BITE user comments - mrgrumpy
Comments by mrgrumpy
Still a good pub and the one I tend to visit after shopping in the ghastly Redhill town centre. However changes are afoot - hopefully they won't be too drastic. At least there will still be Harveys beers on sale, the finest beers in the south.
30 Jul 2014 08:33
I see the pub is not in next year's Good Beer Guide. Although I admit to Camras membership, I am not one who turns up to meetings to choose the pubs which are voted in (and I live in Surrey not Sussex). Nevertheless this is a pub I would always recommend to people who like good beer and good company. I don't drink lager - they don't sell it here (surely a Camra tick there!). The landlady speaks her mind and those Camra idiots don't like it. So they put terrible clone pubs into the guide instead. They still don't sell Harveys here, but then no pub is perfect.
6 May 2012 13:12
The Edmund Tylney, Leatherhead
Well I hope Morocco's book is not as dull as this "review" of the Edmund Tylney. This is not one I will be asking for as a present for my birthday tomorrow.
By the way you will notice a gap between this line and the previous. You may like to use these when writing your book (not that it will make it more interesting).
19 Jan 2012 10:41
I had a pleasant time here listening to the jazz on Monday. Unfortunately several of the beers had sold out but the Sadlers Hop Bomb complemented the New Orleans sounds very well. Unfortunately the gents was of its usual poor standard. Surely in these enlightened times a tap under which one can put one's hands would not be too much to ask for.
30 Aug 2011 13:45
Very disappointed to see this place is slagging off Camra on their website. The landlady should not bite the hand that feeds her. Badger failed with this pub which is why it is a free house. Alienating her customers like this will see a private house here before too long.
8 Feb 2011 23:32
You really are an odious individual, mashtunlicker. You are the one who decided to have a go on this site about this pub, one which I don't even know if you have visited. So I am venting my self importance? No, I am supporting a pub which I feel is being unfairly criticised by people who have never written about pubs on this site before. I smell a rat here - perhaps it is a rodent burger from MacDonalds which your friends Lulu, Sallyanne and Marque left.
Perhaps it is time for you all to get back under your stone.
21 May 2010 08:48
Welcome back Lulu. Obviously you have not been out trying other pubs to write about.
So I'm not allowed to refer to you by name? Well, she who must be obeyed, would you respond instead to Sallyanne, Mashtunlicker or Marque, which appear to be your other names.
Perhaps you will do us all a favour and go back in time to Stalinist Russia. I feel you will be quite at home there.
20 May 2010 14:02
Another new poster. Welcome to the site mashtunlicker. No doubt you will be reviewing loads of pubs like your friends Lulu, Marque and Sallyanne.
For the record I don't like the Plough very much as the beer is overpriced. However I do object to idiots like you coming onto the site just to trash a pub. I expect another new friend of your will come along now and tell me off.
I just wonder how long it will be before dividing your already extremely low IQ into so many new people will result in you being an amoeba. Two more posters at the most I suspect.
19 May 2010 18:56
Aha Marque has signed is as his aler ego, Sallyanne, peddling the same inane drivel.
No doubt you will come back as Lulu next time. Let's face it, you have it in for this pub and won't let it go.
Perhaps you could sign in as a fourth person next time. How about RonandMacDonald?
19 May 2010 17:58
So Marque would like us to believe that he just happened to write about the Plough, the first time he has ever written anything on this site, and lo and behold, look who wrote in before him. Why is was Lulu and Sallyanne, whom he has never met before, and have also never written on this site before.
The event may have taken place, I know the landlady doesn't take fools lightly (which should have tipped you all off that it is really not the pub for you). But this is not a fast food joint. You obviously enjoy giving your order to burger flippers and can then walk out with your lunch a few minutes later.
I think to anyone with the requisite IQ would be able to tell from my other comments that I have nothing to do with this pub (in fact I'm not it's greatest fan), But of course you have never used this site before.
You are doing this site a disservice. Please leave quietly.
19 May 2010 15:07
Oh how coincidental. Marque was just coming on to write a review on the Plough, and guess what, Lulu and Sallyanne had beaten him to it. Of course Marque had never ever met these polite girls before. And what a surprise, none of them have ever written on this site before.
And if you had bothered to look, you would have seen that I have written reviews of several pub and so am obviously nothing to do with the pub.
You may be interested to know that there is a Frankie and Benny's in Dorking. I am sure they will suit your sophisticated tastes admirably. Perhaps those lovely girls Lulu and Sallyanne would like to be reacquainted with you there.
19 May 2010 11:30
I have to say that the Plough is well rid of these disagreeable females Lulu and Sallyanne. You are buying freshly produced food, and guess what, this takes time. Why don't you go back to McDonalds and Kentucky Chicken where you will find food more to your liking. I personally think the landlady here is what could be termed a "good old girl". Good riddence I say, leave the pub to respectable drinkers and diners.
18 May 2010 17:17
I note this fine establishment is one of the runner ups in the Camra Best pubs in Britain competition.
However, as mentioned by someone else, they do often sell "lamentable Devon beers". Well I wouldn't go that far, but I do think that if they sold Harveys (perhaps the finest of Sussex beers) instead, then they may just be able to do even better in the competition.
Still, the Royal Oak is always worth a visit if in the area.
20 Apr 2010 06:58
I sometimes use this large Wetherspoons when shopping at Sainsburys and have never really taken to it. It is very large and impersonal, and not a pub you can have a chat to the bar staff in. And of course cheap food and beer does tend to attract a certain type of customer, if you get my drift.
20 Apr 2010 06:52
I see there is another pantomime horse race here. Let's hope they tidy up a bit out front first! A nice half of Dark Star Six Hop on my last visit, but not much else took my fancy this time. Friendly locals though.
14 Mar 2010 13:18
Now this is a good old fashioned town pub offering very good Harveys beer. Close to the station, and better than the better known Evening Star up the road.
14 Mar 2010 13:16
It's a little while since I have ventured in here, but now it is a Westerham Brewery tied pub, I thought it worth a look. It was OK, but not a place I would want to become a regular in. Although not unfriendly, it was lacking a certian something. The beer was fine though.
14 Mar 2010 13:13
Having made a trip to the Royal Oak down the road, it was only fair to see what the Surrey Oaks was offering. And I was pleased to find a rather buzzing pub, with a few people drinking the excellent beers on offer. The pool room was as always empty, and I could not help to think that it could be put to better use. The brats who in play this game would be far more at home in the lager swilling lair of the Six Bells.
16 Jan 2010 09:34
An OK pub, a bit of a trudge from the car park (which is rather dark). Mostly given over to overpriced food, drinkers are tolerated, but not really the place for more than one pint.
16 Jan 2010 09:30
I have not been able to visit this pub much recently, but a change in the weather allowed a quick pint. The feisty lady who owns the pub was actually rather pleasant to me.
16 Jan 2010 09:27
This infernal weather has stopped me visiting some of the more rural pubs around, but at least I have the Garland on my doorstep. Good beer and a pleasant atmosphere. The music may be a tad too loud at times, but a fine pint of Harveys Sussex does compensate.
16 Jan 2010 09:25
Oh dear. Horsham used to be sucj a nice place, full of quaint King & Barnes pubs selling their wonderful beers. Now it is full of Hall & Woodhouse pubs selling beer more suited for wshing your smalls in. And there is a Wetherspoons pub in which I sought refuge. Not a pleasant experience with sopping wet tables covered with unfinished meals. But is is probably the only place in Horsham where you can get a beer which there is a chance of enjoying (unless you try the excellent take away Beer Essentials).
24 Nov 2009 18:21
The William Bray , Shere Guildford Surrey
Called in here to see what all the hype is about. What did I find - a fairly average village pub selling not bad food. It is better than the abomination that used to be the Prince of Wales, that's for sure. And it is imuch better than the dreafdful White Horse just down the road. But is certainly not a great pub. Beer was OK (from just the other side of Shere), and the service was pleasant. But I got the impression that if you don't dine then its one pint and you're out.
24 Nov 2009 18:16
A bit full of beer tickers for my liking, but nevertheless a decent sort of place. Just try to avoid the pub bore (which is difficult as there are several of them).
28 Oct 2009 19:33
A return visit found the gents had been cleaned up, so well done sir. The beer is, I must say, very good. So those who think I only critisise pubs, you are wrong. I will praise when justified, and if the landlord will accept it, this pub gets the grumpy seal of approval (although being stuck out in the sticks is not ideal for frequent visits).
28 Oct 2009 19:28
Ah, another blinkered visitor finds the Royal Oak. creekygoose, you must look at the pub beyond just the array of beers on offer. Did you not notice the Official Notices around? Don't do this, don't do that?
The beer can be good, just not always. However the landlady has character, and I do like that in a little woman. So its actually a 5 out of ten from me.
28 Oct 2009 19:24
I see some of the Market's fans are trying to persuade you that this pub is not bad. Don't believe them - it is terrible. I can only assume that elfhelp and properpublover are actually bar staff or something similar.
Think of the dirtiest pub you can, selling the vilest beer imaginable, and with the most unpleasant locals you could ever meet. Go there instead, as it will be better than the Market.
28 Oct 2009 19:19
I visit pubs several times and make my comments based on this, not just one visit. Anotherpintplease is a fool if he thinks I am trying to wind people up. I am just making my view known (which I think is reasoned and of value)
27 Sep 2009 22:41
anotherpintplease is a fool
Every pub I comment on I have been to on several occasions. I don't visit a pub once but make my mind up after giving the pub the benefit of the doubt if things aren't quite right.
The Jack Fairman is improving, but has a little way still to go
27 Sep 2009 22:39
Hello Mark (I hope you don't mind me calling you Mark, it is much more friendly than Mr Landlord. You can call me Grumpy is you wish). I would love to be able to say nice things about pubs I visit, and of course I will when they merit it.
I'm pleased to see you are supporting local brewers (although Hogs Back are not particularly close, but I get your point). Personally I would rather chew by arm off than drink King's poor beers, but I would not mark you down for this.
It must be my lot that I am unlucky and chose times to visit when the guest ales have run out. I suppose that Horley is full of thirsty ragamuffins with a penchant for local brewed ale, and take great delight in running ahead of me and having their fill.
However I admit that it is a little time since I last ventured in, and so I will do so soon and I am sure be reporting back here how things have changed.
Au revoir then Mark, and keep those beers in tip top condition.
7 Sep 2009 18:03
I will be back. I know pipes are banned, but could I bring my slippers and sit with a cup of cocoa in front of the fire?
1 Aug 2009 17:16
Well the little lady of the house replies, and firstly I must thank you for your kind offer of some compassion.
I had a look at your profile and see you appear to be abstaining from sex as well. This should mean that your nice husband will have the time to change the beer.
1 Aug 2009 12:51
Having heard and read all the hype about this pub I thought I had better get myself down there. Its quite a trek to do so being hidden down country lanes coming off country lanes.
Bit of a mixed bag really. Great looking pub, bit of a strange smell around the place though. Lots of comfortable seats, mostly friendly people there. But the main problem was that most of the beer was rubbish. There were about six or seven different ones (which was about one for every two customers). Landlord, please cut this down and improve quality.
Also there were hundreds of officious notices around the walls which was not very welcoming.
1 Aug 2009 09:57
Much as I appreciate this pub with its great choice of ales, it must have the most disgusting toilet in Surrey. Cold water only, no space to get your hands under the taps, and mildew on the woodwork. The sort of toilet you would expect at a pub on a sink estate. Landlord, as you appear to read this site, please dip your hand in your pocket and so something about it!
11 Jul 2009 17:55
Smart village inn with two bars, which is handy if you want to avoid someone. As well as the usual beers, there are a couple straight from the barrel (which are supported on a Heath Robinson designed wooden affair next to the door).
11 Jul 2009 08:52
Mr Landlord, how good to hear from you.
I was last in the pub a week or two before the beer festival. There were no guests beers on at all, just nonsense from the big brewers. There were pumpclips on beers from local brewers but the beers were not available.
I walked out.
8 Jul 2009 19:41
It is not just the boors at the front table who put me off coming here, it is also the morons at the bar who seem to expand whenever a non-regular appears. Their language is also disgusting. Why Young's allow such a beautiful pub, and one which was fantastic just 5 years ago, to reach such base levels is a real mystery.
23 Jun 2009 17:54
I really would love to like this pub as it is so handy for the shops. It sells a selection of beers called "Not Now Available" but not much else. Could try harder (much, much harder).
18 Jun 2009 18:45
Amazing, a decent pub in Reigate, a town full of very dodgy bald men.
18 Jun 2009 18:41
This is one of the grimmest pubs you will ever have the misfortune to visit. I think properpublover must have visited it on a good night. The beer is disgusting - I am sure it is recycled from the gents.
15 Jun 2009 23:20
Now bought by Shepherd Neame so say goodbye to the good beer. At least it is not Green King.
11 Jun 2009 19:21
This pub has one of the best positions in Surrey, on a beautiful village green with lovely hills in the background. It has been tidied up and has stone flags on the floor, low beams, anyway I'm sure you get the picture. So why is it so bleeding dull? Perhaps it is the Godawful choice of beers. Ringwoods and Youngs! This is an area where there is some great local beers. And the service can be dreadful with bar staff disappearing for no reason at all. A kick up the backside is needed.
7 Jun 2009 15:48
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
Anyone out there remember Benny from Crossroads? If this was a pub it would be him. Big and dull, but inoffensive.
7 Jun 2009 15:41
A very good pint but run by a landlady who can curdle milk from twenty yards.
7 Jun 2009 15:32
I think Woodmansterne must have been banned from all the local pubs. This is not a bad pub. The Victorai down the other end of the High Street was better but greed had had it turned into a pizza place. So its the Woolpack or nothing. and in these circumstances I'd take the pub, which at least sells a decent enough pint.
7 Jun 2009 15:26
I see the landlord is checking up. Actually he has nothing to worry about, as the pub is great for real ales. Personally I love to see local beers on sale, and here he comes up trumps. As per previous comments, yes the landlord can come across as a bit grumpy (a bit like me), but really we are both quite cuddley. A good old fashioned pub where beer is king, and for this reason worth a detour.
31 May 2009 00:11
The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate
I have popped in here a few times over the years and have always enjoyed a pint of Harveys. However I am shocked to see that it is no longer on sale. The new landlord has decided that the best beer in the south is no longer good enough for his pub. What a strange decision.
30 Jul 2014 08:37