please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A pub that has 1 large lounge with the bar in the middle, Whilst the lounge is comfortable with fine views over the Thames, it is principally laid out for the sale of food. Although the bar had 2 hand pumps, there was only Doom Bar available on my visit. It has a large patio area overlooking the Thames but since it was a cold misty winter's day on my visit, there was nobody sitting outside.
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Riverside eaterie trading on its location and 3 years after the last reviews the outdoor tables and parasols are still covered in insects and cobwebs, surely an occasional brushing is not too much to expect. Three ales on yesterday, Everards Brazilian-style Xingu which was refreshing but a bit too lagerish for my taste, Youngs bitter which was better than expected and Adnams Broadside which was not tried. The food for our party of six was of middling quality posily presented and a bit short on quantity hence I felt it to be over-priced but as I live 50 miles away I do not know what other local establishments might charge. However I have eaten better and cheaper in Central London. I am unlikely to return.
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We ate here on a recommendation from a restaurateur friend and I must say we were not disappointed. We found the food to be both delicious and perfectly cooked. The wine was very good indeed and reasonably priced. The waiting staff (female,) were all charming and as attentive as they should be. (I do agree with a previous comment from 'morocco' that the male staff are somewhat clueless and do not have the same refined/polished demeanor of the rest of the staff.)
Luckily this did nothing to spoil our enjoyment.
Overall we had a lovely time, a very enjoyable meal and will certainly return here and would be happy to recommend it to others.
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P.S. When I say the furnishings are nice, i.e. style. But The Albany needs to be cleaner. The umbrellas outside are full of insects and spiders which is very off putting when you want to enjoy an outside drink and I am glad we decided to eat inside.
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Yes I agree with the person who said the manager (or who appeared to be) is unprofessional. What is it with these young wet behind the ears male staff who insist of addressing the older generation as "guys"! Hi guys, what can I get you guys, did you enjoy your meal guys". Compared to a year ago the staff are poor, the toilets not good, broken seat, no lock in ladies toilet. We visited The Albany last night. We know this pub and area well. The food was fare. The salad I ordered to go with my pasta main dish arrived with my starter. Then the waiter who looked as though he could be the manager, cleared the plates tried to clear my uneaten salad, still using the "guys" terminology. As myself and my husband are many years past our early 20s this term "guys" is rude. The prices are fare. The table we opted for was dirty and no attempt was made to clean it, so we sat at a clean table elsewhere. The location is lovely which is the great draw here. The furnishings nice. Improve the staff a bit to know what they are doing and address the older generation properly and make the food excellent rather than fare and The Albany will get a better rating
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I live on the same road as this place but usually avoid it as I have had some indifferent experiences of it in the past. However, last Saturday, the 11th June, was a nice day so we decided to give it a try for a change. The place was unusually quiet for a weekend so we were able to sit outside facing the river. All the empty tables had food debris and/or plates and glasses on them, so we sat at what appeared to be one of the cleaner ones. I ordered the drinks, 1 pint of Peroni and a bottle of Vedett blond, which were both served in their proper glasses, I was impressed but at �7.75 I would expect nothing less. I also requested that someone come out and clear the table and give it a wipe down. Once back at our table I was aware of a minor dispute between a couple of customers and a man who I later realised was in-charge, it seemed that the manager could not confirm whether a bottle of fizz had been paid for or not and he was saying that it would come out of one of the young waitresses wages unless the customer could prove it had been paid for....this appeared to resolve it's self without further ado.
About 20 minutes after asking, one of the waitresses came over to clear and wipe the table, she looked inconvenienced by the ordeal she was being put through.
A trip to the Gents' further reinforced my assertion that the staff don't really give two hoots as to the state of the place, with a soap dispenser hanging off the wall and a general film of goo on the tops.... but at least the pornographic 'art' images are no longer adorning the walls.
In the off chance that someone connected with the Albany reads this I have a tip... could someone occasionally use a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to clear the filthy accumulation of assorted insects, spiders and other detritus that gathers under the parasols...unsightly and unhygienic.
Overall, I found the service slow, the staff not really interested and the manager a bit unprofessional. This place, whilst in a prime location, is totally complacent of it's surroundings and the fact that it is not really a locals' haunt but a place for transient customers who occasion the place and effectively keep it ticking over. Wake up The Albany.
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Came into the pub at the beginning of the week for dinner.
Excellent pint of London Pride but dinner was expensive with not that much on the plate. Sent back the yellow Watercress (why serve it anyway?). What happened to the food? This place used to be unbeatable for pub dining but (as the reviews also suggest) seems to be becoming ordinary.
Service was pretty slow, the restaurant section was not very busy.
Shame.
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Not the best advert for a gastropub, average food, indifferent service and expect a long long wait for anything to come. Not that they most prob mind because due to the location it always seems busy - here is the crux why do I go back when I always have the same issues? I need to look at myself, just wish they would look at themselves too.
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Just been reading the reviews here and I'm a bit surprised.
I've been coming here weekly for about 18 months since moving to the area and aside from ocassionally slow service I've always been very pleased by what i have been served.
The location is a big selling point for sure, the only thing I have found is that contacting the albany via their website seems to be a little fruitless so using phone is best.
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Booked on the internet, yet when we arrived they could not find the booking. After ordering the food took over an hour to reach the table. 3 out of 6 meals were considered pretty good - all considered over priced. Failled to clear the tables, when they did, they only removed half the plates. Only the guy who tried to find us a table was any good. He was well mannered and rushed off his feet - the rest of the staff ( under staffed ) needed a good talking to - I appreciate it was a busy sunny day, but its your job to provide good service. I've been here in the winter monthes and when the pub is quiet it is very nice, infact I would descibe it as "Special". On a Sunday when the sun's out - go elsewhere - or just have a drink by the river. Then you won't be disappointed.
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We visited on a mid week lunch time and the place was busy. I can sum up the experience in one sentence: Overpriced and Understaffed.
Nice location but not worth the overpriced food or the 40 min wait for food.
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We went to the Albany for lunch yesterday and found it quite frightful. We sat outside on the terrace overlooking the river. There were unruly children screaming and running around the place while the parents sat indifferent to it all. The service was chaotic and the food was poor and overpriced. The wine was very expensive and even though, on the menu, there is a "cellar" wine which turns out to be wine on draught, we were told that they had run out. The noise inside the place was incredible. Certainly will never be going back there again.
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Went here on a warm, late Saturday afternoon in July for some food. Welcomed very warmly, shown to our table. The waiting staff are very friendly and attentive but I'm afraid the kitchen needs to up the ante.
The prices and the approach are clearly "gastro-pub" but it just doesn't cut it. Food delivery is far too slow, and the waiting staff should be told by the kitchen to let the customers know if there's an excessive delay.
And the food clearly wasn't checked before going out - I reckon our beans had been left under the warmer for ages and got nicely singed in the process. Sent them back, but didn't bother with my wife's equally burnt asparagus with her fillet steak.
It was better for food when it was a Vintage Inn - but thank heaven's it's gone back to the proper name !!! Guys - if you want to be a Gastro Pub, sort out the kitchen. If not, drop the prices. Simple as.
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Good place. Beer is nothing special and the food is pricey but it is the best pub food in Thames Ditton.
The staff do have my sympathy as the place can get really packed but my sympathy does wear a bit thin when they serve impolite punters (you know...the ones who push in and don't even look at anyone else) before the rest of us who are waiting politely and patiently for a drink.
Please work out who is next, it is so annoying to be 'invisible' at the bar to the untrained eye.
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I visited this pub/restaurant on couple of occasions with my family and friends and was more than happy with the service and food, hence on this website looking for their other pubs in Sunninghill area (for my friend). I was really surprised to read some comments about this restaurant having high prices (no different than any other in my opinion) and no atmosphere. Staff (mostly South African I think) were always pleasant, though really young.
I eat out quite frequently and will certainly visit this place again, especially as I live only 3 miles away and there is no better place in the area re food or prices.
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A place for middle-aged middle-class ladies (and a few gents) who lunch. Apart from the splendid location on the river everything about it is very ordinary - OK food at slightly high prices; OK beer; a lot of seemingly untrained staff so its pot luck whether you get to be served by someone competent and/or friendly; no atmosphere to speak of.
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Have visited a couple of times at the weekend with baby in buggy, able to get round to the river side and have a couple of pints in superb riverside setting. watching boats moor for a quick a drink and move on adds to the 'on the river' atmosphere.
the prices are high and the food well overpriced, we waited an hour for a table and then it took so long for anyone to even acknowledge us nevermind take our order that we gave up and walked out, at those prices I would expect excellent service but they were busy so probably don't care anyway.
the interior lacked atmosphere and it all had a restaurant kind of feel to it but worth a visit just to sit by the river with a cool pint on a summers day.
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Have popped in on the way home from work on a few afternoons with a mate, were in our working clothes, steel toecaps etc.......but clean! Even so a lot of pubs don't like you dressed like that these days, on quite a few occasions we have received a warm welcome from a guy who I assume is the manager. It's enough to make me keep popping in for a swift couple of pints of Aspalls......and we don't live in our working gear, have also taken the missus when I'm in civvy's. Service can be slow, especially when the guy behind the bar has to make a few coffee's, why can't the waitresses do the coffee??
Over all, staff friendly, ideal setting next to the Thames, can't go wrong with the Aspalls......it does for me.
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See email sent to Alex...
Alex, many thanks for your email. Clearly this is an error, which I'm very happy to recifty before posting on webs such as you have!
Next time you plan to visit the Albany, please allow us to refund you that value and charge you the corrct value.
Regards
David Singleton
Managing Partner
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I have one major problem with this place - the price of their soft drinks.
This is the first time I've been compelled to post a comment about a pub, but we had lunch at The Albany yesterday and we were charged �2.80 for a pint of lime and soda! That's a splash of lime cordial topped up with fizzy water from the drinks dispenser. For �2.80. There is no way on god's earth that price is justifiable.
Of course I complained about this. I was told they don't have a 'button' for a pint of lime and soda, so charge two �1.40 charges for two 'glasses' of lime and soda. Which in itself is extremely overpriced. The manager also said they don't set the prices themselves so cannot do anything about it. Nice.
The fact they have the audacity to charge this insanely high price has made me vow never to return until they sort their pricing out, and am encouraging all of my local friends to do the same (I've contacted the management company with this issue, and may hear back, but am not holding my breath).
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Severe lack of atmosphere here, its only saving grace is sitting by the river.
Food is OK at best and very overpriced for what it is.
Staff seem to come across with a 'can't be bothered attitude' all the time which is quite sad.
Worth it for a beer by the river but thats about it - better than the swan but not by much.
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You know this place is not as bad as the reviews say. Maybe they have looked at what is said here and have sharpened up a bit. The staff were attentive and friendly and were very efficient. Dave who appears to be the subject of some critisism from previous reviews was smiling and helpful. The Timmy T was nice on tap and they stock FeverTree tonic for a brilliant G and T. With regard to the food however I would say that each dish is overpriced by at least �2.00 and the wine by �4.00 per bottle. That said each dish we had was good rather than exceptional and the place was packed all day.
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Oh dear, another pub 'concept' dreamt up by some venture capitalist. A marketing man's dream badly disguised as a....well a kind of faux cafe cum pub. Raffles styling, hard wood flooring, staff in pinnies. You get the general drift.
Thursday night we were hussled into choosing food before the kitchen closed. It was only nine o'clock. Food notable for its high price and mediocrity. Lukewarm seems to be the default setting on the kitchen microwaves.
A brandy and coke appeared with the coke in separate glass (presumably Eastern European bar staff unfamiliar with this drink), and with the brandy charged at �6, we were unamused.
On the upside, Czech/Polish staff unstintingly courteous. Oh, and its location - although a Thursday night in February not the best time to be sitting on the little jetty outside!
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Four.one is right, and for those who believe a riverside location compensates for heavily chilled Landlord bitter (and port from a brandy measure), frightened staff, haughty management, and indifferent overpriced food, this is for them. That should keep them out of well-run establishments,
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What a disgusting waste of a site for a pub. The most vile decor, the rudest inadequate bar staff. Food orientated beyond belief. Has to be the worst in the area. God i hated this shit hole.
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A return visit to this pub after a year or so - nothing's changed, it remains a dire excuse for a pub. We only went to sit outside by the river - the only reason for going there - but the rain meant we had to sit inside and appreciate the non-atmoshpere of this non-pub. Re-decorated to ensure absolutely no character or points of interest, and virtually no customers! The only decent beer - Landlord - was inexplicably 'off' when we were there, and the bar stopped serving at 10.00pm!!! It was a Sunday, and we were allowed to stay there until 11.00pm - but even so, what sort of place is this?
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If you enjoy a good pint of Timothy Taylor Landord bitter, seated next to the Thames overlooking Home Park then this is the place for you! I cannot comment on the food except they do not sell peanuts.
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It does not improve. What a waste of a good location and a great catchment area.
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Agree with everything jathomson and others have said! This place used to be good when it was The Fox on the River but has gone downhill with each visit. The food is poor quality/overpriced and the lack of atmosphere just adds to it's demise. The service was unfriendly and felt the waiting staff were just going through the motions! It's only saving grace is the superb location, but feel even that isn't enough to make it worth visiting! Doubt we'll be returning anytime soon unless major changes are made. Such a shame as this could be a great pub but is trying too hard to be upmarket! Will have to find another pub with a decent location by the river!!
Rate = 4/10
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Wrote to owners, suggesting improvement. Went back a fortnight later but there has been no change. Unhappy staff dressed as Avengers, lethargic, inefficient service, scruffy manager striding haughtily about. Cheerless.
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At the risk of coming across as a wine bore, Shiraz is a grape; Cote du Rhone is an area. And guess what? Shiraz is one of the most common grapes in the Cote du Rhone area. If you got a bottle from the producer Guigal say, then you would have a Cote du Rhone Shiraz.
So they are right in one sense.
Still doesn't make this pub (is it actually a pub?) a pleasant place.
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Terrible service and over priced poor quality food. Avoid
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I went to this pub and ordered a bottle of Shiraz, i was given a bottle of Cote du Rhone. I returned it to the bar and pointed out their mistake and I was told that Shiraz and Cote du Rhone was the same! They refused to charge the wine, which by the way tasted like a bottle of Sarsons. I left the wine and went to a another pub and suggest you do the same.
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Poor food, excessive prices, depressingly gastropub decor and service like a funeral parlour. Great location -wasted.
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Stupidly slow service, food not that good, trying to be upmarket gastropub and failing.... badly.....
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Food: Great. Service: One of the worst.
My family went there for a lunch during the weekend but since there wasn't a table available to us we had to sit outside by the river in the freezing weather which I didn't mind too much since we arrived late. After ordering our food we waited about 40 minutes only to realise the table next to us, who ordered much later than us, were served the exact same meals we ordered. When we asked the waitress about our food she said it was on its way..sure. After about 10minutes later our food arrived but not all of it. It seemed that they forgot that when we ordered Fish & Chips that we actually wanted chips as well. But then when I looked over at the table next to us their chips was on a separate bowl so I decided to wait few minutes hoping it was on its way..but NO. When we asked the waitress about the where abouts of our food she replied that it's not part of her job, she's only suppose to get the orders down and serving food was some one else's job..after making her excuese she finally said apologised. Soon after our chips arrived. Food was undoubtfully lovely but service? Really? Was there any service going on? In total we waited more than an hour for all of our meals! Oh plus it turned out that the table next to us ordered same food as except we wanted well done grilled steak but we were served medium...so it was delay, nasty service + confusion of orders. When the waitress asked if wanted any dessert.....we had ask for the bill instead cos we simply couldn't stick around for another 40 minutes.
The albany simply was one of the worst restaurant I have ever been.
yummy - 20 Feb 2008 22:22 |
Could a pub (or a resturant in this case) have worse service?
I've been twice, the first time I watched the barman argue with a customer over how to make a white wine spritzer (surely you just say "Yes sir" and make it the way the customer wants?), however, I was prompted into this revue by the unfortunate experience I had this weekend. Despite having reserved a table, we had to wait for the only person who could help us ("Don't talk to me, Dave's the only one who can help you"). Lunch with two small children took 4 hours. Over an hour for our main courses to arrive. It's easier to get your own drinks.
What a waste of such a great location and building.
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Only groups of people were being allowed to sit at the tables by the river. The bike, like goodness, had nothing to do with it.
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Lovely location, lovely pub.
It's clientele seems to be 25 plus and they always have Timothy Taylor Landlord on as well as a great range of draught lagers.
I love the food here, it's more restaurant than pub food and so I always ring to reserve a table if we're eating here.
I regularly cycle here both with people and on my own and I don't understand why Beeronaut couldn't sit by the river unless they'd forgotten to take a bike lock.
Toilets are clean and modern - the photo displays on the walls in both the ladies and the gents are a talking point!
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I phoned the Albany on Saturday morning at 10.30 am and booked a table with a riverside view for the same evening for 18.30, the lady I spoke to advised me that the restaurant was very busy and I would have to vacate the table by 20.30, I readily accepted this.
On arriving at the restaurant, with my wife and elderly mother in law, I gave my name to the barman who immediatley told me that the restaurant was fully booked and I couldnt have made a reservation, HE WAS SO RUDE. In the end he vaguely pointed to a number of tables and said we could sit over there, leaving us standing not knowing where to sit. Unfortunately this incident completly spoiled our evening.
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It's a restaurant ... I can't even sit by the river as I have arrived by bike, on my own (which is the sin against the Holy Ghost in modern pub/ restaurant terms).
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For 15 years this was our favourite pub/reataurant, Ok the service was slow but the food was well priced and very good.
We made the mistake of wandering in without a reservation when the Albany reopened under its latest refurbishment and were scoulded by a pretentious Maitre-de.
The expensive menu turned out to be standard pub fayre and being a little embarassed by treatment by the management we made a fast exit!
Tried again with a work colleague on a workday later this summer.. arrived by boat to a half empty pub and sat down on a table.... five minutes later we were subjected to the now famous fawlty towers Matre-de treatment.
We were ousted from our table and made to stand aside feeling like a couple of naughty schoolboys whilst the matre-de decided on which of the empty tables he would eventually seat us.
We treated the matre-de to the sight of us climbing back into our boat and we sailed off to a far better meal at 'the edge' at Hampton Court.
Perhaps this is a little unfair as I havnt visited the pub recently, but having been burned twice I wont be going back until the management changes.
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I've lived in the Hampton area for over ten years and have visited the Albany (previously the Fox) pretty regularly. I personally think it is a lot better for the recent upgrade. The decor is much improved, the menu more varied, the food good and the service better than many. We particularly enjoyed the tapas style starters when we last visited. It is normally busy and you will need to book if you want to be sure of a table / food.
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What a shame to have such a rubbish pub in such a beautiful location - last time I was there with friends we found a table outside, sat down, ordered food and were then approached by the manager telling us we'd have to move as the tables were only for people eating and were allocated on a rota basis - I have never come across such rubbish management - luckily a few of the staff were lovely - however I most certainly won't visit - in short over priced and unfriendly
Detor - 18 Aug 2007 15:51 |
Tried it last Sunday with a small group of friends and came exceptionally disappointed....it was just very poor
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This pub is great for sitting by the river with a beer on a summers evening as the location is wonderful. However as a restaurant I think it is a little confused, on first impressions based on the interior design and the French Maitre d� that greets you, your expectations are set, unfortunately from there on you are left disappointed with a confused menu of Pizza and Fish and Chips, the food itself is okay but its clear there is a profit margin thing going on here when you realise your scallops are sliced in half and made to look like whole ones! But the big let down is the staff, that is predominately students who have no interest in service and what they are serving i.e. the girl that served us didn�t know the difference between a dessert wine and the port she was serving (but expected a big tip). Which incidentally the wine and port list does not belie the initial impressions and the Belgian beers are served in the wrong glasses. My advice is to use the pub for what it is good at and eat at a more honest pub like the Swan or trek over to Hampton Court as you maybe disappointed like I was.
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A crying shame, how this pub has gone downhill. Used to be the greatest pub around when it was the Fox, but it's not a patch on that anymore. The food and general service are just not up to scratch.
The pub has an amazing view and location, how hard can it be to make it work. I won't be going there any more in favour of Ye Olde Swan 2 mins down the road.
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The Albany proves that location (which is splendid) is not everything. Indifferent food priced as if it were good food, poor staffing and no apparent management controls have repeatedly made the Albany a disappointing experience for us. No more.
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Have to agree with the reviews below - staff/service are appalling. There was one great Kiwi / Aussie guy behind the bar seemingly doing everything while the girls and maybe manager walked from one end of the bar to the other with a great look of intent but never making eye contact with the customers or indeed using their hands to do anything. A Spanish Meze plate was nicely presented if a little bland. The decor is cool but is it a restaurant or a hotel foyer. Used to love it as the Fox and will give it another go because of the location and I think if they just tried a bit harder this could still be a great place.
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I had not been to the Albany for several months and was very disapointed to return and find that both the service and standard of food have deteriated so much. This is a lovely location in the summer but waiting an hour and a half for a very average main course is not enjoyable and I will not be returning. Service generally was very poor, I don't know if the management has changed but a great shame as this used to be a nice place to eat.
anonymous - 5 May 2007 05:57 |
Went for the food and the pub looks great after its refurb. I went this weekend just gone and this place has a stunning location. sitting in the sun looking into the gardens of Hampton Court and the river. The food was modern and enjoyable, I had a pizza, which was good value. It seems like a really popular place for food and I can see why. more of an eating place indoors. - out doors in the sun is stunning. More choice on the lagers, but the Timothy Taylor was good. Thanks.
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Sadly I can only agree with the latest comments. We went last night (Sunday) and first were told we could not eat outside (on a lovely spring evening) but it was table service inside so we dutifully went inside and sat at a table. No service.....totally ignored. Eventually my husband went to the bar and was told gruffly that NO food is served in the evening. Great. We left. NOT impressed Mitchels and Butler. Try putting more money into the staff and less into the expensive decor. It might just pay off!
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Oh dear what has become of this establishment. Rude manager equally the food not very good for the money. Bland and not at all appetising, give this overcrowded river pub a miss.
Barra - 10 Apr 2007 11:49 |
Popped in late this afternoon to check out location and menu for a future Sunday lunch. Refurb looks good, and bar staff were friendly. We sat outside for a while but as the wind was quite chilly, we went back inside to finish our drinks. After 3 minutes at a table the head waiter came up and asked us whether we were going to order food. We said we were not so he asked that I, my 7-month pregant wife and 3 1/2 year old son go back out in the cold to finish our drinks. Needless to say, would never ever go back there. The place was full of 'footballer's wives' and wannabe MILFs, so I guess it wasn't for us anyway.
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I visited The Albany on Sunday with my sister, and found it to be a very confusing and disappointing experience indeed. From the moment you walk in the door, it is unclear whether you are to head to the bar or wait to be seated, and the layout is a strange mix of �waiting room-style� sofas at one end, and restaurant tables at the other. Even the Maitre d� didn�t know where to put us. The food, although quick to arrive, was bland and distinctly bizarre � leek and potato soup that tasted like it came out of a can, �Belgian frites� that were essentially pub chips (all 10 of them), and a pizza that had an odd pancake base, rather than the usual dough, and topped with flavourless supermarket tomatoes. Some bread and oil came first, presumable to lubricate the main courses, but the oil was sunflower not olive, and the plate was taken away as soon as the food arrived, without the very young waiter even asking whether we were finished with it. The pub chips � sorry, Belgian frites � came without the spicy mayo we presumed warranted the �4 charge. It was all such a shame because, with the right management, the Albany could be a real money-spinner. Of course, this being Thames Ditton, it�s a real money-spinner anyway, regardless of the poor standard. Gordon Ramsay would have a field day.
anonymous - 13 Feb 2007 10:55 |
Big thanks to the staff and management of The Albany for our Christmas day lunch it was perfect, the food was very well cooked the waitress who served us was friendly attentive, and we where unhurried through out.
Well done chaps.
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Used to be a really nice pub but found it a bit stuffy and pretentious when i visited. Don't call yourself a pub if you're a restaurant and insist on bookings even in the middle of a Sunday afternoon when not overly busy. On the plus side the food was good when finally got to order(if expensive) and the South African who served us was very friendly
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Love the decor, love the atmosphere, good food, friendly staff. I would recommend this pub to all. Superb location, right on the river Thames.
Definately worth a visit.
anonymous - 23 Nov 2006 18:19 |
I would just like to warn fellow ''VEGETARIANS''.. The Albany, is not the place to go if you are expecting a good selection..
1. The menu is very confusing... nothing marked (v), as the norm....
2. takes about 30 mins to work out whats what....
3. this could of been an off day for the staff, but interested ... was not there ''thing''...
4. so beware... the usual 2 things on the menu.. salad.. or pizza... wow or what....
apart from that lovely place, well fitted out, lovely location, beautiful small village.. ''thames ditton''...
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Folk talking about the service being slow - always in here, whatever its incarnation - are right. I popped in the other week, and if it hadn't been for a South African barman working his 'nads off, we'd never have been served in a month of Sundays. Why on earth is it so slow? Still, the range of drinks here is good - not often you find a Kolch on tap, and served in the right glass. Plus Tim Taylors, but that's variable, as it always is outside of Keighley. Never eaten here, but had a bowl of olives which didn't taste right to us, and so sent them back. The barmaid returned with them, noting that the chef had tasted them and he thinks they are OK! Oh well. What we have seen folk eating looks OK.
anonymous - 23 Oct 2006 12:54 |
I visited this place back in the summer. Bar staff were friendly, but VERY busy, and got my order wrong - twice. They were very nice about it though and sorted it out with a smile. The ones I dealt with were young South Africans, and New Zealanders/Aussies. Beers were well kept, but limited on choices. Upmarket German Lagers. Belgian Trappist stuff too.
Beer Garden consisted of picnic tables overlooking the river. Nice location, but needed more frequent visit by bar staff to collect empties and tidy tables. For all that, a very nice (if a bit pricey) pub, that caters well for both adult and child customers. I would visit this place again.
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I first started going to this pub when it was the Fox on the River and we were still students. I've kept going back since then because the food was fair and the setting just wonderful, especially during the summer when you can sit by the river and watch swans, ducks and boaters pass by. Then it changed hands and it was gastrocised. It's not a bad thing, the decor is brighter and the food has gone up a notch. I have been there a few times when its been busy and to be honest the service has been as good/bad as any pub in London. As for the bad side - some of the staff could be friendlier/more helpful but thats an easy fix. Also those dodgy porn-masquerading-as-art in the loos is frankly just bizzare, but hey someone there made a decision to buy them and put them up - and I'm guessing they must be into S&M! Come here if you like food and want to avoid those dingy 'traditional' pubs.
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I went to this Pub on 10/09/06 with an open mind. I found the following:
1) Rude, disinterested, offhand, manager who had to be spoken to a second time in order to get eye contact.
2) Restaurant packed with queues of people waiting to speak to the disinterested manager, wondering how long their food would take to arrive.
3) Refurbished modern decor.
My view is that this pub fosters utter apathy to customer service by its management because it can and does get filled to bursting point on a Sunday. It is a money making machine and you are a money giving unit. They want you in and out quickly. Everyone wants lunch by the river - so this place gets packed.
The environment was pretty much loud, LV/D&G handbag carrying females, doing a budget South London impression of Nicole Ritchie. Clearly, they were accompanied by preened, gelled Hoxton Fin types with just about enough brain power to breathe, swear and push number 2s out their arses.
I am quite fussy about where I feel comfortable. Was hesitant about the tatty Swan down the road and actually was suprised by a quieter environment with better value, well prepared, honest food.
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Always liked this pub, even when it was the Fox!
Superb location with good sized outside area. Clean and non-smokey with really good food. There is a wide range of beers and wines and a comfy drinking area to enjoy them. The service is great, and all the staff are very welcoming.
Obvious bad points: Long wait in summer but to be expected. Impossible to park when sun is out. Music could be better or at least a bit louder!
Overall, definatly worth going!
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On face value, this could be the perfect pub:
- It's located on the banks of the Thames in a pretty location, with loads of outdoor seating.
- It serves a wide selection of good beers on tap.
- It invariably has cute bar staff.
... but despite this, I really, really, really hate this place.
Why? You just can't get served. Ever. The worst bread queues in Stalinist Russia probably moved a damn site faster than the queues to get served here.
Spending more than 1 minute queueing to be served is bad in any pub. On at least three occasions over the years my friends and I have walked out after 10 minutes or so having still not been served. And we're not under-aged, troublemakers, or treated as a lesser priority to other customers. It's just that everyone is treated this badly.
And it's always been this bad. I've lived in this area for about 20 years, the last 15 or so as a drinker. Under every name this pub has had, under every change of management, it's always a pain in the a*** to actually get served.
It's really not that difficult - hire some staff you dummies.
Great pub for teetotallers. Lousy pub for the thirsty.
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A very nice pub to sit out by the river on a summers night and has a good range of beers - Amstel on tap - the food looked good � bar staff helpful and attentive.
Some of the pubs clientele where walking around with jumpers over there shoulders which gave the evening the atmosphere of a Cliff Richard concert,
I was also a bit bemused by the arty girly pictures on the wall in the gents which gave it the look of a factory toilet (The gents need sorting out)
But on the whole I liked this place and will be coming back if they�ll have me.
Hicup - 19 Aug 2006 12:09 |
There is something about sitting by the river on a summer evening enjoying a pint or two that makes it impossible not to have a good time.
Well done to all at The Albany. They've obviously spent money on it and it works. I appreciate the "traditional" pub lovers (ie the dark and dingy back bar brigade) won't like it but I think locations like this deserve a bit of quality. The service was fast and friendly, and they had an interesting array of beers on draught; not a Fosters in sight!
Possibly could be a little empty & soulless on a wet winter evening. But heartily reccomended for the lighter months.
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Last time I went in it was in the evening and the place was heaving with wannabe WAGS. Sadly there chances had long since past. I couldn't see the bar for being dazzled by all the diamante bedecking the clientele, so left without having sampled the array of new lagers. Perhaps I'll go back of an afternoon sometime.
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Jolly nice pub.
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Ladies please,
I feel you should agree to disagree! Beermonster2006, you obviously disliked the place...had a 'rant' on this site then felt that you needed to go back and speak to the owners! Fair play me thinks!
At least you went back even tho you may never go again.
Every pub is going to get good & bad views! Lets hope it a thumbs up for me tomorrow.
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I feel it appropriate to update my 'rant' as so placed by brittp.
I think I should clear a few things up - having spoken to the owners of the Albany who were very understanding and apologetic regarding our visit and we are satisfied with the outcome.
Regarding brittp's comments:
Yes there were different breads - all solid.
The toilet urinals were closed, blocked and flooding the floor, thus they were disgusting, not the fact that there were breasts on show.
And finally - it is obvious brittp judges a restaurant on how good looking the staff are. Me personally look for good service and good food.
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I can only assume beermonster2006 owns one of the other pubs in Thames Ditton because I could see nothing to justify such a rant. I went to the Albany for Fathers Day and was somewhat apprehensive after reading the last review.
Perhaps beermonster2006 was just very unlucky but our meal was excellent. The staff were extremely pleasant (and very attractive I must say - don't tell the girlfriend)!
The different types of bread which were served whilst we waited for our starters were very tasty and absolutely not stale.
Of the various dishes we had, not one member of our party had any complaints at all and I don't feel that it was overpriced. The refit inside is really very good and I think justifies a few extra quid on the meal as it's a very pleasant place to eat.
The clock-watching manager I didn't see so I can't comment on, although we didn't feel rushed at any point.
As for the toilets being disgusting, I feel that I should point out that I don't believe beermonster2006 is talking about the cleanliness which is perfectly acceptable. Rather I believe he is referring to the erotic photos on the wall which evidently exist in the ladies too (of the opposite sex though of course)!
I would suggest everybody goes to this pub. I think it's excellent and I'll definitely be going back.
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I took my girlfriend for a meal at the Albany last night as it has a good reputation following the refurb.
In short we had probably the worst meal we have ever had.
The staff are rude, obnoxious and dont seem to understand service with a smile.
They brought round bread and dips - which were stale.
We had antipasti - once again the bread was stale.
The toilets are disgusting.
The food is nice and well prepared (what wasn't stale) but overpriced.
And to top it off what seemed like the manager was clock watching and trying to turn people around as quick as possible. I actually heard him say "when a table has finished eating just get rid of them"
I wouldnt suggest anyone goes to this pub, I certainly wont again.
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I have lived in Thames Ditton now for 5 years, and i used to live on Queens road (the road leading into the pub). I have visited the Albany on many occasions now either as a customer or as a member of staff when i used to work there part time. I feel that the 'negative' comments are quite unfair!
As for all pubs, bars and restaurants there will be good day and there will be bad days, as a member of staff who used to work just after the change from 'the fox on the river' to the 'albany' i have generally feel that the food is great. I admit at times the roast was a little bland but let me assure you as some customers said 'i think the potatoes were reheated' ... NO they were not the roast was fresh!!!
The pub has now had a refurb, is under new management and has a new menu (which is fantastic) i no longer work at the pub but was present for a weeks training where we had a taste of everything from the menu for 3 days, we even did beer tasing and wine tasing.
the beers were delicious (i dont even really like beer) especially liked the amstel. the wines were lovely and there was at least one wine to compliment any dish.
The food is now 100% all fresh and was amazing, especially meat dishes and the scallops.
the staff are all hard-working individuals who want you the customer to enjoy your meal.
any bad press in the past should be forgotten as since the refurb i cannot fault. the only fault would be if there are still rude and obnoxious people eating there. i hear from other locals though that that crwod is moving away (good riddance).
anonymous - 11 May 2006 20:16 |
Read the 'fairly' good reviews, sunny day, thought I would book a table. Couldn't book me a table outside by the river. Couldn't book me a table inside by the window. Don't know where we will be sitting. Cancelled booking. Make sure you know where you are going to sit. Possibly getting too big for their boots?
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Completly refurbished March 2006. Now a rather trendy "gastropub"/restaurant.
Minimalist decor, good service, food & ambience.
We paid �68 for 2; Seared scallops, duck leg & a bottle of Brouilly. it was pretty full on a Thursday -but we were pleased with our 38th Wedding Anniversary celebration
However there were plenty of the young set there too.
Access is not good as the approach road is full of parked cars leaving only one lane.
If this pub is full, try the other Thames Ditton Gastropub, the Crown. Steer clear of the Old Swan - very chav/Chef & Brewerish!!
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We have been visiting this pub for a number of years now after a friend's recommendation when it was The Fox on the River.
Overall we have found the service good and the staff welcoming and always have a friendly chat during our visits. The food is generally good but on ocassion has been below average (especially the roast), however we have found after having a polite word with a member of staff it has been dealth with satisfactorily. We do feel however the food went downhill after The Albany name change and refurbishment.
The biggest attraction is no doubt it's location, probably one of the best in our opinion - we have thoroughly enjoyed a summer's afternoon or evening whiling away the time whilst admiring the view. Yes it does get packed during the summer months (especially during Hampton Court Flower Show week, so probably best avoided then), but that can only be expected in my opinion due to the location and the atmosphere. Having said that, we have rarely needed to wait long for an available table and the food is usually delivered within an acceptable time period.
We would recommend eating al fresco on a bright summer's day although it is just as cosy during the winter months. It is a lovely venue for a lunch or evening meal with a group of friends/family.
anonymous - 15 Apr 2006 15:32 |
Am visiting this establishment tonight for drinks and canopes etc. so should be able to let you know my verdict tomorrow. Have never been before - but from the literature I have, it seems to be the same format as the Minnow in Weybridge (didn't know they were a chain!).
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Had my tester dinner last night on the very first that they were accepting a few of the public and first impressions were very good. Food was very good and service not too bad either. A lot of new staff being trained up, which was the point of the evening, who showed a lot of willing and the right attitude and I am sure they will be fine once they get into the swing of things. Decor inside is very nice, hanging spot halogen lights, leather sofa's, and nice modern decor. Good selection of lagers on tap, but only Landlord on tap last night as still trying to get pipes sorted from what I understand. I don't want to say much more as want to keep this place to myself, but come summer this place will be at it's absolute best. Thankfully it looks as though they are going to have the staff to cope with the crowds, something they seemed to suffer from in the past.
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This pub is going through an extensive refurbishment, and due to re-open on 10 March. I am going to a pre-opening dinner beforehand so will let you know the verdict!
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shut dont go there
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i went to this pub years ago when it was still called the fox. needed to find somewhere for drinks/dinner one evening so logged onto beerintheevening to see the reviews. THe reveiws in general were quite poor but i remembered the pub as having a great location and one that everyone seems to have heard of so i thought i'd give it a go. The setting, ambiance and overall feel of the place is lovely - just what you'd expect on a winter evening. Ordered twp starters which were very good but SO let down by the somewhat basic 'pub grub' which followed as a main course. The starters seem overwhelmingly elaborate when then faced with 'fish & chips', 'scampi & chips' etc.. I went for the scampi and assumed that it might be some sort of gormet twist on the pub classic, but no, it looked just as you would expect from one of those pub menu's that is laminated and probably owned by a chain. But, the quality was so poor that, whilst it was pretty innofensive, i was so bored with it that i left half of it and had another drink instead. So, i'm afraid that i must agree with the wealth of similar comments below. It's a shame because i really wanted to come out of there having had a great meal... a big disapointment.
anonymous - 18 Dec 2005 20:01 |
Worked at this pub years ago. Should have had a floor staff of 30 but the money grabbing management would only allow 12 which would account for the long service times.
The food used to also be great but went downhill a lot when they introduced portion control. You also need to remortgage your house if you want to drink here.
That said, the views are nice and sitting outside of a summer's evening is a pleasure.
If you do go there, look at how many tables and chairs there are in the garden, then ask yourself how the landlord didn't notice one night when the entire lot were pinched from under his nose. Genius! Or Thames Ditton cover-up.... I wonder...
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This pub has a problem. It's the best in the local area for sitting by the river but that's also the problem. There isn't enough staff, some of them are quite offish. Food is ok as long as you aren't in a rush. Lastly, it's damn expensive - but you are paying for great riverside seating.
This could be a really great pub.
Alternatively, buy some beer and some sarnies and sit on the side of the river outside the beer garden and use the pubs toilets. Just as good!
anonymous - 29 Sep 2005 13:39 |
A shame that some people are posting bad comments about this pub. I have been quite a few times, both midweek and weekends, and never had any problem with the food, service or anything else. The food is fantastic and the staff are really friendly, no matter how busy it gets. Perhaps other posters caught them on a bad day, they do happen. Did they complain to the staff at the time or just whinge on here, I wonder?
If the pub's busy at weekends, that's because it's good! So don't be surprised if you have to wait a bit for your order, or if they've run out of the most popular dishes! Get there earlier!
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nicely "themized" as a "traditional" pub with bare wood floors, comfortable furniture and a nice if somewhat shady balcony on the river.
However on a nice day it gets very overcrowded & service from the kitchen can be dreadfully slow. Last Sunday - roast off and a wait of 1.5 hours!
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This is still a great pub for drinks by the river, but stay well clear of the food. I'm not too sure if I caught their kitchen on a bad day or they have a new chef, but the roast beef and yorkshire pudding which was delivered was the worst I, or any on my table, have ever eaten. The gravy was best described as meaty dishwater and the roast potatoes must have been warmed up from the previous day. I've had tastier flight food. Great service from an army of waiters/waitresses. I hope they sack the chef.
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What a terrible pub! Inadequate staff, awful food.
Visited twice over the bank holiday weekend because of the great location. Didn't see anyone who looked like they had any authority. They wouldn't let us know when a table was free, even though we were only sitting outside (where food service is not possible, maybe the waitresses are scared of ducks?), they had less food available than had ran out of, they ran out of the beer i was drinking, the food arrived quickly after we spent 10 minutes persuading the reluctant waitress into serving us (we even heard the ding of the microwave!), but sadly the food was inedible. Truly awful. We cut our losses and ran! To be fair, the possible Manageress who dealt with cancelling our order dealt with us well in the end and took our feedback constructively, as well as deciding, rightly, not to charge us a penny. This does not, however, go anywhere near making us comfortable to return to this place. It is a great shame that places like this go nowere near their customer's expectations. The Albany doesn't deserve to be busy, if it wasn't on the river it'd be a ghost-town!
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Not a bad pub, with out doubt it does so well due to it's location - on the Thames looking over the water to Hampton Court. The food is good, service satisfactory, the problem is that they try to do too much. Rather than try and serve half of London on a bank holiday, why not be sensible and take bookings only, so that those who bother to book enjoy good service and not the rather chaotic and rushed service that the popularity of this establishment leads to without any kind of restriction on numbers eating. The result is an overcrowded dinning room and pleasant, but terribly rushed serving staff. Perhaps more waiting staff and kitchen staff would ease the problem. For all this, the Albany is reasonable, sensible prices and good food. Not a place for a quiet pint on a sunny summer weekend, the place absolutely HEAVES!!
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Good river pub overall. has a few small problems but it would be picky of me to go into them, as being on the river there can be alot of new & varied punters at any time during the weekend & this pub usually copes well under pressure. Foods better than average
+ friendly staff on the whole
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Make that 'Albany'. Sorry...spelling mistake!
anonymous - 1 Mar 2005 22:19 |
I've just started working at The Labany. Thanks for all your kind comments. It's a brilliant place to work! x
anonymous - 1 Mar 2005 22:18 |
What fantastic service and food. Couldnt ask for a nicer atmosphere to enjoy a Sunday Roast. Especially with the big open fires.
anonymous - 2 Feb 2005 09:40 |
I am so pleased that the name has reverted back to the Albany, this pub was my local for a number of years, some twenty years ago. Now living in Woking i was passing the other day and decided to call in for one for old time sake,much more like its old self again ,good beer and service excellent.
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Hurrah, back to the name Albany, I've known the place for ages, I can remember it as a one bar Bass ( on keg ) pub where we'd pop for a pint on a warm day from ........err ! school.
I'm back down this weekend so I'll nip in and see what I think of the place, it was a cracking pub for a while !!
anonymous - 26 Jan 2005 21:03 |
A good pub with a superb location, and the balcony and decking outside is fantastic in the summer. Good food. I have to stick up for the staff after reading some of the views below. This is a busy pub (especially in high summer) so a little politeness and patience should be used by some customers. Overall a top river pub.
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A Fantastic pub. Very friendly, great atmos, great food, great outdoors deck in the Summer. Dont' let 'Mr. Still Angry's' comments put you off - he hasn't visited it for over a year, and since then it's changed completely.
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I went to this pub for Sunday lunch in Oct 04, there was a fair weight for food (which is always a good sign), but there was pleasant views outside the pub to watch whilst we waited. Food was good, staff were nice but only problem is that I didn't know it was there until now.
anonymous - 18 Nov 2004 14:07 |
This is the first time I've posted about this pub, we (family, friends & mates) used to use it quite a lot and even reccommended it to others but all of us now boycott it on principal.
In fairness the last time we were there was in the Summer of 2003 but the memories are still fresh. We waited ages at the bar to be served and the staff just weren't on the ball, allowing other punters to queue-jump. When we did finally get served, the Pimms & Lemonade (jug of) was warm and just didn't taste right, far too watery, When we returned it to the bar (and I am keen to stress that, further to earlier unrelated posts, we're the polite variety of customer), we were met with a flat refusal to exchange it, not only that but the manner in which we were spoken to was indifferent and rude, and when we refused to take no for an answer the bar staff tried the aggressive approach instead. To be honest, a certain cocky little shit is lucky he's still in possession of a full set of teeth!
I have read the other posts on this page and whilst I agree that courtesy is always the best approach and costs nothing, I can quite honestly say that it didn't make any difference for us, the overiding feeling is that the staff are there purely to do us (the customers) a favour, and if we don't like it then we know where we can go - suits me. I'm not saying all the staff are bad but it only takes one or two rotten apples to ruin the barrel, quite frankly the management either needs a rocket up the backside, or completely replacing.
Such a shame as the location is fantastic, clearly they don't need regular customers as they can get by on the tourists instead.
Mr Still Angry - 22 Oct 2004 13:44 |
the albany is a great pub. yes, sometimes there are problems with the food, as there can be with any restaurant/pub, but these problems can be resolved. usually surly staff are the result of rude customers, a little politeness will get you so far believe me! who cares if they dont do french wine by the glass? have something else! really cannot believe some of the customers here can be so nit-picking! i have spent many evenings at the albany this summer and have been shocked by complaints from fellow customers, and the way some of the poor staff get spoken to after trying to do their best whilst coping with customers! it seems some people will never be happy and actually go out to eat and look to complain! you cannot please everyone. it is lucky that in thames ditton we can sit in such a lovely location. it is a big area and in order to have it all open they obviously need alot of staff. its not their fault they are sometimes understaffed - could not believe some people complain about this! please cut the staff some slack! especially on hot days when they have to run up and down stairs just to get you some extra butter! maybe it is the attitude of the type of people who live around the area. on some of my visits the only disappointing part was the other customers and their arrogance! the negative comments on here are really great, but dont let them put you off. the albany continues to be an extremely popular pub, with friendly staff, great food and drink and a terrific atmosphere. a visit is a must, but remember that a bit of courteousy never goes amiss!
anon - 21 Sep 2004 20:07 |
being a member of staff from this pub my opinion may be somewhat biast, however, i feel overall the pub is a good pub for interesting food and a good choice of beers and drinks (new fruit juices too!). concerning the bad reviews on this page... i remember those customers and if you count the opinion of someone who obviously wasn't educated (very rude people) then that is your choice but the staff here work very hard to try and please the customers and the chefs work very hard over a hot grill all day for our customers! why don't you come down and try us?
anon - 17 Sep 2004 12:34 |
an excellent choice of beers, the erdinger is a treat. nice sandwiches on weekdays too!!
Gareth Brown - 15 Sep 2004 17:31 |
The setting is extremely beautiful. prices slightly more expensive then other pubs but only by a quid or so. most likely this is due to the great service you get. staff are very friendly and polite. My husband is allergic to wheat and we found that there were plenty of other options available for those with allergys. a thumbs up for this pub.
Eliza Strong - 15 Sep 2004 17:27 |
I went to eat at the Albany last week and i found that the service was excellent, there is a good choice of food and the view is wonderful. the pub is a very popular place i feel and it is very nice and warm to be in during the winter. I feel all bad press about this pub must be a lie!
Harriet McLeud - 15 Sep 2004 17:24 |
The service is amazing some very good looking staff-always a bonus! The best pub/restaurant I've been to for a long time. I do find the other customers The Albany attracts somewhat rude and abrasive.
Hilary G - 7 Sep 2004 00:29 |
Visted with family and friends on August Bank Holiday Monday. The setting is great but the food in our opinion has really gone down hill. The roast beef lunch was a bland tasteless, but expensive disappointment. Grey roast beef and a wishy washy cabbage and pea mix, plus yorkshire pud, if lucky. I would be embarrassed to serve this at home, letalone ask people to pay eight quid for it. When we asked for additional veg, (as listed), just got more of the same - ridiculous. Any chef worth his salt knows that a bit of colour is essential, especially in a Sunday lunch. Conclusion: Setting great, roast poor - get Ramsey in!!
TD, Surbiton - 1 Sep 2004 22:18 |
A beautiful pub. Haven't tried the food but it certainly looked good. Service was reasonable considering how busy it always is and, as long as you're not looking for bizarre guest ales, is excellent in terms of range of drinks as well. My new favourite place for a Summer's day.
Ciar�n - 26 Aug 2004 15:24 |
great servaice and food exellent chefs great veiw and do not understand why it is getting bad reveiws!!!
jon dade - 21 Jul 2004 15:22 |
This pub sucks, actually that's a bit harsh. The pub is nice, especially in the summer ass it's on the river. I should have been more specific, the beer and the staff suck.
Scotty boy - 21 Jun 2004 09:16 |
A great pub for the summer service is ok maybe a little slow at times but it's worth it when you walk out the back of the pub onto the banks of the thames.
Justin - 20 Jun 2004 10:22 |
went there with wife and young boy. didnt start well as no pushchair access had to carry pram up stairs (and down again other side)went to bar to order food, was told there was table service. sat and waited for 20 mins, no service, complained, eventually got served after 30 mins! food came quickly, very bland, table was dirty and had to clear it of glasses ourselves! overall nice view of river and thats it. avoid.
benny - 17 Jun 2004 13:28 |
I popped in for a drink one sunny lunchtime with my husband, while marvelling at the lovely view from the decking we were treated to the sight of a lady vomitting on the steps! At that point we decided we would probably not stop to eat. I am interested that it is only rated 5/10 on this sight as it came highly rated in the Sunday Times this weekend. The in-laws are visiting for father's day and we have thooght about booking a table there, so the question now is too eat or not too eat?
N Piper - 1 Jun 2004 14:36 |
On Bank Holiday Monday, the only two decent beers were off, part of the seating area was blocked off, more was not available for lunches and half the bar was inoperational. French wine was available only by the bottle, not the glass and the staff were surly. This could be a great pub, under decent management.
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This used to be a great pub with a wide menu of good unpretentious pub grub. Since it became The Albany "bar and restaurant" a few months ago, the menu has become half the size, the service is indifferent and slow, the prices have gone up and the food is now appalling.. Bring back The Fox on the River and forget new 'concept' pubs, please.
Christine Berry - 17 May 2004 09:48 |
After visiting this pub today with a friend for lunch, I will be contacting the owners about the rude and disgraceful treatment we received from the person in charge of the restaurant. Having been a mystery shopper for Wetherspoon pubs for many years, I have never been treated with such arrogance and rudeness. I just wish that I had been there in my professional capacity today. They will be hearing from me and I dearly hope that if this business wants to continue, the member of staff who treated us so badly will no longer have a job there.
D Leigh - 26 Apr 2004 18:18 |
Very disappointing. I visited this establishment today along with my wife and two friends. We found for one the service to be rude and not helpful and secondly the food to be a huge disappointment. My wife ordered a chicken dish that was sent back because it was not cooked through, when she received it for a second time still the same. uncooked. We ended up not paying for this dish and the manager agreed that it was not up to spec. We also ordered two beef roasts which were appalling value for money - Two small waffer thin slices of beef and some tepid vegetables. All in all DO NOT bother eating here, as after this we went to up the road to Harts Boatyard and enjoyed a wonderful meal with good service.
J Taylor - 25 Apr 2004 19:50 |
A really good pub if you want to sit out by the river and drink on a summers afternoon. But don't think about ordering the food, its awful (reheated chips, cold gammon steak, and the wrong pizza). A top pub drinking, just don't eat there, go to the Olde Swan that!
Tom - 22 Apr 2004 14:54 |
It is now known as the Albany. The beer garden is an nice place to sit and watch the world go by.
Briony - 14 Apr 2004 13:58 |
Excellent location, but another riverside pub that gets overcrowded with visitors after nondescript pub grub. Disinterested service.
Martin - 9 Mar 2004 12:29 |
Stear clear of this pub on weekends, it gets so busy with familys etc. But if you go during the week it is nice, situated down a narrow lane though. Food is very good, service is not too bad - best pub in t'ditton!
Emm - 12 Feb 2004 12:59 |
I went there for the first time yesterday (15th Jan 2004). I will admit the drinks are expensive, but the wines are very good, so I dont mind paying that bit extra. The food was good, and presented well and only took ten minutes to arrive. The only downside was the barmaid who, when working the till to enter TWO lunches and being asked a question at the same time, raised her finger at me and glared, as if to tell me to shut up. Food good, wine good, but just for that one small mistake I wont be visiting it again.
Pati Sheppard - 16 Jan 2004 09:33 |
This pub has a great location on the river and would make an ideal summer evening or winter weekend venue.
However, it's expensive, always very busy at the w/e, service can be terribly slow. For the location, then its worth a trip but not for any other reason.
Note: For families with young children, the pub is right on the bank on the river. Beware.
anonymous - 5 Jan 2004 17:26 |
I rated this pub a 1 because it's on the river and it looks nice. That is all there is to say about it in a positive light. Admittedely I worked there one summer a few years ago, but don't let this biase your interpretation of my rating, it's just that I have insider knowledge. When I have visited as a customer, the drinks have been amazingly over-priced, and they don't do Staropramen any more (I also resent paying nearly �3.00 for a pint of Carling, which is the best lager on offer, and that's saying something!), the food has gone steadily down hill for a number of years, and the service is absolutely appauling. This is most likely because the pub should have a staff of 60 on at any one busy period, but usually struggles to maintain 12. Don't be surprised to be waiting for up to an hour for a drink or some food, and never, ever, ever go there on a Sunday for lunch, particularly Mothering Sunday or Easter Sunday, It's like being stuck in some kind of nightmare where you are stuck on a tube train at the zoo whilst being caught up in some bizarre Surrey version of Ground Hog day, only it lasts longer, you don't get the girl, and the end result is a positively deflating experience for all involved on both sides of the bar.
Chris - 1 Dec 2003 10:05 |
Lovely location but the worst experinec I have ever had. Grumpy bar man, food took 2 HOURS to arrive, steak was well done when asked for rare and no follow up on complaints. Not to mention dirty tables which dont seem to get cleaned (I just shoved it all previous customers plates on floor). Summary, overpriced garbage food with complete lack of service, but a nice view of the river
Anton Reyniers - 22 Sep 2003 11:55 |
Fantastic location with huge outdoor terrace lapped by the river - perfect for a summer's afternoon, although guaranteed to be busy. Beer ok, wine very good. Food however is distictly pub quality despite pretentions otherwise.
Mat - 11 Jul 2003 11:45 |
The best pub i've been to for a quiet drink on a summer's evening.
dave - 17 Jun 2003 15:29 |
Have always had good experiences here, food and otherwise. Always go here in good weather to sit outside and enjoy the view. Only bone of contention was the cost of a glass of pimms - �4.35!!
Denise Rowbotham - 10 Jun 2003 16:09 |
its awesome - no pub better on the river, for a quality summer - fox on the river is where its at
Jim - 5 Jun 2003 19:02 |
Great location - used to be a great pub (known it for years). Just been for Sunday lunch with friends & 18 month old son. Service lousy, staff apparently hate kids and their parents (place full of families), poor choice of beer, portions small. We had to complain to get served, and we heard 4 other people complain about service / food.
Ed - 11 May 2003 22:36 |
loverly in the summer - had many good times here
jimbo - 23 Apr 2003 14:54 |
Cracking location on the river with plenty of seating outside. The food is good but is a bit over priced. The place seems to be run by a team of highly trained 12 year old.
Angus - 23 Apr 2003 14:47 |
Great location but very poor service. Very expensive and little variation on the menu. Mainly a food pub.
Robert - 28 Mar 2003 13:15 |
Great in the Summer - but the beer is expensive
Mike - 18 Mar 2003 13:51 |
beligerent manager refused to open disabled access for my wife and myself pushing large pram (wife expecting second), insiting we carry pram up steps! Chicken salad had lumps of raw chicken! Beer expensive
sam adamson - 10 Mar 2003 10:54 |
Nice in the summer, need to watch out for the birds pinching your chips though!
lisa - 6 Nov 2002 17:27 |
Great location for chilled out evenings, good service when i went and the food was Good stuff.
jimmy - 26 Sep 2002 10:07 |
lovely river location. good range of food but it's quite expensive.
anne - 20 Aug 2002 14:55 |
