please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
On last visit to the pub we found it had again changed hands. No longer light meals or bar snacks on Sunday, only full roasts and you have to reserve. So it's gone from dreadful to ok and now don't know as it's not really what my group are after.
Found a much nicer deal at Red Lion, five minutes walk away.
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On last visit to the pub we found it had again changed hands. No longer light meals or bar snacks on Sunday, only full roasts and you have to reserve. So it's gone from dreadful to ok and now don't know as it's not really what my group are after.
Found a much nicer deal at Red Lion, five minutes walk away.
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Now totally refurbished and re-created, a very attractive and quaint pub, always busy, so must be doing something right, however its success can lead to food of variable quality and service can take a long while. Recently a group of walkers were told that coffee would be a 20 minute wait, on a Sunday afternoon.
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Two meals for �8.... Curry night �5.95 + free drink... Half price steak night....
These and more punter-friendly offerings are loudly trumpeted on big banners across the front of the pub - rather out of keeping with the quaint whitewashed exterior and picket fencing. Yes, it's cheap eats galore these days at the Four Horseshoes but, unsurprisingly, the food is pretty basic canteen grub.
The pub - now part of the Eldridge Pope family - nestles charmingly on the edge of Chobham Common, with the choice of a traditional bar and an attractive bistro-style dining room which doubles up as a free function room - plus pleasant outside seating at the front.
Decent choice of three real ales for around �3.10 a pint.
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Marstons Bitter (�2.80) and Caledonian Flying Scotsman. Another pump with a clip turned around. Chain looking pub with large signs advertising food offers. Mirrors inside make it look bigger than it is. Beer ok.
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We decided to give this pub a second chance, having visited last about 18 months ago when it was awful.
Glad we revisited because it was so very much better. We had nice food, promptly and pleasantly served. From a chat with the waitress we found that it has indeed changed management.
Surprisingly for a Sunday lunchtime it was rather quiet. I don't know if previous poor reputations have stuck, but I would say do give it a second chance.
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Tuesday evening I met a friend for a drink after work. This turned into a meal in the bar (not in the main restaurant, which was empty). Plus points: Beer and nuts were good, food was fine for the money, quite nice atmosphere. The downside: the bar staff don't seem to have been trained to work in a bar and have poor customer-service skills. I have noticed that this pub has a great location and is completely rammed on a sunny day. But, other reviews about lack of service and my own experience mean I won't risk going back when it's busy.
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As one of a group of 25 walkers we visited this pub on a Wednesday July lunchtime for its location on the green. We usually go to the Red Lion in Red Lion road opposite which has been renovated and has a good service. The Four Horseshoes in contrast seems to be run on a shoestring these days. The picture (above) is of it in its hey-day, 5 or so years ago. I have to say the Marstons ale (Pedigree and Diamond) was in very good condition and the <2 x meals for �8> deal was OK. But the overall feeling is neglect and lack of investment and interest and it would be terrible if this old pub on the green closed up or became a restaurant only.
I resist bemoaning of any pub these days as it can only push more pubs towards oblivion and the life in a managed (not free) pub is hard and long hours. SAVE OUR PUBS !!
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Not made to feel welcome, although local to us not one I will be frequenting
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I don't know what the previous user (manmountain) was on when he wrote that (conveniently, the user's only other comment on BITE is commending the Four Horseshoes Current Landlords Previous Pub!! Dodgy Dealings Afoot!)
This pub used to be wonderful and charming but recently has become one of the worst pubs I've had the misfortune of visiting. Yes, the beer is good and the location wonderful. But if you're expecting anything other than that, I would avoid this pub at all costs. A friend of mine had a Christmas meal there and was utterly unimpressed. The Landlord himself has proven to be nothing but rude and unkempt. If you want an honest opinion of this pub, don't take my word for it (BITE can sometimes be biased, or, in the case below, completely made up) so go to Chobham, ask the locals (if there are any still left in the pub by the time you read this!) and see what they say. Or if you're feeling daring, try the pub (*IF* the pub is still open, by the time you read this!) . See what you think, and please voice your opinions to Marstons. This is a glorious pub and shouldn't be run into the ground like this!! SAVE THE BRITISH PUB!!
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I booked a works christmass party for 30 people on Friday 11th December 2009 and what a profesional and pleasent service we had! All food came out promptly, we were designated 2 young waitresses who were most efficient drinks were served quickly with no hassle at all the food was well cooked and the portion sizes were good without being over the top and at �13.99 for 4 courses who can go wrong. I visited this pub back in the summer and it was a complete disaster but there has since been management changes and it has made a world of difference. I cannot tell you how different it was this time round. A lot of the comments on this page seem to be justifed from my previous experience but my god its changed. Will be going in the new year and hope the managers stay!!!!
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This pub was splendid! As it has been said before on this site Im not sure that the comments are true representations of the pub and a reflection of the opinions of its entire customer base. My beer was served perfectly and I got to try all 3 before I decided which I liked (I chose the tribute in the end). The welcome was warm and the food was definately worth a visit. Will be returning soon.
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What a shame, we were so looking forward to a celebration sunday lunch with my husbands mum and her partner.
We booked a table for 2pm, on arrival we were informed that they had run out of roast lamb and that only beef was left. Many of the wines we asked for were also run out! They serve food from midday to 6pm so to run out of sunday roasts by 2pm is a disgrace.
It took over 1 hour for our meal to arrive, roast potatoes were like rocks, one aunt bessies yorkshire with cold gravy served on a plate that would have been more suitable for a child. Plates were not cleared and we had to ask for someone to come to take our dessert order, 20 minutes later after many reminders we eventually ordered and another 30 minutes to have our desserts arrive.
Glasses and water jug were grubby and badly scratched.
Hand dryer not working in lthe ladies.
Manager and staff spent most of the time moaning about lack of staff (well theres many people looking for work at the moment) and that the area manager would be pleased with todays takings. Our total spend was just under �60 so I will not be visiting this pub again.
For that kind of money I expect at least a friendly, polite attitude without having to listen to thier personal problems.
Not recommended !!
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My wife and i Sunday just gone (19. 07. 09) drove past this nice English looking pub on our way to the RSPCA place down the road, it was near that lunch time hour so on our way back home we stopped off at The Four Horseshoes. Whilst gathering some drinks from the bar the bar-maid proceeded to place my drinks in the puddle of spilt liquid, it was then i started to notice the lack of attention to detail with house keeping and keeping the bar clean, dry and exceptable. I had already ordered our food to which some 17 months after NEWORKING 18 February 2008 commented that there was NO TABLE SERVICE. Bizzare and understanding i started to wet the old whistle with my chosen substance, 20 mintues past , i had already by then had 2 pints and getting in to my 3rd. I looked at my wife as the what appeared to be 'Landlady' was flitting back and forth and getting peoples orders wrong, i siad this is a pub that Gordon Ramsay needs to visit, Ramsay's Kitchen Knightmares was unfolding before my eyes. My dear wife pointed out to me that on the entrance door there was a sign requesting a chef......i wonder! After nearly 50 minutes (47.5 to get so excited) my wife asked where our order was...the bar maid piped service was slow due to a broken fryer. She went to find out. However i had ordered some Canadian chicken wrapped bacon snack with chips and my wife had ordered a Traditional Sunday roast with beef and Yorkie puds. So only the chips needed frying then? The food quickly appeared, potatoes were rolling of the plate and their was no sign of Yorkshire, the beef was just as dry as Helmand Province and my wife covered the cold hearted mess up with her napkin. My order needless to say was saucey, soggy and took 2-3 minutes to arrive after my wifes order. Magic, and i dont really have to much to say about pub food as it should be the soul of great English pub pride, however my wife would not let me authenticate myself to the staff because i'm unfriendly to put it so blunt. I ate that food because i was hungry and know what it means to be so, regardless of taste. My veiw on this lovely public house is one that shames me. The owners have either lost the will to live and need help or they think that it is exceptable to have a bad turn around on their tables and run the old spit and sawdust floor pubs of a late bygone age, where squalid behaviour occurred and the only women that frequainted such places were ladies of the night.. My advice is, dont stop, keep driving and dont give it a second glance. I love my English pubs and am a fond follower of the CAMERA organisation. My opinion of this lovely pub and its owner...seek help fast. Dont be negative.
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I used this pub as a meeting place for someone i hadn't seen for over 30 years and both she and the pub lived up to my expectations....exceeded them even.
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I have never visited this pub. I feel this website often gets abused by angry customers/guests, and does not reflect the general opinion of the public. May i say how impressed i am to see the landlord of this pub offer an apology, a man who cares for the trade, he works so hard in.
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We stopped here in the middle of a walk on a beautiful sunny day. The pub was busy but we were served at the bar quickly. Marstons Pedigree was in good condition. Ringwood Best was the Guest Ale. We ordered two snacks for �4.95 each which arrived within 10 minutes and were reasonable for the price. An enjoyable hour in a pleasant setting.
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Hi there,
My name is James Hilton and I'm the current landlord of the Four Horseshoes, Chobham.
Having just arrived back from holiday on the 19th Feb 2008, I found the previous review on this website.
Obviously I was very disapointed and can only put it down to a one off.
I felt the review was justified having spoken to the relief manager who said he was very short staffed at the time and had a terrible day at the office.
Although I do feel that the review gives a rather miss judged opinion of the pub and we do strive to improve every aspect of the business on a daily basis.
I would like to offer an invitation to the previous reviewer in inviting them back and showing how good we are.
Please call 01276 857581 and ask for myself.
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Three words: DO NOT GO. We went for Sunday lunch on a beautiful day, having reserved a table, hoping for a nice country afternoon. First impression: dirty tables, unswept floors, unkempt garden, no staff in evidence, surly bar service. We should have left right then. There was no table service in the "restaurant" side, so I went to order at the bar. After waiting 15 full minutes in a crowd of people squeezed in front of the bar, I ordered, to be told that there was a 30-minute wait for food. They were all out of ham AND mash potatoes (at 1:30 on a Sunday). One wait staff to serve the entire place. Waited 45 minutes for the food, realised others who had arrived after us were already served, and went to ask about our order, only to be told that "it never went through". No explanation, no real apology, and I had to push them to give me my money back. We spent over 2 hours sitting in this dank place. I can't review the food as we never received any, although the packets of crisps we had to tide over my starving daughter seemed fresh enough. This is a place that treats its customers like dirt and arrogantly assumes they don't have to do better because of their location on several local walking tours. I will never be back and will be telling everyone I know to avoid this place at all costs!
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Visited this pub today with high expectations, partly due to the reviews on this website. The location of the pub is great and it is very homely and attractive inside. Unfortunately it is let down badly by the food. I had sausage and mash in an onion gravy and my partner had burger and chips. At �8.95 and �7.95 respecively it was reasonably expensive, but worst still it was awful. The sausage consisted of four chipolata sized sausages which looked and tasted as if they were the cheapest supermarket value brand. The mash was lumpy and the gravy was a pool of grease. Several of my partner's chips were still frozen in the middle. Needless to say, despite this being a very attractive pub with reasonably prompt service, we will not be returning and I cannot recommend it at all.
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What a fantastic venue for a pub! You drive out of the 'old smoke', find yourself driving parallel with the M3 (going SW)...you're surrounded by greenery, trees, gorse bushes and common...and suddenly...there's a pub! The Four Horseshoes..! What a welcome sight to the hungry & thirsty!
This pub looks great. But wait a moment, when you get inside, its actually an empty restaurant, with a tiny bar added on the side, with enough space for the 'Cobham knitting circle' and one spare chair at the bar, if you're lucky...! Do you feel lucky..!!! Maybe I'm being harsh, but I've seen more bar space in a garden shed..!!!
The food was bloody marvelous though, I have to say! So, I'll probably go back. Great place for a quiet pint, on a sunny afternoon, emphasis on the word quiet...! Maybe it all kicks off after 6pm...!? I must go back there one day to find out...!!! TJ
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I have been to teh 4 horeshoes of few times this year, the last time this week, and it has improved every time. The beer has always been good (6x and crop circle this week) if not outstanding. The welcome has always been friendly, not just the staff but the locals too. What has improved steadily is the food. Like the last reviewer my wife, who is not a big eater likes being offerred smaller portions of mains at a reduced price. I had salmon fishcakes, my wife goats cheese and tomato tart - very nice. You can eat ineither of the two bars or teh restaurant area We will be going back.
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Over the past few weeks we have had dinner on 3 occasions here and have thoroughly enjoyed each visit. The restaurant is quite atmostspheric and rustic and the staff very pleasant. Last time I enjoyed Lamb Shank whilst my wife also enjoyed Salmon Fishcakes. What is quite innovative here is that they offer modest portions on part of their main menu at a reduced price. The prices here are reasonable for Surrey averaging out at about �12 to �15 per head for a main course with a glass of something. Definitely on my list for regular visits.
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The Four Horseshoes, Chobham
Currently under new managemant, the food & service is steadily getting more consistent.
The staff are freindly and the pub offers a warm and encouraging atmosphere. Upto 3 real ales and ever changing specials including a manic monday specials from sizzling skillets to curries and pies.
Well worth a visit and when you look at the competition theresonly one true winner, the horseshoes offers a village pub and pub grub with an added dining area.
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Happened to be passing with my wife and decided to try this pub for lunch, but a quick browse at the over-ambitiously priced menu decided on one of the cheaper meals, cod and chips. After a wait of over half an hour, the food arrived but the cod turned out to be two pieces of batter each about the size of a matchbox, supposedly containing some cod. Couldn't confirm this, though, as I am not a forensic scientist. Could not believe how anybody could present this as a meal! Give them their due, they gave us our money back without question- they must be getting used to this. Beer fine, though.
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The Shoes has since been refurbish with a lovely new decor. The front seating area has a fence round it so it feels more like part of the pub. The inside is a lot nicer and the extractor fans are working properly (so not such a smokey atmosphere in the main bar!) Over the past year or so the pub has had a succesion of different landlords but has now has a landlady willing to stick around longer than a week! Occasionaly there are still a few problems to iron out but thats just natural. It can get very busy during summers and weekends so dont be surprised to find a long wait on food! Overall, a vastly improving pub with friendly staff and ideal during the summer! Grab a beer or a glass of wine and enjoy the old village green !
anonymous - 23 Apr 2006 19:03 |
Since my last report, the dining area has closed for refurbishment so no evening meals are available.
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On Friday 21 January 2006 we ate out at The Four Horseshoes, having last been there 30 years ago at lunchtime. We have to disagree with the previous ranking of only 3.3/10 and the harsh comments. The pub is separated into eating and drinking bars; drinking is noisy, smoky and full of gossip and laughter with draught Brakspears available. Eating was roomy, quiet and smoke-free with good food and polite service. A good arrangement !
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I have been drinking in this pub since well before my 17th birthday [naughty!] - went back recently after several years and was sad to see how it has gone downhill. The food was absolutely DISGUSTING. One member of our group had 'liver and bacon' - and the liver looked like the cats dinner and was totally inedible. I had pasta with tomato sauce - watery and had just been spiced up with a handful of herbs which had a very unpleasant taste. They didn't even have parmesan. Don't bother!!
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