please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
.......errr, because it is the Crooked Billet.
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really nothing to choose between this and the crooked billet.
Even the prices are the same.
Youngs Special comes without a head.
More info and photos at my blog - http://bit.ly/1Tf0AGO
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Friendly enough pub, busy with mainly locals and their dogs and in some cases offspring - this is a well heeled area and the prices are corresponding. It's a Youngs pub and I had Youngs Ordinary which was ok, and sausage and mash which was very pleasant.
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Friendly, helpful service, good beer and a decent location. Seemingly more down to earth than it's neighbour a few doors up.
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Based on the prices in both The Crooked Billet and The Hand in Hand are Wells/Youngs trying to price customers out.
No longer worth the effort of visiting either pub. Nothing special and astronomical prices.
NEVER AGAIN.
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Just to mention that the manager has changed recently and I have certainly found nothing to complain about in the times I've been there since. The new manager - Duncan - and the staff he brought with him have always been good.
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It seems most of the pubs in the Wimbledon area belong to Youngs. This one is no exception and is situated practically nextdoor to the Hand in Hand, another Youngs pub. The location is nice, with the common lending a village feel to proceedings. However the interior has been modernised far too much for my liking, with an emphasis on meals. The pub is much bigger than it looks from the outside, with a separate dining area to the rear. The main bar at the front has tables set out in a fairly cramped manor and was not too conducive for session drinking. Youngs Ordinary, Special & London Gold were on, alongside Wells Bombardier, Courgae Directors and Sambrook Wandle. The cider was Addlestones. So a fairly decent drinks selection. But not a place I would particularly want to linger.
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Certainly not a cheap pub, but quality of food and ale is high, and it keeps the client�le respectable.
Always had friendly managers/staff here so definitely worth going if you're in the area. However its not the most convenient location just to drop in (hence most customers are the locals).
Also a nice green outside which can be used in the summer!
Kurto - 27 Jan 2011 14:03 |
Many things should be going for this place BUT... some members of staff appear to think serving the public rather beneath them. Long waits while a conversation with another barman/maid finishes; pretending not to understand the order; mock 'patience' with indecision by a punter; a queue at the bar with three other staff standing idle &c. These little mind-tricks are too blatant to tolerate in a place where the beer is expensive. A pity: treat with caution.
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Went to this pub with some friends on Saturday night and I must say the food (albeit quiet pricey) was delicious. The bar staff were charming except for the manager, who is a disgruntled Aussie/Kiwi and ruined our evening altogether.
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Feels more like a restaurant than a pub.
Staff seemed half asleep: asked for an Ordinary and barmaid started pulling Special.
Food looked way to expensive to even consider a snack - nearly 4 quid for a 'side' order of chips!
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Situated on the road that bears the same name, next door to another Youngs House (The Hand in Hand) lies the Crooked Billet, as close to a country pub as I think you'll find in South West London. Its a cosy, welcoming sort of place, popular with the local residents and as such rather difficult to find seating in during the sunday lunchtime rush. Nevertheless I was able to perch on a stool and thumb through the News of the World to find out about John Terry's latest misdemeanours. Tribute in satisfactory nick. A bit out of the way, but worth seeking out for something a bit different.
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Tip-top beer palace!
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Really good pub this ales the 2 we had were top notch ( Bombardier & Tribute ) there where 2 others on as well.Did not eat here but food looked good. 8/10
Wish it wasn`t so close to Malden strange people live there just hope its not catching !!!!
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Very pleasent new landlord. The food has improved, so has the atmosphere, the beer and the wine. well done.
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Lovely place!
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A country seat of pleasurable pub drinking so close to central London. A treat well worth travelling too.
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A beautiful day, so I thought that I'd have a wander around Wimbledon; the Crooked Billet being one of many beer houses visited. Firstly a lovely building, set in a lovely area. One would think you were in the Countryside. Ideal! Still close enough to central London. Pleasant German landlord and partner; very German and on the ball. My beer, Youngs, servered well. Toilets and general pub, very clean and pleasant. Great gap in front of pub, covered to sit and smoke too. Very civilized. Hello Dennis the Turk, if your reading this. Great chat, smoke and drink. Highly recommended and well worth the walk. I shall return.
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This pub has been my local for 4years but al of a sudden it's becoming the last place I'd want to drink my pint. Went there today with a couple of mates and when bar staff poured guinness the keg ran empty. He refused to changed the keg (obviously to lazy and can't be bothered) saying that they ran out of guinness totally in the pub. After 30min I noticed other people walking around with freshly poured guinness pints. The landlord Edgar's not been around for weeks and this place is really losing the charm Edgar took years to build.
I'll be shortly looking for a new local and advise people to head over to Hand and Rachet next door for better service.. can#'t be worse than what you're getting at Crooket Billet.....
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I was in again last night and I have to admit the staff were a lot better. Has someone had a word???
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I generally use the Hand in Hand but last Saturday whilst approaching from the other side I thought I would give the Crooked Billet a chance, I shouldnt have bothered.
I had the distaste of watching a girl ignored by the surly and very slow barman in favour of a group of drunken lads and two regulars who had entered the pub after both of us. When she sighed in frustration he sneered "have you ever worked in a pub before", she turned on her heel and left to her credit without responding.
Saw her in the Hand in Hand and thankfully we were both served very quickly and with a smile despite the pub being twice as busy. Tip to all, for the extra few steps the Hand in Hand is well worth it.
rpboy - 14 Apr 2009 10:47 |
Re my last post. I have just found out the surly barmaid is actually Australian!! Oops! Still rubbish though!
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Great pub. I use this pub on a regular basis with a few friends. The Landlord Edgar is superb and always has time for a chat. Beer is well kept if a tad expensive, but you get what you pay for I suppose. Just one gripe,the service is let down by the surly and rude attitude of the South African barmaid. If she is not interested in serving people I suggest she gets a job cleaning toilets,it would suit her personality. Apart from her I will continue to avail myself of their produce. Cheers!
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Very nice and welcoming pub. But it is a bit expensive...
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This is a great pub, I have been many times and had great service and food everytime. I have a 9 month old kid and have been with many friends with similar age kids and the staff in the bar and restaurant area have always been superb. I just wish my house was closer!
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A very nice pub, warm, welcoming and a good selection of beer. Only slightly strange thing was the bair maid actually asking if I'd like to tip her, which, given I was standing at the bar seemed a bit odd and the sarcasm when I declined less than welcome. Otherwise a good pub. Very dog freindly.
zak39 - 29 Dec 2008 13:10 |
Saturday Lunchtime. How lovely to see the wedding party arrive. Felt more welcome than Hand in Hand. Eye contact and hello...though Ordinary just on the margin of being too short. Am I the only one who gets fed up with asking for what I ahve paid for?
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Apologies and only NOW reading the previous comments. Fully agree ... overrated by miles!
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This must be the worst service I have received from a bar tender in London. As an extremely "good family" pub I think that the food rates with some of the worst I have had. Served late (or not at all for which we did get a refund ... thanks) the bar tender serving us were impolite and extreme arrogant. On pointing out that a glass was broken we were told that it was kept for "the customers he did not like". Upon asking for the white wine that was available his response was "I will see what is available". I have asked for the bar tenders name but he was more than willing to provide the details of the owners than reveal his own identity. Hopefully the owners read this and make a long term decision that is in the interest of a pub that I have always felt was something special. And to the bar tender �I am not your mate�!.
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I am the landlady of the Crooked Billet and I would like the right to respond to "Americano's" comments.
If you felt cold and would have liked the door shut, you only had to ask. As to a hideous mouldy/musty smell that we apparently have, I invite customers to come and check that out for themselves! How ridiculous!
As to the rather personal nature of your comments regarding our dogs, we live above the pub and there is no separate entrance to our flat so I have to bring the dogs out via the pub. I can assure you that the majority of our regulars are happy to see our dogs, and if you felt "hassled" by our "4 legged spotty things" (We call them Dalmations and they are particularly beautiful specimens for those of you who do like dogs!)then I do apologise. May I also point out that in the "Paradise" pub next door, there are also dogs wandering about as I know that some customers who use both pubs are allowed to let their dogs wander about "hassling" people as you call it.
As to your comments about the atmosphere and the welcome we offer, I think you will find that you are way off the mark! We have been at The Crooked Billet for nearly 4 years, are well known and I would like to think, well liked by our customers. We have many regulars and are known personally to them. Do you really think that Andrew is the only landlord who talks to his customers? (see comments posted on Hand in Hand page!)
As to your comments regarding the staff, your viewpoint is not reflected by others using our pub and I know this for a fact.
For your information, Youngs monitor the standards in their pubs by sending in a "Mystery Shopper" to experience the pub first hand and comment accordingly. Obviously, it will surprise YOU to know that we scored 100% on our last visit only 4 weeks before yours.
For anyone elso out there reading the comments posted on Beer in the Evening, I hope you will choose to find out for yourself and pay us a visit!
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Visited the Crooked Billet last week and was utterly disappointed. On a chilly day, all the doors were open with the net result that it felt colder inside the pub than out.
There was also a hideous mouldy/musty smell about the place - given that it is strongest near the rugs, I assume that the owners' dogs are responsible (have previously witnessed them urinating on the carpets without any chastisment). They also seem to have the run of the place which is offputting if you don't like dogs and would rather enjoy a quiet drink without being hassled by a four-legged spotty thing.
The staff, when visible, seemed to be huddled round a table at the end of the bar eating away and paying scant attention to the customers (unsurprisingly there were only a couple in there)
All in all it was fairly unpleasant visit. I trust that the managers will do something to at least ensure that a warm welcome is extended to customers and improve the atmosphere and attitude of the staff
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2 recent visits on a Saturday evening resulted in the bitter being sent back both times. Once is carelessness but twice is a pub that doesn't care about it's beer. Even with the beer being off, they kept the barrel on line. Dogs are fine but not when they jump at you and dive under your table while you try to have a quiet drink. Haven't tried the food but likely to at the ridiculous prices the charges (�(9.25 for sausage and mash). Maybe there is a better atmosphere at other times but it was pretty dead last night. Hand in Hand next door is a much better and I've not had to return a pint there. Cheers.
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Refurbishment is hardly noticeable, I guess they have mainly improved behind the scenes. Still excellent all round unspoilt gem of a place!
Seant - 28 May 2008 21:25 |
Have been here a few times over the years and always been impressed by the friendly atmosphere - there is plenty of banter between the staff and the regulars.
Also nice to see a pub that welcomes dogs (of the four legged variety).
The last time I went (a couple of months ago) it was about to close for refurbishment, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they've done to the place.
The food is very good here - I had a beef roast on my last visit which was exceptional, probably one of the best roasts I've ever had in a pub. It was pretty expensive, about �12 I think, but worth every penny as the servings were huge.
One point to consider is that you get lots of families with young kids turning up for food at weekends, which isn't always the most relaxing experience, so be warned if you turn up expecting a quiet pub lunch.
Overall this place is highly recommended though - a top pub!
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Had very good meal - the Chicken Fajitas were fantastic - and well kept Youngs beer.
The person is charge was very friendly and the bar staff very efficient.
Recommended.
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Top boozer this. Great in the winter as it has good ale, proper fires and a real nice feel, even better in summer as you can sit outside on the common. Was in there the other day and Finchy from The Office was in there. The temptation to shout 'One up the bum, no arm done' was overwhelming, but he had his wife and kids with him, so thought I'd better not.
Anyway, top boozer, will always go back
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A fantastic little pub backing onto Wimbledon Common. Lovely and cosy atmosphere - fire roaring in winter - and nice to sit outside in the summer. Food very good indeed, and diners get seperate tables, but it remains a pub at heart. Beer always well kept when I have been there. Always gave the impression that it was a country pub too.
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I have been using this pub for years. The beer is well kept and the food is good.Also there is plenty of room I and a number of colleagues will be celebrating our vainglorious past at Yuletide in this excellent establishment.
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Great pub, whether for a drink on the way home from work, a more leisurely meal, or to take part in the weekly quiz.
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I would like to object to the comment posted by Tamin on the 7th August. I am the landlady of The Crooked Billet and I am sure that this is not a proper review by a customer because we haven't had either a curry or lamb pie on our menu, nor do we employ students in our kitchen. Strangely on the same day, a fantastic review of the pub "around the corner by the golf course" was written. Perhaps the staff or manager of The Fox and Grapes would like to explain their unethical behaviour?. Never mind Fox and Grapes, try sour grapes.
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I have been invited to eat there 3times now and can safetly safe the worst meal ever eaten! the service or should I say there isnt any! my green curry was boiled and floating in a green watery sause when I complained I was told the chef was away and students made our food! no apologies were given or a credit yet the meal costs �8 excluding drinks, then our guests from SA ate there and also went away hungry as they never finished there lamb pie as it was that bad!
Now if you just go around the corner to the little pub next to the golf course you will have such a tasty meal! and the service so friendly and excellent!
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Our regular pub is the Crooked billet in Wimbledon, where our 11 year spaniel is always made welcome, both by staff and customers. There is a huge amount of room where we and our spaniel can go. The pub is owned by Youngs. The beer is kept well and food is always enjoyable. A five star pub.
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The Young's Special was OK when I was in there last weekend. Has the feel of a country pub, with several people bringing their (well-behaved) dogs into the pub - that doesn't happen much in London. A large pub that has a separate rstaurant area at the rear, and an attractive separate non-smoking area to the right as you go in. Flagstone floor and lots of dark wood give it a welcoming feel. Definitely recommended.
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Nice looking pub,but the beer is rubbish! What's happened to Young's? Had the Winter Warmer and it was as thin as an anorexic with no taste.
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Went here with my running club on Sunday. Friendly atmosphere, helpful staff and an excellent pint of Ram Rod. Will definitely be back.
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Edgar has been established for a couple of years now and is doing a fantastic job. He makes the effort to get to know and talk to all of the locals and seems to really enjoy working here thus making it enjoyable to go to. The beer is still exceptional.
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This is my favourite pub at the moment. Pleasant decor and nice food. There is a really fun ten pin bowling computer game as well.
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Great pub with excellent food & ales. Service has been up and down over the last few months but still a great pub just off Wimbledon Common and close to the village. Recommended.
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the best pub in and around the village!!!! management team are fantastic, bar staff can be a little slow and some of the daytime staff cant wait to finish to get a drink inside them!!!!!!!!but still a great bar!!!!!
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I love this pub, great wine (Crystal Brook) Lovely food and a nice atmosphere!
anonymous - 27 Jan 2006 18:53 |
Fantastic. Edgar the 'new' landlord (since the beginning of the year) is an absolute gentleman and doing a great job. The beer is the best pint of Young's ordinary to be found in London, bar none, and I believe the Special and London Ale have recently won CAMRA awards. Food is good and cheap. Top marks, end of story.
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The food is moderatley priced and seems to be improving as it seemed to go off the boil. The pub has a warm country pub feel to it with a good atmosphere, and is perfectly located to sit outside on a warm summers eveneing. The beer is a little on the pricey side, but reflects it's location and I do find the bar staff a little on the slow side, but that hasn't stopped me from returning on many occasions.
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Friendly staff. Well kept beer, imaginative and varied menu. Prices moderate to high. Restaurant at back.
Large grass area (part of Wimbledon Common, not owned by the brewery)shared by customers of this pub and the Hand in Hand next door, so gets very busy on sunny days and/but is popular with families.
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This is a Youngs pub.
Ate here recently, the food was pretty good and reasonably priced, good atmosphere and ales too.
The serving staff were friendly but were a little too rushed off their feet at times.
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Sadly, two not-great recent experiences to report of this lovely, atmospheric pub with great character. Fortunately, the bitter has been fine on all visits.
However ...
We ate there in the week before Christmas, and apart from the starter (fine nachos), the food was extremely disappointing. A steak was tiny, overcooked (ordered medium-rare) and poor quality meat, and the sizzling duck breast had what seemed like half a pot of salt in the sauce.
We went back a fortnight ago, and my girlfriend's house dry white wine (formerly acceptable-to-good here) was awful. A small amount (and I mean small) led to a disproportionate hangover, and a steely resolve not to touch the wine here again.
A lovely pub for a beer, but really poor wine and bad food drag it down. 8.5/10 for atmosphere and beer; 1/10 for food and wine.
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I know the in-coming landlord from his pub on the Isle of Wight,no worries he,ll be fine
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This is a fabulous pub. Excellent beer, great atmosphere and there really is no better place to spend a Sunday afternoon. A change of landlord afoot, I hope it stays as it is....
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A sad day for SW19. Any regulars of this pub will be extremely upset by the departure of Tracey (one of the more delightful barmaids as mentioned by Mr Lash). Although we wish her all the best in her new job, the attentiveness to our almost empty pints of ordinary will be hard to beat. The end of an era.
James - 8 Nov 2004 13:18 |
Fantastic. Some of the best kept Youngs ales you'll find (and unlike many places they also know how to keep the lager!) and great food (check out the roast beef baguettes). Barmaids are delightful, fire is lit in the winter and the seating is comfortable. The only possible downside is that it can get a bit full of smug couples and their offspring at weekends but they seem to be encouraged towards the large dining room at the back which is a plus! Great pub.
Mr Lash - 24 Sep 2004 14:16 |
*Excellent* roast beef sandwich, good pint of Waggledance. Food in general a strong plus.
anonymous - 31 Aug 2004 14:32 |
During food serving hours (up to 9.45) almost all tables taken up by diners (we were no exception) but retains its pub like atmosphere. Beer (Youngs as usual) and food fine but nothing special
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Nice cosy pub - good ales
Aaron - 23 Jun 2004 04:22 |
I love this pub. Best in Wimbledon, full of locals and the staff very friendly. The food is great value - try the fajitas. Always make me and my friends feel welcome, including my dog
Naomi - 16 Jun 2003 15:26 |
Best pub in the village bar none Sunday lunch is the best good food great atmopshire ..... Hope all the staff are ready for a great summer and Wimbeldon tennis session
Marc - 27 May 2003 22:41 |
Good Pub with friendly and efficient bar staff but while the food is also good service in the restaurant (if it qualifies as a restaurant) sucks. But perhaps I'm being a bit harsh - perhaps it was just a bad day for our waitress, or perhaps a group of eight was too much for her to handle. If you go in a group, you'll have time to drink lots of beer while waiting for your meal. Oh, and don't dare move two tables together - you'll get your knuckles rapped!
G Gilmore - 6 Aug 2002 18:23 |
Its great in the sun to sit in the park over the road and drink with mates - watch the Dog Shittes!
steve - 22 Jun 2002 19:13 |
