BITE user comments - Reasonedview
Comments by Reasonedview
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
The Abinger Arms now has two large plasa screen TVs in the old public bar showing Sky Sport, etc. Black Sheep has been removed by the new owners and Greene King IPA substituted.
4 Feb 2009 14:11
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
To all those lovely people who have posted somewhat poor reviews for this pub here's your chance, when I passed the pub this morning you couldn't miss the big signs proclaiming Pub business to let. One of you ladies/gentlemen could now prove just how easy it is to run a little pub in the country!
25 Jan 2009 12:01
Welcome N.Smallportionplease, yet another first-timer who decides to cut their teeth on the Crown and, natch, tells us the pub is better than anything one could possibly imagine: presumably he/she also gives a max 10 rating to keep the figure up. There must be more first time posts for this pub than any other in England - it's a total joke.
One other quick point. Until recently I too was a dog owner - a terrier who even at the age of 15 managed to cover himself in mud on every possible occasion and then tried really hard to spread it around the house, did I blame the dog for a dirty house? No because (a) I cleaned-up after him and (b) cleaned him up too, it was at time all a bit irritating but then that's part and parcel of having dogs. I welcome dogs in pubs but what I don't welcome is a stupid owner who brings his/her dog in when it's filthy.
25 Jan 2009 11:57
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
You're absolutely right Wyndham, the pub could do with a refurb but I don't think that's likly to happen in the short term given the exceptinally low prices they're charging: you can't have your cake and eat it!
I see also Wyndham that you have quite a lot of reviews and, as far as I can see, almost all of them are Wetherspoons and virtually all of these pubs are heavily criticised by you: fine, you clearly don't like Wetherspoons, so why bother to go to them?
I can recommend some pretty good pubs you may like to try if this helps, alternatively if you know about lots of good pubs why not let us in on the secret?
23 Jan 2009 20:40
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
I am told that as from this week this pub ceases to be a tenanted pub and becomes a managed pub. Let's see what happens, will we have a big operation 'tart-up'?
22 Jan 2009 10:40
MIA-again you still haven't got it have you? Nobody, I repeat nobody, is out to 'get the Crown'. It's a fine looking building, I didn't know it was listed, as it happens I live in a listed building and know what I can do and what I can't do.
What I know for absolute certain is that nobody from English Heritage or any other watchdog body will come and feel my shoulder simply because the building is kept sparkling clean. And if my house were a pub, like the Crown, nobody would shout at me for keeping the beer pipes clean, discarding the first pint after nothing has been pulled through for three or four hours; or indeed throwing away any beer that I have been unfortunate enough to be unable to sell.
A bucket or two some cleaning fluid and a bit of elbow grease are pretty cheap. Later on a visit to Wickes will disclose that paint is pretty cheap too. Think on...
19 Jan 2009 22:54
MIA-again, I presume you joined specifically to comment favourably upon the Crown so not too much weight should be placed upon your comments since it would appear you have never commented upon any other pub - good or bad.
If you look back through the old reviews you will see that I do know the pub and I have been in there many times during the last 50 (yes I'm afraid it's that long) years. You'll be surprised to learn that I too find the landlord, Paul, an amiable bloke but he really does need to get his act together.
Aside from the somewhat hefty prices paid for the beer what I expect is a pub that serves good quality beer that doesn't (all too often) taste musty. He probably can't teach some of his regulars to be less insular in their little groups at the bar, but he can clean the place up, splash a bit of paint around and generally improve the look of the place.
What this pub doesn't need is a bunch of 'rent-a-keyboards' who presumably every time they sign-up for BITE give the pub a maximum 10 which it clearly doesn't deserve simply to maintain a scor of 6 or better.
There's no vedetta against the pub or its landlord, there is, I suspect, a real wish to see what should be a splendid pub vastly improved!
18 Jan 2009 23:48
I have know this pub for a very long time, in fact the first time I went there it was really very small and when the front door and the back door were open in the summer the swallows (or were they house martins?) flew in and out: I promise you it is true!
It was a good pub then and, unusually, it has stayed a good pub ever since. Everything you read praising this place is true - go and judge for yourself- though be prepared for it not being a small pub today, it's big but it's not lost its charm!
16 Jan 2009 15:55
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
I do most warmly congratulate peterjonsey. Clearly this pub is not for him far to cheap and nasty for a refined gentleman.
I went there today with my wife and had a couple of plates of very good ham eggs and chips for �2.99 a head, a pint of excellent bitter for 99p and and a glass of white wine and the whole bill came to just over �9.00. Oh dear clearly I've joined the ranks of shuffling pensioners or scruffy students.
I think I'll up my rating of this pub, check on where peterjonsey has rated highly and make sure I don't go there - clearly I could not afford them.
16 Jan 2009 15:43
This is a very pretty pub in a splendid location but it has one major problem as far as I'm concerned, you need to be very, very, rich to drink here regularly: in fact you'll find it much cheaper to haunt the environs of Kensington and Chelsea - pity they're so far away.
15 Jan 2009 11:41
I am surprised by the lack of recent reviews for the PoW. If you like a genuine small pub, with just one bar, and first class beers such as Pride and Deuchers, etc. I beg of you go here quickly in case someone tries to apply a touch of 'mayfair' to the pub.
This is a glorious, straightforward pub with what appears to be an excellent landlady, quality beers and excellent rolls served in clean surroundings with a pleasant atmosphere and locals who seem to spend their time taking the mickey out of each other.
I am going to give this place an 8/10 because it deserves it.
14 Jan 2009 16:17
The Duke Of Wellington, East Horsley
What a rave review from Harrythecat! Curious, when I look at his/her's other reviews there aren't any, perhaps it's just chance.
I haven't been in for about a year because the last visit was not very 'exciting' to say the least - indifferent beer and service just for starters, but perhaps evrything has changed. I wont leave a rating because maybe it is vastly improved, I'll go and take a look.
14 Jan 2009 11:07
I don't live very close to Chichester but for various reason I go there about every couple of months and each time I make sure I visit this Wetherspoons. I have only been disappointed once when I had a rump steak that should have been recycled for a remould tyre - but that's the exception. Each visit has been worth the effort and minor glitches aside a visit is generally an enjoyable experience. Nice staff, excellent beers in good condition and routine very acceptable Wetherspoons food.
12 Jan 2009 22:53
I have now made three or four visits during the day and each time I've found it an enjoyable relaxing experience. The beer (in my case Pedigree) has been excellent and the food was fine in relation to the price, as Wetherspoons go this is a good one - I don't know what it's like in the evening though I imagine it's pretty busy.
11 Jan 2009 23:39
Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common
What a curious place. I went in one evening earlier this week to find a very small group huddled round the fire, it transpired the landlord and his family had gone out for the evening and turned the heating off on one of the coldest nights for a long time. No small wonder the faithful few were so close to the fire.
Come on landlord, surely you can do better that that?
11 Jan 2009 12:34
What a curious review by pshadbo! He/she registers on the site on January 10 and the first (and only so far) review is a rave for this pub - not to be taken too seriously methinks.
11 Jan 2009 12:29
TWG has got this just about right, it's adequate. They've spent a lot of money on decking at the back (presumably for smokers). The staff are, a bit like the pub, adequate but don't seem to have their heart in it. The beers are well kept but in relation to the price you pay the food is pretty average. Speaking of averages I wonder how this the Spotted Dog has managed to get such a relatively high rating?
9 Jan 2009 23:49
I have been to this pub four or five times now and on each occasion have enjoyed the visit and experience. I have only one minor grumble - like other people have commented I too find it irritating that the staff appear unable to clean a table with a cloth that hasn't already been soaked in beer. Nevertheless, this is a pretty good pub and worth a visit.
9 Jan 2009 23:25
The pub has been up and down, but generally it has been pretty good and right now it is certainly going through a good spell. The varied selection of decen ales, well kept, make it worth a regular call and...the food is fine and good value which makes a change from many other pubs in the locality who have London aspirations where price is concerned and local canteen capability where cooking is concerned.
Give the pub a visit.
7 Jan 2009 23:05
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
If Aphrodite is certain that dope is being smoked on the street outside of the pub (a public area) why bother mailing the pub's head office? Call the Police and put your name to the complaint - after all the police station is only a few hundred yards away. That would be a real public service!
4 Jan 2009 11:42
The Kings Head, Holmbury St Mary
This is a truly excellent village pub. The young couple who appear to be running it know what they are doing and are friendly. The varied selection of beers are excellent, personally I have not tried the food but friends tell me it is very good. It is also dog friendly.
4 Jan 2009 11:32
The Old House At Home, Dorking
I agree with TWG, as pubs go in Dorking this is one of the better ones. The Youngs is invariably well kept and well served, though the staff would do customers a favour by not using the hatchway by the kitchen as their informal gossiping corner.
Despite this the place is well kept and the food is pretty good - especially the roast beef sandwiches, a bit pricey but actually worth the money.
3 Jan 2009 00:00
I ahve followed the progress (if that's the right word) of the Surrey Yeoman with interest - I remember it when it was owned by Friary Meux.
I find the pub, at the moment, pretty good and the staff helpful and polite; which has not always been the case in recent years.
It would be good if Greene King would allow the occasional guest beer and if they could spare a little of their not inconsiderable income on a bit of paint here and there.
For a town centre pub this is not at all bad and if you haven't been there it's worth a visit.
2 Jan 2009 23:52
I am puzzled by the vast number of comments on this pub, I can only presume this is driven by a small group who are determined to 'promote' the pub via this site - fine if everyone recognises this for what it is.
Personally I have known the Crown for more than 50 years - since the days when the landlord and his wife were Mr and Mrs Glass. Frankly not a lot has changed except that it's, perhaps, just a bit grubbier than it was.
I try it from time-to-time and generally leave somewhat disappointed. Frequently the less than bargain priced beer has been in less than perfect condition - a bit musty. But the biggest problem the pub has is the very cliquey feel about those who sit at the bar: it's just a bit oppressive at times.
On the credit side the Crown certainly has its band of faithful regulars and the notice board is always worth a glance as your pass.
1 Jan 2009 23:48
Things have changed a bit since the last review shown here. There's a new landlord who seems to be making a resonable job of it.
Good beer but I haven't tried the food (other than a cheese roll which was a pleasant surprise because we don't all want fish and chips, etc).
Make a visit a judge for yourself.
23 Dec 2008 12:04
This is a good pub with an excellent new tenant who deserves support. One reviewer suggested they need to make sure they actually serve a pint and this is a fair point, until they start using lined glasses publicans and their staff need to remember that pint glasses need to be served filled to the top.
Aside from that the beer is excellent well kept Fullers, the food is very good, though lurching towards the pricey end of the scale for a pub.
Do make a visit, I'm pretty sure most people will enjoy the experience!
23 Dec 2008 11:58
I can imagine that many people looking for a country pub will be disappointed by the interior design, but personally I quite like it (and, yes I can recall the days of a proper public bar which was great) because they have not tried to simulate ye oldie worldie effect.
The food is OK the staff are, generally, good the beers are good but some of the adequate wines are very overpriced: �4 for a standard glass of Pino Grigio out of a box is extracting the Michael.
23 Dec 2008 11:49
This is a gem of a pub and well worth the effort involved in getting there. Excellent beers, excellent food (they will need to guard against going down the over-priced route) add to the pleasure of visiting the Scarlett Arms.
Especially superb in the summer.
23 Dec 2008 11:40
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
I have to say I agree with the last reviewer (BeerMonstersBall) this beautiful pub set in a perfect location is spoilt by overcharging and pretty poor management who seem to regards customers as somewhat of an inconvenience to their personal lifestyle.
The owner has spent a lot of money to create an excellent facility that's spoilt by a belief that Mayfair prices can be charged and indifferent staff are all that's required.
Very sad to see this once great pub so low.
23 Dec 2008 11:18
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
I first started using this pub on a fairly regular basis (say twice a week) about nine months ago and I can hardly believe the reviews I've read. Personally I have found the staff absolutely fine; they're polite, friendly and efficient...and the beer is fine. I've had one bad pint which was promptly changed with apologies.
I see that aphrodite describes this as a "low life attraction", so I guess that means I must be pretty low life myself along with all the other 'collar and ties' I see enjoying the facility.
Ahh well...that's life.
23 Dec 2008 11:11
The Abinger Arms, Abinger Hammer
There is one thing all of the reviewers seem to have lost sight of, this is a genuine country pub designed to appeal to genuine country people, i.e. very often they work in and around the locality and they often have work wear on and are accompanied by dogs. If you don't like dogs don't go anywhere near the Abinger Arms.
The beer is usually excellent and it's refreshing to find a genuine pub that hasn't been tarted up (Surrey is full of those) to try and look like something from Mayfair.
Is it 100% clean? No, but it's adequate and genuine.
23 Dec 2008 10:59
Back to Reasonedview's profile
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
I'm impressed. Last Friday lunchtime standing at the bar was Tim Martin the chairman of Wetherspoons. He then carried out an inspection of the pub (including the lavatory - not the ladies I presume).
It's good to see that the bosses can get out and about and look at things themselves rather than glance through paper reports. Pity more pub operators don't seem to follow this example!
8 Feb 2009 18:02