Old Cage, Lingfieldback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Being converted into a Tesco
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Now closed. Highly unlikely to reopen as a pub, certainly in the foreseeable future!
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Went here more than anywhere else in the 90's. Points of note: London prices, great log fire in winter, mind your head if you're tall and worth a visit to the pub and its namesake the village gaol
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Visited this pub for the first time today. Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, good beer and excellent Roast Beef dinner. Would highly recommend a visit, and will definately be returning again.
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Having heard varying reports of this pub over the years, ranging from must-visit beerhouse to best-avoided barrack room, I am happy to report that following not only a visit but an overnight stay at the Old Cage last weekend, the pendulum is currently swung in the ascendant. On arrival, I was lucky to find a car parking space, for the whole pub was heaving with post-work and other local customers, all seemingly in a very jolly mood and enjoying the lively bustling atmosphere, which was close to an indoor market at peak trading times. Given the mix of people it seems that they are doing more than a few things right - and it's not like it's the only pub in Lingfield; business could be taken elsewhere if this wasn't up to the mark.
The ale selection is, to a very seasoned consumer, somewhat predictable, with 4 beers across 8 pumps. I couldn't help but think the icing on the cake would be to occupy another couple of them with more varied offerings, but perhaps tie precludes this? In any case Sharp's Doom Bar, Harvey's Best, GK Ruddles Best and "Jailors Old Cage" (sadly not its own brew but Courage re-branded!) were in good nick and seemed to sell well.
There are numerous little cubby-holes and alcoves in which to settle aside from the central bar area, and all are bedecked with a rich ensemble of old memorabilia - not all of it pub or drink-related - which although perhaps a little pseudish do lend a hand in creating a warm and cosy environment, in addition to the exposed beams and pannelling which are reminiscent of an old barn (the oldest part of the building is said to date back to 1592).
The accommodation comes in the form of 3 chalets at the rear, converted from old outbuildings. For �40 a night they were well-kept and commodious, with basic facilities but that suited me fine. One is left to one's own devices to come and go as one pleases, which is always good. A late pint was served by the landlord with a smile, as was breakfast in the morning - served in the generous window of 8:30 till 11. A fiver gets you a comprehensive fry-up, although an extra �2.50 will buy "the Full Monty", which may suit those of a heartier temperament first thing after a beer session! All food was tasty, in generous portions, and served efficiently.
On balance, this would seem to be the pub du jour for locals in the village, and even those of us seeking out broader and more exciting beer ranges should still not ignore the Cage, for its convivial atmos and fun-loving crowd make it worthy of a visit especially in a larger group - you may be drowned out if you go it alone at a busy period.
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My first visit to this delightful hostelry & sadly just a brief one.The Harveys was sadly off, there was a Sharps on offer but I chose the Old Cage made by Jailors. Oh how sad that I had time for only a half! Delicious & a snip at �2.40 a pint, what a bargain for a Surrey pub. My sister had a sip & is now in danger of changing her lager lout status for real ale..........
The staff were friendly & apparently the food is recommended by the regulars. A must to try again.
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Quirky old style pub & well worth seeking out. Of the beers available i can only remember sharps.
anonymous - 4 Dec 2009 13:33 |
This is a tradional village pub, friendly, lively and plays an important part in village life. I have visited this pub on many occasions recently quite often going or coming from the racing or Lingfield FC. The food always has a good number of daily specials along with their varied published menu. Good sized portions all freshly cooked and great value. As I drink wine I can't comment on the beer but there seems to be a good selection. The pub is always reasonably busy so quite a lot of others think as I do. A well run pub with god value food
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Good pub with fair range of (reasonably priced) ales when last in. This was a race day but despite being quite busy was served quickly. Have always used this pub when going racing.
Only one slight problem about the pub...it's a long walk from the station and the racecourse!
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Externally an attractive 16th century village pub with great internal decor. However, in spite of its being a free house the range of beers was somewhat token. Staff friendly, but easily the worst pub food we've experienced for ages: poor quality, smell of bad cooking fat, and a curious mix of marginal over- and under-cooking. Eat elsewhere.
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I have known this pub for over 30 years and for many years my local. I have seen it on a high with excellent beers served by good staff to a dive with rubbish beer and lousy staff.
On my last two visits it appears to be between the two extremes in the cycle at the moment. aka bland beer and nonsuch staff.
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Lovely food, reasonably priced for what you get, good selection of beer and lager. Nice log fire in winter. Always enjoy a visit, busy on racedays though
moany - 20 Jan 2007 17:49 |
A nice old traditional, friendly pub. Four real ales on offer - G.K IPA, Harveys, Youngs and Cage Jailors Ale which I'm assuming, because of the 'Cage' connection is tied to the pub in some way? Very nice though.
Great roast lamb dinner, very generous servings of potatoes/parsnips. Good menu and specials board all at decent prices (�6.50 - �7.50 mostly).
This pub gets busy on race days which is why I was there. Deserves to be busy all the time. Maybe it is, I don't know.
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Beware of leaving your credit/debit cards behind the bar. I returned to the bar to pay following my meal to find that the bar staff had given my debit card to another customer who left an hour earlier!!! Was met with a very rude, arrogant, hostile landlord who didn't even apologise. You have been warned!!!
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