please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
The Sovereigns is situated on the edge of Woking town centre opposite a hospital. The tiled exterior is an indication of the age of this pub, which is now run by Ember Inns. This was my second Ember Inn of the day and I have to say that this one has much more character than most. It was also unusual in that a majority of its patrons were drinkers, as opposed to diners. In fact, the clientele were very similar to that of a Wetherspoon's. Although, it was fairly quiet. The interior had a bit of a downtrodden feel to it. But, I didn't mind that. The ale range wasn't too bad - Hogsback TEA & Surrey Nirvana, St Austell Tribute & Proper Job & Fyne Ales Jarl. A decent place to stop before I made my way to the very busy Woking Railway Athletic Club (not listed on here), just the other side of the rail tracks.
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A Tuesday night re-tick this to the GBG entry that’s located on the right side of the station for the football ground.
Large pub with various rooms and a good food menu….though I have never eaten here it just looks and smells good. On the bar are 8 hand pumps with a good selection of 8 ales. The several pints of Hadrian Border’s Tyneside Blonde @ 3.9% were very good, and they tasted even better knowing I had used my Camra card for a 10% discount!
On a warm September evening I took my pints and sat in the well kept beer garden to the side of the pub.
I like the Sovereigns, on both of my visits the ale choice has been good and the ale well kept, quick attentive service and a good location if going to a match at Woking FC.
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2nd pub of the day and it’s just a short walk to Sovereigns which is the other side of the station from the ‘Spoons. This is an Embers Inn bar as previously mentioned and very nice it is too.
Large corner plot on a one way system, benches outside with plants and small trees up to the door welcome you as you enter.
6 ales across the pumps with a very good choice, I went for Long Man Brewery Old Man @ 4.3% a cracking but strong pint even though its only 4.3% abv.
Nicely decorated pub that was busy but bizarrely as it wasn’t a cold day the heating was on full pelt.
Food was being served and looked good, I checked the menu and the prices were very reasonable.
Ember Inn pubs do have a corporate feel but as a chain they are pubs that I like and this one was no exception.
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Looks like a proper pub from the outside and then turns into a corporate one on the inside. Why do they insist on wall to wall carpet. Anyway the beer was fine and all were priced at £3.19. Had the Golden Pippin and Broadside, and both were very nice. Food while being the corporate menu (and why for that reason is the vegy and gluton free choice so poor) was actually really good, bbq chicken and chips. Outside area, nicely covered was great for this rather hot late September evening. Only downside was the slow service, due to lack of staff rather than them not bothering. With so many customers ordering food at just after 6.00pm extra hands would be an advantage. Mind you Luton Town FC were playing tonight and so a dozen plus of us were in, so the extra crowd may have caused the problem. Far better than the average pub in Woking.
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Looking unpromising outside on the old Guildford Road, this place is actually huge. Loads of different rooms/corners to sit in, plus outside drinking at both the front and the rear. Eight real ales and a comprehensive (Ember Inns) menu. As it's only 5-10 minutes' walk from the station, this is an excellent alternative to the town centre (which is on the other side of the railway line) especially on busy evenings.
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Just been voted Wokings pub of the year in a local newspaper competiton.
Always has 6 real ale on offer with some from Scotland and Wales.
If you are in Woking it is worth going to.
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Had two meals here in last few years. Both had to go back to the kitchen which I've NEVER had to do anywhere else before. Awful.
I was drinking in there last week and was told to leave due to closing up time- I obviously was not quick enough to leave as I was told to f-off by the young waitress. NICE!
Unfortunately not much else in Woking but this place really is a shocker when it comes to customer care/standards.
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Pleasant pub with interesting ales ranging from 2.80 to 3.15 ish. Maybe *this* is the best pub in Woking.
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Great pub offering six real ales food isn't as good as what it used to be. But ales are pretty decent
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Popped in early one evening last week for a couple of pints. Had a pint of Brentwood Blonde and 'Top of the Hops', which were both excellent and pretty good value. Service was also good and the place had quite a nice feel to it, with perhaps just a whiff of fried food which might put some off. This is the best pub in Woking town centre these days. Sadly there is little competition!
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Decent selction of real ale on (6 on my last visit)
Good prices, Batemans Victory Ale at �2.60 a pint was very good.
Not sure what happened to the landlord who ran it for some years, but staff have always been ok on my visits.
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Not been here of an evening, but popped in for food about a month ago. D�cor etc is a nice mix of traditional with modren, but does need a touch up and the selection of non-alcoholic drinks was good, service was great (answered all niggling questions with knowledge, and mentioned where we chose to sit would be close to a small leak in the ceiling), food was really good! However, after going in to treat my mum for a belated mothers day meal, things weren't quite as great, lots of tables, inside and out, hadn't been cleared even though not hugely busy and our food (apart from dessert) wasn't very good or tasty. . Still based on my first experience, I would return again and hope they work out their niggles
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Has a good selection of real ale... unfortunately it's of almost undrinkable quality. The food is just about okay - mostly frozen/microwaved, so not fresh or particularly tasty, but adequate.
I'd avoid this place if possible. It's not awful, but there's just nothing good about the place either.
esuhl - 12 Feb 2011 16:06 |
Used to be a great pub, food was good and it was always busy. Hasn't been like that for some months now. What is going on? Bring back the previous landlord and landlady.
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I would just like to warn customers that this establishment now has a pay and display car park and should you not realise expect to receive a �60 fine for the priviledge.
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Was in the pub last night and i have to say the service was poor and some of the staff were rude and just not interested it seemed. This is a shame as the ale is always decent. Lets hope this isn't a sign of things to come as the staff used to be so much better.
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greeted by a barman who complained quite loudly that he should not have been there and filled in the gaps with his rude comments to waiting customers....in his defence he thought he was being witty but after waiting ten minutes for the next drink, listening to this same banter and inability to change gear and look after his clients it was time to leave and take my appetite elsewhere. What a shame, this guy should get a job he likes as he ruined what should have been a nice sunday afternoon in a pub i like to visit when i'm in the area
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This used to be quite a decent place to pop into for a bite to eat and a pint but no longer. I wondered why it was so quiet, usually it's buzzing. The service is not lacking, in fact I'd hardly had time to open the menu before a barman was demanding my order, perhaps more annoying than being ignored, I guess he must have been bored.
The burger turned up looking a little sad on the plate, not many chips but that turned out to be a good thing as they didn't taste too great. The burger showed no signs of the "mature cheddar" it was supposed to contain, the bun was stale & no amount of toasting was going to bring it back and the burger itself was overdone, grey and slightly dry. I was so hungry I managed nearly half of it before I gave up due to an onset of queasiness. A different barman was shocked to hear I hadn't enjoyed it and went of to speak to the chef who was apparently willing to do me another one. Thanks but no thanks.
I shan't bother again, it seems from the empty space in the bar many others who used to drink there have come to the same conclusion. No wonder so many pubs are closing, they really don't give a toss about upsetting a customer, after all there's always another one down the road. Or not, as many are now realising too late.
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Monday night quiz is worth a detour
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Monday night quiz is worth a detour
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Good example of a typical town centre pub. Good range of well kept real ales and great food for the price. A little lively outside due to proximity of main road but plenty of space inside.
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I only snarl if there is a reason to. On my visit, albeit a busy Saturday evening, the staff did not serve people in order which frustrated many of those waiting at the bar and not just me - the beer wasn't up to much for somewhere that is listed in the Good Beer Guide and it felt more like being in a Harvester or McDonalds as opposed to a pub. If this is as good as Woking's pubs get am sure glad I don't live there. I do tend to prefer character over bland pub chains but then that's just my personal preference.
anonymous - 10 May 2010 16:30 |
Not sure what Snarling Mallard's problem is, but the "snarling" part my be a clue?
This pub is one of the better places to drink in Woking.
5 ales, always well kept.
They even do a "tasting" menu, 3 x 1/3 glasses so you can try ales you've never heard of. Excellent idea. Top tip, this also comes in less than a standard pint, so fill your boots :)
Deuchers has been voted top Ale by Camra on a couple of occasions, and its waiting for you at the Sovereigns. :)
Haven't eaten in there, so can't comment on that element.
Also, its a non offensive pub, i.e., its not overrun with intimidating regulars, its a very open/welcoming pub.
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Typical Ember Inn - Crap Service, Mediocre Beer, Zero Atmosphere.
anonymous - 11 Apr 2010 11:42 |
A large Ember Inn just outside Woking town centre, we visited on Saturday and found it doing a good trade in customers whilst retaining a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
The pub is very tidy and neatly decorated in the usual Ember Inns style. There is a mix of regular pub tables, high tables and low leather sofas so the is something for all tastes. Sky Sports News and BBC coverage of the F1 qualfying were on with no sound.
Alongside the regular keg suspects were the following ales: Pride, Deuchers IPA, Ringwood Bitter and 49er, Over The Bar, Roaring Meg and Black Cat, which had unfortunatly just run out. I tried the Roaring Meg which was in pretty good condition. Prices range between �2.10 and �2.95 which is pretty good for anywhere in Woking outside 'Spoons.
Plenty of food was being ordered and consumed and looked pretty nice.
If you find yourself this side of the town centre the Sovreigns is a sure fire bet.
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Good inexpensive range of beers, hearty food menu and good mix of clientele, what more could you ask? Has a large and very popular smoking area
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Feels a bit like a Wetherspoons - lots of real ale and good standard food at reasonable prices. This is a proper pub.
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good little boozer and nice grub which doesnt bankrupt you either
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Only ever go in for lunch but it is a great pub for real ale. Always with an excellent selection and plenty of info on the different beers. The meal deal is good and the bar staff seem to react well to large groups - i.e. if there is a delay on your meal they will tell you beforehand.
All in all a very pleasant experience!
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one of better pubs in area and has plenty of ales on:-
Top Banana
Loch Lomond Ales
Summer Breeze
And many more....overall a fine venue for eating or drinking people get bit overboard on pub quiz
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Cool especially if ales on form.
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Easily the best pub in the centre of Woking, (not that that's saying much), the manager and bar staff always seem to make a real effort to make sure everyone's happy. There's always interesting guest ales on tap, and you are able to have a sample taste before you buy a pint. Much wider selection of ales than the other Ember Inn in Woking.
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Excellent ales and the food seems to have improved noticably in recent times, easily the best of the central Woking options..
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WAS THS EVER CALLED THE RAILWAY?
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Have eaten and drunk there once or twice.Thefood was good as was the beer.Usual Ember Inns Good standards.
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I regularly drink in the pub and can say that since my last review in 2006 the pub has maintained its very high standard. The beers are consistently good and even if there is the slightest doubt about the quality the staff are happy to change it. Bar staff are friendly and happy to chat if they are not too busy. Keep up the good work.
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good choice of ales at least when they r on form. could be better tbh.
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Definately one of the better pubs that woking has to offer, nice atmosphere
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Beer is hit and miss. Good venue though.
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this is a great boozer nice friendly atmosphere good beer worth a visit
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This place has so much going for it, great spot in Woking. This gastro pub outlet does well for both its food sales and ale drinkers. I think the last reviewer is too quick to judge, every now and again ales are going to go 'off'. As an alternative, why not have Guinness Red... a sound choice.
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Not as good as has been made out. Staff can be slow, also a little over-popular.. could this be because its a food establishment too.. Some of the ales were off, try Enzo's or Wetherspoons for better beer.
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I like the food, and the real ale is kept to perfection but agree theres not much atmosphere
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Stopped here on the way to Kingfield Stadium. A few Salisbury fans were in so it was busy at the bar but not too long a wait. Excellent beer choice with Kelham Island Pale Rider, Highgate Irish Whiskey Ale, Cairngorm Nessie's Monster Mash, Deuchards, HSB nd the ubiquitous GK IPA. Had the first three and they were all very good.
Very roomy, looks like you would be unlucky not to get a seat. No real pub character, clearly aiming at food, but can't knock it for the beer.
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As chain pubs go, I reckon the Ember Inns chain is a pretty good brand. This example of the species I found to be exceptionally good. I found it to be friendly, roomy and comfortable but without it loosing too much atmosphere.
The real star is the beer, which I found to be in excellent form. Great range, something for everyone (on my visit at least). I reckon a good indicator that a pub will take care of its beer is an extensive collection of pump clips behind the bar; this place has many.
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Part of Ember Inns who are currently running a �Best of British� regional beerfest. Choice yesterday was Summer Lightning, Stonehenge Pigswill, Doombar, Bishops Finger, Deuchers, & Caledonian �Trick or Treat�. Tried the first 2, which were in good shape & the number of old pumpclips adorning the bar augered well for choice outside the �fest.
I arrived just after noon and the bar was very busy with groups of our more senior citizens all ordering food; the two efficient barstaff coped very well and no-one was left waiting too long to place an order or get drinks.
Modern-ish lounge decor & seating not really my style albeit comfortable, but please paint over that dreadful purple colour around the faux central �open� fire.
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Not a bad boozer at all. Used to work next door to here and would often pop in for an pint at lunch or after work. Staff always friendly and efficient with a good choice of beers. Pub grub pretty decent as well. One of the better pubs in woking.
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A victim of a town which seems to knock pubs down for housing without consideration for where the new residents will go drinking/eating etc.
This pub is my local, persay, and I have learned that it goes through phases. Sometimes the beer will be brilliant and the staff will be friendly and swift, other times your beer is horrible and the people serving you look like they couldn't be less interested. At the moment it is the latter and I've steered clear for a while.
There is an ultra friendly waitress who is a breath of fresh air from some of the other dross but it can be a little too much on occasions. Sure, I like a chat with bar staff from time to time but the conversation usually ends mutually after a while and you can get on with spending time with your friends/family.
I really hope the Sovereigns lives long and prospers as there is a helluva lot going for it and all in all it is one of Woking's finer pubs.
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This is a really nice pub, the bar staff are great, have to agree that the comments about the lady who brought out our food, by the time she'd finished talking the meal was getting cold!
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Good boozer, always busy.
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This pub has just been awarded pub of the year for the Surrey/Hants border. But don't let that stop you having a red bull despite the splendid choice of real ales
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I've been to this pub a few times, each time to participate in their quiz. Excellent evening really, if your in the area on a Monday night (and possibly Wednesdays?) then you should pop in with some friends and have a go. Staff seem a little slow to serve but get there in the end and are polite. Not an ale drinker myself so can't comment on those but usual lagers etc
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Nice pub and good choice of ales. Have encounterd the self opinionated member of staff, but hey nowheres perfect.
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Been in this pub a few times recently and usually 6 real ales are available, (Deuchers IPA is the permanent beer with 5 constantly changing guests). Last night I tried the Wychwood Dirty Tackle which was in excellent nick and have tried equally good pints of Oakham JHB and Caledonian XPA on previous visits. They also have tasting notes on the beer and give samples before you buy, so all in all a top beer pub in my book. Recommended.
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Nice pub for sitting in and having a chat, food is usually good but the waitress who served us last time was very annoying, by the time she'd stopped telling us her opinions on everything the food was almost cold!
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Currenly has an ale on called 'Six Nations' To do with the Ruggers of course! Quite nice however
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Top boozer, great quiz nights, plenty of seating good food & beers well kept.
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Easily the best pub in Woking, a fantastic and ever-changing selection of ales - lovingly cared for by Kyle the Kiwi deputy manager, good food (I'd have to disagree about it being expensive, they might not have the 2 for 1 deals that Wetherspoons and the like have, but the food is far better quality and not exactly wallet -breaking), and a very friendly atmosphere, something conspicuous by it's absence in most pubs around Woking.
If you aren't too easily offended ask Kyle his opinion of Gordon Ramsay, who he worked with for a time..
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Nice pub shame about the football team, only joking it's a place you can bring your other half, can take a while to get served if the staff are chatting to each other
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Giggly bar stuff, but not to be put off. The ales are top quality and is a rather nice place to go
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I'd have to say this is the best pub in Woking. At least of the ones i have visited. Is a great range of drinks on at the moment. Also has pub quizzes
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This is a great pub. The staff are really friendly (i.e. say goodbye to you when you leave, if it's not too busy) and the food is good (if not a little expensive). They refurbished it about a year ago, including an outside patio on the front, which is nice even in the autumn! Inside it's great, has a cosy feel without being too 'country pub'. Lastly, it has the hallmark of all good pubs - you can take a date there, drink with friends there, nip over on your lunchbreak and eat by yourself without being harrassed, and you can take your family out for a nice meal. Great for all occassions.
anonymous - 3 Nov 2006 22:04 |
Popped in on Sunday during the beer fest. Quality beer and the pub was spotless. Top marks to Linda!
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Now, this is one of the nicer places to drink in Woking.
Good food, nice bar staff and a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
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Good range of beers, there are a lot of groups who all seem to know one another and you can feel a bit of an outsider. Glasses could be cleaner, and the wait at peak times is a little tedious, but on the whole it's not that bad for a chain run pub.
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When I told a friend who has lived in Woking for years that I was going to try it he looked horrified. Apparently it has always had a reputation and has allegedly been burnt down at least once.
However I have to say that I though it was an excellent, vibrant and friendly place. There's lots of room inside including a large non-smoking area.
A good selection of handpumps on the bar - and they were having a beer festival too so I was a bit spoilt for choice. The Festival Mild (ex Gales, now Fullers) was delicious.
I'll definitely be going back.
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Considering the location, this pub is much better than you'd expect. Always has a nice relaxed atmosphere, excellent selection of real ales, changed regularly.
Food is par for the course in terms of pub grub really. Pub quiz on Monday's and Wednesdays, always good for a giggle, (esp. when the quiz host is the girl who can't read properly!).
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Recently taken over by the former Landlady from the Crown in Egham. A wide range of Real Ales, excellently kept. Modern interior may put off some, but I think it's quite nicely done myself, it feels fairly warm and snug. A must-stop for a pint in Woking.
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A vastly improved pub with a good range of beers well kept. The current managers have turned this pub into a popular lunchtime venue which can cause problems getting served on Fridays. The main problem being the Friday only punters who come in as a group and order their food and drinks individually which ties up bar staff for ages. Separating food oreders from drinks may ease the problem.
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Quite a good pub. Has plenty of seating but bar is a little small so you may have to wait a bit on Fri and Sat night. Beer is good and reasonable, food is ok.
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i really like this pub, i often go for 'lazy' lunches, i think the food is superb... never once had to make a complaint. so nice for a quiet drink too, nice cosy corners to snuggle into.
to be fair some of the staff are a little un-helpful (mainly the women) but nothing to bad.
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O.k for a drink but I have tried this pub on two occasions for a meal and both times the meal was a disgrace. The last meal I had was sent back after waiting for 45 mins only to find a mixed grill was a mixed charcoal!!! The manager didn't even appologise but did give me my money back. Also the staff aren't that polite at closing time. AVOID FOR A MEAL but not bad for a drink.
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Just a short walk from main town Woking this is a nice place to go for a drink. Its very comfortable to go to and has a nice relaxed atmposphere. They also serve fentimen's drinks which is handy for people wanting a non-alcohol drink
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This is my only regular pub as we go after weekly rehearsals. Comfy sofas, beer getting better with decent guest ales of late, but staff either in abundance or not around at all. Nothing outstanding, but could be worse.
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not right in the centre so not ideal for a pub crawl but it's a decent size. could do with more staffon a friday and saturday night but other than that nothing particularly bad or good really.
captain - 6 Oct 2004 18:28 |
I think The Sovereigns has eveything going for it - it is nicely laid out, cosy and attractive. On the downside, during busy times the staff struggle to cope, and it seems that there are scuffles and fights on a not-too-irregular basis.
Alisdair - 15 Dec 2003 13:47 |
My local in dearest Woking. On the expensive side but worth it for the atmosphere and comfy sofas in the extended area! Good times, good memories.
Fletch - 6 Jun 2003 19:26 |
This is a decent place to go for some lunch to break up your tedious working (or shopping) day, albeit slightly expensive compared to some of the other local pubs. However, it's lovely in the summer with its patio and garden, although bizarrely the tables make your arms itch. Maybe they've been treated with something nasty? If you're going to see a game at Woking FC, this pub is on your way and well worth a visit.
Loz - 24 Oct 2002 16:27 |
