please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I like Belgan beers,can`t find another pub that sells them, Shame !!!
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Where must I go now for Belgan beers and small porchens?
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Way to go, Andy!!
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Gone and I would say forever.
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Somebody please buy this pub! It could do as well as the Billy4!
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Boarded up.
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Came past this pub yesterday, and there were a lot of builders wagons in the car park! So maybe having a re furb!?
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My family, who attempted to visit last night, also report that it is closed.
drsox - 13 Apr 2011 13:47 |
Now closed down.
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My wife and I have been several time during the last year, and always had a warm welcome and an excellent meal. Today I took a group of 14 walkers for lunch. We hugely enjoyed ourselves, and were made to feel the pub enjoyed having us. All of us were appreciative of the food. Yes, the menu is limited, but in return you get wonderful home cooking. I particularly recommend the liver and bacon, and the stilton and broccoli soup. Service was very friendly, and as fast as good food cooked to order allows. If you want to enjoy yourselves at this pub you certainly will. Keith Gibson, Feb 2011.
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Very expensive for mediocre food and very poor service. This pub is not a good pub for walkers to stop at.
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Promising Pub. Totally ruined with poor layout and staff.
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We arrived at 8pm on a Friday evening in August to a surprisingly empty car park and an empty pub. There wasn't anyone behind the bar either. I noticed that quite a few of the items on the blackboard menu weren't available and there was only one real ale on offer. Needless to say we didn't hang around.
It's such a shame because in terms of location this pub has everything going for it. However, if it can't attract a decent clientele there's something wrong and some of the other reviews clearly back this up. The traditionalist arm of the pub goers union would be against turning it into another Drummond Arms or Percy Arms for example. However, I'm sure you wouldn't have to go that far to make improvements if money was tight. Some effort on decor and marketing at the very least is essential to turn things around. Pubs aren't hotels (obviously) but 'The Hotel Inspector' on TV covers another arm of the hospitality industry and shows what some simple measures can achieve if the owners are willing.
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We have eaten here twice in the past few months.
It is certainly a nice destination for a walk.
The food has been good enough for us to return and want to return more.
The staff have varied in their attentiveness and friendliness, but none have been rude.
The most annoying thing is the general state of the tables when we have eaten. Either the place mats or the table have felt like they could do with a bit more of a clean (or being replaced).
We will be visiting again but probably would look elsewhere for a place to take our more 'up market' family members for food.
drsox - 12 Jul 2010 19:48 |
I'm still dissapointed with this pub that there are no signs of the belgan beers and small porchens that made it famous.
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This is a pub in a very chilled out location, if your looking for a `Gastro pub` keep looking in near by villages they are there.If your looking for a pub to have a relaxing drink and some pub food then this is ok.
3 local real ales on at the weekend which were fine.
Rustic yes. 6/10
anonymous - 2 Jun 2010 10:35 |
Extremely disappointing meal here. A friend had been a year or so ago and had been very complimentary - I don't know what has happened. Perhaps a chef change? We had to wait almost an hour for our food (a table next to us waited 45 minutes for ONE ploughmans), when we chased it we were told the sea bass took longer to cook. When it finally arrived it was overdone... the vege lasagne had to be sent back, the topside beef roast was obviously pre-sliced and heated, and the salads had soil throughout them. I wouldn't go back, and wouldn't recommend this to walkers either.
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The Villagers is situated in a pretty village but is a bit tucked away and the �This Way/That Way/Somewhere Else� signpost at the main junction doesn�t offer too much guidance � you need to take the unmarked direction.
The interior is divided into a public bar with a modern inglenook style fireplace, flag stoned floors, a new stone cladded bar (with an awkwardly placed TV) and low beamed ceilings which can be a bit challenging to the darts players. The larger main bar is mainly for dining with a rear section of soft furnishings. To the rear is a large but scruffy garden area with a covered patio containing an outdoor pool table although the cheap plastic furniture doesn�t didn�t do it any favours.
We found the landlord quite accommodating � we were organizing an event and he opened specially for us late one afternoon although, as others have mentioned, opening times tend to vary, especially in Summer when the ramblers are around so best check beforehand. The beers on my visits (which were admittedly several months ago) were from Weltons and Horsham breweries but they were a bit of a mixed bag regarding quality. On the whole, whilst we weren�t over impressed with the pub in general, the place did cater for our needs at the time. It seems to be a pub that either pleases or frustrates and at the moment it appears to be weighing on the latter. The potential is certainly there but it really needs someone to make an effort to bring it out.
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This pub is superbly located by the main car park for Blackheath Common which is heaving with cars every weekend with families and groups enjoying the common. But The Villagers is CLOSED mid afternoon. So often I have been out walking with friends and wanted to stop afterwards for a drink, but instead we have had to go elsewhere - what a shame. I have seen so many standing outside equally bemused to find it shut at what could be prime trading time.
The garden is poorly presented, so much could be done to make it more inviting. Inside is not much better. I have had several simple lunches and whilst I can't rave about them, there was nothing wrong with them or the service. I have always found those serving to be friendly - what is it that some of you want from Landlords/ladies - blood?
This pub has so much potential to serve the local community and those visiting the Common. Let's hope they find what it takes before it is too late.
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I popped down here on a weekday evening after attending a conference at a nearby conference venue. I needn't have bothered. The place was virtually deserted and had a rather timewarp-y 70s / 80s look to it. Most of the indoor area was given over to dining although the food looked pretty bog-standard pub fare. Four or five handpumps but only one dispensing real ale - Courage, slightly uninspiringly. As a city dweller, I often make the mistake of expecting all country pubs to be fabulous: this one most assuredly isn't.
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Yes, there is room to park the horse, just as long as you don't mind being surrounded by widely scattered rubbish in the car park, next to the recycling skip and having to negotiate round the remains of a bonfire full of 4" nails. Paid �5.95 for two slices of supermarket bread containing a few thin slices of brie and some cranberry sauce, not sign of promised grapes. Oh, and a quarter tomato and piece of lettuce which looked second hand. Publican quite unconcerned when I expressed disappointment. A lovely situation but I shall park the horse elsewhere in future!
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My husband went on a Saturday night and were very disappointed! The restaurant was empty (never a good sign!) they were very understaffed, with the landlady doing the cooking and one barlady doing everything else and the food was very average.
We went to the bar to order our food and the rather unwelcoming landlady rudely informed us they had run out of most things on the menu. We made our order and went to our table which was dirty from lunchtime and then my husband used the loos and said they were filthy!
Our food arrived and had obviously just been put in the mircrowave, the vegetables were overdone and my pie soggy! My husband's scampie was good however.
The pub is in such a lovely location, but it is run down, the garden is tatty, the interior needs some work and the landlards are unwelcoming and clearly have no interest in providing a good service.
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This pub simply wins out because of its splendid location in the heart of the Surrey country and for that alone it is worth a visit.
Indeed this pub seems to be tucked away from many other pubs and if thirsty or in need of something to eat this is the place to.
Drinks wise there was a couple of ales on only but you can always have a soft drink. Eating wise plenty of choice of food and vegetarian dishes too.
Overall the pub seemed a little on the run-down side as. Perhaps it could do with a little smartening up but if in the area its really the only choice.
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Used to go to the Villagers (20) years ago for a decent pint, good atmosphere and occassionally good live music. Returned for the first time a couple of weeks ago and very disappointed. Looks like its heading rapidly down hill and needs saving from neglect. An average pint, disinterested staff and tatty garden. Closed mid afternoon (Saturday), presumably not for the purposes of cleaning or staff training !
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Its like stepping back in time as you go through the door.Its a down to earth pub in a lovely country setting.The lager we had was fine there were 2 ales on Weltons brewery I think.Did not eat so no comment on food.
anonymous - 3 Apr 2009 11:28 |
Coming across this place in a forest glade, one could forgive the weary traveller for feeling s/he had reached nirvana: a picture postcard establishment in a beautiful part of Surrey. However, as noted by others here, the pub eschews this favourable locale by being very average, not to say a little grimy and unwelcoming.
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I am afraid that until the present "landlord" moves on this pub will be a disappointment. The ale choice is unimaginative and not particularly well kept and sells out even though the pub is no longer a popular destination. I appreciate running a pub is long hours, but the landlord here doesn't seem to want to make the effort to make customers feel at all welcome. Great location. Shame.
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Strolled up here one day as I live in a neighbouring village, I was expecting it to be a bit "League of Gentlemen" and I wasn't disappointed. The guy behind the bar wasn't that friendly and there were only two ales, being Pride and Courage Best, a poor selection in my book. Two empty pumps, meant to ask if they normally have four ales on but forgot....must be my age!
The garden has the potential to be nice in the summer but don't think I will be returning any time soon as it wasn't a cosy pub.
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Below average in most respects for a village pub.
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Oh dear, what happened to the lovely country pub this used to be? Fantastic location and ideal for walkers/mountain-bikers - so why remove bar snacks from the menu at weekends? Baffling. The menu is FAR too big, which always makes you wonder how good the food can really be. Quality, not quantity.
The Villages has oodles of potential but somehow the present manager has got his hands on the place and seems hell-bent on turning customers away with his rather off-hand manner. Unfortunately, until he cracks a smile and works on his customer service skills I fear it will be some time before the place experiences the happy buzz it used to.
On a good note I must say that the barman and the waiter were both very charming.
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Where shall I start... I'm a man with simple tastes however, irrespective of that, there are certain standards which must be adhered to, especially if one is running a pub, located in relatively affluent part of the countryside.
My young lady and I arrived 5 minutes before the opening time 12 noon, and was told by a scruffy looking gentleman, sat smoking a cigarette, that "we're not open yet and this is the staff area" and pointed that we should stay outside in the blustery wind until opening time. When the rest of my party arrived, young children in tow, we were told specifically to "please keep an eye on your children as they may run into a waiter serving hot food and may burn themselves". In my time, I have never, and hope never to encounter such a case. However, it was his tone that got my goat.. Not one that would be considered polite, yet not entriely impolite - although expected from a chap who considers service is too much for him to bear.
Our food, despite being the first to order before other patrons arrived, were served third. I know this because the table next to ours were half-way their meal, as though eating was going out of fashion.
The only redeeming quality about this pub was the young chap who served us - he was polite, asked if there was anything else he could get us, and perhaps, should be promoted at once. Otherwise, reviews such as this will become common-place for what I deemed on first inspection, a charming pub, tucked away in a quiet part of the woods.
Your former customer.
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I have just been to this pub with some friends and was hoping for better than the reviews.. Unfortunately was not to be. First complaint: cleanliness. A friend ordered a drink inside before I arrived at around noon. The empty glass was still around at 1430. Also around the entrance to the toilets (which actually has the potential to be quite nice) it was cluttered and one could see debris in the yard outside. Next, service and value for money: I ordered a portion of "Cajun Chicken" for �10 and was told it would be around 25 minutes which turned out to be more like 45. Having been seated outside our party decided to try and get a table inside - despite empty tables Landlord rather grumpily pointed out that there were no tables available as they were all reserved - after moving to the couches one of the staff grunted "we don't serve food at the couches". In retrospect should have cancelled the order and demanded my money back for the food (also overpriced: �10 for a piece of chicken with chips and cheap BBQ sauce). One redeeming quality: good beer. All in all though a pretty miserable performance which is a shame as I think this pub could be really nice (location, structure, beer etc) in the hands of the right proprietor...
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Hekky thump,on me travels ageen with me poot noodles and ferret leak, NO newkie brown stuff Waats gooing on leak,lift sreetawey.Not happy nor was me ferret leak got to find sum hoot waater leak me noodles will be out of date in 6 months leak.
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Talking of hidden agendas i don`t trust comments from people who only talk about one pub or is that just me??
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The Villagers hosted a birthday party of 13 and we were really pleased with the food, surroundings and general atmosphere. Great choice of fish and all freshly prepared - we'll come again!
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Busy pub. Told our food would be 20 minutes, waited more than one hour. Childrens' (all under 11)food was inedible as they had used 'mexican chillli' sausages despite the fact that we had asked for childrens' portions (and prices ... this place is expensive. We wre then overcharged, offered a 'discount' for the 2 ruined meals and still paid �40 for 2 adult meals (each less than �10) one child's bangers and mash, 3 J20s and two halves. You judge. I'd say - lousy service, lousy food, lousy deal. Try nearby Shamley Green instead.
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Rabbitfoole, i think you got the names of your pubs mixed up, Villagers good food loads of atmosphere- you have got to be kidding, that pub is schocking, land lord should try working instead of drinking, it still smells of smoke in there - and how long has the ban been in place, as for service and food, yuor having a laugh rabbitFOOL, HOW much did the landlord pay you for this crit?
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Rabbitfoole, no one I know has a hidden agenda for slagging anyone (or pub) off. Almost all contributors tell it how it is in their own way and if that stings a bit, sorry pal, maybe a 'softer' website is more to your taste ? As a general rule, the following principles are applied by most contributors on this site:
* Adhere to site rules.
* Tell the truth as you see or experience it.
* Avoid bad language.
* Don't whinge just because someone disagrees with you or, your review gets deleted like many of mine do !
Biker - 11 Dec 2007 07:15 |
It's a bit odd, isn't it? You just come along and make a positive comment about a pub you like, and all of a sudden people start having a go at you. Makes you wonder if there's some other agenda, doesn't it? I just go there for a drink and I like the place. Is this a place for talking about pubs or slagging off your fellow customers? Get reasonable.
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Note of caution, like beersupper I wrote this pub up nearly 2 years ago. Times change, the last time we were there not long ago, lots of 'clutter' in the garden and the food had that distinct 'ping-fling-and-bring' character to it. I am of course referring to microwaved and boiled in the bag products. If you're new to this site, best to click on usernames and see where others have been and what they've said about other pubs ! Anonymous postings should also be ignored. Rabbitfoole, best not to make assumptions as they ultimately disappoint all concerned. ps, I grew up in a nearby village and first set foot in this pub about 1969 I think !
Biker - 29 Nov 2007 09:47 |
Ooops i seemed to have rattled a few cage`s here.
Yes we did find this pub good a year ago but not on this visit and this place now is certainly not a GOOD example of British pubs.
My comment was not ment to be personal it was an observation.
P.s What is belgan beer and small porchens???
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Is it Ok to contribute to this site if you only use a couple of local pubs and want to comment on them, or should any newcomer contributing to this site expect to be challenged by people like "Beersupper". If you say something good about a place (as Beersupper himself did about this place once - a year ago) does that make you wrong? Just stick to the pubs, don't make it personal if your view is different, Beersupper. Don't be arrogant.
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this is a lovely pub/resturaunt which has a lot going for it. friendly staff and a true example of a British pub. enough said.
P.s Odviously looking at the comments "beersupper" has said about other pubs he sounds like a city slicker that has a vendetta against real pubs and is more drawn towards the gastro bar and resturants which seem to be littering our coutry. my advice to him is to stick to chic belgan beers and small porchens.
anonymous - 15 Nov 2007 21:41 |
This is a jolly nice little pub. The beer is well kept and the atmosphere is pleasant. On a good day the garden is filled with people, and it is a really lovely setting. There is a regular trail of people on the food pilgrimage! (Word seems to spread somehow!) You can walk your meal and your drink off in the extensive woods nearby. I've seen a few pubs around this country (and reviewed a few of them here) but the Villagers is one nice little corner of England I can certainly recommend.
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Its been nearly 18 mounths since we`ve been to this pub and i have to say we take absolutely no notice of comments by the landlords cronies (tenori,Rabbitfoole or LikelyLad)they have to be linked to the pub as its the only one they have written about strange that oops sorry Rabbitfoole has knocked a pub near by mmmmm.
We found the pub very mediocre in all ways food beers etc.but not in the prices they are anything but.
The only and i do stress only redeeming feature is the location.
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I had a very enjoyable evening at The Villagers this weekend. The pub has a warm friendly atmosphere with a good selection of beers and wines. It is one of the few remaining traditional pubs in the Guildford area but the food has moved it onto a higher level. I had a fantastic steak, cooked to perfection!
If you just fancy a drink or a 3 course meal I would thoroughly recommend The Villagers.
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There are usually several drinkable real ales to choose from, and that's what I look for. Particularly the local Shere Drop - a lovely pint. This is a food pub, and although I haven't eaten here it is obvious that people come from far and wide; and I've continually heard people making good comments about the food. A nice, homely and welcoming local pub. (A good contrast to the Percy Arms down the road, which has no atmosphere at all.)
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There is a far to strong smell of cig`s in here for it not to be still going on.
The place is pants.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 09:58 |
I would not give this place a try if it was the last drinking hoe on earth.
Hole being the correct word!!!!!!!!!!!
anonymous - 23 Oct 2007 10:23 |
Andy has done a great job in trying to re-vitalise this old country pub. It's a lovely, friendly atmosphere, the real ale is very nice indeed and the food looks absolutely wonderful! The live music nights on Sunday evenings are also a much welcome boost to the whole area. I'd give it a try one Sunday evening if I were you (if not before for lunch!).
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This pub is a tip the tables are dirty the glass`s are the same beer is poor and the fresh fish looks as if its walked here from the coast.
Don`t bother coming here.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2007 19:14 |
Since our last visit the menu has changed, shame they have not come up with something new rather than copy another pub in a near by village.
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My second choice as my local - Good beer, nice food and a warm welcome from hosts Andy and Sue - Just re-decorated and done a good job too.
anonymous - 16 Jul 2007 15:17 |
Just a quick note to say hello to The Villagers crowd from a distant (in more ways than one?!) local! Joe
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I totally agree this place is in a great setting but needs cleaning up.
We would still use this over The Percy Arms.
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I hope the landlord reads this as he is a friendly bloke and I like the Villagers a lot (knocks spots off the Percy). The garden needs a good clear up; there is always rubbish around, the bins are too near the pub and stink in the summer, the new covering to the patio is cheap and nasty and would benefit from some paint, the plastic chairs and washing on the upstair balconies need clearing away cos it makes the place look like a seaside backpackers hostel. The garden tables, chairs and umbrellas all need a good clean, varnish and sort out. The old bits of trellis and pile of garden rubbish nead removing along with various electical cables dangling from the trees. All of this fall on the eye and detracts from the reputation of the Villagers when you are enjoying the excellent beer on a summer's afternoon. A tip, when the bar staff are off-duty, dont let them slope off for a kip, get them cleaning and tidying and painting. Take a walk round and just look at the place!
anonymous - 21 Aug 2006 12:06 |
Pub is slowly being done-up, which is a step forward. Beer is still well kept, again a good thing. Menu changes look good, but my chicken caser salad was limp with tasteless iceberg lettuce and stale bread. My wife�s fish and chips though where good. We�ve had a few mixed meals there. Also they lack bar staff now which is a shame. We won�t eat there again. Beer though, as I say is well kept so we will return for plenty more of that�
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Great location, however the quiet drink in the garden was spoilt by small children becoming over exicited at the sight of a oversized bouncy castle. Food was mediocre and expensive. Next time i'll go down the road to chilworth.
anonymous - 16 Jun 2006 19:18 |
Fantastic country pub in rural location, 10 minutes walk from Chilworth, 20 minutes bike ride from Guildford. It was my first time here and I was really impressed.
Great local beers on tap (Hog's Back TEA, Surry Hills Shere Drop) and good selection of wine.
Great big garden with loads of room and shade.
Lovely landlord, really chatty, with a thorough knowledge of the drinks and food on offer. We had dinner there on Thursday night and two of us tried the fresh fish - my bass was perfectly cooked and really tasty, and my wife's red mullet was good too (both fresh in from Brixham, Devon that day). My mum-in-law had homemade lasagne and said it was delicious. wide selection of puddings too, all homemade - bread and butter pudding, tiramisu, creme brulee. A really great meal, and outstanding value - the bill came to �68 - for two starters, three main courses, three puddings, a bottle of Rioja and a pint of Shere Drop.
We were in last weekend too, and there was a barbecue on with homemade burgers - really nice, big differee from the rubbish you get at most pub barbecues.
I'll definately be going back here - the landlord is working hard to make this pub really good, and he's most of the way there by my reckoning.
PS. Tuesday night has live music. I haven't been along to it yet but will be going soon.
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Sat outside in the garden on a sunny afternoon had a nice cold beer.Perfect
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This used to be a very nice traditional country pub, frequented by walkers and cyclists and locals alike. It featured good simple home cooked pub food in the evenings and a lunchtime menu to suit all visitors, all at reasonable prices.
Not anymore. At the last visit it sported a horrible bouncy castle [and the screaming children that go with them] in the once lovely garden. Didn't wait for either the beer or the food.
anonymous - 6 Jun 2006 00:10 |
nice on a sunny day nuff said
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Very average i`m afraid all right for a coke and a sandwich.
anonymous - 28 Apr 2006 07:11 |
Not a great place to eat pricey
anonymous - 25 Apr 2006 19:17 |
Went to this pub for a meal by recommendation. All i can say is the fish is the best and with good service by the pub managers is a certainty to get my business again.
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This is a good old fashioned pub which also does decent food at a fair price.
The atmosphere is like any older pub. The d�cor is not the reason you go there.
The local beer is well kept, and the Timothy Taylor Landlord is, as ever, excellent.
Looking forward to a visit when the weather picks-up so we can sit in the garden.
Lots of fish for fish lovers, which I am not, so can�t comment on the quality. Plenty of choice though.
Busy on a weekend � booking suggested. Off the beaten track.
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this is a friendly locals pub with quality beer, quality service and quality food. this is a proper english pub wich offers all you need without being pushed for food, yet the food , mainly the fresh seafood is fantastic and all this as well as a pool table and a very friendly landlord and landlady, what more could you want, perfect.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2006 01:43 |
hi iam tom the local this is by far the best pub around in the surrey hills area the service is top notch the food is grate i cant say a bad word about the place
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Now featuring a pool table! Free pool tournament every Sunday evening.
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Beautiful location, nice beer garden, very friendly and amenable landlord and landlady (Sue and Andy). The beer was excellent and the choice was good and it is clear that they are working hard to improve the place. However the food is not up to scratch, it is overpriced and i was a bit embarrassed that i had dragged other people to eat here based on what some of the above comments had implied. Still definitely worth a visit as the place was refershingly free of the usual surrey types and i am sure that you would have an intersting visit. Also it has to be said that the barmaids were so goooorgeous and frinedly and efficient that they deserve a special and politically incorrect mention;-)
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Visited for our daughter's 16th birthday for Sunday lunch. Excellent food, excellent service and great atmosphere. Made to feel very welcome. Will definitely be visiting again. Not many country pubs of this type left in the area. Keep up the good work.
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What is there to say. Great pub, Great people, Great tasty beer (very important!) and most of all Great expereance every time My friends and I visit. I wish Sue and Andy the best of luck and I hope that the future hold much prosperity for them.
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Always a friendly welcome here. Only in recent months has this become a regular haunt for me when back in the area. It is worth trying the music night on Tuesday which is often a fun evening with excellent musicians. I've not tried the food recently, but have had some great roasts here on a Sunday in the past. Andy and Sue are doing a good job of giving this pub the welcoming, good atmophere it used to have in the early days.
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The place is a mess. The food is expensive and unimaginative (�11.95 for a chilli con carne with absolutely no trimmings!) and the beer was grim. Won't bother to go there again.
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Great place, I enjoyed it a lot!
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Tuesday nights are great I'm the one who will get up & dance after a couple of drinks Hence my nick name (DANCINGDAVE)Everyone is made welcome any time & Its the triditional old Elglish Pub that we seem to be loosing.
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Traditional and friendly village pub with live music on Thursdays.
Will Thorp - 7 Mar 2004 19:41 |
