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Poacher, South Warnborough

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user reviews of the Poacher, South Warnborough

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

The Poacher is a lovely pub sadly poorly managed by the brewery. We have been through 3 landlords in the last three years each one leaving because unreasonable owners. Even more tragic is that the villagers of South Warnborough simply refuse to support this vital local enterprise. The tenancy is currently up for renewal after our latest landlady, who did everything in her power to attract people, and it is advertised as "a haven for local drinkers". Take it from me, it's not. There was a hard-core of around 8 or 9 people which is not enough to make this place profitable
DrSpaceman - 11 Nov 2015 13:35
28th of January, had a table booked for ten people. The greeting was nice and friendly, but sadly the food was not what we expected for the money being charged and especially being a supposed country pub .
Everyone in the party was so disappointed and even disgusted with the food and very poor service and as it was supposed to have been a very special birthday for an elderly lady made the day worse. I certainly will not use this venue ever again and certainly will not be recommending the venue to others.
watsontrev - 28 Jan 2012 21:25
Called in on way home for a bar meal after a Saturday on the south coast. Very surprised at the very high prices and limited, odd, selection of bar food. Not knowing anywhere else to go on to we stayed. Staff very helpful and friendly, good service, but high prices and poor value for money means we would not go again. Pub was virtually empty on a warm July Saturday evening, which seems to back up our feelings.
bobthomas - 2 Aug 2011 20:34
We were welcomed with a smile and very efficient service. The kids (both under 11) had their own choice of food, while there was plenty for us to mull over. I have a food intolerence; the waitress assured me that I could have one item removed and replaced with something else. No quibble.
The portions were plentiful, well presented and equally tasteful. All in, value for money. This is not bulk-bought / reheated food, hence not the cheapest pub food - but was not expensive either.
It was good to see people outside, inside and in the restaurant, not having been there for a while, it assured us.
Gladly recommend this place for families.
Palcra - 16 Jul 2010 20:07
I have eaten in The Poacher twice for evening meals in the last two weeks and found the food to be of a very high Quality the Belly of Pork is not to be missed and was lovely last night I can also rate the accomodation as excellent with very comfortable beds and a good choice for breakfast. Ami and her staff are always happy to help no matter how trivial the request.
JizzMonkey - 14 Jul 2010 15:28
Oh dear what a disappointment have sung the praises of this pub in the past but had to say was a bit disenchanted with last Saturdays visit.
Booked a table for four and surprised to find we were the only table occupied in the restaurant.Friendly welcome as usual although did not see Ami during the evening.Menu had been reduced in size as had the portions of the Whitebait starter pretentiously served of a block of wood instead of a plate.Two chicken main courses were rather dry but two steak mains ok.
Lack of diners equalled lack of atmosphere and whilst people are not eating out as much during the current financial climate maybe the Poachers have taken their eye off the ball somewhat.
goutbuster - 8 Jul 2010 13:09
Ami and the gang looked after us last Sunday for our Christening. What can I say.
The food as always was excellent, the bar was very busy but we were never kept waiting by the excellent, patient staff.
It seems nothing is too much trouble.
I am a regular visitor to this pub, and I can recommend it highly. It has a little of something for everybodys taste.
Whether you fancy a quick pint on the way home or a family get together this is place for you.
Thank you Chris for sorting us all out with cabs too.
darrenjennings1 - 18 Nov 2009 15:39
Visited The Poachers for the first time in over a year and pleased to find the atmosphere,food and service was as good as the last time.
Varied menu to suit most tastes all at sensible prices.Visited on a Saturday night and the restaurant section and the bar were really busy testament to a popular well run establishment.
Certainly won't wait another year to return.

goutbuster - 9 Nov 2009 19:59
Visited last week for lunch and we were REALLY impressed. The interior is sophisticated, everywhere was spotless and the food was gorgeous. The place had a great buzz about it. We will be back... Definitely recommend.
Emma_J - 12 Aug 2009 12:06
This pub is back on the market.

The six-figure rent/rates are so high compared to the Turnover that this place cannot be run profitably. So there'll be another change or ownership, as another hopeful lines themselves up in the belief that they can make a living by running this pub.

Good luck to them, and I wish them all the best. But any prospective landlord is going to need to have substantial cash backing to weather the loss-making times until turnover can be increased to bring the business back to profitability.
Kronen_Bourg - 15 Apr 2008 13:25
Oh no.. What's happened to this place..! Thriving a few years ago, run at that time by a young couple who seemed very 'switched on'. Taken over by Indian family, so looked set to become yet another 'curry house'. They've since left and despite refurb, has been dead on my last two visits when in the area. Probably owing to the grumpy landlord..! My mate and I had to leave our bitter on the last visit... it was 'orrible..!
Glenco - 24 Mar 2008 16:03
Called in on the off chance on a Sunday lunchtime, and was able to secure a table. Nice although limited selection of beers, and a decent sunday lunch. By 1pm the place was full, so book if you want to go. Staff were all helpful and friendly - one added to the list of 'places to take my friends'.
pazaa - 2 Apr 2007 12:00
I have been told by the landlady of the Four Horseshoes in Long Sutton that the pub will re-open next week, 9th October 2006.
trimalchio - 8 Oct 2006 15:25
Came here on Sat 16 Sep 2006, and found the place closed with a sign on the door saying "not open to the public" (or something similar), and a builder's site hut outside. Does anyone know if or when this pub will re-open?
trimalchio - 17 Sep 2006 21:26
Food is fantastic-service with a smile all the while.
Freindly,cosy and warming atomosphere with great beer!
Matthew Thomps - 13 Oct 2004 16:44
THE STAFF ARE GREAT AND REALLY FRIENDLY AND AS I AM AN AMERICAN I LOVE THE TRADITIONAL ENGLISH BEER AND FOOD.WHEN I AM NEXT IN ENGLAND I WILL SURE COME BY AND HAVE A MEAL-BYE FROM ME IN TEXAS.THANK-YOU FOR SUCH A GREAT EVENING.
DANNY ORYAN - 11 Oct 2004 17:26
This is a fantastic pub with very handsome workers.The atomosphere is warming and friendly and is the local'hangout' for the villagers.
Penny Karlton - 11 Oct 2004 17:17
Lovely village pub, very nice landlord�s daughter which I no keep the locals in focus�..
Don Donis - 23 Mar 2004 19:06
Customer Service Second to None. So Friendly and Welcoming.
Andy Trimmer - 26 Oct 2003 11:59
Fantastic, large, friendly village pub where there is a perfect balance between large portioned food and loads of local beers.
Simon Henry - 21 May 2002 10:12

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