please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
We went here for Sunday lunch. There was a good choice of real ales, but prices were £3.70 per pint. The HSB was decent, but the Theakston's Best was badly kept, and barely drinkable. The food prices were shocking: I know Michelin starred restaurants that are cheaper! I started with a tasty fishcake, and my main course of fish and chips was good, the fish being large, thick and nicely done. However, that came to £19.80 including tip, and that was one of the cheapest options! I would be quite positive about the food if it was a third cheaper, but I cannot recommend it at this price. Due to the variable quality and high prices of the ales, I cannot recommend drinking here either. It is a pity, because the decor, facilities and location of the pub are very nice.
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Great pub and friendly staff, cannot disagree more with other comments, we had our wedding reception here and the staff went out of their way to make it a perfect day. The food was amazing aswell!
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over priced drink and very snotty staff!!! this place used to be the best pub in that area but not anymore doubt i will ever go back
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This place takes the biscuit. It's got to be the most unwelcoming pub I've ever been in. The northern guy who I assume is the manager is so rude, it's almost funny until he charges you a tenner for two pints of average lager. He acts like last time you were in there you tried to set light to the place. The owner's wife sits there scowling at the customers, like she's wishing death on them, it's unbelievable. I can't understand where this self importance comes from given that this is a bog standard boozer that needs a lick of paint and bringing into the 21st century. Surely, if not for the huge custom from the nearby Legal & General, this place would've gone by the wayside because I can't understand why anyone would knowingly drink there.
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I agrre with snifter below. Just paid �9.10 for a pint of Youngs and a glass of house red. I, for one, will not be back!
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Heavily overpriced pub, don't expect much change from a tenner for a couple of drinks. Close proximity to the station, which is nice on a cold day if you have a wait.
Waiting and bar staff are incredibly rude. Foreign moody waitresses who clearly would rather be somewhere else. One barman feels the need to stare at any bloke under 30, then do his utmost to cut you up in his ridiculous chelsea tractor on the way out of the car park.
Punters are alright. However, the pretentious atmosphere created by the staff makes it a wholly unwelcoming and cringeworthy experience.
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Harveys Sussex Best, Pride, Ordinary, Directors and Broadside. Harveys was fine, pub at front restaurant out back. Large beer garden.
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This pub is like Marmite you either love it or hate it. We used to be members of the loving brigade years ago when we first moved locally and on Sundays you could only order roasts, salads or burgers. The food was great and the atmosphere buzzy and lively with it being dog eat dog in the battle for a table. Since it has become more upmarket foodwise we have tried several times with little success, like others husband has always found the beer overly warm and not well kept. The last time was the worst and final straw when the steak we ordered was substituted for a cheaper cut with no price reduction or apology, just told that was the way it was going to be and worst and most revoltingly of all we found a dead bluebottle in the balsamic and olive oil, yuk. We complained about both incidents and again no manager would see us, just the waiting supervisor who although did take a bit off the bill, made it sound like she was doing us a favour and not at all apologetic.
We will not be going again. Friends of our love it so it would seem there is no continuity in quality or service or there is just no accounting for taste.
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AVOID AVIOD AVIOD!!!!!
Snotty bar staff, over priced food and drink. BAD BAD BAD!!!!!!
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I really like this pub, it's a great location, very friendly and if you have a dog and are out for a walk then I really recommend this place.
anonymous - 29 Dec 2009 23:35 |
On first impression this pub was ok. Until we tried our drinks. . . . My Courage Directors and my partner's Wells Bombardier were both revolting - flat and very very warm. Horrible! Had to resort to lager although my partner tried the London Pride and said it was ok. Wonder when those pipes were last cleaned???
Apart from that there were so many dogs growling and snapping at each other all around us that it was impossible to relax.
Dreadful place - avoid!
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Nice place to drink in with a good range of ales - I'm surprised the overall rating for the pub isn't higher.
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This pub is quite a revelation - an excellent example of a thriving community pub that can serve lots of food but not turn itself into a 'gastro experience' for those of us who prefer to eat at home. Great Xmas decs too - perhaps they should leave them up all year? And the location next to Kingswood station can't be bettered. What a shame the last train back in my direction is before closing time.
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I visited the Kingswood Arms for a Christmas dinner with a party of 15 people and I must say, it was the best!! On entry the pub is completely striking with the wonderful Christmas decorations. We were directed to our seats by a jolly waitress. Our food was scrumptious!! The best turkey roast in town and rumour has it - the seabass was superb! Overall, we had excellent service and an excellent meal. The staff and the landlady were clearly working extremely hard as the restaurant was completely full, but still smiling and happy! How do they do it? I will be back without hesitation.
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I went for a meal last night and I just wanted to say I thought the service has improved enormously and the food was yummy! I very nearly didnt head to the Kingswood Arms (as I had seen the reviews below.. and I had also had some very poor service when I went last time), I contacted my friend to see if we should try somewhere else, but we decided we should give it a go.. and I am pleased we did.
The service was very friendly and jolly. The NZ girl that served us was quite new (so I hope her happiness doesnt fade!) but she knew the wines and made helpful and honest suggestions. A couple of other waitresses did speak to us and they were all smiley and happy as well.
Is there a new chef at the pub? I heard on the grapevine it is the old chef from the Sportsman?? If so, his food was always first class at the Sportsman restaurant and if the service remains as good as it was last night I will be going to the pub a lot more from now on.
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Me and my partner visited the Kingswood Arms a couple of weeks ago on a sunday for an admittedly late lunch (although there are no advertised restrictions on service times). We used to eat here regularly several years ago and the food at that time was wonderful.
On this occasion it was a complete disappointment. We were 'served' by a very flippant waiter and after a few minutes were bought my partners starter. Deep fried Camembert (his favourite). It looked disgusting and tasted worse, but he was hungry so ate it.
On to the main course - Roast Beef and Yorkshire pud. Looked great - but was cold - even the obviously kept warm for hours roast potatoes. The requested horseradish sauce arrived with a dried up crust round the sides of a large bowl. We complained and requested fresh plates of hot food and fresh horseradish, which when it was all bought to the table was only marginally better than the first plates. We declined to eat and asked to see the Manager to complain - instead we were bought the supervising waitress, who said the manager was not available! We were told the excuse for a starter was how it was meant to be (!!)but they grudgingly agreed that as we had not eaten the mains we would only have to pay for our drink. There was no apology or attempts at making amends. BARRY SLAYFORD, YOU HAVE REALLY TAKEN YOUR EYE OFF THE BALL. We wont be back again.
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Lovely pub in a lovely location, with decent enough staff working there. Beer is pretty decent too.
However the Lunch menu is awfull and totaly agree with asitis. They should go back to basics and serve (excuse my Ramsey style rant !!) Good quality British Pub Grub.
If you wany a nice friendly place for evenings this is a great place though.
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Thought I'd pop in for a quick pint, dog is allowed in so thats good. "I'll have a pint of cider - do you sell peanuts?" I ask. The none too happy looking barman says "we do dry roasted, pistachio and salted". "ok, I'll have salted please". The pint arrives and the barman spends a couple of minutes scrabbling under the counter. The nuts turn up in a nice dainty little bowl. "that'll be �5" says the barman.
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Overall a nice place to go for a drink, pretty much always busy and as such enjoys a good atmosphere all day.
Despite previous reviews, on the occasions I've been there, I've found bar staff to be friendly and welcoming.
However the Lunch menu / food isn't anywhere near good enough with 2nd rate sandwiches served up. Prices are not cheap and as such you expect excellent food, sadly this isn't the case.
IMO, they'd be better off, offering basic sandwiches, rather than the over the top fair they currently offer. (suggest the management look at the Blue Bull in nearby Walton, which although not the greatest of pubs serves excellent Pub Lunches)
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The location is very cosy but let down by rude south african staff, an apathetic landlord and non existent service. Went for lunch at 13:30 on a quiet Thursday afternoon. Three tables occupied. Had to ask to order with a reluctant and unhelpful waitress only to wait a further 48 minutes with no sign of food. All we ordered was a salad and sandwich. Walk out in frustration. Drinks are London prices. Suggest if you want pub grub and drinks go anywhere else locally.
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A work colleague of my wife's told her about this place and we decided to take my Mum there for her 60th birthday lunch. I thought I'd have a read here about the place and we nearly let the poor reviews convince us not to go.
Thankfully, we went anyway.
I know I will hear a collective sneer when I write this but as our party (of 5 adults and my two children - 2 and 5yrs) were driving, none of us were drinking; I know, I know. I was pretty upset not to be able to try the ales on offer but I forged bravely ahead.
The reason I still want to post a comment is that our lunch was absolutely delicious and for anyone who wants to get out of London and drive through some pretty villages to a lovely looking country pub for some wonderful food, this is the place.
I will summarise our lunch. I have to mention my starter; rock oysters, with warm scrambled egg and caviar (which was actually lump roe). THEY WERE FANTASTIC. The oysters were great, but the overall combination was amazing AND I got 6 oysters for just �7. Can you beat it??
Other's had clam chowder and prawn cocktail(!) and main's consisted of perfectly cooked pure beef burgers with fries, calves liver and a huge piece of haddock with fries - not on the same plate! The children had sausage and mash and chicken breast burger followed by ice cream (which was tasty if a little chalky).
We all had starters, we all had a main, two had desserts, we all had at least one coffee and the bill came to �123 which included an �11 tip. I think this is pretty bloody good.
We sat in a huge conservatory looking out over the gardens and were served by a team of South African waitresses who were all extremely polite and helpful.
I cannot comment on the drink prices but I could see that they would easily push up the bill (as they do anywhere) considerably.
When I was paying, I met the Head Chef and I told him that we'd had a fantastic lunch, thank you very much. He looked genuinely pleased that I had bothered to tell him.
When the weather turns a bit warmer, I imagine this place gets very busy so I would give it a try now.
Don't know if the landlord/lady have taken note of people's previous comments but I have no complaints. I'll be going back for sure (with someone else driving).
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"Ah the Kingswood arms" very nice, I find the staff friendly enough, but these days it's not worth asking their name, as they probably will not be there the next time you visit, even if its the next day. They have a good range of beers on offer, plus a few secret ones which are produced in the microbrewery, that can be found out of site, beneath the bitter pumps at the study end of the bar, I believe they are known as the managers multi mix, lagers known as Carl Fostetelaburg i664 and bitters, with names like The Pride of the Admans Young Directors these are available Thursday thru Sunday, and are mixed with the skill of a DJ, they are attractively priced at the same as the normal beer. Ive been told by the other "fools" sorry regulars that its all OK, though I'm not so sure. I find the food good, a bit pricey like everything they sell, also if you set up a tab, and have a few drinks at the bar before you're meal, they will include the 10% service charge as well when you settle you're bill, making Stella �3.85
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The ratings below are all SOOOOOO ACCURATE! All that potential wasted, and only a 3/10 rating.
Start with the good points: nice location, great carparking, spacious pub, nice beer garden (with kids amenities) and on the lunchtime that we went, a pleasant atmosphere.
BUT.
What should have been a great pub experience was marred by a rude landlady who certainly spends her staff the art of treating customers with disdain and contempt. Friendly environment? I think NOT! Oh, and the prices? �11 for 3 pints. Think London prices and add 10% - not bad for a country pub miles from London.
With the Inn on the Green a mere mile away with it's excellent food (in the in-house "Grumpy mole" restaurant) just down the lane, scoring 6.7/10 rather than the abysmal 4/10 that this pub has earned and deserves, I know I won't be going back.
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Truly bad pub very overpriced drinks dreadful attitude from the landlord which permeates through the mainly Aussie SA staff. The place could be great, instead it's dirty, plays terrible lift music and serves mediocre freezer food. It has a massive catchment area and no competiton so they don't have to try. Desperately needs a change of owner so the present incumbant can retire and count his money.
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This is an okay place, yes there are some chavs in there but not all the time. Food is good and a reasonable wine list, can be difficult to get a seat after about 7pm and its nice to see the odd pouch lying around.A nice traditional pub.
anonymous - 17 Jun 2007 15:49 |
They've snazzied the garden up making it very pleasant on a sunny lunchtime but boy do you pay for it. Seven quid for a pint and a V&C. You can pay less in West End hotels. For some reason yesterday the clientele was mainly rich looking and loud sounding women in their 20s/30s. No idea why.
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bad experience at this pub, had a good rep but failed badly on all counts.
Will not be back.
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Horrendous service from the grumpy girls in the restaurant and the lady manager - in fact shocking.. seriously ruined my meal and I was made to feel like a pest for ordering food! Mr Slayford - I know you own a goldmine there but out of common courtesy and respect for your customers please give them a lesson on manners and good customer service. I will not go back and nor will my work colleagues. Its not difficult to smile and say thank you for goodness sake.
anonymous - 14 Mar 2007 16:48 |
Oh Dear, this pub was full of Chavs, White Van Men, Baseball Caps and Scaffolders and that was a Saturday night !! Where do they all come from?? This pub is in such a well heeled area. Perhaps they come from Merland Rise, there are no pubs near there since the Surrey Yeoman and the Sheep Shearers got knocked down. This pub was never much good, even when it was called the Station Hotel !! AVOID
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Dureing the week (certainly) it trades/relies on teh fact that it is the only pub in the village.
The food is average and expensive - but where else are you going to go? (If you work at Fidelity or L&G)
Its pricey becuase it has a captive market and its levels of cervice reflect the fact that its the only game in town
Garden is OK in the summer, in winter its dull and dreary place to spend a lunchtime or (got forbid) an everning. My tip, get on the first train home!
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still over prices with a very poor pint of guiness, AVOID !
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Very nice pub i had a pint in here on the way to the derby last year i will be doing the same again this year too i will get in a bit earlier this time though to spend a bit more time.
I also agree it is worth paying the NCP otherwise known as the no chavs premium lol i will always pay more for a pint so i don't have to see any burberry or prison white raeboks.
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great local for those wanting a good pint with a smile
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Cute little pub with traditional feel, but quiet over price (�9 for a burger!!). The staff were very friendly and very cute aussie (i think) made me smile!
Nice pub for a quiet drink.
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Restaurant good, bar ok, not remotely cheap and really difficult to get a cab if you miss the last train! Service ok - tendancy to look down their nose at you
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awful pub - overpriced, crap service, rubbish beer, guiness tastes of hampster droppings
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Over priced eating house frequented by over rich idiots at the week ends. A little on the poncey side. Service crap. The place is run by kiwis and south africans.
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Any musicians from the original Syd Dale Orchestra drink here? I am an amateur music writer (don't spend ALL the time in the pub) and noticed the address is almost the same as Amphonic (SOUND STAGE) Music.
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Had a good meal in here followed by a minor heart attack when the bill turned up. Service was quick and the portions were big so no complaints apart from the cost!
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Large pub with several bars and lots of cosy alcoves. Feels quite ancient inside, although it's clearly not an especially old building. In fact it looks remarkably similar architecturally to the nearby Kingswood station; I only stopped off becaue there are no pubs near Tadworth ot Tattenham Corner, the last two stations at the end of the line where I was going.
A rather unexciting range of five real ales on handpump; London Pride was decent but pricey @�2.80. Clearly the sort of area where if you have to worry about the cost of a pint you won't be living there in the first place.
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we had gone to this pub - nice summer evening, sat outside, one of our party had a pint of fullers london pride - looked cloudy but drank a few mouthfuls, did not taste nice either so took back to bar - bar staff called assistant manager who refused to replace it (even to the same level as in the glass - first time ever have we been to a pub where this has happened, definatley do not recommend as a customer friendly pub.
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The beer garden is nice to sit in on a summer's evening.
However, I agree with "Nick" that it is outrageously over-priced. This is OK for the average Sweater-Tied-Round-The-Neck-Over-A-Checked-Shirt wearing Kingswood resident, but for us mere mortals it is a little galling. A pint of lager here is much the same as one at the Blue Anchor down the road, which is where I'd recommend you go instead.
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You need loads of money - then again the locals round here have, but if you ask me �2.80 for a pint of bitter is a bit much, as is a quid for some nuts. It's fake oldy worldy, by the way
Nick - 18 Nov 2004 14:35 |
Great restaurant in the large conservatory at the rear of the pub. The food is great and reasonably priced. Recommend the restaurant for dinner anytime, especially with friends. The pub itself is authentic oldy worldy with warming fires in the winter.
Paul - 19 Oct 2004 19:47 |
nice pub in the summer - restaurant always busy. Likely to go their only once over the summer, as frankly can't afford to go more often. Thinks a bit too highly of it self though. Felt underdressed sitting outside in shorts and t-shirt!
Anthony - 26 Aug 2004 12:06 |
Food is good, but almost at a point now where it is over-rated. The menu really needs to be careful that it doesn;t dissapear up its own arse. Teh actual pub is nice as well though, with a very good beer garden. Worth a considerable drive for alazy summer's evening.
Steve - 19 Mar 2004 18:06 |
Large pub with large beer garden. Good selection of beer, reasonably priced with friendly bar staff. Excellent food and good atmosphere. A must for anyone in the area!
Lawrence - 2 Oct 2003 17:05 |
