please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Quite similar to the Flyer and the Duke of York really. A good enough pub, with a consistent pint whenever I've been there. Nothing to complain about and certainly nothing to stop you going again, but also very little to make you desperately keen to get back for another visit. The recent refurb 'including burger shack' smacks of a place trying far too hard to be something it isn't.
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Problem with beer cellar when I visited this afternoon meaning no draft ale so had to make do with a bottle of Five Point IPA (7.1%, 300ml, £5.20).
Another of Surbiton's gastropubs so unsurprisingly empty at half three in the afternoon. Didn't feel like a Young's pub. Inoffensive, safe and rather bland.
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The Victoria was my final new pub of the day, before concluding my wanderings in the nearby Antelope. The Victoria is another Youngs pub, which appeared to be popular with families. It is a busy place, with a number of different rooms. Whilst it may have been refurbished, it still retains a nice character. Youngs Bitter & London Gold were the standard ales. But they also had Twickenham Grandstand and Trumans Hoptoberfest was pulled through whilst I was there. A reasonable enough place. But with the Antelope waiting, I soon moved on.
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A cosy (though reasonably large, with several rooms) traditional pub on Surbiton's main street. Beers included the usual Youngs range including Special, and also a couple of guest ales. Staff are nice.
Unfortunately I heard from a regular that Youngs plan to refurbish this pub, despite its popularity and the clear evidence that it doesn't need refurbishing. This is not encouraging, as Youngs track record since splitting off the brewing arm has been to turn their pubs into bland hotel-like establishments. The tenanted pubs (now branded as the Ram Pub Company - such as the Black Lion round the corner from the Victoria) may escape this but the managed houses are another matter.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed my summer sojourns to the Vic after quite a break....love the outside area.
It had been a lengthy hiatus, but it was as enjoyable as ever with some cracking lagers to slake my thirst.
Need to try the ale come the cooler weather......
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land lady is terrible, very bad. I watched her pour run off from the ale bin into a pint and serve it! Thinking no one would see it! What a criminal especially when you're spending £4 for it!
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Told by a work colleague that once again they are serving cloudy ale at the week-end., WHY?
This pub really does need to get it's act together, pricey and poor quality.
Barra - 18 Jul 2012 11:04 |
Old Hooky was cloudy last week-end. Told by the barman that he had contacted the Brewery and that it was ok, cloudy with a lovely taste. Utter trash Hook Norton are very upset and I for one will no be back to this so called pub. By the way Glenn if you are reading this you are losing custoners for you comments.
Barra - 27 Jun 2012 15:15 |
A once great pub destroyed by irks that entertain the mgr/staff by the constant disgusting swearing. Saturday night and we didn't see one bar staff member clear/clean tables (just let those arriving clean the table and those leaving return the glasses) and it wasn't even busy, no wonder the pubs empty, where have the good old traditional pub days gone?
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Bit untidy considering it's location and nearby competition. One of those sticky floors and in need of a wipe tables kind of places. On the upside the beer is well kept with a good selection from Young's and the younger bar staff always seem chirpy. Just take a bit more care keeping the place clean during opening hours, would really make a difference.
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The worst pub in Surbiton due to the landlady who clearly doesn't give a damn
Are Youngs that short of talented, dedicated managers?
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I recently held a surprise 30th birthday party in the Vic with 40 guests. The landlady and barman were very accommodating, reserving the side area for me on a busy Saturday night, the area being ideal for surprises! It wouldn't have worked as well anywhere else in Surbiton. The service from the bar staff was great and we had a really incredible night.
Thanks all!!
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went to the victoria with my family had a great time was like home from home the staff especially the older lady and i assume her daughter were very attentive with big personalities we had sunday lunch not the cheapest but you get what you pay for and we certainly did will be back
wales - 28 Sep 2011 20:15 |
Best of a bad bunch on the highstreet in Surbiton but thats not saying much. Miserable bar staff. So so beer keeping. Never tastes great but not bad per say. Food was diabolical. I would be served a better sandwich by my 6 year old niece. Stale, cheap supermarket style bread and meagre fillings. Only reason really to go in here is to watch the football. Has definately gone downhill over the last two years or so.
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We went to this pub on our way to view a property with the intention of using 'The Victoria' as my local but after my visit .. I don�t think so!
Was greeted by a lanky, skinny, miserable, moaning geezer from South Africa who spent the entire evening moaning about his job, accommodation and his rights in the UK, dribbling on about how he could do better elsewhere
Guess what pal .... go elsewhere!
What a shame as this pub has the potential to be great as the Young�s Ordinary was lovely and a nice 'yard' outside to get away from the noisy �rap� piped music
Avoid!
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Loveleedshatebates, that does not surprise me as they always seem to make an arse of any sort of event. Past managers and present, have a bad attitude to their customers.
Try the Saucy Kettle for 3d TV where you don't have to buy the glasses - they leave them on the tables and pick them up afterwards!
FF
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The manager in this place is an idiot, people came in for the play-off final between Reading and Swansea but no-one wanted to buy (note not loan for a deposit, buy) 3 d glasses. When asked to turn the 3D off the manager refused, losing 10 customers in an instant. To make matters worse those that did stay were subjected to 80's music drowning out the footy. Brainless customer service.
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A really nice atmosphere and great food too. I loved this pub - the staff are very efficient and friendly.
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Large pub with traditional looking fittings and a number of sections so you don't have to be drowned out by TV sport if you don't want, as decent a pint of Young's as you'll get post-sellout, and (from my experience) friendly staff and friendly customers. Not my favourite pub in Surbiton (that's the Lamb) but if you're at the shops or going to/from the station this is where I'd stop for beer.
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I dont mind this place, but they never serve ramrod n special properly. The special is always exactly on the half pint mark which is not good enough. The Lion round the corner serves it right and thats good enough for me.
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Lovely pub with a genuine old pub feel to it. Usual Youngs beers with the odd guest beer. Has 3D TV. Can get very crowded at times particularly when football is shown. Watch out though as the football audience can get rowdy and it may not be the place for sensitive ears!
At other extremes you'll be in a quiet old pub with a feel of history and years passed with little change to it.
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this pub looks great now its done up still a real pub the bonus is they now have 3d and the food is the best pub food i have had yet.staff are great especially ellie jenny shane and pete
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Nice pub centrally located in Surbiton, service generally nice and clientele generally allright (with some very rare, probably unavoidable exception). Good but not excellent choice of beers.
The best places are near the windows on Vicotria road, the back part is rather dark and less inviting. Prices are reasonable.
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Good Youngs pub with the usual range plus one or two others - St Austell Tribute (v.g.) and Hooky. Music in the front - which is a nice change as the Surbiton Flyer seems to have gone upmarket now. Bar staff nice as well.
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This is a good pub, obviously as people have said it is rather expensive. But that's Youngs.
The bar staff are hit and miss, like all places and people it depends what sort of day they are having?
They have a nice beer garden with heaters for the smokers or for the summer time drinkers.
The customers are good people and the pub doesn't attract the chav (they drink across the road in The Elm)
The food is good but again very pricey. The have alot of space with lots of seating. However being one of the better pubs in the area (maybe the best on the high street) the bar can get very busy.
Over all it is a good pub and I would recommend drinking here.
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the best pub in surbiton food always topclass pub food keeps real ales spot on staff are great and welcoming and up for a laugh
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stoped going to youngs pub because of the prices but went to the victoria for sunday lunch with my friends have decided you get what you pay for had a great meal and was well looked after worth every penny
wales - 16 Nov 2009 18:29 |
This pub used to be good but has got pretty bad. The beer is far too expensive (well, that's Youngs all over) and the food is not good. Some bar staff are pretty friendly but the majority don't really seem to be happy. The atmosphere is also lacking fun or friendliness.
A real shame as the Victoria was once a great pub.
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Very busy Youngs pub on the main street (Victoria Road) near Surbiton station. Took a while to get served. Tried Titanic Iceberg beer that had a very odd taste - not sure if it was meant to taste like that but couldn't finish it. Good range of food (from light snacks to sharable platters to main courses) served quickly, efficiently and with a smile. Couldn't fault the food at all; not the healthiest of dishes but that was down to what we chose rather than anything wrong with the pub.
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I seldom drink at the Vic as we are in a credit crunch and cant afford to waist good money on overpriced badly cooked food and over priced beers .The thing that gets me the most is every time i go for a drink Jenny son begs me to bye him a drink and always comes up with some sob story about the fact that he s saving to move abroad with his pregnant girlfriend .
This has now stopped me for drinking in the Vic .I just feel that its sad that such a great venue is spoilt by over pricing and Shane s begging .
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As my previous reviews have stated I don't like Surbiton. It is a totally overcrowded 1 street town full of either poshos or chavs and nobody in between the two. However the Vic is still a reliable place to drink and service is excellent. Went on a Saturday evening few weeks ago and despite the place being rammed I got served very promptly with a fine pint of Ordinary.
Not a pub for a quiet drink especially on Fri and Sat nights but more than OK for the area.
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Good pub now that service is so prompt. Can be pricey, no doubt due to its prime location. Good as a place to start but wouldn't generally settle in for the evening. Serves a good pint, would recommend.
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Nothing at all wrong with this place but also nothing outstanding, beers are ok but something always makes me want to move on after a pint or two.
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Still the best pub in Surbiton due to the professionalism of the manageress and her team. Without doubt a great example how a good old British pub should be run
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Still one of the most reliable boozers in Surbiton.
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Reasonable enough local near Surbiton station, if you want Youngs instead of Fullers try this one. No Directors on this occasion, Waggle Dance instead. (I was wondering if Courage Directors still exists, it seems it does). A small area out the back does as an outside of sorts. Various rooms inside including one which has a peculiar semicircular shape, and much trad darkwooded beamage is all about.
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Great Young�s beers and family run pub, but sadly lacks points due to the constant flow of wannabe trainee managers
The guy behind the bar who laughingly calls himself the Deputy Manager, clearly has never been on a management training course, due to tacky handling of subordinate staff and the paying public. This deputy manager drops a towel on the floor, picks it up, polishes a wine glass then dries his hands with it!, constantly short fills a pint glass (isn�t that illegal) and treats customer like his in the Gestapo!
Other than that the pubs great, due to his colleague�s pulling their weight!
Avoid until this trainee deputy manager moves on!
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Definitely the best pub in Surbiton....Sunday Roast is excellent....
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Probably the best pub in Surbiton - doesn't have much competition though really. Beer is always well kept - shame that it looks like all other Youngs pubs though!!
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Not a fan of Young's but this was ok. Landlady clearly takes an interest in what she is doing. Ordinary, Special, Bombadier and Directors. Central bar with a drinking area at the front and a couple of rooms at the back.
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went to the victoria on a friday night it was packed but the service and pub grub were great the staff had time for us even though it was busy.i recomend this pub for a meal and service the real ales were good too
anonymous - 26 May 2008 21:24 |
What ruined my visit to this pub tonight was the attitude of the barman or bar manager in the blue shirt and balding hair. I ordered two pints of Staropramen (OK I shouldn't be ordering this but it's nice and wow it's �3.55 a pint). One of the pints was well below the marked pint line on the glass. So I asked for a top up. Bloke behind the bar says 'leave it a few minutes and the level will go up above the pint mark and it's too fizzy to pour properly anyway'. So my friend and I watched the pint, and it did go up a weeeee bit but still well below the pint mark. We were sold a duff short pint. I don't expect to be sold a short pint from a major London brewery but more importantly I don't expect that kind of attitude and amateurish behaviour. I'll still go to the pub and drink there because I like it but for the sake of a 5 second top up! Bad publicity is never any good. Someone should have a word with him. If you get this situation, just insist that they top it up. If he won't just ask another person behind the bar. They have to by law. Cheapskates! Hence a low rating
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The decor and beer are OK, but what spoils this pub completely are the over officious and jobsworth management.
A friend and I had brought some 'Wasabi Peas' to enjoy with our beer as an appetiser before having a meal and more beer and were told in no uncertain terms by the deputy manager that as we had brought our own snacks into the pub (a small bag of peas...) that we were basically not welcome (not that we could have bought same at the bar but there were crisps you understand - a poor substitute). Pub rules I'm afraid. Must follow protocol to the letter. No flexibilty. Rules are rules. All the other pubs have the same rules (which they didn't as we went elsewhere and had no problem at all).
Won't be giving them any custom again until they loosen up.
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Large town centre pub with several drinking areas, always busy.Lots of wood panelling, some sofas etc, library of reference books. The usual selection of Youngs/CW bombardier available, but as usual in these tied pubs no guests. Youngs beers certainly not the same as they were before production moved.
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Be advised of the incredible way in which the present �Victoria Hotel� Management have turned the pub around into what it is today �the best pub in Surbiton� and with 13 pubs all within walking [sic] distance, that�s an accomplishment in itself.
As one of the many regulars of �The Vic�, I feel that I can speak for the many �locals� who have commented on the personal changes made by the present manageresse (Jenny) in turning this pub around, not only in her own professional manner but in the way she�s passed this on to her management and bar team.
As stated above, full credit to the present Manageress and her professional team (and I speak for many regulars), so from all of us, thanks again for turning this pub back into the best pub in Surbiton, it�s now back to its old Young�s Brewery charm, grace and glory.
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Only of the few places worth drinking in Surby since the smoking ban - though need a better selection of Youngs bottled beer like the Spring Grove so 9/10
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Looks gloomy and a bit intimidating from the outside but indoors it is really smart and comfortable. Nice courtyard beer garden with decked verandah. Excellent roast beef on a Sunday, highly recommended. A nice pub for 'grown ups' and my favourite pub in the area.
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High Street pubs, particularly those near stations, can have a bit of a "reputation", so I entered with a slight sense of trepidation. I needn't have worried.
Much more spacious than you think when you walk in, a vibrant yet unthreatening atmosphere that a pub aimed at the thirty-somethings upwards should have. Had it's busy periods when you wished an extra bar-person or two was around, but I guess the good pubs all suffer from this.
I'm not a regular Surbiton drinker, so can't comment on the Victoria's place in the Surbiton pub pecking-order, but it's definitely worth visiting if in the area.
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A large and decent enough Youngs pub with ample seating and barstaff who know their drinks. Grab a seat by the window and watch the world go by!
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I think its the BEST pub in the Kingston / Surbiton area
baz66 - 23 May 2007 13:11 |
Spacious. Interior had a nice dark wood sort of feel to it. Football on the big screen on my visit, but I was still able to find a quiet area with a nice table to sit around having a chat.
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Good staff, good food, and good beer in a good-looking pub. Definitely the best pub in Surbiton although that's against pretty dire competition. Like Gordon Bennett's it suffers from being so good by getting so crowded, especially when there is sport on the box.
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Very nice pub in the centre of Surbiton, with a good mix of people , nice non smoking area for those who don�t , young's winter warmer on tap when I was there was on form
Are be back !
Hicup - 27 Jan 2007 10:52 |
A large Youngs pub in the centre of the High Street. Very comfortable with a cosy feel to it, especially in the winter. Good range of Young's beer and a large bar so it is easy to get served. Large patio area for the summer
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Love this place & excellent bottled Youngs @ 2.40, but what happeneed to blondie?
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The best 'proper' pub in Surbiton. Good high street location, and nice patio/garden out the back.
Normal Youngs bitters, but a good selection of lagers on tap - Staropramen and Leffe as well as the usual Stella etc.
The location and prices mean it attracts a good, mixed crowd. Chavs don't generally come here because it is too expensive (�3.20 per pint of Staropramen), and St Marks Tavern is a shorter walk from the station! You don't get too many of the Surbiton wine bar crowd, who go to Gordon Bennett or Rubicon.
The recent refurb was subtle, and the pub remains comfortable.
I haven't tried the food, but it always looks good, if a little generic. If you want food, you may be better going to Gordon Bennett (or a restaurant!), but for a few drinks, this place is great.
anonymous - 1 Dec 2006 15:39 |
Probably the nicest pub in Surbiton
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Nice decor, good mixed crowd. Nice atmosphere
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cant fault really, beer reasonable - bottled youngs ale at �2.40, decent decor & attractive staff
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overpriced, poor beer, nice garden though
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Have changed my rating since my previous comments a year or so back. Since refurb and new management arriving, the place is great!
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RE the comment of 31 July - I was about to say that! fancy a pint? Seriously nice boozer with excellent bottled Youngs, ie Kew Brew, Waggle Dance, Champion. Nice bar staff in general & cheap. Also like the Berrylands not ponced up after the refurb - 9/10
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Loved the leather sofas and great outdoor area, not sure the steep prices made it worth the while.
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Tried the food once again.....and I have to say it was bloody awful.
However, this is a still a nice venue for a drink
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Large Young's pub with traditional decor and comfortable leather seating, multiple rooms some of which are non-smoking (you see, it can be done!). I wonder if they'll change the sign outside ('London beers from the Ram Brewery') when it moves to Bedford.
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Great pub for a quiet drink but since the refurb the food has gone downhill. Way to expensive and pretentious. The beer is always good though.
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Not a bad pub, although the food is a little on the mean and sloppy side.
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Re the previous comment - I dont think Youngs would like being told that the decor "is out of date" as it's only just been refurbished - at no doubt great expense !
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An old pub and the decor is out of date, but nice beer and good food. There are pubs to avoid in surbiton but this isn't one of them.
anonymous - 28 Apr 2006 16:52 |
Details need updating as they no longer do live music, more's the pity...
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Good refurbishment by Youngs standards - still a must visit pub when in Surbiton
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Agreed, the refurb is great, I particularly like the new booths at the rear and the carpet at the back is much more comfortable for falling over on.
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Blimey Charlie, the re-fit is not bad at all. I was dreading it but I was wrong. Hurrah. The Youngs is still up to standard (haven't tried the food yet).
Not the best pub in Surb but if I told you where that is I'd never get a seat on a Saturday night!
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Blimey! A decent refurb that hasn't destroyed the "lived in" character of this pub.Beer is still a tad pricey but better to spend a few pence more in here than to save money in Wetherspoon microwave menu hell eh? Nice to go to a boozer that serves decent beer and grub but doesn't have the smug air of "the gastropub" about it.
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I stand corrected. They've done it up nicely without losing too much of the original charm, the big back room is now comfortable and cosy, the drinks are the same price (the ale was very tasty actually) and the food looks great and is reasonably priced. Best of all, still no children so I can continue to swear and drink in peace.
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They open again on Monday night (13/02/06). I'm going to reserve total judgement until i've been in, but it looks like Surbiton's only good pub has been turned into gastropub hell. All the signs are there: they've painted it olive green, ripped out the carpets, there's Leffe on tap (probably served in faux-ming dynasty vases) and they've put decking in the beer garden. They've even painted the name of the pub on the side in a poncey typeface. I hope i'm wrong, but expect to see all-terrain pushchairs and crowds of screaming children in there within 7 days
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Signs on the inside door say they're closed for refurbishment. No date given for reopening though.
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Not any more, alas !
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George Best drinks here!!!
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The only good thing about this pub is that they have a garden, but it's way to expensive and a bit of an old mans pub.
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Possibly the rudest bar staff I have evermet!
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Proper traditional Boozer. Really nice gaff. The Ale is way TOO EXPENSIVE. good quiz. staff are a bit miserable.
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In fact if they bought beer from the Coronation Hall up the road they could probably then sell it for less and still make a profit!!!!
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Still way over priced, this is supposed to be a local's pub in Surbiton, not an upmarket pub in Hampstead!
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Great local right on the main street and a great place to watch the football or rugby
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The bar staff are rude, the lager is �3 a pint - make your own mind up but I won't be drinking there again once was enough!!
Mark Winters - 31 Aug 2004 19:19 |
Great traditional pub with big screen for sport... but at �3 for a pint of lager, that's the least you'd expect!
beeny - 9 Aug 2004 20:14 |
Great local boozer, friendly atmosphere, lively locals and excellent service - one of the only 'traditional' pubs left in Surbiton and a real god send.
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Popped in for couple of glasses wine (yeah, quite pricey) with a friend for early evening chat. Nice old fashioned atmosphere. Good low lamp lighting, which is on the decline these days. Service and drinks were good.
tubbygrub - 15 Jul 2004 14:37 |
Typical old fashioned Young's boozer, of the type which sadly seem to be on the decline. Good for a quiet chat in a relaxing atmosphere whilst drinking well kept, well served traditional English Ale.
Kevin - 8 May 2004 11:25 |
This is the second best pub in surbiton. Good atmosphere and good chocie of beer and lagers. This place and Saucy Kettle are the only good ones in Surbiton.
jeffwalking - 16 Jan 2004 21:32 |
Great pub, just make sure you have enough cash when you go in, pricey to say the least.
Scotty Boy - 13 Jan 2004 13:51 |
VERY VERY Over priced, shame really as it is a nice pub on the whole.
Rob - 31 Dec 2003 17:19 |
Nice decor, freindly staff, good food, shame about the EXTORTINATE PRICES of good beer and lack of food...
Rob - 31 Dec 2003 15:49 |
traditional youngs pub with coal fire and piped xmas carols
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WHY do they only have 3 staff when the RUGBY is on 400 people 3 staff come on ROBIN!!!
Mick - 23 Oct 2003 19:25 |
big and tastefully laid out with lots of original features. Feels like a pub for a change.
Pretty dear tho, and only the sort of place id take a bird to.
hoonose - 5 Aug 2003 12:53 |
May be on the expensive side but considering the competition it's a small price to pay. Haven't had a bad pint in 20 years.
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nice proper pub. big, loads of places to sit.
jim - 23 Apr 2003 14:17 |
Nice inside, tho very smoky in the front bar. Plenty of seating out back tho. Nice atmosphere, only downfall is that you may need to take out a second mortgage to buy a round!
Ilsa - 24 Mar 2003 16:22 |
A personal favourite. A proper pub, unlike the souless ban coversion opposite. Good atmosphere and spacious inside. Perhaps a victim of its popularity as the prices are getting ridiculous. Food specials often have a comforting 'home cooked' feel about them. Let down by the size of the outdoor area in the summer.
Nick - 14 Feb 2003 15:50 |
