Red Barn, Lingfieldback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
rubbish service . over priced food . all show and no substance .
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Based on a Sunday morning visit with two biking friends grabbing a coffee I could not fail to be impressed by the `Barn' section of The Red Barn, and thought of a future cosy evening meal with my partner. Booked using their on-line reservation system, answering the question as to my preference of eating area being the `Barn', naturally. Upon arrival for our 8pm booking it became clear that this (Sunday morning) quiet corner of Surrey was being used for a wedding reception and the guest's at estimate numbered a couple of hundred. The initial `fight' to get to the bar and then the realization that the `Barn' was now a Disco, gave twangs of regret and I seriously considered walking out and re-booking at a time more appropriate for us. Word to the wise; if booking on an automated or electronic reservation service, be prepared that the final outcome may not meet expectation. The staff were friendly but clearly stretched. We were seated in the `Pantry' (which my partner felt akin to someone's kitchen!) and by the door to the toilets in a dimly lit (almost dark), cold (yes, cold) area that looked a poor substitute for the main attraction. Ok. The service was OK, our waitress being constantly interrupted by other diners while trying to take our order, I chose a starter Caesar Salad and a main of Beef and Ale Pie, my friend having the Sirloin. Top marks for the steak, cooked to perfection, and the hand cut chips. Middle marks for the Pie, tasty but full of gravy. Bottom marks for the portion sizes, my veg = 1 sprig of Cauli, 1 of Brocoli and half a carrot cut lengthwise, whether that constitutes even one of my five a day I'm not certain. The mash was nice and creamy, just not much of it. No marks for the worst Salad I have ever had, most unattractive, most unappealing, the Chicken was cold and clearly processed, the Croutons had a rubber effect and tasted, well, odd really and the anchovy was dry and tasteless. Oh and the little pot of gravy for the steak was supposed to be a pepper corn sauce, I think not folks, she left that anyway .... We decided to skip the dessert for a visit to a rival on the way home and sat in the Ashdown Forest watching the stars and drinking our Coffee. A pleasant way to end a disappointing evening for us both. The `bill' came to just over �40 which is as expected. Would we go again? Yes I would give this dog a second bite but only if the Barn is open. Next time I will telephone and make sure we are not part of someone else's big day. My partner, probably not. Looks like then, I may be dining alone ...
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I havent visited this place in years and what a dissapointment it has become. Whoever refurbished this pub should be fired. The staff were to be quite frank unpleasant and unhelpful. The food was very expensive and ridiculously small portions. I feel this is one to avoid.
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This is a lovely, open, place to be. But, yes, it's London in a box, but without any of the London buzz. That may, or may not, be to your taste. Personally, working in London and having escaped 20 years of life there, I can't bring myself to like it.
Several food eating experiences have been terrible, with staff being about as engaging as a carrot having a philosophical debate with Penelope Keith. In fact, the serving staff seemed to be more interested (as is the way, nowadays!!) with txtng m8s abt gng out tnt 2 gt psd in EG innit. I have had cold, unappreciated contact with breakfast, where I felt like a leper, and several dinners and drinking experiences that were less than fantastic.
That said, one of the members of staff - just one mind you - did smile and say something. I think it was "oh, you want to pay your bill? Oh. DIdn't they come to the table?"
What a shame.
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Been in the Red Barn a couple of times now as it has a nice feel to it but the food is very hit and miss, we order Fish and chips and steak which was very good but the pie of the day was very average it tasted like a cheap mass produced job.
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Nice pub, very attractive, we had the BBQ, which was �10 and we had loads of nice fresh food! We went after the races and there was a wedding on- everyone seemed to be mixing fairly freely, but England had just played which might have had something to do with it! Friendly staff, will definitely go back.
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There was a private function going on in the front 'pub' section, so we sat in the right hand side of the bar area, rather than the dining barn. Lots of wooden beams, pillars, etc, and very comfortable, with a few small tables, chairs, and sofas facing a huge stone fireplace. Newspapers left around for punters, and even had a bar billiards table - don't see too many of those. Adnams Broadside and Sharps Doom Bar available. Had a couple of pints of the Doom Bar which was in great condition. Food was also good, but a bit expensive, which shouldn't be too surprising given the location, and the shiny new motors in the car park.
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Made what was only my 3rd visit at this establishment at the end of Feb. The 1st was in 1985 when it had more of a pubby and intimate feel, but was still pretty food-orientated even then; the 2nd was in 1995 for a birthday do and the whole thing was more opened out and shamelessly chain-operated.
Fortunately, the recent change of ownership appears to have restored a little more class and comfort to the experience, albeit that they clearly have restaurant pretentions. It is still run by a chain, but a small emergent one - Geronimo Inns - who I am hearing much of of late. They seem to be branching out into the Surrey hinterland from London and specialise in providing what they believe is a fine dining experience within the context of a traditional pub. By and large, they have achieved this brief here, as what was left of the building's character has been restored and preserved to a reasonable standard, and most importantly, the bar element is still central and doesn't appear to be an afterthought like so many gastro-orientated venues. Up to 4 real ales are available (Doom Bar sampled on superb form), and the wine list is impressive.
The menu is equally stylish, with a range of modern dishes using quality ingredients, and if the chef knows his stuff I imagine it would deliver a very satisfactory experience, although at a price: those seeking value meals should steer clear of the Red Barn, with most mains being in excess of �10. If you do come to eat, I would suggest you try and bag one of the tables to the right of the bar, which are in a far more intimate setting; those to the left are in one large dining area which works best for larger parties.
It is family-friendly, with a newly-built play area in the substantial grounds around the building, which include a vast car park and a pond.
All in all, not a pub for stopping off for a quick half. But if you have a healthy bank balance and want to entertain your family, this could be the place.
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Really like this pub as a building, beautifully refurbished and can feel like your own sitting room if you get there at the right time.
Not really a pub though, more for eating - and quite frankly, the service in this place is consistently terrible. Such a shame, because it is a lovely place, if only they had the staff...
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An OK pub, a bit of a trudge from the car park (which is rather dark). Mostly given over to overpriced food, drinkers are tolerated, but not really the place for more than one pint.
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Pleasant pub, but not really for drinkers despite some decent drinks. Food expensive and not as good as they think it is.
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Interesting refurbishment of the barn, but like the Brickmakers Arms up the road this doesn't feel much like a pub. Three ales on offer; prices were quite expensive but there were plenty of people inside at 5pm on a Saturday, so there's no reason for the prices to be lower. Beer garden is very nice.
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Pretty good. Nice cider on draft and food was fine. Olde worlde refit is a bit naff
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