please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Haven't they knocked this place down yet??
Awful place and the awful landlady who once barred me and a friend for having a fight with each other (neither of us knew what the hell she was on about??!!) is now at the Swan in Wimbledon, so that should take a dive soon ..... great!
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This pub is now an Italian Restaurant, well pretending to be one, its not, what it really is, is BLOODY AWFUL. When there are 2 better restaurants in the village how or why someone decided to make this an italian as well is beyong me. Unless of course they felt it could match them for quality and service, which it doesn't...
I went in on a Thursday night and we (my wife and I) were the only ones in all night.
The other restaraunts are sooooo much better
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CLOSED
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Now an "Italian pub", which means restaurant.
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Things must have changed a lot since the last reviewer: it is now (June 09) a sophisticated wine bar eaterie type place. After being in all of the pubs and bars in the Ewell village area (in 09), this is by far the smartest, even though prices are the same.
It is a bar and Italian restaurant (not tried the food - but at lunch they do a reasonably priced 2 course menu option).
By the bar there is a seating area to the left, for the drinkers with draft contintenal lagers on offer. A little dark inside, but otherwise a far superior affair to the local pub efforts in the village.
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This pub has been totally run into the ground. Gone are the days of great live bands on a friday night and a packed house full of really nice locals. Nowadays your lucky if theres 10 people in there on a weekend night!! I cant understand what has happened to this place, apart from a crap new colour scheme and brothel style curtains dividing the pub. The brewery must be stupid to keep whoever is running this place running it. Havnt they noticed the huge fall in takings??? The King Bill used to be the heart and soul of Ewell village a few years ago, the manager must find it hard to run a bath let alone a pub. I along with many other people want to this place get back on track and bring it back to its former glorious self. Out with the old manager and in with the new.......................
anonymous - 25 Nov 2006 17:10 |
The only problem with this pub is the toilet facilities on the first floor, what happens is you have someone less agile with you ? where are the disabled facilities
johnl - 17 Sep 2006 17:57 |
I'm not a fan of live bands in pubs and I find it strange that a pub should be rated as good or bad depending on the live music it stages. There's nothing worse than having a drink with your mates before being drowned out by some band playing covers, which I could as easily select on the jukebox. The management here is pretty poor, never a welcome although the bar staff are good on the whole. The end is nigh!!!
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Went into this place last night, had a great night will be coming back again staff are friendly and easy going.
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IT WAS A SAD DAY WHEN RUTH LEFT AS SHE WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE A GREAT PUB WITH A WARM AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE AND PROBABLY THE BEST REAL ALE EWELL IS EVER LIKELY TO TASTE .....HOWEVER RUTH HAS NOW MOVED ON TO FAR BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS
anonymous - 22 Jun 2006 02:55 |
A little strong I think Ted.
Still desparately publicising a band that no longer exist and claiming you were the only thing keeping the pub afloat ??
It's over. Let go.
Yes, Lisa is doing very well in Wimbledon. She keeps up with the comings/goings of The King Bill and thinks it's sad that the pub has been run into the ground.
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I believe the Pub went downhill tyhe minute Promising Smith played the last note of their lat ever gig here after over a 5 yeare residency at this pub.
Shame as I hear Lisa is doing well up in Wimbledon Village.
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Lisa ran a great pub.
Then Ruth took over and ran it into the ground (with some serious irregularities that have never been disclosed).
Then Michelle ran it as best she could as temporary Manageress, trying to get back the good will of the punters.
Now Debbie has taken it over and, it would appear, managed it 'so well' that it is now UP FOR LEASE because the brewery don't want it anymore !!
Every time a new person takes over, they start a new diary, so all the bands that have been booked in are suddenly told that their gigs have been either cancelled or weren't booked in at all.
I can guarantee that almost every band will be leaving this sinking ship because there are other venues that appreciate bands and customers a lot more.
Rant over :)
anonymous - 15 Jun 2006 11:50 |
Oh gawd.... what has happened to this place? So much hard work was done to make this place a great all round venue with great live music and now it has the atmosphere of a social club. What dire place... Used to be so good. No doubt, all the best bands will be wanting to leave this joint and find other gigs!
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 18:37 |
rubbish pub,but could be so good.need to get some good ales in.overdoing it with the england flags!
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Sadly this pub has gone down hill, it�s lost its atmosphere and now has the appearance of a social club, cramming more tables in than the local furniture shop. Other pubs in the village offer a better place to enjoy a pint � try the Green man or the Spring.
anonymous - 17 May 2006 13:47 |
This Pub has just been took over by new management, New menu, Sunday Lunch and Childrens Menu has just been launched, Beer garden at the back of the pub with bouncy Castle for the Kids, Real Ales, Quiz and Bingo every Thursday night, Live Bands, Disco and Karoake every month. Live Sport shown every day on Big Screen plus 5 TVs. Car Park at the back of the pub. Children now welcome.
anonymous - 7 May 2006 17:45 |
It is now confirmed that Promising Smith will play their final gig on the 5th May. Thank you to Road Dog Jackson. We promise we will be down to see you guys.
Do come and support the band for this final gig. We'd like to thank all who have supported us over the last 6 years and your valued support has meant alot to us.
See you there.
Ted
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Note to the Venue. Promising Smith are not able to play their last gig on the 19th May and can only play the 5th May.
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Could it please be noted that, due to a diary mistake by the venue, Promising Smith will be playing their last gig on Friday 19th May NOT Friday 5th May.
ROAD DOG JACKSON will be at the venue on 5th May as previously stated.
anonymous - 5 Apr 2006 06:24 |
Once again Promising Smith will be playing the first of their last two gigs ever this Friday 17th March "St Patrick's Day" So come on down.
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Anonymous is obviously the landlord or landlay, they are fairly new so I wish them all the luck, beers average and it's very CHAV orientated but I'm sure it will come upto standards and start to match some of the other better watering holes in the village, and lets stop with the music edge we know it does live music we want to hear about the pub and beer in general.
anonymous - 22 Dec 2005 03:32 |
GREAT PUB, OUTSTANDING REAL ALES SERVED BY FRIENDLY STAFF, A FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE FOR PREMIERSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL MATCHES SHOWN ON THE BIG SCREEN AND PLASMA SCREENS THROUGHOUT THE VENUE. THIS IS A PUB THAT IS CONTINUALLY ON THE UP THANKS TO RUTH THE NEW LAND LADY.
anonymous - 13 Nov 2005 15:34 |
Anybody would think this website is called livemusicintheevening.com .
OK, we get the message, you can hear local bands play here. Now can anybody actually tell us what the pub is like apart from that?
Gawd help us from the wannabe groupies...
anonymous - 11 Nov 2005 20:02 |
Well it's that time again where the Mighty Promising Smith will be playing this Friday 11th November.
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Fantastic little pub with friendly staff. Has a great atmosphere for the football matches with loads of screens to watch. Late night licence and live music on a Friday its a great way to start the weekend. Pub seems to be improving all the time. Worth a visit!
anonymous - 6 Oct 2005 18:16 |
ROAD DOG JACKSON will be recording their LIVE CD "Lock-In" on 28th October and everyone is welcome to come along and make it a night to remember !!
I would also like to recommend another band. I went here on Friday (30th Sept) and saw "The Resolutions".
If you get the chance, go and see them, they are a superb blues/rock band and Jim is one hell of a drummer. Having said that, the other guys are no slouches either, especially the guitarist with the Les Paul. He made that guitar sing in true Gary Moore style.
Can I also say that Ruth, the new landlady, is carrying on the tradition of great live music and is one of the nicest, most friendly landladies about.
Trev (ROAD DOG JACKSON)
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ROAD DOG JACKSON are back on 23rd September and this is going to be a BIG one !!
We can't sat too much, but everyone who comes will become part of RDJ History.
Ruth, the landlady, has said that she'll try and get the vid-cam up and running so that people in other parts of the pub can watch the band on the plasma screens.
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Having been a regular follower of the bands in Ewell village for some time I have to say that in my humble opinion Promising Smith are by far the best pub band I've seen for a while. They offer a great mix of music that suits all ages and the always seem to have one or two new ones in the bag. Peach were ok until they lost the male singer and lost thier flexibility of songs in the process. Road Dog Jackson, great, fab but maybe a bit too much blues in one night for me. Good Luck Ruth, and please make sure you keep Promising Smith on the books.
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I agree that this place is going downhill. Hopefully Ruth will put an end to the pool table thickos playing while the bands are on !!
However, please spare a thought for poor Ruth, since this is a new pub for her. She's having to run around, cook and also train all new bar staff, since her old bar staff have all gone back to Uni.
All she has to do is get rid of that pool table and the tattooed plankton will go somewhere else to throw glasses at each other !!
anonymous - 18 Aug 2005 14:34 |
David,
Thanks for your vote of confidence for ROAD DOG JACKSON.
It's good to know that you're enjoying the shows.
Now, David, I'm sure you're just being mischievous, but please remember that we are ROAD DOG JACKSON, don't forget the JACKSON. Also, I believe that the other band are called Promising Smith, not "the promising smiths".
You still haven't made yourself known at gigs, so come up and chat and I'll buy you a pint.
Trev (ROAD DOG JACKSON)
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Glad to see David that Promising smith consistently deliver a good time. Next time we'll Promise a bit more!
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Sorry to leave you feeling cold David, perhaps the air conditioning was a little too high as we all went away feeling quite chilly too! The atmosphere here seriously needs hotting up again which I am sure the new landlady Ruth will do very well! And Peach promises to re-instate your beliefs in the band at our next gig at the King William on 7th October!
Thanks for all the positive comments from the punters and fans that came down to support us on Friday night. Your continued encouragement and support really counts!
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Well, the bands are going downhill as well. I keep coming but last night I was left cold by Peach. Road Dog was still good though and the Promising Smiths, whilst not having too much promise, are always a good time.
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a pub that's going downhill fast, let's hope the new landlord perks it up a bit.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2005 17:16 |
Once again Promising Smith take up their residency this FRiday from 9pm. They probably are the best six peice in the world!! Don't miss it
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It's with sadness that I found out that Jul 23rd is the last day of Lisa, the landlady, because she's moving on to Wimbledon Village. I'm told that the new landlord may go for music Thurs/Fri/Sat evenings. Thank you Lisa for making this pub the best !!
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Just a reminder that ROAD DOG JACKSON are playing again on 10th June. Please note that the doors were closed early last time because of the crowd, so if you were one of the 80 people turned away, we apologise and suggest that you get there early to secure your place. Also, I'm assured that Lisa & her staff are ready for the rush now and the lemonade and bitter won't run out this time. If 'David Mellor' can get into the next gig and make himself known, I'll buy him a pint for recommending us.
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The King Bill's finest band take up their monthly residency again this Friday. They've got Keyboards, 2 guitars the lot. They don't need bigging up. They are the best.
See you all there
anonymous - 10 May 2005 15:16 |
Thanks David Mellor, always great to hear some positive feedback. Had a great turn out on Friday and despite one of our regular fans falling over the equipment, not once, not twice but 3 times.... it didn't stop us rocking!!!
Peach are back at the King Will on Friday 17th June.
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Well, I went to see both Road Dog and Peach to see what was up. Both are very bands but for me Peach pips it. Peach only have a single guitar, bass and drums along with the vocals but they make a really big sound. The rhythm section is really tight and I tapped my feet all night when I thought Road Dog lost it on occasion. What is most amazing is that when the guitar hits a solo the bass sound is so big in Peach that the sound doesn't drop at all and it does it without swamping the band when everyone else is rocking. Made me want to take up bass!!! I would recommend both bands but will definately go to see Peach again.
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Following the recent general "Band General Elections" THe King Bill crowd's favourite band PROMOSING SMITH will be playing Friday 13th May.
Case dismissed!!
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Don't forget that according to the King Williams' opinion poll, PEACH are still voted for as the fave band of 2003 and 2004!
See us play again tonight, 6th May at 9pm
Don't worry Trev. Apology on behalf of bad mouthing fan is accepted.
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This is Trev, the bassist with ROAD DOG JACKSON. In relation to the comment below, I should like it noted that I have seen Peach and I think they do a good gig. I'm glad to acknowledge that our fans love us but I don't think that we should be bad-mouthing other bands. If anyone from Peach reads this, I'm sorry for any offence caused.
Aside from that, get yourself down to The King William on Friday and we'll put on a great show !!
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I'm so excited about this Friday, 15th April, cos' the King William will be rocking to the sounds of the mighty ROAD DOG JACKSON. I've seen them many times before and you are guaranteed a PARTY!!. The place is gonna be heavin', so get there early.
If you're fed up with the same old rotten fruit, come and see how it's really done.
There's a new dog in town !!
anonymous - 13 Apr 2005 08:13 |
PEACH are playing hot rock and pop covers on Friday 8th April. Don't miss out. PEACH always turn out a good crowd and always get the place rocking. If you're looking to have some fun, come down to the King William. You won't be disappointed
anonymous - 7 Apr 2005 09:20 |
Friday 15th April is going to be very special night at The King William because ROAD DOG JACKSON are playing there for the first time. You'll be able to say "I saw them when they first played The King William!!".
For some tasty chunks of red-hot Rock & Blues, including many of your favourites, get yourself down there. Anyone who approaches a band member and says "I wanna be a Road Dog too" gets a FREE RDJ keyring !!
anonymous - 31 Mar 2005 20:23 |
i think this is a great pub, it has a pool table which is always kept in superb condition. the food, staff, manger are all great. this is a very clean pub and the music and lighting are always set to create a wonderful atmospere. they always have a good band every friday night and the bar is open until 1am. drinks are cheap, so ROCK ON.........a bit more NWA on the jukebox would be great but anyway my taste in music is crap.............All in all a great pub, be there or be square........
anonymous - 26 Aug 2004 19:34 |
Come and See 'PEACH' play at the King William on Friday 20 August
anonymous - 16 Aug 2004 17:22 |
Come down to the land lady's OFFICIAL birthday bash on Saturday 17th July. PEACH WILL BE PLAYING SO DON'T MISS IT!
anonymous - 30 Jul 2004 11:23 |
Great news. Promising Smith are back by popular demand on July 9th. The land lady said it's her birthday that day and she has booked a premier band to celebrate. I'll be going that's for sure!!
Gary - 28 Jun 2004 13:04 |
'PEACH' are playing at the King Willian on on Friday 11 June from 9pm until v.late. They are guaranteed to rock your socks off!
anonymous - 7 Jun 2004 16:53 |
In the early eighties, this was the main young persons pub in Ewell. Happy Days. C
Wilson MacDonald - 31 May 2004 16:32 |
I went down to the pub last night and I notice Promising Smith are playing on Friday 28th May. This is a must see band so be there or be square! Also, they are open until 1am, cool!
Gary - 21 May 2004 10:27 |
Well what another to night with Promising Smith. Great crowd down here, band played all our favourite covers and a top crowd turned out. Well done all!!
Ted - 3 Apr 2004 09:37 |
Good pub, good food, well kept cellar. Good music at the weekends. Best band on the list is Promising Smith by a country mile. They're playing on Friday 2nd April, and I'll be there for sure.
Gary - 30 Mar 2004 17:06 |
this pub has had a complete change from the firkin days. very nice refurb, although i do remember an extremly good looking chef that was there for a brief time called perry he was great
peter pan - 21 Mar 2004 11:39 |
Can't quite understand the comment about the fighting, I've never seen it and I've been frequenting this pub for 4 years?? Don't forget to drop in on April 2nd. and see Promising Smith Play. THE best covers band south of the River. They knock spots off all the other bands there.
anonymous - 20 Mar 2004 09:43 |
Go see Peach (think that's their name). A breath of fresh air to see a band cover music in the King Will properly. Serious musicians and excellent singers (male and female). Will be going to see them again. Anyone know when they are next playing at the King Will?
Anonymous - 18 Mar 2004 15:42 |
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Comfortable, friendly, good food, brill mamager that supports the Hammers! Almost perfect!
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great pub, great food, great beer, great music. what more can i say..........land lady is a good laugh as are all of the staff.Well done.
chris - 21 Feb 2004 20:27 |
Don't forget it's your last chance to see Promising Smith on the 2nd April before they set off for their European and North AMerican summer tour. They really are the best and should not be missed. Only the Tar Babies come a close second to these boys & girl!!!!
anonymous - 18 Feb 2004 14:18 |
Anonymous 11th Feb! Totally disagree with your pointed comment about the manager. I have been drinking here for ages and it's not the bands that have changed the place it's the wonderful manager, your obviously in the wrong pub!
Lawrence - 16 Feb 2004 18:00 |
Had a good day in here on Sunday watching the sports. Comfortable seating, nice open fires. Although they were v busy did not have to wait long for service or food. New menu along with refit. Def worth a try, recommend the Rib Eye steak.
anon - 16 Feb 2004 13:58 |
A welcome surprise. Good band last night. The pub has had a refurb. V.friendly atmosphere and Landlady was on top form mingling with the punters. Well done!!
anonymous - 14 Feb 2004 11:32 |
Great pub, great food.Good range of Beer. Guinness is excellent. Disagree with last comment. It's the only place in Epsom and Ewell to watch sports. Quiz night on Sundays always a good laugh.....Keep up the good work.Cheers!!!!!
Anon - 13 Feb 2004 17:12 |
shame that someome that is trying to inprove the pub is doing such a bad job . if it was nt for the bands the place would be dead . maybe its time to move over and let someone with a real tan run the place .
anonymous - 11 Feb 2004 19:31 |
Probably the best pub in the Epsom & Ewell area if you like live music. Best band on their list is Promising Smith. Superb range of covers from 50's to now so something for everyone. Can't comment on the beers but the Stella Artois is well kept and always the right temperature.
GB - 9 Feb 2004 14:56 |
Great pub, with a buzzin atmosphere and the food is good.
The idiots who used to frequent the place, have been removed by the manager....respect.
lawrencew - 5 Feb 2004 19:59 |
Flat Lager, Filthy Glasses, Clock set ten minutes fast so they can chuck you out as soon as possible. The First Bell is rung so quietly for fear of disturbing the staffs constant brass polishing by having to serve that last pint
Prof Piehead - 2 Feb 2004 12:14 |
Piss poor service!!! If you are thinking about ordering food -- THINK AGAIN! Limited menu of everything with chips, and it takes an age to come to your table by that time it is stone cold! It seems that every pub in the Ewell area has slow service, people who work behing the bar are not motivated and could not care less about the customer. Another thing, there is not much room to sit in this pub as it is dominated by SKY TV, a snooker table, and machines galore! At least, it is an improvement on the bloody Firkin pub.
Dangerous Dave - 20 Jan 2004 15:55 |
I would just add that for all those who used to go to the King Will before the Landlady took over would have known it to be a hell hole. She may be tough but she has totally changed that pub and I have every respect for her despite her less than tactful nature.
anonymous - 31 Dec 2003 10:56 |
See Peach play rock and pop covers on Friday 7th November
anonymous - 4 Nov 2003 15:03 |
briLLIant Pubb!!!!!!!!!!!! CANt wAIt 2 goo Back
Mark REEves - 17 Oct 2003 15:06 |
first chance i have had to log on since saturday, i went down to this pub at 12 and was there till 12 in the night. the atmos was brilliant, totally packed- highlights- downing 2 pints of bitter through a straw, the glasses flying when alpay poked beckham, the fight that kicked off after the final whistle(the gypo lost, two loons at the front shouting rat all game at the turkish no 11, the barmaids keeping the beers flowing through the game, 10- out of 10 night, and set me up for my euro techno gig i was djing after the night.
C eades - 17 Oct 2003 14:53 |
If love live music, pay a visit on Friday 2nd May and see Peach play great rock and pop covers. It's always busy with a good crowd. The landlady may be a tough cookie but she has done a great job of ridding the pub of undesirables.
anonymous - 28 Apr 2003 11:21 |
It was a really nice pub and if it was not for the disgraceful, offensive and obscene racist comments made by the particularly rude female manager i would recommend the pub to friends, as a young black man with a family i don't expect the owners to tolerate this in this day and age?
Thomas Ukumunne - 8 Mar 2003 15:08 |
Nice pub but its a shame about the awful manager who spoiled my evening, by POOR decision making. i agree with all the above comments.
John - 8 Mar 2003 15:01 |
Great live bands in a cosy pub, only ruined by the extremely rude manager which means I won't be going again.
Jennifer - 23 Feb 2003 14:44 |
