please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Wot, no reviews for 5 years?
Anyway this place has closed and was being refurbished over Christmas. Allegedly sold by SN (yes, another one) and to be reopened as a "gastro-pub". We shall see...
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Alas, closed, after a variety of licensee changes - some good, some bad, but ultimately not appealing. This, combined with the obvious high land value and being on the fringes of Shephers Neame's estate, seem to have conspired against the Shades, which closed a few months ago.
We are reliably advised former restauranteurs from the old Westerly in Reigate are now at the helm and are seeking to re-open the premises as a high-end eaterie. However, word on the local streets has it that it will not remain in 'pub' format, so its days as a worthwhile boozer look like they're numbered.
Trade for Christmas was mooted, but to date it remains closed with no interior or exterior work having begun.....
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It is a bit old school but there is nothing wrong with that.
Bit difficult to judge the pub too much as it was very quiet on the Saturday lunchtime when we popped in. Spitfire was in good nick.
Beer garden was quite pleasant and staff friedly.
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Up for sale.
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Obviously people care so little about the Shades' performance that not one single soul has considered it worthwhile commenting on it on way or the other in 4.5 years! Or maybe just none of its punters use this site.
In any case, in the 5 years and 4 reviews since I last commented, much has come and gone - certainly in the way of licensees, who for whataver reasons have never seemingly stayed for long, despite none of them making a complete hash of the place.
Visited for the first time in at least 9 months last Saturday, following virtual ejection from the Plough at 11:20 (like the bad old days pre-Licensing Act!) in the hope of a last one-for-the-road beer. Against all hope we found the Shades still serving. And what they served was splendid: the finest Kent's Best I've had in some while. Full range of Shep's in evidence. The chap behind the bar looked somewhat raddled but seemed to know his cellarmanship - he apparently has many years of pub-propping experience. All good, though sadly he is merely passing through too, acting as temporary manager until a permanent licensee can be tempted in.
Whilst the pub is certainly a more gritty experience than it once was, it was none the worse for it. It needed a bit of character and edge to get people back in, and certainly there was a good core of chaps quietly quaffing around the bar come last knockings last Saturday. Sallow-skinned and briney the couple managing it maybe, but very friendly and responsive to the right sort of punters: a group of mostly underage youths were politely but firmly refused entry after 11:30 despite their pleadings. I got the feeling your man could have handled things if they'd taken a nasty turn, which in Redders is always handy.
This review will probably be ignored whatever, and won't likely be current for long, but it's nice to let people know the pub is still doing its thing and might be worth a punt if you're in the vicinity.
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A long time since a review. The current tenants/managers are opening the pub all day which is great news and the beer is good quality. Kent's Best last week was excellent.
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The Elm Shades is, thankfully, under new management. It is open - yes, I said OPEN - all day, every day. The new team are trying really hard and it shows. I strongly recommend this pub. If you used to drink here, come back. If you didn't, come in. It's cheaper, more inviting and better managed than "round the corner", if you catch my geographical drift. The residents of St.Johns deserve a decent local. At last, we have one.
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Excellent beer (Spitfire)
Food not as good as it was. Butr very pleasant atmosphere and no loud music or telly.
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We are always made to feel welcome even though we only visit the pub a couple of times a month. Good old pub food at reasonable prices - something badly needed in the area.
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Good pub.The food is nothing special,however its hot and goes down well at lunch time.You can smoke here so avoid the "newly done up plough not a pub anymore" and come here and drik and smoke until you can't take no more!
Staff are friendly too.
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The Elm Shades has gone through a number of licensee changes since it became a Shep's pub and changed its name to the Earlswood Arms in 1996 - most likely to eschew its former reputation as the local gay pub. This it has done, and after being known primarily as an eaterie where drinking was secondary, it is now a place which balances a good welcoming place for drinkers and people who want a meal. The ales are now kept better than ever, and keep a good range of 3 and 4 on the go. The licensees are both very friendly, and I have to say that the Shades has accrued much local custom from the Plough, which since being taken over and refurbished in February has become markedly anti-drinker and pro-foodie. This is definitely the pub to go to in St John's these days; keep up the good work folks.
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It�s almost a year now since the Proprietor�s, Peter and Lesley took over the Pub.
I have nothing but admiration for them; they have turned a casual Pub into a successful business.
It�s a pleasure to be a customer.
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No Chavs? What about RVJ!
anonymous - 12 Jun 2006 18:41 |
what a good idea to have a boules court, hope it gets used by all
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what a pub! great beer and no chav's!!
the food is excellent and with really friendly staff you cant beat this as a local or just pop-in.
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A shining example of how a pub should be run. Peter and Lesley could give lessons on how to make people feel welcome and encourage them to return. As a pub, it has something for everyone and accommodates all ages, interests and requirements. We are VERY fortunate indeed to be members of The Bonkers Arms - long may it continue. Thanks Pete and Lesley - you're doing a sensational job and we are all very grateful to you.
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I agree with the previous comment. The new landlord (went down to Kent to get a barrell of real ale in especially for some of his regulars) and his Mrs are welcoming, friendly regulars good place to go for a relaxing pint. Holsten and Shepherd Neame real ales good.
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Very friendly new management. Complemented by friendly regulars.
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Very clean, bright pub. Recent change of landlord. very pleasant couple, a change of food menu, which looks very appetizing.
A Pub that�s a pleasure to be in.
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New landlord and landlady, very friendly, great family atmosphere
good plain home cooked food. Best pub in Redhill.
Bob - 19 Dec 2004 18:14 |
