The White Hart, Chipsteadback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Having not used this pub for some time I have visited a few times recently. I am pleased to say that I'm very impressed. The manager and all of the staff are very friendly and make you feel welcome. You get the impression that they genuinely want to be there and to help, rather than it being a chore that they endure to make some money. There is a fair range of ales and the menu is enticing. I haven't eaten there yet but the food I have seen go out looks great.
I would give this place top marks were it not for the lack of a garden to sit in on a sunny day. There is a terrace but it is adjacent to the road junction, so it's not ideal.
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I thought it was time to update you on this pub. Since my last report we have been visiting on and off for the last 4 years and we are consistently pleased with the serivce, the beer, the food and just about everything else. We often reserve a table in the bar on a Friday which they happily keep for us. We nearly always eat and the food is always well cooked and presented and very tasty and for the area, reasonably priced.
My wife and other friends have also eaten there in the dedicated restaurant area and we were all really impressed with the food and service.
The beers are still great quality and rotate frequently so that you can try new beers, whilst still being able to revert back to your old favourites.
The staff are friendly and attentive and make you feel welcome.
ALl in all, therefore, I am still happy to recommend this pub either for a quiet beer or a full blown meal. in fact my rating has gone up since my previous post.
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Visited the White Hart on Xmas day, when last year in the snow it was fabulous. Fires roaring away, pub busy with a wonderful atmosphere, car park struggling to cope and the usual welcoming faces of the regular staff to greet us.
But this year - oh dear. Radio on nearly full blast on one the pub shelves, which was continually fiddled with by the member of staff who it seemed to have just got it for xmas and thought it would be a really good idea to take it into work. And the collective age of the 8-9 staff that were idly chatting to each other must have been around 21. No manager in sight, no direction, hardly any clientelle, and the car park looking alarmingly empty. Something is clearly not right here.
Coupled with the fact that most of the chalk boards above the bar extolled the virtues of their fine guest ales, then announced in bold writing that they were going to fleece you of �3.70 for the privilege of drinking them.
Add to that my dismay at being contacted shortly before xmas to say that they still had tables free on xmas for lunch - now that IS worrying as you couldn't get one last year for love or money. And there were tables not made up on the morning, so clearly no takers.
We left in disgust and went to the Pembroke in Coulsdon, which had a lovely atmosphere, and we weren't robbed by a member of staff wearing a black mask and riding a black horse for our drinks - instead we were charged �2.85, nearly a pound less than our previous hostelry.
The whole idea about feedback, which this is, as opposed to some slagging off, is that someone reads it, takes it on board and does something about it. Let's see shall we? It may be a one ff - but all this on xmas day? i doubt it.
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The White Hart serves consistently good ales and a great selection of wines, whiskeys and other spirits. Light and airy in summer and with real coal fires in winter it's a good penergetic!lace year round.
The food is also always very good, varied and well priced.
It may seem a little out of the way but it is well worth it and has some great walks nearby if you feel
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Had a very nice and not-to-overly priced bar meal in here, and the beer was well kept. Will go back if I'm in the area - had a nice feel about it.
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Quality of the meals doesn't justify the prices when inexperienced staff serve badly. Just another poncy Surrey gastro-pub
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This pub appears on this website twice, but it's the same place! Good base for walking, large car park, lots of choices of where to eat inside depending on your preference, immaculate toilets. There are six good real ales (three per bar - so you need to look around) and there's an extensive menu. Food's a bit expensive for the amount you get, but the quality can't be faulted. I'll be back to try something else.
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Having driven past this place for a decade and more, watching the ebb and flow of customers [judged solely by the fullness or otherwise of the car park], we visited for Sunday Lunch a week or three back.
It's a pretty competent restaurant which is licensed, I suggest, rather then a pub.
Food was good.
Drinks were unexceptional; draft beer [whatever that was] reported as 'fine' [= 'OK plus', not 'incandescently brilliant', I think]
Service was keen, but in-experienced - didn't clear the previous patrons' glasses, plates etc until the thid visit; didn't provide napkins until asked three times.
Perhaps also needing to employ one more person.
[Everywhere I go (or work!) seems to feel that - costs are now cut to the bone, yet just another one person would enhance the offering so much that reputation would soar - yes, even at Tesco!!!!]
Food as noted, was good.
New (i.e. dated) menu each day; having visited only once, I don't know how much the actual offering changes, I am afraid.
It is London Stockbroker belt - so, as you would expect, it is not stunningly cheap [I trust you know litotes when you read it].
Sunday Lunch, with drinks, and tip, was about �25 per head [one driver on J2Os].
Fairly busy, so think about booking at popular times.
Now, would I go back - mmmm - probably 'Yes'; but I am not positively slavering to do so.
A seven, just, I think: make of that what you will - it's my opinion.
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Well, this pub is certainly better than the Blubecker's travesty that it was, however, well done for charging the most expensive price, I've ever paid, for a bottle of J2O - �2-45p.
It may have been a mistake but my shock stifled questioning the price.
Otherwise, not bad although the original decor and fire is still missed.
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Due to popular belief, the White Hart is not owned by Brunning & Price, though it would be far from a shame if they did. The White Hart has had a spectacular make-over and the whole feel of the pub is warm and inviting. With a variety of real ales to choose from and a daily printed menu, this is the perfect retreat for use as either a social boozer with close friends, but also to have a decent bit of grub; well that's what I think anyway, but don't take my word for it, try it yourself, i will definatly be returning a regular basis.
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Drive past this pub regularly and was aghast to see it turn into a Bluebeckers. Now seems to be back to being a pub again and if the beer list below is anything to go by, all the better. I will pop in and check it out soon. Had a great pint of Kings Red River there about 4 years ago, before Bluebeckers, so hopefully back to what it used to be and more.
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As predicted now converted to a Brunning and Price outlet - not that you can tell thanks to the complete absence of branding - it's not even on TRG's website and you have to dig to discover that its own website is registered to B&P.
And it is a massive improvement on what went before. The front bit is pubby again, plenty of people on Sunday lunchtime having just a drink and not being harassed about food. The beer is good, a reasonable selection (see below) in good condition. At last they've figured out that it is worth cultivating the locals who bring in regular income rather than drive them away because the head-office bean counters insist food is the only way to go. You can only fleece people so many times for factory processed food served by bored teenagers before they stop coming back.
It's now head and shoulders above the wretched Hungry House and Rambler's Rest in the valley and recommended for a couple of pints and makes a nice destination if you're out walking in these parts.
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Something has happened in Chipstead and from my perspective it is going the right way. Visited last night with some mates and we just had a few pints and a good chat. We cannot therefore comment on the food although the fish and chips for the couple on the next table looked and smelled good.
However, on to more important things, and lets face it that is what a good pub is all about, the beer. There were 6 real ales on offer. Doom Bar, Pride, ESB, Cumberland, Harvey's best and Youngs ordinary. We tried most of them except the ESB and other than an end of barrel Harveys all were good and clearly well kept. my favourite was the Doom Bar.
The staff that we encountered were friendly and we much appreciated the complimentary (small) bowls of nuts. One of them even ran after us to give me a cd I had left in the pub.
overall, my experience of the pub as a drinking venue good and I can recommend it if you like your real ales. I can't comment on the lagers because I didn't really notice them, but I'm sure there is a suitable selection. They also said that when one of the Ales finishes that they would be getting a cider in, Old Rosie, i think they called it.
Give this pub a try, i think they are working hard to get it right.
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The continuing story of the White Hart, as tragic at times as a Shakespearean play, full of lovely people doing the best with what they can, can't say the same about the sour-faced and often outrightly rude management. The current face of the white hart is a vast improvement on the last couple of attempts, much better selection of ales and beers in general. The food is certainly better value for money than before and some very tasty dishes, I will definitely frequent this former tacky thai restaurant more often
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Sakkie, plainly you visit a lot of pubs - far more than I do now.
Reputation takes time to earn - but can be demolished very swiftly.
I have never actually visited the 'White Hart' [or any of its earlier manifestations].
Ten years past - the car park was full.
Three years ago - hardly a soul there. And I can remember when Barbara Castle introduced the breathalyser - she gave her name to a cocktail - the 'Bloody Barbara' - tomato juice with - um ... tomato juice - so it's not just avoiding drinking and driving.
Last week - when last I passed - a few cars - so plainly a bit better.
perhaps the managemnet doen't actually want to be told what it could improve/is doing wrong.
Perhaps they think that - because they've completed Innkeepers 101 on Runyrownbzr.com - they know everything there is to know about running a pub.
I like pubs - but I am sure I couldn't run one w e l l - so 'go figure'.
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The Restaurant Group (TRG) whose crimes against humanity include Garfunkel's and Frankie and Benny's have finally figured out that turning harmless village locals into cold soulless pretend gastropubs doesn't go down too well with the drinking regulars, who turn up once to see what it's like and then never return. Even those who actually like Brake Brothers food realise they can get it cheaper elsewhere, and in cosier surroundings.
Many Blubecker's outlets are therefore being rebranded into Brunning and Price, which is TRG's attempt at traditional pubs. We shall see what transpires but it couldn't get any worse.
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This place has closed again and is surrounded by metal fencing. Does anyone know what is afoot or whether anyone else has taken it over - has Blubeckers washed their hands of this place?
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I have nothing against this place purely as a place for meeting friends a few times a year but I can't believe it is going to be refurbished yet again because it was the Blubecker's Group that stripped the soul out of this pub when then took it over a few years ago!
A few minutes away is the much better Well House at Mugswell although you've got to be careful how you negotiate the twisting country lane that leads to it.
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i mean 2008 pub restaurant of the year
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its true,the white hart wasnt all that good.recently it has been really good!!!the management team,r all new&have been there for a long time,longer than the most in the last cpl of years its been open.thats surely a good sign??
ive been there a cpl of times,since the new menu has landed&its surprisingly not bad at all...the burgers has certainly improved by miles......And for �9.95 i personally think its a bargain!!!!
All you guys say all these nagative stuff bout The White Hart,which is more or less understandible,but why dont you all give your input into the pub&help them to make it a good old local pub again as ive heard their getting a total referb anytime soon!!!!possibly wiv a proper garden!!!!!!!!!
i have spoken to the team bout a cpl of things,they would really appreciate the HELP from the LOCALS,so next time you all r there,give them your opinion&sum advice as i do believe they do need it............BIG TIME!!!!
overall,i think its a good pub&restaurant....&dont forget,they did win PUB RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2208!!!!Marks new pubs hasnt won anything??!!!!!!lol
With the help from the locals,they could win every year.......
soooo lets help them!!!???
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Last night I met with friends at the White Hart in Chipstead, Surrey.
I anticipated, based on the prices on the menu and the atmosphere of the establishment, that my food would be of a very high quality.
I ordered the Steak, ale and Stilton Pie. The pie was over-cooked, had a mere seven pieces of steak (yes, it was so disappointing, I counted), very little gravy, and no hint of Stilton cheese. The dish was served with chips and fresh vegetables. The vegetables were over-cooked and the chips were in short supply.
In addition, having had, upon my arrival, a pint of Finchcocks Original, I ordered a pint of the same during my meal. I suspect the second pint was poured into a glass from the slops tray under the beer engine. My suspicion stems from the following: the first pint I ordered whilst stood at the bar was very 'lively' and some beer had over-flowed into the tray; my second pint was served to me sat at a table rather than at the bar where I could witness it being poured; the second pint, rather than tasting as it should, had a taste of sweetness most akin to lemonade and I suspect, therefore, that someone had previously ordered a bitter shandy and I was tasting the overflow from that drink from the slops tray as well.
Last, based on my experience of the main course and real ale, I considered the desserts to be sorely overpriced.
Simply put, I have had far better pub meals, far better real ale and have paid close to half what was paid for my meal last night. I will not be returning to the White Hart
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thank you amy and the staff for another enjoyable evening nice food and service
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pls chipkieth not having pop at marc enjoyed it when he ran it as well elaine was great to but things do always change we can like or not but hey ho thats life
ps the well house def not my cup of tea but nice enough pub :->
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Why the pop at Mark? He ran a great pub that fitted the area well. No-one blames him for selling it, it is Blubeckers who have destroyed the place - not Mark!
I live in Chipstead too and now consider the village pub to be The Well House. The White Hart is now like a cross between a Little Chef and Garfunkels. An awful, noisy, souless place! I will not return until Bluebeckers go or until they restore it back to a proper village pub.
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dear andiepandy agree with wally68 if marc cared so much he would not have sold it i live 5 minutes drive away and use the place so i know i am def not a chav!! thank you very much WELL DONE STEVE THE MANAGER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ANDIEPANDY'S VIEW DO NOT REFLECT THE REST OF US 10 OUTTA 10
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Bluebeckers took the White Hart over exactly a year ago this month - so its time for reflection. I hated it then, do I still hate it now?
Before Bluebeckers came along I used the place around three to five times a week, eating there at least once a week, usually more. In the year that has followed I have been there on only FIVE occasions - usually to show friends how the place has been destroyed - I have no intention of ever going back, despite it being a short 5-minute walk away.
This pub has been vandalised and I would personally have preferred a conversion to luxury flats than the sorry, sad, chavvy establishment we have been left with.
I don't know ANYONE in Chipstead who is happy with what Bluebeckers done to the White Hart. Not one of my neighbours uses the pub anymore - in fact it is not exaggerating to say that the vast majority of locals are deliberately boycotting the place. This means it now relies of passing trade and I would highly recommend that if you do pass this place, carry on and turn right at White Hill and use the excellent Well House instead, only a mile or so further.
I am delighted to see that Bluebeckers are so desperate to attract trade they have dropped their branding name. I am delighted to see that when I pass, the car park is more often than not half empty and that the chalk board outside offers everything from free beer, free starters, two meals for a pittance, etc. Bluebeckers only have themselves to blame for the desperate measures they are taking - right from the start they knew exactly what the locals thought of their changes but totally ignored their concerns.
Also I am delighted to see that the White Hart's former landlord Marc has been able to buy and refurbish three pubs including the nearby Sportsman and Yew Tree. In both of these establishments he has excelled and anyone who wants to see how things are done properly should visit these pubs in Kingswood (Mogador) and Reigate (Reigate Hill). I live in hope that Bluebeckers will soon want rid of the White Hart and that Marc will snap it up and turn it back into its former glory.
The White Hart is now one step up from the Hungary Horse down the road. A place for people who do not care much for pubs or decent food; for those with no taste; for those who don't think it cruel to take their kids to McDonalds and read Heat magazine. A chav haven in the countryside that has dragged Chipstead into the gutter. Avoid this place at any cost.
0 out of 10
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Went there last night with the friends, had a great time. Reminds me of the locals I had in Fulham. Cant understand why everyone goes on about this Mark, if he cared so much about the locals he would not have sold it!
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PS NICK DAVIES WOULDNT IT BE GREAT IF W DID HAVE A 24HR TESCO AT CHIPSTEAD LOL
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Great food nice atmosphere really enjoy this place
10 outta 10 from me
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This many years ago used to be a proper pub! now it is just awful, I think resturants probably have more character, they should have a law to stop this from happening! Terrible..
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It's always interesting when a company has to walk away from its own brand because of its negative image but clearly that's what Blubeckers are up to. Name reverted to simply the White Hart and you have to look hard to find the word Blubeckers.
But that's all that's changed, it hasn't stopped it being bloody awful. Today being father's day you couldn't actually sit down inside at all if you just wanted a drink, all tables instead reserved for Redhill chavs, for whom this sort of place is entirely suited.
OK there is a place in the market for this sort of thing, but its a pain when it has to be the only pub for miles that's like it. Stick these places on a bypass next to a 24 hour Tescos where they belong, rather then ruining what few village locals there are left.
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NICE PLACE NICE FOOD AND GOOD PRICES WILL DEF BE BACK
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Went here in January/Feburary 2008 to eat with the family.
We went for a special food deal, (which might have been a mistake), but the food appeared to be reheated and although edible, was nothing special. Beer was ok, but very expensive. Shame as it's the only pub around the area..
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the ex-landlord mark ran a good boozer that was seperated from a decent restaurant, perfect for the area. Bluebeckers has sucessfully ruined this; the chap below hit the nail on the head "Ripped out the soul and character". The place is now cold, empty and expensive.
If you miss the 'real' white hart, mark the ex-landlord now owns the yew tree on reigate hill and has created a similar atmosphere there...
dm221 - 30 Apr 2008 11:51 |
Following on the comments below i have yet to go to a Blubeckers and had a relaxing time or a really good meal and they do nothing for pubs as do any other fast food chain. 2/10
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As Nickdavies says below about Bluebeckers. It is strange why they ripped the character and soul out of this place. It was not done sensitively and what is now left is a bland, echoey establishment whick does not seem to identify what it is supposed to be.
On the other hand their alteration to the White Hart at Sevenoaks has worked rather better, in my opinion
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Just to remind you all of you who like a laugh
Blubecker's website says..."We choose attractive buildings full of character and charm to create relaxed and friendly establishments for both drinkers and diners to enjoy."
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This is really a soul-less place with no atmosphere at least not in the bar area (if that's what it is suppose to be. What a shame. Still, it is a place for a meet up with some friends from outlying areas - they like it, however!
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Well, I'll repost the comments I made recently, under its former name, and these are as follows:
Went there last night for the first time since the takeover. Well, it certainly is different but is not really a pub, in the true sense of that word, any more.
It's not bad for someone like myself who does not drink beer but the decor, whilst fresh and clean, is very bland and cold looking. The walls are finished in white or pale grey and there is no semblance of warmth therefore - cold and clinical. I don't like the downlighters either.
As I entered the main entrance I was approached by one of the reception staff but quickly avoided him by doing a left turn and heading for what was once the nice warm carpeted bar area which is no more -just a tiled area full of tables and chairs and not all that warm, either. The fireplaces have gone and the bar here is really dominated by a large coffee machine.
I'll be going back as it is a place to meet up with friends and there are fewer places around, these day, for doing just that.
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