BITE user comments - OldQuaffer
Comments by OldQuaffer
The Running Horse, Leatherhead
Yep, snapped up by Shepherd Neame after the sale of some of Punch Taverns top pubs about a month back - the guv'nor only had 5 days notice, himself! Was there shortly afterwards, 4th June. SN's beers are sound, so the locals pretty pragmatic about it. Old Ron Huddlestone is a real gent & friendly landlord - so the old pub is still in good hands.
4 Jul 2009 17:10
The Running Horse, Leatherhead
Over the years 'The Runner' has always been consistantly friendly & full of character & characters.
Name derives from 'The Rummynge House' reputedley a house of ill-repute run by the legendary Elynour Rummynge, the subject of a C16th poem by poet laureate John Skelton.
In December an alternative pub sign was unveiled, painted by one of the barmaids!
So an old place steeped in history which famously resisited a 'Firkinisation' thanks to the efforts & petitions of the locals - who are staunchly loyal.
They do try so hard to please and the ales - of which there are usually five, including a revolving guest - are well looked after.
Do have a soft spot for the old place - warts & all - so heartily recommend it & would hate it to be modernised & lose it's unique character. Public bar has been 'done up' though! Plus a nice & popular garden.
20 May 2009 01:22
Popped down there last night to sample Ray Welton's 'Ewell Sticks,' seasonal bitter.
Hadn't been racked - so out of luck - but Pilgrim's 'Moild' Mild absolutely delicious.
Never been there before, but friendly little pub & the landlord was more than helpful. Nt high profile but everyting pubs used t be - very nice.
19 May 2009 16:21
This really is a fairytale in so many ways.
Rents put up to make it untenable for prior Landlady to make a living - shut down & then joy, Epsom & Ewell BC refuse consent to turn it into a private house!
Along come Nathan & Sonia - & suddenly everything that was right about 'The Coopers' is back .... & more!
If you want a gastro-pub - go elsewhere - this is a superb ale-house with NO TIE & a changing range of ales expertly kept.
Both of them couldn't be frendlier - honestly cannot commend this little gem on the edge of Epsom Common any higher - wonderful retreat & everything 'The Cricketers' nearby isn't!
Good heavens - they've even opened the garden - didn't know it had one before!
19 May 2009 14:57
Feel the below is a tad unfair.
Have known The Star for years & it has always represented good value for money & been family friendly - which is important for those with youngsters.
Also dog friendly!
It is true that it is food orientated, along with many pubs these days - but does retain two bar areas with four hand-pumps - so it still IS a pub.
The food isn't cordon-bleu, it's true - but if that's your want - go up town!
It is adequate, fresh, wholesome & tasty - they really do try & give a good service - so don't be put off by the below - it is what it is - but it's not bad overall & the beer quality is fine
19 May 2009 14:49
The Gun, Keyhaven
Came across it much like others below. The Hobgoblin was on its way out so had one drawn straight from the barrel - wonderful! Plenty of nooks & crannies - character - particularly the wooden crab table & chairs! Superbly kept large garden - dog/children friendly. Ploughmans' to die for, especially the home-made real ale pickle - so overall pretty satisfied.
4 Jul 2009 17:18