The Raynes Park Tavern, Raynes Park

This is a fairly grotty pub, although it does have a lot of potential. I live locally and only visit because they've got the football on.

The staff have ranged from polite to downright rude. One got extremely annoyed at me because I'd pulled the bar chair over to - guess what? - the bar! That was a while ago though and I haven't had any problems for a while.

Having seen the chef - dirty clothes, heavy smoker - I wouldn't buy any more food from here. It's generally poor quality burger and chips fare anyway.

The clientele is a bit rough, mostly blue collar workers and quite a few swearing chavs, but they're friendly enough. Things get a bit anxious when there's a game on, especially if Chelsea are losing.

There are several TVs and a couple of projectors (one decent, one very poor). Lots of vantage points from where you can see the game, though none of them are perfect.

But I do love the high ceiling in the main bar. If they'd only decorate - and get rid of the stale old pre-smoking ban carpet - it could be a lovely characterful pub. Raynes Park badly needs one!

26 Apr 2009 14:11

The William Morris, Merton Abbey Mills

We visited for a midday pub lunch with two small children (who we needed to get to bed by 1.30pm for their sleeps) and had a very poor experience. It opened late, staff were arguing with and swearing at each other, they didn't have any crayons for children (pretty rare these days), they even seemed annoyed that we'd arrived, then after we'd placed our order they came over and told us the kitchen wasn't even opening for another half hour or so! Fortunately they gave us a full refund, but still it wasn't a fun experience. As for being by a nice location, this part of the River Wandle is very scruffy - lots of rubbish and weeds, and the trees stop sun coming in.

If you have a car and want a pub lunch, hit the A3 and aim for somewhere like Esher or Ockham - there are much nicer places out there.

26 Apr 2009 14:04

The Duke Of Wellington, East Horsley

Came here for a Sunday pub lunch with two small children. Went for the carvery, which was very good, and they did a good job helping us with the children (getting high chairs, answering questions about ingredients, etc.). Prices were very reasonable, and most of the tables were reserved which has to be a good sign. Would happily go back again.

26 Apr 2009 13:54

The Bear, Esher

We tried out The Bear for a pub lunch today, with our 2 and 3 year old children - food was very good value (�9 for a large roast chicken lunch), but the main thing was the brilliant service. The staff were very considerate especially with our children's odd dietary requirements (dairy intolerant) - in fact the chef himself came for a chat, and then made sure no margarine was used on the vegetables. Beer garden was very nice, especially considering it was near a main road - they've got a glass fence and lots of plants keeping the noise out. And anything we needed like high chairs and small cutlery were carried out by the staff with a smile. We'll happily go back!

26 Apr 2009 13:48