please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Not a place I would visit for a beer with the Refectory just down the road. However I was there for a meal with friends and was surprised to see Hop Back Winter Lightening on, so ordered that only to be told it's not on yet. "We're just letting you know what's coming soon" Well you're not actually, a pumpclip facing forward should be telling us what's on now. Anyway the other beers were Fullers London Pride and Adnams Broadside so nothing exciting with Doom Bar off (hate it anyway). Food was pretty good. Some of the choices off their festive menu were off but they let us mix and match off the main menu to substitute. The Broadside btw was quite acceptable in quality.
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Had Sunday Lunch here yesterday having had an enjoyable meal a few months ago at it's sister pub,The Seahorse at Shalford.
What a difference and what a disappointment.
The only plausible excuse they can have is that it was probably the finest day of the year and the whole world and its mother had turned up.
The place was jam packed and whilst the beer (Doom Bar) was OK the service was slow and the food mediocre.
The Sunday roast (beef for most of us) with "all the trimmings" was bland and well done with no possibility of getting it served rare,or even medium rare.
The "trimmings" amounted to a dish of uninspired vegetables.
Shan't return.
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Came here for a Sunday Lunch. Really liked the interior with various different areas, a few sofas to sit on before you have your meal. Meal was ok but a little overpriced.
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I have visited a few times just recently, Beer has always seemed ok to me, even if i did only drink DoomBar every time. Decor is ummm, interesting and staff seem polite, but they dont really seem to bring a personality to the place. all in all just fine if you are looking for a background to be in, i wouldnt go if you are looking to be impressed. I am not saying a bad thing about it mind, its perfectly acceptable.
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Went there last night, started badly - from the ales only Pride available, had run out of limes and cranberry juice. Glasses were dirty at the table and ran out of our wine 3 or 4 bottles in.
On the plus side, the food went down well with everyone, the place has a decent atmosphere, and the guy who was serving, young chap, was excellent.
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Lovely pub, food is always good. Service is very friendly but you might need to ask more than once for something (try 4 times!!) and they do seem to run out of a lot of things when busy.
Lovely atmosphere inside and out. Certainly worth a visit.
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I like this pub. Whether you are in a big group, a quiet twosome or alone, you can drink (and eat) here in comfort. The staff are friendly, and when the sun shines, the garden is a lovely place with big, shady umbrellas to sit under as you sip your Prosecco, (or your beer). The real ale choice is a bit limited which is why I've only given it a 7. and yes, it does get crowded - because it's good!
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Busy branded pub, the food is ok, but the service could be improved slightly. My main issue with the pub is they always seem to have run out of draught lager or ale when I visit.
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food not very good and staff a bit headless chicken mode. o.k for a light lunch.
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Ate here last Friday. It is now a sister pub to the excellent Seahorse in Shalford. Our meal was very good. Three of us ordered ribeye steak. Very friendly waiter returned to say that they had run out but that we could have fillet if we wanted for the same price. We did and it was excellent. Wine good and reasonable price for a nice organic rioja.
Place was heaving. Glad we booked a table. It is my preferred eating place in Godalming.
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I love this pub and have been coming here regularly for a couple of years. The staff are mainly Aussy, which is why you get a better service than from the usual angry repressed brit. The food is great and the beers are superb. The interior is recently refurbished, but the best part is in the summer just grabbing a table in the spacious garden. The trees at the end and the small hill bordering the garden seem to keep the kids distracted, so everyone is a winner. During winter months though the bar area just outside the restaurant with the high tables and stools is very social and way classier than the other pubs in the area. It is the only place in Godalming I will spend my money in.
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I'm not sure if this is a pub but it does serve a couple of ales so thus desevers a rating, lets say 3/10.
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this is a lovely pub on paper. I mean if you took it away from Mitchells & Butler, and put a decent publican in there. there is no direction, and the food is put on a plate by children, just out of college calling themselves 'Chef' this is the problem with this trade and it won't get better until we start employing people with flair and zest.
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above average surroundings, average food and pricey.
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With all due respect tealight this is Beer in the Evening not Breakfast in the Morning. No rating obviously.
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I was at this pub most of yesterday for a wedding reception, and stayed the night in one of their (lovely and very reasonably priced) B&B rooms and the experience could hardly have been a better one. The staff were helpful in every way imaginable, the food was excellent, and I would not hesitate to recommend the Inn for a function, or just a nice evening meal. My only minor complaint was that we were somewhat left to fend for ourselves during breakfast, and they were slow to replenish the coffee/milk/crockery, but otherwise a lovely place to spend the night.
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Not cheap? Amstell @�2.85 a pint. I'm happy with that. The standard of the ales has recently gone up too. Timothy Taylor & Fullers LP if I remember correctly.
True it does lack atmosphere, and there are no locals to speak of (except for the local college kids who seem to pour in around half 4 everyday), but it's ok. Nice old building on a great site with a big garden (although it has minimal tables).
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I totally disagree with the other reviews. I think this is a really lovely pub, I went there for a work lunch the other day and thought it was superb. The food was great and even though there seemed to be too many of them on given the time of day, the staff were very friendly. I wouldn't bother taking my kids here as it didn't seem there would be much for them to do but will certainly be back with the husband for a nice dinner! Oh and personally I thought the decor was fine.
esj08 - 10 Sep 2008 00:39 |
The Inn on the Lake used to be lovely until M & B took over, ripped out all the nice bits, and upped the prices for far inferior stuff. Martin, who and his family ran an excellent emporium until he moved on to Amberly Castle, why did you do it to us?
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what a joke slow and unsatisfing no atmosphere, shame really great location crackin building
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fair enough giveusabeer but for me the refectory is spot on have now become a regular sorry it gets 10 0utta 10 from me
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Agree hello1973 on the M&B bit but not on the Refectory (which we found to be AWFUL).This place is over priced and at 4.2/10 well over rated.
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Again with the M&B (MITCHELLS AND BUTLERS) template pub zzzzzzzzzzzzzz Sorry but just does not do it for me better pub down the road in THE REFECTORY nice setting lovely decked area for those late summer evenings service great and the staff friendly
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Wow, this place is stunning when you first walk in.....that's it!
The menu is very limited, nobody knows what they are doing, it's such a shame that these big company's spend ���� on refurbishments but they always leave out the fundamentals of good service a good food.
Need to spend more money on staff training and SMILE!!! It's not hard.
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Couldn't agree more with surreydiner below. Almost very good, but could do with friendlier service.
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not a bad restaurant, food good service average, but i would return, looks and feels nice, just be a bit friendlier
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If you are looking for a pub for a proper ale session, then don't bother. Wrong atmosphere, wrong prices. This ain't a boozer's pub.
If you are looking for somewhere to have a half decent meal (with family or friends), pay "Surrey" prices and willing to accept changeable levels of service, then this is the place for you.
As a pub: 2/10
As a place to eat: 7/10
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Not really a traditional "pub" but still a nice place to have a beer. Has the advantage of plenty of casual seating, a bar snacks area and a full blown restaurant. Well decorated throughout and I've always found the service to be good. Food is usually good although very occassionally the standard does slip (had to send back some chips that looked like they'd be waiting for an owner for hours!) That being said, a nice overall place to eat and drink. Probably more large wine bar/bistro than pub. Not going to say it's expensive because in reality no pubs or restaurants around these parts are cheap!
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I had visited the Inn on the Lake some years ago and was very disappointed in the d�cor and the food was horrid.
We had heard that it had been taken over and renovated, so decided to take a trip. My parents owned Inn on the Lake in the 80's when it was a hotel called The Lake Hotel. I had fond memories and was looking forward to a family get together there. We had booked a table for 6 and the earliest table we could get on a Saturday night was 9:30pm.
The makeover looks fabulous and they have done a really good job. Both bar and restaurant had a nice feel and was not pretentious at all.
I told the host that we had arrived and were now 7, they advised that it could be a problem, but our table will be ready at 9:30pm. We had drinks, went back at 9:30pm and weren�t seated until 9:50pm.
There was not much left on the menu, as they had sold out, not just the specials but from the main menu as well. The staff were very disorganised and not always pleasant.
However, the Inn�s saving grace is the food. The food we were able to order was delicious and nice size portions.
We decided to order desserts and they were just as nice as the main meal. We had not ordered enough for our party and when we tried to order another dessert (minutes after they had just been served) we were advised that the kitchen was closed. As you can imagine we were not overly impressed, especially as we were seated so late. One of the waitresses was very nice and did manage to get another dessert. If all the staff there had been as accommodating it would be the perfect place for a night out. Overall we were happy and definitely visit again.
Great place and fab food��.. pity about the service!
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Been in a few times, not eaten there yet, but am planing to as food reads well on the menu. Not the cheapest of venues but very pleasant surroundings, so worth paying the extra little bit more than the Weatherspoons. Really chilled and the decor is superb! I've always thought that the staff were friendly enough, never had a problem.
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I've been there a number of times, and while the food has always been lovely, the service has always been dreadful. I've had starters finally turn up at the same time as the main course meaning I had to send one back, a whole tray of drinks tipped over me by a waiter for which a only minimal freebie was offered as recompence; been pushed out of the way by waitresses putting cutlery on the table and, when she was asked for details of a particular dish, the waitress said 'don't ask me; I'm Australian'. Nice food, good place to be, but the service is always terrible.
anonymous - 21 Mar 2006 12:53 |
With regards to the comments posted since the refurb, the posters seem to be missing the point. The Inn On The Lake before was a depressing, dreary venue, serving equally bad food. It is now a much more pleasant environment. The prices are not cheap, but this is Surrey, and people don't usually look at the bottom line. The cries of "come back, Martin" are useless - the licensed trade has changed beyond recognition over the last ten years, privately owned venues are few and far between. The comment one user made about the tables being scratched - the are designed to look used! She states that a pint and a glass of wine were nearly �8, less than �5 in Wetherspoons - Wetherspoons operate a completely different strategy! As for M&B not doing their homework, they are the biggest pub operator in the UK - they rarely get it wrong. The conversion of the IOTL is down to change in demand, M&B are a business, they exist to make money, you make money by giving people what they want. I went in the IOTL last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed its vastly improved state. Martin has sadly been and gone.
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It's been a while since we visited this place. My memories of it under its previous management, Martin and son apparently, are that it wasn't a very nice place to go for a meal - the food was indifferent and the general ambience not good. Sadly a recent visit to the place in its new incarnation (as a trendy restaurant for the Surrey foodies) was hardly likely to encourage further explorations. Despite the staff being generally friendly, no-one took the trouble to welcome us to the restaurant (we hadn't made a booking: first big mistake) or enquire about what we wanted. We ordered drinks at the bar (definitely not cheap) and sat outside on the terrace (excellent views of the main road traffic!) and waited to see what would happen. Eventually one of the waiters brought us a menu which was...not particularly inspiring for me as a vegetarian - the ubiquitous goat's cheese tart (!) or a Margherita pizza seemed to be all that I could safely order. Alas, by now the rest of the terrace was populated by the tobacco addicts, including a cigar smoker, so we decided that the over-loud music indoors would be the lesser of two evils and asked if we could have a table for two in the main restaurant. Apart from one situated rather too close to the entrance to the gents' toilets for my liking (why do restaurants think this is OK?), there was nothing available (see: we should have booked; but this was an unplanned dinner after an otherwise pleasant day out). We said thanks, finished our drinks and departed; and so I cannot give an appraisal of the food. No doubt this place finds favour with those who will tolerate background music played too loud to be background and too frenetic to be an acceptable part of the ambience of a decent restaurant; enjoy seriously expensive fixtures and fittings; and favour menus with items that are 'pan-fried' (how else does one 'fry' something, incidentally?). Perhaps we were unlucky on the day we called in (it was a Tuesday evening in early August 2005): perhaps our expectations were too high, or low: perhaps it was all just a tad too pretentious for our liking and for its own good. It will probably impress a lot of business clients and visiting tourists and it certainly appeals to the more affluent elements of Surrey society (that is, the majority in this neck of the woods), but it hardly qualifies any longer for description as a pub.
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The Inn on the lake has recently been turned from a dire establishment with lank greasy food and a tired depressive atmosphere into a stunning bar and eatery. The interior has been totally overhauled with soft natural furnishings complimented with the use of natural wood, copper and a rich succulent colour on the walls offering a relaxed and sultry feel reminiscent of Indonesia. The gardens have also been opened up and supported with a sun terrace offering a impressive alternative for summer dining. The staff are friendly and attentive, with a full knowledge of the ins and outs of the menu - very professional.
The menu offers a wide range of dishes to suit every taste and has been put together by a chef who has an obvious love of food. It offers an good range of starters for both meat eaters and vegetarians, followed by succelent sounding salads, pizzas and tempting main courses. The combinations of flavours within the sardine starter are fantastic, the succculence of the fish is brought out immaculately by the subtlty of the lemon and balanced with the sharpness of the red onion salsa. The greek salad comprised of a large crisp and very fresh salad combination along with a smooth & tasty feta and a flavoursome balsamic dressing. The main courses were also good and exceedingly filling. The chicken and broccoli pasta was rich, creamy and very cheesy - if not a little heavy. We didn't try them, but looked lustfully at the delicious looking pizzas, which offer a great alternative to the more hearty dishes.
The prices can admittedly be a little high but the atmosphere and quality of the establishment deserve them.
This place has long been a pub to avoid but since it's reopening is now a place to experience and return to. Times change, and in this instance it is definitely for the best.
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Now refurbed by Mitchells & Butler: a spin out from Bass. This "Country Pub and Eating House", as they call it, appears to have been designed by arty farties: lilac walls (hardly traditional, and marked after two days): silly, wobbly metal tables, scratched after two days: heavy and non dining-friendly seats - et al. Effete menus in tiny print, rubbish musak and, more to the point, unacceptably high prices. A pint of beer and a large glass of Soave, hardly vintage stuff, came to almost �8 - less than �5 in Wetherspoons, with a comparable ambiance. Clearly M & B thinks that we in Godalming have more money than sense, but M & B is based in the Midlands, and clearly haven't done their homework.
Come back Martin, who owned this pub until about the mid nineties. It was then properly run, with a known landlord and staff, with a decent bar - a real pub with open fires, etc etc. Now M & B call it a "Country Pub and Eating House". CHE!!!!!!!! We were led to believe that this was being turned into a real restaurant, and we have only the two in Godalming - La Luna (��������) and Portofino (open only in the evenings). Now Inn on the Lake is a clone of M & B's Midlands' desires! Bass made a bad job of Martin's business, but now M & B have made it a lot worse. That's my opinion, but maybe others like it there!
anonymous - 16 Apr 2005 17:05 |
It's undergoing a massive refurb. Have heard two versions - does anybody know who and what? I liked it when it was owned by Martin back in the late 80s/early 90s (he left to buy and run Amberley Castle, and left his son in charge, and it was eventually sold to Bass. I liked it as it had: a real pub-like bar where locals met, a cocktail bar, open fires, a restaurant with excellent ambiance and a waterfall and pond in the middle. Sitting outside, or by the lake after a hard day's work was excellent, and there were barbecues. Restaurant food wasn't that good, and we had a problem trying to order cheese on a Sunday (don't ask), but he service usually was, and it was an excellent place to entertain clients, or whatever. News please!
Leone - 15 Mar 2005 13:33 |
The food can be a bit 'hit and miss' to be honest. Have had some great stuff here but some pretty ordinary meals too. Worth a try though.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2005 20:13 |
The food is usually quite good and the prices are very reasonable. The beer is cheap too. However I dont think it really counts as a 'pub'. It's a restaurant to be honest but a fairly good one.
gge - 29 Aug 2004 21:32 |
There is no way that this pub is a 7.7 and certainly not the best pub in Godalming. Absolutely no atmosphere. No real ale as far as I can remember. It is part of a chain and so offers consistent and friendly service. Food is ok, consistent quality but nothing very exciting. It's all a bit boring and safe. It is quite family oriented which may be colouring my view as I don't have kids.
There are many better places to eat locally and many better places to drink.
Richard - 23 Apr 2004 11:53 |
My partner and I stayed at the Inn on the lake on Fri 13th Feb, we found the staff at the hotel very helpfull. Lovely atmosphere,and a wondeful meal.
The room we stayed in was number 4 and was lovely in size, very clean and homely. we will return. Very good value for money. Thank You
Mrs L Brownrigg - 24 Feb 2004 21:51 |
what do you mean the lake is hard to find. it is right next to the pub!!
anonymous - 12 Jan 2004 16:17 |
Lovely food, great beer, friendly efficient service. Also stayed 2 nights in the hotel. Rooms were spotless. Well recommended.
Stephen Nulty - 5 Jan 2004 15:43 |
This is a nice pub! Convenient to find, and good food! Have been there many times with friends and business contacts. Good for kids too, although no play room available. (btw.. the "lake" is hard to find) I think it is worth a 8 out of 10!
Richard Plokhaar - 24 Nov 2003 18:38 |
