please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Six fire engines - together with some specialist vehicles - attended a serious fire here, at lunchtime today.
|
The bar has seriously improved with 6 local ales on. Sadly the clientele haven't with nearly all lager drinkers and colourful language.
|
Really, seriously crap. Ale tastes like its been in the pipes for weeks, pool table - no cues with tips, chalk... Dead. 0/10
|
Havn't been in here for 6 yrs. What has happened? 1 beer on, doombar, how origonal. In a prime location this pub should be buzzing, er, no. Overpriced and tired. 4/10.
|
Looked empty, guess they are not doing well compared to the Star.
|
Saturday afternoon and one ale on handpump: Doom Bar at �3.50. TEA appeared as I was leaving. Staff very friendly and helpful. Would go back.
|
Had a really good time at The Red Lion. It was my friends birthday and we are so pleased we didnt go elsewhere. They had live music on, reserved some tables for us, which were allowed to decorate and had such a good time. Good deals on shots and the jager bombs. The staff were a great help, great fun and really made us feel welcome. This has been my second visit now, and it will deffinatly be our drinking spot at the weekends.
|
Day out in Godalming last week, visited the Red lion for the first time.
Staff were very friendly and helpfull , very nice food a choice of two ale's
both ok but bit on the pricey side. would visit again.........
|
Lovely refurb, friendly staff and great food. Welcome change to the Red Lion. Been a couple of times recently and will certainly go back!
|
What's happened to the Red Lion ? Been past a few times and never anyone in there. I hear the pool table is back out of sheer desperation to get punters back in after they basicly stuck two fingers up at the locals when they took over. I hear all sorts of stories around town of how they are throwing their weight around. Flyering in other venues , underpaying bands, threatening locals if they park outside the pub. I heard they cancelled a charity event due to be put on there at the last minute and then put their own event. It's all very unsavoury. Will be glad when they finally leave as many in town have simply had enough of their bully boy tactics.
|
What a difference the new owners have made!
Having visited The Red Lion from time to time over the last few years finally someone has spent the time and money giving this place a much needed refurb (finally the dodgy carpet has gone.) Thankfully they have also kept some of the character of the pub, which I have always liked. The food on offer is really good too, I didn't intend on eating but with a 2.4.1 offer on pizza our group thought we would give it a go, we weren't disappionted.
Service from staff that actually seemed to care which is far too often lacking in some pubs was there in volumes. I wont be leaving it so long til my next visit.
|
IT APPEARS DEAR MAGDA HAS MOVED ON AND THIS PUB IS NOW UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. She did a stint at the Winterton Arms, before leaving, owing them money too!!
|
WHAT A SURPRISE! Magda is not replying to my texts or answerphone messages.
|
Hoorah, now I have a number for Magda the 'beach',
guess what....she owes me money too!!!!!!
I can now ring her.
THANKS
|
what an absolute dive ! Tried to refurb it recently and tried to go down the trendy route. Just dark and gloomy looking with no atmosphere. The beer tasted awful too, like the pipes hadn't been cleaned for a week. The staff were rude ( except the guy with the beard, he was nice. We ended up going the the Star nearby where it was a lot nicer.
Report this for removal
Localboy2 - 27 May 2011 13:2
|
Sorry!!!!!!! I meant to say 30th March 2011!! Magda promises payment, then disappears off the radar. Another poor guy worked for over 2 weeks to help them out the s*** ( he is from a reputable local pub) and 5 months later has yet to receive his wages.
|
This truly has to be the worst pub I have been to! If your a live music act I would advise you not to play here as the manager has a tendency to refuse payment even when a contract has been drawn up prior to the gig.
POSTED BY ANOTHER PERSON OWED MONEY BY DEAREST MAGDA!!
|
Bunch of crooks! We never got paid for providing their staff t-shirts, despite repeated reassurances (lies) from the Manageress. We find out later that they employ people from other pubs for weeks at a time, and don't pay them. They don't pay their bands. In fact generally they don't pay. Avoid like the plague, unless you like giving things away for free.
|
My girlfriend and I went there the other day, have to say it was a very positive experience so I was surprised to see the previous comment. Waitress was friendly, cheerful and efficient, and as it was the bank holiday they had a special offer on the pizzas, which were excellent. Definitely recommended.
|
what an absolute dive ! Tried to refurb it recently and tried to go down the trendy route. Just dark and gloomy looking with no atmosphere. The beer tasted awful too, like the pipes hadn't been cleaned for a week. The staff were rude ( except the guy with the beard, he was nice. We ended up going the the Star nearby where it was a lot nicer.
|
Town centre pub that was fairly quiet when we walked in, but a little busier when we exited. There are 2 large bars. During our visit, only the front bar was open. Later when we passed by, we saw that a more fascinating rear bar had been opened up. Hogsback Tea, Fullers London Pride and Brains Reverend James were the real ales on. Dogs seemed to be welcomed and there were a few disagreements between our canine friends whilst we were there. Not a bad pub. But the Star was much better.
|
Reduced my rating,last time we were in it was truely pants. 8/10 now 4/10
|
This truly has to be the worst pub I have been to! If your a live music act I would advise you not to play here as the manager has a tendency to refuse payment even when a contract has been drawn up prior to the gig.
|
This COULD be a a lovely pub....but has a long way to go before getting there.
If you like dirty glasses, sticky carpets, frosty welcomes and dodgy food then this is the place for you.
Food is grim and best avoided - soggy brown lettuce in the side salads representing something more like pond slime than anything edible and leaves you questioning the hygiene of the place.
With a bit of TLC, friendly staff, a good cleaner, a chef with an ounce of care and a general tidy up this would be a great place to visit.
|
Sign above the pub 'to let' plus open offer to run it (if anyones interested). Pub absolutely dead this lunch-time. Nobody else in there - the only sound was from Michael Bubl� bouncing off the walls - ugh! Had a half of Black Sheep which was served chilled - ugh, ugh! before quickly moving on.
|
Lovely pub which manages to keep so much of the charm of yesteryear. This really is worth a visit to sample the delighful ale range on offer and look at the history and memorabilia scattered around. Indeed the pool table in the middle of the pub merely adds to the charm although it can make things tight! This pub had even more atmosphere in the days of smoking in pubs. I hope they don't refurbish this place.
|
I'm laughing my head off about some of these reviews. Obviously the chap with "big white phone to god" syndrome had an unpleasant meal. Is this place still open? Agree about potential. This place has it.
|
Excellent pint of London Pride at lunchtime
|
The 90's throw back "landlord" with the huge smelly dog is gone - but the pub with the best potential in the town still lacks any real direction. Apparently it has been bought by a chain and hopefully this will give it a lick of paint and a menu that won't induce pebble dashing or "big white phone to god" syndrome.
|
Under new management according to signs and other pubs staff.
Time to give it another visit!
|
I'm sat in the Red Lion right now - I've just had - possibly - the best cheesecake ever, at the end of a lovely Sunday roast. The new chefs are fab, and the atmosphere is chilled and comfortable watching the Grand Prix on the big screens. Lovely.
|
Come on Red Lion, sort it out.
I don't like the dog in the pub, but it wouldn't stop me visiting. The atmosphere and the attitude of the landlord would!
|
Awful, simply awful. Tired, stale and dirty. Lager was flat and warm, wine was vinegar. Enough said.
|
All I can say is strange!
|
Great pub, if you don't like dogs don't come here!!! Its that easy. It is the only 'dog friendly' pub in Godalming. So for those of you that don't have dogs, you have 9 other pubs to choose from, for those of us that like to pop out for a drink with our 'best friends' then this this is the only pub we're allowed to go into!!! The food is good value, tasty, pub grub. Nothing too fancy, but does the job. I have a dog and still manage to cook and eat at home, so don't see why there is a problem about having food in a pub where there is a dog! Has a great seating area outside in the summer, can sit, sup a beer and watch the world go by in the sunshine.
|
how evil are you?? mr GONEFISHING??? live and let live- that dog is only a dog, in fact very funny and friendly one! and if you're calling women "dogs", then we don't want you here anyway!!! you slow minded, medieval, hateful, evil small person! in fact- go bloody fishing and stay there!!!- that's what i've got to say!!!
|
ARGH!
What the hell is that dog doing? If I wanted to have a pint with a giant dog I would head to The House of Blues at the other end of town on a Fri/Sat night and chat to some of the "women" there.
The beer was shocking, the landlord worse, didn't sample the food, but to be honest, unless it was stewed dog I probably wouldn't have been that intersted. Best avoided.
|
In summary this pub used to be great with knowledgrable staff and the legendary hollowe'en beerfest. Then it closed down, re-opened and now a horrible, stale, smelly pub. The landlord has a huge dog that roams around the bar which is not pleasant. The beer has gone to pot and I would not dare try the food. I would never go back which is such a shame....
|
Have been a regular visitor to this pub over the past couple of years and the landlord always looks completely disinterested in his customers.
Reasonable selection of beers. Unfortunately there is a huge dog that seems to wander freely around the pub and does its business in the courtyard where customers are instructed to smoke. Didn't eat but heard a few other punters complaining about the food.
|
Best traditional pub in Godalming but been very up and down over the years. Would not wish to eat here but ok for a beer.
|
Great pub, seems to suffer unfairly from passers by comments such as beersupper who always seems to pass by, pop in pubs but rarely adds any substance to his comments.
had not been to godalming for some time, I think the landlord has a great range of Beers, had a pint of Ringwood, was a fine pint, mentioned dog was not around and people were eating quite happily, if I remember there is a courtyard out back, maybe its been banished there.
Decor and friendly service were a bonus, I remeber coming here about 5 years ago and the beer being shocking overstocked, out of date (bottles) and alot grubbier, only comment would be to loose the doggy evidence of toys and hair before lunch is served.
Will be back...
|
This pub has potential - but I can't agree with the 'excellent' and 'amazing' comments on here.
When the atmosphere is good it is brilliant, but when it is bad it is so bad it makes you want to leave without finishing your drink.
About all the comments about the Great Dane. She's a really lovely dog - but way too large for the table height and it's that simple - one wag of her tail can send your drinks flying.
Yes it's a dog friendly pub, and yes that is a good thing - but not for a pub that serves food. What are you going to do - ban all dogs when you serve food? It's unhygenic and you can't have both. It's a big dog pub the times I have been in - and that doesn't go with the food idea.
The bar staff are great friendly and work hard but there is only so much they can do,. There is a big, big but thought - I saw (and this really was BAD) someone having to call the landlord (I assume it was him) on his phone to ask for a drink as he was just chatting to friends.
Right now they need a decent cleaner, the landlord (if that is him) needs to get involved more, and choose between dogs and food - as it's ruining what could be a decent pub.
|
Well as i said before all critism taken on board, Rose isn't in the lounge bar when food is served now anyway, but thanks for the comments
|
Dog friendly is one thing - but having a Great Dane living in the area where food is served is another. Rosie, the extremely active and disruptive GD, is out of place; the question has been asked several times before - 'do you know of any other pub with a Great Dane in residence ?'
Never an answer...
|
I agree with alexb - I think it's great to have a dog friendly pub in Godalming and it allows the pub to attract customers who might not otherwise bother to go out if it means leaving Fido at home. The Red Lion's dog friendly policy means there is something for everyone in Godalming. For those of you concerned about having dogs in pubs which serve food, there are many good food focused pubs round here (e.g. Dog & Pheasant in Brook, White Horse in Hascombe) which allow dogs. It's clearly not an issue for them.
|
Thanks for your comments, all critism taken on board. Rose is rarely in the pub these days and not at meal times, Plus new Chef/Menu now and the pool table is back due to popular demand,
|
The ale is usually decent here, but eye poppingly expensive.
|
I walked past yesterday lunch time the dog policy must be working "not" the place was empty.
Again i ask would people go into a pub that has carpet covered in dogs hair and order food ?????
Once the best in Godalming amen. 2/10
|
It's great to have a truly dog-friendly pub in Godalming - it's fantastic to be able to combine walking your dog with going out for a few drinks. For those that are less enamoured by our doggy friends, why not have one of the bars as dog-friendly, and the other as ,well, less dog-friendly? I wouldn't mind keeping myself and my furry friend to one of the bars.
alexb - 21 Jan 2009 17:59 |
Philip, welcome to the site. Great Dane pups do not spend their time curled up in a chair; neither does Rosie. She is a large, active and playful dog, totally out of place in a pub. As someone asked, how many other pubs do you know with a Great Dane running around ? Not many ?
|
My favourite pub in Godalming, for the atmosphere and sociability.
This isn't really a pub for food, though if you want something to eat, the kitchen is very willing to oblige with a basic (and very cheap) selection. �5 for a meal and a pint is a bargain. There's a wide selection of real ales, and I can't agree with the reviewer who thought the beer is off most of the time. I get the impression that there's an excellent rate of turnover, and often the beer is excellent. The management and staff are friendly, and contribute to the atmosphere of this friendly, inclusive pub.
The building has a lot of character - and admittedly, it is unusual that the access between the two bars is either outside in the street or via the gents toilets - but what would life be without a little character? I'm not particularly a dog lover, but honestly have rarely found Rose to be a trouble as she spends most of her time curled up in one of the chairs.
|
Agree with 2 previous posters. Rosie (don't blame her!) spilled my drink on more than one occasion. Great Danes in pubs ? We'll have Shetland Ponies next !!
|
No problem with well behaved dogs. But Rosie is a young, daft, fit Great Dane who feels she has to greet her mates in a robust and salivating way. She's a lovely dog - but not for a food serving pub; how many other pubs do you know have a Great Dane running around the place, unsupervised ?!
|
Slugsie. I have no doubt that you are a thoughtful dog owner who is in control of your dog(s) at all times and makes sure that other customers are not bothered. However, Rosie - the pub dog - is not controlled; a very energetic Great Dane, she frequently is allowed to run riot in the pub which she regards as her home. Her toys and bodily fluids are seen daily and she has no place in a pub where food is served. That is why most of us Godalmians go elsewhere - with/without our dogs.
|
The Red Lion is a welcoming pub with friendly bar staff, the added bonus is we can take our dog in which is great as he is as much part of our family, people who say negative things about the dogs being in there...should drink in another pub as there are plenty of them.but there is only one pub in godalming that is dog friendly & hopefully will continue in being so.
|
It is'nt Rosie's fault that she thinks the pub is her house/playground. As dogs go, she is fine - but totally out of place in a pub, bearing in mind her energy and size. Previous posters (the regular BITE ones !) seem to concur on this somewhat obvious point.
|
This is a great traditional pub with a good selection of ales. I also particularly appreciate being able find a dog friendly pub as I combine my visits with excercising my 4 legged friend. It is a pleasure to find a a pub with the traditional values of being inclusive of all visitors especially dogs rather than just offering up the normal safe sanitised environment. Good luck to all the team and not to forget Rosie the resident Great Dane.
|
Nice pub, 2 bars one with massive screens
7 ales on at time of visiting including 3 from hogs back
although at 7.5% i think i'll give the santas wobble a miss.
|
Witness the demise of a fine, well located pub. I was in the lounge area recently and a child was throwing a ball to the massive dog, who was jumping all over the place - and very nearly knocked my very mediocre beer. Would not like to eat in this pub; its more like a dog's home.
|
Oh my word, how this has gone down hill. Really will not tolerate dog sh 1 t. Get a grip!
|
There is no excuses for smelly dogs (should only be allowed in public or separate bars anyway) or dirty bars especially where food is served.
But remember this was a very good pub when privately owned,Then in walk Punch pub co.with their cheque book, kiss goodbye to said good pub.And they have the cheek to say thats the only way most landlords will get to run their own pubs,well kiss my butt Punch (not an open offer i might add) an individual person has not got a flying figs chance of buying a freehouse in this area due to these greedy pub co`s.
Rant of the day over. 2/10
|
The 'bizarre dog' is a Great Dane called Schmeichel - called after the former Man Utd goalkeeper; S (the dog) generates a lot of saliva and other liquids.
S is always served first in the Red Lion - often by staff who see no need at all to wash their hands afterwards; even S cleans his paws more regularly.
Like biker, I hear the sound of shutters - and a certain Hound of the Baskervilles, howling on his weary way to his new canine retreat.
A similar fate befell to the long gone 'crazy puddy cat' (called Shilton, I seem to remember) - who dutifully marched/trotted around the bar saving any flying crisps.
|
Amazing - bizarre dog & beers. Not tidied up from previous evening/poor service/shabby feel.
These views concur largely with mine; this is a very mediocre pub (with some hygiene problems) run by an indifferent management - who have set the standards far too low for a pub with potential.
Much better pubs nearby.
|
I originally went to Godalming to visit the Star but it was heaving (beer festival) so escaped round the corner to the Red Lion. Around 7 or 8 beers on, plenty of room to sit, very nice and comfortable. It was a bit messy, looked like they'd had some sort of Halloween party the previous evening and not tidied up. Beer was fine, though. If you don't like Great Danes, best give it a miss, though.
|
Best pub in Godalming!! Depends what you want� I'm sure the heavy drinkers think 'Spoons in the place to go, real ale, scrumpy lovers maybe the Star�
IMO not enough turnover to keep the real ale well, and it smells of wet dog, I love dogs but not that much�
|
If this is the best pub in Godalming, I fear for the rest. I was in there on Sunday last at lunchtime - the only customer. A loud barmaid was conversing loudly with a barman about their hours; I won't bother returning.
|
This pub is just amazing! Really friendly atmosphere thanks to the staff and a bizarre pub dog. The food is great and with 2 amazing plasma screens and leather sofas � this is the place to watch premiership games (and cup games). Drinks are well priced and with a really bizarre but amazing range of beers and ales this must be the best pub in Godalming. Go there � its amazing.
|
Perhaps my experience wasn't the usual but I struggle a little with this pub. 7 pumps serve a range of proudly advertised ales, 6 on on my visit. Adnams Broadside, OSH, GK Abbot, Black Sheep Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hookey and Hogsback TEA. So not terribly exciting then.
The service was quite frankly poor. Mid afternoon required a wait of a full 5 mins to rouse the landlord from the other bar, despite calls from the other customers of "shop". The pub dog got served earlier than me.
A strange arrangement with two seperate bars, with no connecting room, the general feeling was that the landlord lives in the "old school room" bar with the leather chairs and plasma TV, while the regulars use the bar. A curved bar area, black beams and the usual copper artifacts. A rather shabby feel to be honest, a real opportunity but I'm unsure the current owner has the heart in it.
|
Looks like the pub is back to its best. Traditional, so much interesting beer, pub is flocked with memorabilia from yesteryear, wow this takes you back a few years. Pool table bang in the middle of the room. Its crazy, but just bizarre. Amazing pub!
|
Visited this booza last Saturday.
Sshhh didn't see me right?
Gr8 rubba dub they was even showing premiership footie on some moody foriegn satelite system.
Made me feel right at home, nods as good as a wink to a blind man, know what I mean geeza?
|
This used to be the best and most interesting pub in Godalming, i'll visit again soon to see if that is true.
|
I really want the Red Lion to be a good pub again as it used to be my favourite in Godalming, but the current management need to try harder especially if they want to attract real ale drinkers. They have 7 or 8 beers on handpump but only enough ale drinking customers for 1 or 2, so most of the beer is off most of the time. Don't they know it only keeps 2 or 3 days once you have started the barrel? I have seen this in other pubs and I wish landlords would realise that it is so much better to have 1 or 2 good beers than a whole row of duff ones.
Also the food is excellent but it takes much too long to get it so no good for workers at lunchtime.
|
Visited the Red Lion for first time since it opened. Wasn't impressed with the way things were cooked, don't go much on "deep fried" fish finger
sandwich. The service was appallingly slow and menus were on dirty paper. If you are going in
your lunch "hour" I would give this one a miss and go to the Star round the corner - they have a more
extensive menu.
We were disappointed as were expecting a lot better. The place looked a bit dishevelled and the girls' toilets had tiles hanging off the wall and no loo roll
|
Very good pub, loads of effort being made by staff and management to make this a success.
Good beer and very friendly
|
Tried it, liked it, going back.
|
?
|
Probably the best pub in Godalming, although the Star runs it close. Great range of beers, and a choice of two bars: one lively with pool table etc, the other ideal for a chat, although often also busy. To get between the two, you have to either go outside, or through the gents toilets.
|
Serving a reasonable Old Peculiar when I was in, 6 other real ales on the bar. Doens't appear to be that busy at lunchtimes.
BITE is doing this pub a disservice by continuing to list this pub as closed when so many people have been in there and commented on it.
|
Perhaps, as this pub is now open, you should remove the (PUB CLOSED) from its heading.
|
A proper pub with good beer and decent wine. Nice bustling atmosphere and really good food. It's so nice to see local ingredients being used and a real organic policy. Looking forward to the other half opening soon.
saski - 24 Jan 2008 19:21 |
Open again. The ales are very drinkable, varied selection.
Haven't eaten there yet, but the menu looks intresting.
|
re-open now, 7 real ales on tap and friendly staff to boot, nice!
|
Had a nice pint of Flowers in here last weekend. I'm hopeful that it will establish itself as a decent, friendly boozer.
|
Open again, at last.
Only one half is open but they have beer and crisps.
It's been a long time but hopefully The Red will become a decent boozer again.
|
8 months and counting Punch you tossers......
anonymous - 8 Nov 2007 17:32 |
Using my eyes rather than relying on 'the grapevine' it is clear there is work going on in the Red.
There have been contractors vehicles outside all week, and lights on inside the building.
I spoke to a manager at another pub and he said a tenant had been found, but having been closed for months there are certain jobs that need to be done before reopening.
I'll continue to keep my eyes open...
|
A rumour on the grapevine has it that the Red could well be re-opening within the next couple of weeks.
Watch this space I suppose
|
I'm not a big company supporter. This I believe was all about making the tiniest bit of an effort!
anonymous - 7 May 2007 17:51 |
Hats off to Punch Pub co.another outstanding success>> Not.
Long may you fail.
As you have here.
Cut your prices you greedy people and give Landlords a fighting chance.
Robbers dont prosper ( take heed Pub Co`s)
|
The mighty Punch Pub co. stikes again another pub shut for a while.
Will these idiots never learn (Punch that is) high rent,beer and every other thing conected to these bloody Pub co`s can only mean one thing CLOSED PUBS.
|
Well it looks like Punch Taverns have lived up to expectations.
Punch Enters Punters Leave.
Closed, no reason posted on any of the windows, I am hearing that the lease is up for sale.
The cask beer had no consistency went from 1 beer on to 6 to 3 to 1 to none, small kudos for having Bitter and Twisted on a semi regular basis but sadly that's the only positive thing I can think of since Punch took over
weebs - 17 Apr 2007 05:12 |
The Red Lion appears to have been closed all this week, although upstairs windows are wide open�
|
Pub closed over Easter for some reason ???
|
Excellent beers....very well kept
Food very good; representing good value for money
Staff very polite and helpful
|
Not especially busy for a Friday lunchtime.
The beer was good, and there was as good a variety as there was 6 months ago when it was a true Free House.
The only questionable thing was the (too many) staff arsing around in the Public bar, looked like they needed more to do, they also need to keep an eye on the main bar...
To give the management/staff at the Red Lion credit, it's not as bad as a lot of people (myself included) feared it would become after being bought by a PubCo.
|
Great Pub, Beer kept well, Bar staff are good.
never eaten here but food always looks good.
LC_78 - 17 Mar 2007 06:24 |
Food average
Service average
Probably the best pub in Godalming same as Carlesburg being the best lager in the world!
Well!!!!!!!!!!!
|
Great selection of real ales and belgian beers, even if a tad pricey.
Nice Food
Cool Friendly Staff
Nice And Clean !
Probably the best pub in godalming.
|
Best pub in Godalming for character
|
Now i`m afraid this place can only go downhill.Why i hear you ask well its now owned by the "rip off pub co." in other words Punch Pub co.How this lot can call them selves a pub co.god only knows, with the rents & the price`s of beer they charge there tennants there will be no "pubs" as we know them today left in a few years time,they will be closed or have to change to eating house`s.
People be warned
|
Virtually empty and smokey, infact I heard the staff comment on getting ready for the lunch time rush, and then laughing about how funny the idea was�
They're now serving food, the menu is small and to be honest a bit pretentious for this pub, 'Chicken filled with�' and posh sandwiches. The beer is pretty average, Pedigree (the local Wetherspoons serves better), Black Sheep Best, Speckled Hen�
The woman behind the bar considered it more important to take a call from a friend rather than serve me. One of the few remaining staff from the previous ownership looked totally fed-up.
This was a great pub. To me it appears they're angling for the food market as opposed to the beer market. Some luck to them, they're next to 3 restaurants and the town has as many again at all levels. Sad, but it happens.
For the out-of-towners that came to the Red Lion for the beer festivals, look to THE STAR just down the road.
|
This used to be a great pub.
In a matter of a few weeks its been ruined... Where has the Harvey's Sussex gone? It is understaffed and those that are there are more interested in chatting to each other rather than serving and have no idea about the beer they are selling. They are also bluddy miserable. Empty glasses everywhere and unemptied ash trays laying about. My wife's red wine was like vinegar.
I really fear for this pub...
|
Does this mean the end of the beer festivals?
|
SOLD!!!
Belongs to Punch as of today, not open while I was having lunch, but through the window it looked like the staff were being lectured by a 'sharply dressed' young man...
We await developments, but as it appears to be managed, not tennanted I'm not hopeful.
|
SHAME MY RESPONSE TO THE LAST COMMENT HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED. AS ANYONE WHO HAS RUN A BUSINESS WILL KNOW STAFF LET YOU DOWN FROM TIME TO TIME, AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION. THEREFORE THE STAFF ARE CONSULTED AND BY COMMUNICATING AND USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY THE BUSINESS CARRIES ON SMOOTHLY WITHOUT ANY BODY BEING TAKEN FOR GRANTED. IF THE BAR STAFF HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH THE METHODS USED THIS CUSTOMER WOULD NOT HAVE GOT A BEER, BECAUSE WE WOULD NOT HAVE OPENED. SECONDLY THE INSINUATION THAT UNDER AGE STAFF ARE UTILISED FOR BAR SERVICE IS RATHER SAD. THE NEED FOR THIS CUSTOMER TO SEE ME WILL I AM AFRAID TO SAY CONTINUE TO BE A DISAPPOINTMENT AS MOST OF MY TIME IS NOW SPENT FILLING IN FORMS FOR THE GOVERNMENT. ALL MY STAFF MAKE AN EFFORT TO DO THEIR WORK AND MOST ARE LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGE. I WONDER WHETHER THIS CUSTOMER MAKES AS MUCH EFFORT?
|
Good point first, the beer (ale) as usual is very good, and why else do most of us go to a pub?
Bad point, the landlord and his staff policies. Currently both his sons are working there and they are, somewhat lazy shall we say. Today, of 4 staff on the premises (inc. the landlord) only 2 were old enough to serve and the landlord (as always) was out of sight. So both bars were manned by one young lady, supposedly with the help of the landlords youngest and one other. She served, she answered the phone, she cleaned glasses, the other two lazed in the other bar.
I'm only a customer, and I got what I went for promptly, but it infuriates me to see people abused like that, especially when they appear to be 'untouchable' as they are related to the boss...
anonymous - 26 Jun 2006 13:09 |
Great pub. And what is wrong with going through the gents to get from one side to the other? They don't seem to mind or even notice!!!
|
Great pub, which you probably already know about. Listed in the good beer guide this is a super pub. Great pint of Harveys best (at the time of visit) - almost as good as the one I had in Lewes! Good food and cosy interior this place could be a contender for best pub in south surrey. Believe me I don't normally visit the outer reaches of surrey fopr political reasons but this place is good.
Moth
|
Excellent beer especially the Grainstore Winter Nip.But don't like all those books sawn in half and why no dogs allowed?
|
Good for a pint while waiting for your Chinese mael from across the road ?
|
The Aussie manager didn't last long�
The beer is as varied as always, and of late pretty good. Staff seem happier
Still way to smoky though, those fans just don't work, and I'd wonder about the coffee as the landlord and his mother-in-law have taken to drinking Cafe Nero coffee in the pub!!!
|
Used to be my favourite pub in Godalming. Quiet nights during the week talking to friends or busy celebrations at the weekend, you always felt welcome, the beer was expensive but that did not matter as much because you having a good time.
Now, for some reason the place has lost its appeal (well to me anyway). Beer is still expensive and the staff are OK, but it does seem to be very smoky. Not that I am suggesting it should be a smoke free pub, far from it, but the extractor fans which seem to be on full power constantly don�t seem to be coping.
anonymous - 7 Feb 2006 14:16 |
I've been drinking at the Red for a long time, I've seen many staff and the odd manager come and go, and never fully understood the landlords guest beer policy.
The new manager seems to me more suited to a 'young' pub than a Traditional Free House, he appears to have little understanding of real ale and appears more intrested in volume sales of alco-pops and shooters.
The beer policy still seems bizarre, for weeks I've drunk the Harveys because nothing else is palatable. His new manager also doesn't seem to understand English beer�
There seems to be upheaval among the long time staff, 1s been given his marching orders, 2 have resigned and it sounds like more are possibly on their way out.
To me it seems the pub is going to be run on a much more profit driven basis, as a cash-cow for the owner. The beer is not cheap, and without the atmosphere this pub used to have, one might as well drink in Wetherspoons
|
Another successful Beer Festival,our 9th. Predominantly Dark beers, with a few lighter ones for those who didn't want to be too heavy. Same successful format and lots of delicious food, especially my succulenty,spicy,seven sausage casserole. Thank you to all of those who made it yet again. What happened to Dennis from Greenwich. Any one know? The next extravaganza is our 42 Christmas Ale selection, served through the bar pumps, with a further 50 bottle conditioned beers. THE LANDLORD.
|
Wow! The 'Dark Side' festival. Brilliant selection. Certainly put my lights out, tried every one.
but what is an african scots landlord doing with an aussie manager & 2 german dogs??
anonymous - 1 Nov 2005 21:16 |
brilliant pub, great beer, great staff nice food. Proper pub without any nonsense....very sexy landlady too !
|
Two bar pub - large back bar was like being in the drawing room of an old, slightly ramshackle house with a high ceiling and bookcases around the walls, pool table, comfy leather chairs and sofas. Several real ales on offer, mostly from smaller breweries. I had a WJ
King beer, can't remember the name, light coloured and quite pokey (around 5%ABV).
|
Great food, best selection of real ales from all over the country,Last Rites at 11% this week my goodness me! I like going through the toilet.
anonymous - 6 Jun 2005 21:10 |
Decent pub with good range of food and drink. there is decent seating and a pool table. only trouble is to get from one side of the pub to the other you either have to walk outside and go in through the other door or go through the toilets!
|
A pub with books in it is a good find. They don't appear to sell the Nigerian Guinness anymore but the Irish one is probably just as good!
Will2 - 20 Feb 2005 20:19 |
This is a good pub with a wide range of beers and some fine wines, but the landlord is as elusive as Santa Claus at Easter and the food is not very consistent. Some of the staff are very cool but the one who calls everyone "my friend" is really annoying and should be removed immediately, as should the parrot and the two fluff-balls they call dogs. Otherwise, top-marks.
Ollie - 9 Sep 2004 14:13 |
Great range of real ale and bottled beers.
Food is good but some of the staff leave a lot to be desired
|
i love this place great range of belgian beers, keep it up!
|
Nice pub, back room (the one with the pooltable) is a little pricey and they do have some really RANDOM beers (nigerian guiness anyone? :) I've only been in there lunchtimes, the food is ok, the chicken burger was really nice but the sandwiches are overpriced, the pool cues all rattle tho and the table's too close to the banister of the raised area meaning that you keep hitting it when trying to play a shot from that side of the table...
I - 27 May 2004 22:47 |
the only family-owed an -run freehouse in goldalming.
regular in the 'good beer guide' .
home-cooked food .
dan - 20 May 2004 12:27 |
I fully agree with the comments of the landlord - they have the best beer in Godalming as shown by the consistent Camra entries and awards. However I visit this pub very infrequently because I'm not a smoker. Half an hour in this pub is the equivalent of a pack of Malboroughs. Shame as I do like my beer.
Potentially my best pub in Godalming. It definitely has atmosphere but the wrong kind for me.
Make the front bar non-smoking please!
Richard - 27 Apr 2004 11:29 |
The back bar with pool tables can sometimes be a little intimidating with locals but generally they cheer up after a little while, the front bar is perfect.
gus - 2 Feb 2004 15:09 |
The only freehouse in Godalming. Surrey&N.Hants Surrey Pub of the year 2002. Been in the C.A.M.R.A Good Beer Guide for the last eleven years, the only pub in Godalming to be in the guide consistently. Saloon bar dates back to the 1600's. The Oddfellows Hall bar with its high ceiling is now the library, and not the tacky old Courage 60's public bar. Over 100 bottle lagers especially Belgian Beers at tremendous prices, with special offers always available. 5 ever changing cask ales on sale all from minor brewers plus Harvey's Sussex bitter as the house ale. Tasters always available, why spend your money and then not enjoy your beer. We provide the beer ,the comfort, the polite cheery staff, 7 days a week
Ian Thomson - 26 Jan 2004 23:04 |
Nice layout, good selection of beers, nie to see autenticity.
Gareth - 1 Dec 2003 13:15 |
Distinct 2 bar pub which used to be public/saloon, now old public bar geared towards a younger crowd and the latter is more suitable for those who wish to site down and have a chat.
Was one of Godalming's major coaching inns along with the King's Arms and the Angel (no longer there), gets into CAMRA Good Beer Guide regularly. Good beers over the years, food always worth a try and not too silly on prices.
Small beer garden but a bit too close to the kitchens.
It is however close to the train station.
Se�n - 22 Oct 2003 23:43 |
Good range of beers, great staff, darned shame about the attitude of some of the clientele!
Unfortunately, the latter point has put me off bothering revisiting.
K - 15 Jul 2003 15:09 |
Recomend the Bacon and bree Baguet for lunch with a pint of stella
|
Pub highly esteemed by CAMRA, and has an impressive array of hand pulled beers. Free tasters if you're unsure! Atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, but great if you generate your own.
Rod - 17 Oct 2002 11:11 |
