BITE user comments - mrpride
Comments by mrpride
This public house could be so much better. We used to visit it regularly a few years ago but our visits have tailed off over time after repeated disappointments. Because of its position it will always attract 'tourists' from the palace and 'passing visitors' to the area from Bushy park. Neither of these groups are 'regulars' and they both require specialised customer service skills.Time and again I have sat at the bar and observed the embarrassing silences, the misunderstandings and general mixed messages between the bar staff and customers. Yes believe it or not visiting tourists will want to ask about the different beers and non regulars won't automatically know that you don't sell the usual range of marketed beers (Badger ales and Hoffbrau lager only) - It doesn't mean they have to be regarded with disdain or a grunted reply - just offer the CUSTOMER some SERVICE!!
All in all, the environment is rustic, stylish and historic, the actual product (beer) is nice, the food isn't a disaster (but could be better) - it is just such a shame that the atmosphere, which is linked in to the quality of service, is so lacking. This review is meant to serve as constructive criticism because in essence I do like the place - with just a little tweaking and leadership from the front this pub could be far better.
26 Jun 2009 10:24
This place has vastly improved under the new management in the past year or so. Good non routine beers (Shepherd Neame bitters, Oranjeboom and Holsten draught lagers), tasteful, stylish and yet traditional rustic decor, open fire in the winter, bright and airy and hanging baskets a plenty in the summer. The only downer is that at times the audiovisuals can be a bit overpowering - not infrequently the jukebox has been known to be blaring at the same time as a loud sporting event on the multitude of tv screens. This is the only thing preventing this pub being our first choice for a relaxing saturday afternoon pint. If a little volume and quality control was exercised over both mediums the environment would be a lot more welcoming.
Well done to the Poyntz!
26 Jun 2009 10:08
Things are gradually a 'bit' better here. There seems to be a little more stability with the staff at least. The toilets are still a complete mess with broken tiles/sink units, no soap and stinking p**s all over the floor. The quality of the bitter is variable and drinks are still served up in random glasses - they seem to have an anfathomable never ending supply of Guinnes 'Red' pint glasses in which they serve bitter, lager, cider - and it seems anything but Guinness!
I have just realised I started the review with the statement that things are getting better (!?) - hmmm that says something about how it was a while ago!
22 Jun 2009 12:21
The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common
Dear Ullage. Go to the 'Common Room' if you don't like dogs. If we are going to ban dogs as well as smoking we might as well ban beer from pubs - then where would we be? So long as the dog isn't allowed to wander round the pub disturbing people then there is no reason they shouldn't be allowed in. My dog is probably cleaner than most of the humans who frequent pubs anyway.
22 Jun 2009 12:12
Sadly little has changed in recent months. The tables are overflowing with dirty glasses and the toilets are broken and filthy. There seems to be little pride in levels of service or evidence of staff cohesion.
As I have stated before I think the pub is resting on it's laurels with regards to location and loyal regulars but recent refurbishment of other local competitor pubs may begin to impact on business.
All very sad.....
25 Jun 2008 13:08
Indeed! Nice to get a sense of motivation and pride in the surroundings. Fingers crossed for the coming weeks......
3 Dec 2007 19:58
Not sure where to start. Been coming here for four years but in the past few months have observed a significant and saddening decline.
The essence of my observations is that the new land lady doesn't seem to take much pride in her product. Beers are regularly served in the wrong brand glass (might sound a picky comment to make but it is in attending to the little details that customers feel that their custom is appreciated) and wine in strange goblet style 'Jacques' glasses. When challenged we are told they have run out and can't afford to buy new stock. The staff regularly make mistakes and are, to be fair, always overwhelmed due to understaffing (on the friday night of a recent rugby game there were two staff trying to serve the entire heaving throng). The toilets are a flooded mess and the soap dispensers never refilled.
This pub has a fantastic location and a great mix of punters and could be so much better. Perhaps there is an element of complacency or ignorance. I don't know if this is a brewery or individually run institution so am not sure who to complain to formally - hence commenting on this forum. Perhaps a bit of modern 'electronic' customer feedback might work?
All very sad to see............
6 Oct 2007 10:38
The Bell, East Molesey
Great history, excellent beer. The approach to the catering lets things down a little. Cheap doesn't have to appear nasty - but the menus do give off that vibe. Could also do with a bit of a tidy up inside. The carpet is pretty knackered and the decor a bit dingy in places. However, if all you want is a simple quiet pint in a traditional pub you could do a lot worse in Molesey.
26 Jun 2009 10:32