The Norbiton and Dragon, Norbiton

The re-fit is now complete and was complimented by an opening night that was wonderful. This has been a brave decision by the pubs owners to remove the televisions and drag this place upmarket...but it has worked! The pub is busier and the builders have gone and standards are up. I agree that some of the staff like to chat but that is a problem from before the re-fit and are generally attentive. To call the place a dump is simply inaccurate and stupid. The resturant has new menu, the food is quite superb, the beer quality is good and the place is clean and open and friendly. The management team have got this right and the ambience stimulates conversation so if you want to sit and watch TV, I suggest you stay at home!

Congratulations to all concerned this is a great pub now and with a no smoking area and no smoking at the bar the management has taken on board the concerns on all clients and their staff who shouldn't have to breathe in secound hand smoke!

Go and see foryourself, I think you will be pleased with what you see but don't judge because you can't watch rubbish or football on then TV, judge it for the traditional pub that it is!

9 Nov 2006 12:30

No.88 Bar and Grill, Kingston Upon Thames

I am following up on the commetnabout the bad Sunday lunches which I think are great so you must have been unlucky.
Pete runs good ship but, miserable bar staff are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays also. I don't know their names but they are two of the shorter female staff there and they are shocking. You always feel that as a customer you are in their way, they are too keen at end of time and a smile costs nothing.
Tell them please Pete. The other staff there are great and you couldn't wish for better. No chavs is great, worth paying for in my opinion.

Keep up the good work!

21 Apr 2006 14:16

The Norbiton and Dragon, Norbiton

Don't know when Mr. Sound went in last, the pool table was taken out a year ago and replaced with wonderful leather sofas which has helped to create a much better atmosphere.
There is new management in now and they have already sorted out the lousy bar service, refurbished the gents toilets at the restaurant end of the pub and coupled with the recent decoration things are looking up. The bench seating around the edge of the pub has finally gone though the problem of passing through the curved section of bar remains as stupid people with large backsides tend to push their chairs into your path. A swift kick to the chair leg or 'sorry did I spill my pint on you' normally deals with such things. If you find you are getting drink spilt on you then pull your seat in, or lose weight!!!
Food wise the bar food is OK though some of the English food is getting a lot better too!
The restaurant is fabulous and is best accessed through the door futhest away from the petrol station.
All in all much improved but just a little too bright!

27 Dec 2005 13:40