please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I suppose the lack of comments on this pub is nowadays less-reflective of the interest in it, or in pubs per se, but more-so in the lack of engagement with this website?! Every dog has its day and it's been clear for a while that BITE's probably had his, but still once in a blue moon I'll bother providing an update, for the few stragglers left who might find it useful, and also as a vital distraction from the rigours of work....
So, the Josh remains a free house. The food continues to be a pleasing straddle between classic pub grub and more bistro-esque dishes, in my experience still well-cooked. Ale-wise, cask choice has perhaps become less adventurous since I last dropped a comment 4.5 years ago; a few too many Greene King-affiliated options for real beer fans, and seldom do I find the full four on. But what remains is still well-cellared on recent visits. The crowd is consistent too; a mix of civilised local folks, young and old, singles and families, drinkers and eaters. Although perhaps not a megahit on each measure, in this vicinity at least it feels like the JT is still managing that restaurant/bar balance about as well as one could given such a small space.
The landlord felt the need to close for lunches in June '17, owing to parking space being needed by Earlswood station commuter overspill (whose dedicated spaces at the station are often used by residents of the excessive number of flats they've allowed to be built adjacent to it). I am very sorry about this, especially as I am one of them, and am a keen supporter of pubs, but there it is - an intractable conundrum I suspect. Happily though it doesn't seem to have dented the business to the extent where there's been any gossip indicating closure, and one has to wonder how much trade this pub would get on an average typical weekday lunchtime.
Keep doing what you're doing folks.
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Probably the best pub locally for a balance between good food and a choice of ales. It is a genuine freehouse so can choose wisely. Usually four ales on sale including the local Pilgrim beers. Wide and varied menu, well presented with fresh ingredients. Kevin is the experienced chef/owner so has a major interest in ensuring quality at every level including happy and helpful staff.
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I'd dispute that the Joshua is an expensive option for ales; up to four can now be found here (up from only two when it was a tied operation - it's been free since March '13), and the price point is around £3.40, which is actually rather competitive in today's market.
It still does a good job of marrying a pub with a restaurant, without the latter ever dominating the former.
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Nice enough place, comfortable and friendly, but �3.50 for a pint of Harvey's Sussex ?? That's the most expensive I know in a pub in this area.....
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Four years since I last visited this place, seems to have improved quite a lot. Roomy pub with a dining room type area at the back and a more traditional pub-style bar at the front with comfy chairs etc. Small garden out back. Doombar & Harveys Sussex on, both good. Slightly expensive looking evening menu but the lunchtime options are reasonably priced and very good. Seems to have an African slant: I had a Kangeroo burger & they also had ostrich on. Everyone pleased with the food.
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How can a cardigan have a loud mouth?
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Nice pint of Youngs. Food good and plentiful but rather a limited menu (there's a different menu on Sundays). Small garden with patio heaters so I guess that's where the smokers go.
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The owner, Kevin, is the most miserable so-and-so you'll ever meet. Feels like he's doing you a favour if you go in there.
Food is OK but not all that great - atmosphere is hostile if you're not in their little clique.
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Lively pub in the evenings. The bar area is quite small especially at the weekends when they change the tables from drinking to eating down the side of the bar. Good choice of beer and wine - although as previously stated at a price.
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I confess to having had considerable doubts when this former Shepherd Neame pub closed for good only to be resurrected as a "bar and restaurant" (yawwwn!). However, in the 5 years this place has been open it has surprised me. Granted, it is no longer a spit 'n' sawdust local; like it or loathe it the atmosphere of the Albatross was a rare thing to behold and wasn't likely to be recreated! All the same the manager/tenant seems to have struck a healthy balance between food and drink, and has successfully divided the pub into a food area and a thriving drinking area around the bar. I understand he used to be a chef and the food is very good - I must try it sometime. Beer in the form of GK IPA and Adnams Broadside is somewhat ubiquitous and uninspiring, but at least it serves real ale and serves it well (albeit at a price). I reckon folk should give this a chance.
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Great place, great people serving you.
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Got to agree top food and beer. I haven't been there in the evening but there is just something missing from the atmosphere at lunchtime, maybe music (type of, volume, any at all)
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Food wise, you're not gonna get a better Sunday Lunch within 30 miles other than the one your Mum makes... and their Mussels and Frites in the evening is not to be missed!
Mike - 28 Sep 2004 16:07 |
Great pub. Making a comparison to The Plough is daft though.
Ed - 13 Sep 2004 11:45 |
The Earlswood Plough, whilst an excellent pub, is more suited for private people in little nooks. The Josh is more for groups of people as both the L-Shaped bar and the excellent restauarant are very open plan. Food-wise there is no comparison between the two as the Joshua Tree is far less traditional, including delights such as Ostrich and Calves Livers cooked quite superbly. The JT is a place to Meet and Explore. And its walled garden seating area outside is absolutely charming - quite like sitting in Greece, I am told!
Colin Gray - 11 Aug 2004 11:18 |
This pub has the best food in the area. We have been here for family dinners and company meals and all who have been have been impressed with quality of food, service and surroundings.
Margaret Patient - 22 Jul 2004 11:41 |
The best food I've ever had in a pub! My favourite is still the Plough for it's atmosphere though!
Leigh - 11 Jun 2004 14:06 |
They are trying to be like another pub very close to them. If you want the real thing, go to the Plough!
anonymous - 16 May 2004 11:13 |
The Joshua Tree is absolutly fabulous for the home made food by a top quality chef, and friendly atmosphere, always friendly from the owners and staff.
jenny brown - 13 Jan 2004 13:10 |
i had my xmas work party at hte joshua tree last night with all the staff from nights of reigate, and it was a nice pub, a bit on the small side though, btu drinks were good and there was a pleasent atmophere.
emma - 10 Dec 2003 07:44 |
My favourite pub in Redhill. Nice decor, quite modern but still manages to look like a traditional pub. They have sofa's to sit on too. Wonderful family-run pub, with freindly staff who remember what you drink and who you are. bar food is availble as well as a resturant menu which is a bit on the expensive side, but you pay for what you get, and the meals I have had there are defiently worth the money. Best time to go there is on a sunday lunchtime - early afternoon when they put out bowls of chicken, fried prawn crackers and roast potatos for you to nibble on
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