, however we were told that as my friends had their 6 month old baby with them we could not stay. Interestingly this was only mentioned after we had bought a round of drinks and we were told that we could only finish what we had bought if we were quick(though perhaps if we had made our friend wait outside with her baby we could have finished these at our leisure). There was a sign outside the pub about children under 14 but the large print on the sign only said that there were no children's facilities and in my opinion it did not make their policy clear. In any case, we would not have minded too much if they had let us know that we couldn't stay before we had paid for drinks - that seemed rather conveniently timed for them and I'm not convinced that they only noticed the baby after this point.
The pub is in a nice setting but from memory of previous visits the food is ok - nothing special. So we were happy that another customer recommended a pub with far superior food which welcomed children. Our group ended up at about 15 people so it's a shame for the Cricketers that their policy lost them the money we then spent elsewhere.
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Lovely listed building in beautiful surroundings, friendly staff, low prices. Pity about the food. Tries to be "gourmet" and fails hopelessly. The more traditional dishes are good value though. Kindest thing to say about tonight, maybe the "cook" had an off day.
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In these days of electrical refrigeration, the presence or absence of a cellar is immaterial to the temperature of beer at dispense, which is governed by chillers and 'pythons'. Thankfully the ale lines no longer pass through the chillers so ale here is now dispensed at or around 11-13 degrees C which is as it should be. Current selection is Pride, Deuchars IPA GK IPA, Broadside and 2 Six Nations seasonals.
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Reasonable choice of beers, held at low prices (as of writing). You probably wouldn't go there otherwise. Hired staff are good laugh, though. No cellar, so beers not always COLD enough, Mr.Evans. Justifiably popular in summertime
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I tried to go to the Cricketers today, but was barred from entering because I was pushing a buggy with my four month old son. The nice chap behind the bar explained that the pub's policy was to bar all children under 14. I said that surely they had in mind kids running around the place, not babies who would stay in a buggy in the corner. But no, that was the policy, and that was that. I wouldn't take him into a pub in the evening; this was a less than busy afternoon, and we wouldn't have been a problem to anyone in there. Dumb.
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Good beer choice; Roosters YPA, Dartmoor Best, Pride & GK IPA. Ember Inns so an insipid feel to the place. Bar on one level as you enter with other areas both up and downstairs.
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Great friendly pub, decent beers and food, fantastic location
Venom - 30 Aug 2008 23:05 |
This Ember Inn is in a delightful location next to a large pond and a common but close to the centre of the town. The inside is nothing to write home about but is comfortable enough. It has an adequate range of beers and the usual Ember Inn's food. It is a popular pub in the summer and deservably so.
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It appears the management has changed again and the ales are back at extra-cold temperature. The locals can be seen warming theirs up in front of the fire. A shame because the selection is pretty good, including Deuchars IPA and Taylor Landlord.
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The pub does some good meal deals and is well worth a visit when the offers are on. Good location but it is still part of a chain and so does lack some characture but overall not bad.
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A good example of Ember inns.
brilliant location especially arround summer.
not bad for food but far better places locally.
lots of off duty police officers reduces the chance of brawls, or any excitement at all really.
good safe place to take your mum for a drink on sunday.
not the hallmark of excellance it once was tho.
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There has been a change of management and it shows ! The beer temperature problem has been sorted out and the selection is much improved. Deuchars IPA appears to be the house regular. Cleanliness is in a different league and the staff still friendly but very much on the toes. Given the demise of the nearby Jolly Coopers it's good to see an improvement in this one.
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I really like this pub and have many happy memories from last summer sitting next to the pond. We even spent new year here once and it was amazing! Quite slow to begin with but soon livened up and a good night was had by all! The staff are really friendly, and the food good!
anonymous - 22 Nov 2006 21:39 |
Moved to Epsom from 'chavsville'(Maidstone). From what I have seen of this pub, it is pretty average. During the summer it is a nice place for a pint outside. Downstairs in the non-smoking area is dingy, whilst the area upstairs can get very smokey. Bar is always sticky. Bar staff are friendly enough, although turnover seems high. Overall, a somewhat disappointing pub that gives an impression from the outside that it does not live up to.
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Due for a refurb early next year. Maybe they'll sort the beer lines out then.
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This is a wonderful old pub on a village green looking out onto a duck pond. And the inside has a certain amount of character (even though Ember Inns have "foodified" it).
Also, Ember Inns are currently staging a beer festival with 36 real ales to be available over a 6 week period.
All sounds great.... except they have failed miserably. The real ales are served so cold that you can barely tase them. I queried this 2 months ago and was told that because of a 'mechanical error', the ales are connected to the same cooling system as the lagers. I was given every indication that this was going to be fixed. It hasn't.
It's enough to make you cry into your pint. They drive away all the real ale drinkers, then they put on a real ale festival! In fact, the ales were not only chilled but in rather mediocre condition as well.
My party had two chicken dishes and one steak - the meat in all of them was dry and tough, as if it had been cooked quiet a while ago and heated up.
Has anybody had better experiences in an Ember Inns pub? Do they all chill their real ales?
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There appears to have been a complete staff turnover. The wait for service is still too long and the beer is still too cold. Don't lean on the bar - it may not let go.
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Unfortunately I have to agree with gifteddrinker.
I used to go to the Cricketers on a fairly regular basis but since the change on management this place has deteriorated and doesn't have the same pull it used to.
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used to really like this place but it seems to have gone downhill in the last 6 months!
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A situation like this should be a goldmine but this pub fails to take full advantage. Can be very busy during good weather, much less so when the weather isn't so good. Unfortunately the staffing levels seem to be set around the latter, so service can be slow at busy times. Bar staff are generally young & friendly, but none are Australian. Locals tend to use the bar area which can get lively and smoky due to the low ceiling. There is a no smoking area downstairs. Ales are London Pride, Youngs ordinary plus one guest, which tends to be a 'usual suspect' outside of the Ember Inns beer promotion periods. All are served near lager temperature. Food is standard Ember/Brakes effort. 5/10.
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A great establishment boasting great aussie bar tenders escpecially katie and tim.
Fantastic on Fridays, a great atmosphere rain hail or shine.
Definatley a must due to the talent in the wait staff!
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Ember Inn 'familiarity'. A nice hole though (for drinking). A very 'safe' pub - doesn't really know what to do outside of sunny season, but pleasant nonetheless. Blanket no dogs / kids policy (inside) which I think is a shame but can understand it too. Atmos. never really gets going - no bias or theme. Good standard menu, nice at the end of a ramble on the common. Well kept beer + guest ales. 6/10
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One of those pubs that goes through good periods and bad periods. I went there last week and it seems to be currently on an upwards curve.
Slightly out of the town centre, but this can only add to it's attributes. A positive delight when compared to most of Epsom's other establishments.
Tends to get crowded of a warm summer's evening, but then again the good ones always do.
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Excellent food and beer. Very picturesque with charming interior and pleasant outside seating in view of the large pond. A great place for sitting in the sun with a pint and watching the ducks.
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Very nice pub, great location and friendly bar staff. If you are in Epsom it is a good pub to visit.
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Excellent food, especially that guy Kevin, he's a genius with the wok!
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Very nice pub which is the fairly standard Ember Inn design. What it really benefits from, though, is the excellent location with the green, pond and an excellent beer terrace and nice friendly staff.
Angus - 20 Sep 2004 19:19 |
Lovely in the summer, great for a sunday afternoon tipple in the winter by the fire. Listed building by the pond and on the common. V.Nice indeed.
Anon - 20 Aug 2004 16:57 |
Pretty pub on the green by the duck pond. Friendly staff mad manager but she is very nice too!
Philip - 11 Jul 2004 20:20 |
