BITE user comments - randolf7
Comments by randolf7
Using the Wetherspoons app - I waited 20 minutes for a pint of Fosters to be brought to my table.
3 Oct 2020 15:59
Still an awful place - totally incapable of complying with COVID protocols.
Distancing isn't a feature and staffing levels are totally inadequate. Simply, avoid.
26 Sep 2020 16:23
Bought by Jerry Brunning (of Brunning and Price).
Currently being refurbished and renovated.
Will reopen as The Hare at Farndon - shortly.
26 Aug 2020 08:49
Now 'Thieves Kitchen' - after an impressive refurbishment.
However, their distancing/seating protocols - in respect of coranovirus - are simply ridiculous.
Having been shown to my table - at the rear portion of the large upstairs lounge - I was expected to memorise the table number, and retrace my steps downstairs to order at the bar.
And then to return upstairs to my table - to await delivery of the solitary drink. The staff member - who showed me from the front door, to my table - wasn't permitted to take the drink order.
I left and walked over to the Warwick Arms - where I ordered, paid and collected - at the bar.
15 Aug 2020 11:06
Double Smirnoff (50ml, in total) costs £9.13, with a splash of coke.
Including a 10% charge for bringing the drink to your table.
By some margin - the dearest prices in the area.
Some might even think, they're taking advantage of the virus!
1 Aug 2020 14:04
The Opera House, Tunbridge Wells
Fully reopened and functional - after lockdown.
A considerable amount of scaffolding is in place, though.
Over a large portion of the indoor area.
Although no work seems to be happening.
26 Jul 2020 14:47
This very small pub seems to have decided to stay closed - until more favourable distancing protocols are announced.
25 Jul 2020 20:09
Open now - but could do better on distancing protocols.
Large venue - where space utilisation is nonsensical/illogical.
25 Jul 2020 20:07
484 people recently replied to an advertisement - for 2 jobs, at this well known establishment.
19 Jul 2020 22:11
This pub was closed yesterday after a major fight - involving 20/30 customers.
18 Jul 2020 12:45
By far, the largest pub in town.
Still closed - following lockdown.
14 Jul 2020 15:34
Six fire engines - together with some specialist vehicles - attended a serious fire here, at lunchtime today.
13 Jul 2020 15:43
Closed yesterday - the end of lockdown.
No sign of life. Just a sign saying 'see you soon'.
5 Jul 2020 12:32
Open yesterday, after lockdown - the only one in Reigate Town centre.
Screens, sanitisers etc.- everything being strictly adhered to.
The friendly staff welcomed back the regulars, whilst distancing.
5 Jul 2020 12:25
Scrump, bright and jgog all posted about this pub - without having visited it. One of the reasons this indifferent site is, what it is. Why not just visit a pub, and say what you thought of it?
25 Dec 2019 09:17
The Glan Aber Hotel, Betws-y-Coed
Undoubtedly, the silly posting hasn't helped. Totally unknown pubs described, on an existing page for another pub!
20 Nov 2019 08:00
Great spot - second oldest pub, in this ancient market town. Refurbished. Food excellent, beer good.
3 Nov 2019 15:26
Why post about a building that hasn't traded as a pub - for 15 years?
7 Oct 2019 10:08
Slerpy (last poster/barred from most Croydon hostelries) is drunk, using the George wi-fi - again. Hence the usual rubbish, with caps and bad spelling. Soon to be banned from the excellent George too! One of Croydon's very sad cases.
28 Sep 2019 17:44
The Great White Horse Hotel, Ipswich
This pub/hotel has been closed for over 10.5 years!
24 Sep 2019 15:08
On the contrary, this pub will soon be renamed The Butterfly and Grasshopper - after the ongoing 11 week refurbishment, costing £750,000.
10 Sep 2019 07:48
The Kings Head (Low House), Laxfield
Rather crass to eat your own sandwiches when visiting a pub - particularly one selling/serving food!
8 Sep 2019 16:55
Landlord murdered at the weekend, outside the pub. Police investigation in progress.
3 Sep 2019 11:49
Closed for over 10 years - and posted as such, more than once!
24 Jul 2019 16:20
Open and refurbed - into a soulless outlet.
Double vodka and coke - £9.75!¡ A record, even for Surrey?
Staff like talking to themselves, instead of serving.
18 Jun 2019 15:23
Rather basic town centre pub that gets busy in the evenings, particularly during the summer - in this pleasant north Wales town. The nearby steam railway and stunning river are the attractions, certainly not this pub. Much better establishments in the vicinity.
9 Jun 2019 18:01
Be At One is now open - daily from 4.30 pm to midnight; later on Saturday. Fitted out to a high standard, with a large variety of cocktails.
29 May 2019 10:55
Either this is a pub site, or it isn't. Subsequent usage of old pub sites isn't relevant. The practice is as bad your habit of reviewing pubs - on another pub' page!
23 May 2019 17:02
The Unicorn Inn, Newton Solney
Please have the common sense to post only about BITE listed pubs; otherwise the content becomes meaningless and disjointed.
11 May 2019 10:40
Over 7 years since this closed pub (and posted as such then) sold a pint.
9 May 2019 08:47
Wrong: In addition to the Wetherspoon (The Sun), there's the excellent Junction in the centre of town - with high quality Thai food.
5 May 2019 10:07
Wetherspoons, Victoria Station
Fire alarm ringing for over a half an hour today, at about 2pm.
Totally ignored by staff.
Then rail personnel, police and fire brigade arrive simultaneously.
A sign outside now says - closed until further notice!
25 Apr 2019 18:38
Reopening next week, Thursday I hear.
Best beer garden, in Surrey - overlooking magnificent cricket grounds
Polish management will bring a different dimension to this West Street venue.
9 Apr 2019 22:28
Three posts for this pub - but two about another! Sober up m8.
6 Apr 2019 22:34
Loud small kids playing in the pub, around 8pm last night - with their parents! Badly in need of a refurbishment, and improved management.
4 Apr 2019 22:12
The Yew Tree 'Time well spent', Reigate Hill
Was closed - but reopened this week, under new management. Restaurant expected to be trading again, within two weeks - with a new menu.
4 Apr 2019 18:58
The Crown and Sceptre, Streatham
MH switches to Reigate, which has no Wetherspoons!
Just to confirm the current Wetherspoon consolidation - here's another dozen which recently went, just like Streatham.
Bodmin, Burnley, Coatbridge, Leicester, Warrington, Wick, Hove, Balham, Redfield, Rickmansworth, Worthing, Paighnton.
No secret, or insult requirement - just facts!
2 Apr 2019 08:57
The Crown and Sceptre, Streatham
Sadly MH has resorted to bizarre personal insult; I am a lone poster, who simply gave local comment about this Wetherspoon deserted unit.
Discarded for the same reasons as The Grapes on Sutton's High Street - which seemed to be trading very well - JDW have found that, sometimes, two town centre venues are one too many.
As they found in Worthing, and elsewhere.
1 Apr 2019 11:08
The Elephant and Castle, Amwell
Clearly my post wasn't a review, just a fact.
MH obviously doesn't like criticism - and wants us to follow his links, and paste to see decades old information on other sites.
No thanks MH; this site about pub reviews, not links to/about other sites!
1 Apr 2019 02:33
The Elephant and Castle, Amwell
Hat thinks people are interested in 30 year old views of pubs - and that they will even download it from another site!
Mad hatter?
30 Mar 2019 21:58
As predicted, this sad place has closed - it had been declining for a long time.
23 Mar 2019 15:30
Reopened - and showing TV sport. Small, but pleasant, beergargen.
21 Mar 2019 09:47
The Crown and Sceptre, Streatham
No secrecy, as I hear it. The lease was up, and the unit wasn't making its targets - as designated by Wetherspoons.
JDW are opening less pubs these days, concentrating on weeding out - and closing - their lesser performing assets.
18 Mar 2019 18:12
Since the other Wetherspoons closed across the road, this pub has become amazingly busy - with staff unable to cope. Resulting in long delays, to get served.
17 Mar 2019 11:08
Now reopened and renovated - and opens for business, at 11am.
13 Mar 2019 14:45
Local paper says the reopening is to take place soon - probably in March.
13 Mar 2019 13:38
Good pub, with excellent food and well kept beer - in town centre location.
Nice beergargen at the rear. Friendly and efficient staff.
10 Mar 2019 23:35
Open again - hard to see evidence of the refurbishment.
10 Mar 2019 23:06
Posted as closed. No further updates required, unless it reopens (as a pub).
18 Feb 2019 08:33
Staff all talk at the coffee machine side of the bar, as if the place is a club.
Appalling service, with either untrained or agency staff.
No management interest/presence, greetings, thanks or acknowledgements.
Just loudmouthed servers who are bored and boring - passing through on minimum wage.
Prices also seem random, and inflated.
10 Feb 2019 22:04
Seemingly new management here - with untrained and loud staff, who would prefer to be somewhere else. Efficiency levels are low, with slow service.
These young people simply prefer to chat amongst themselves - rather than providing a prompt service. Greetings etc. are virtually non-existent - as are the customers.
With two of the better Reigate pubs (Red Cross/Blue Anchor) closed in the last few weeks, I don't hold much hope for this little establishment which doesn't do food.
23 Jan 2019 10:51
A fine and friendly local pub, with good food and atmosphere.
23 Jan 2019 10:12
The Epsom post was about a recent closure, not posted about on here before - and certainly not 10 years previously!
27 Dec 2018 08:53
The Blue Pig Inn, Lower Fagley
Closed and name changed posts - are more useful than many on here, not least because they provide brief, but important information, to the travelling pub goer.
In addition, they can save time - bearing in mind that UK pubs are closing at a rate of 15 to 20 a week. As to your question; here's another. Why not just make your own posts as you see fit?
4 Sep 2018 14:48
If there's nobody behind the bar counter - go out into rear yard to find a barperson, on their fag break!
Two prospective customers had to do this over the weekend. Apart from its central location - this establishment has little going for it.
3 Sep 2018 14:08
The Moon Under Water, Colindale
Does anyone care what name is on your glass - it's the drink quality that counts!?
16 May 2018 17:03
Shows TV sport - and now does food (and music) at weekends. Friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere.
16 May 2018 11:46
To droggs. Read 'virtually' - they have nearly 1,000 pubs, including those in 8 airports!
16 May 2018 07:39
Still very mediocre - with untrained staff constantly talking among themselves, or on their mobiles.
Has enormous potential in this affluent town, and has been let down by bad management - over a number of years.
Probably too late to save it now. Managers, staff and chefs come and go all the time.
15 May 2018 13:58
To punk. Virtually every Wetherspoons is in a town/city centre!
8 May 2018 15:03
Over 20 posts now - from Boffin, about the same RB pub.
Sad init...
6 Apr 2018 21:47
Friendly pub on the High Street, with great food and well kept beer.
6 Apr 2018 10:35
Now the place is home to a community of travellers, with their caravans.
28 Mar 2018 10:28
The dysfunctional dog is a problem.
We don't all have to meet or hear this loud and nasty animal (not his/her fault).
It's a pub, not a kennel.
Beer, staff and food - excellent.
22 Mar 2018 20:11
Sad news, and a great pity. The place was perfect as it was.
22 Mar 2018 09:56
Pleasant Wetherspoons adjacent to large supermarket and town centre shops - with a betting shop next door. Redhill has excellent transport links and this pub is busy all day - with only one other pub in the town centre. Food and beer are good, and the staff friendly and efficient. Perhaps the busiest pub in east Surrey.
31 Jan 2018 08:57
Called in since the reopening - bright, friendly , old local. But life moves on - time has taken over.
Most don''t want a chat with a regular; too busy for that. 4/5 pubs within half a mile have closed.
Bus conductors have gone - like chimney sweeps, farriers, phone boxes, wimpey bars, corner shops, many bus routes and lifestyles.
Now we relate differently - and use supermarkets and Wetherspoons. Godd luck though.
23 Aug 2017 22:40
Big is entitled to his opinion. Yours - ''some nice ales and it''s clean!''
19 Aug 2017 11:22
Yes - over 18s only. The place was being overun by unsupervised kids. Go to the other Spoon.
15 Aug 2017 13:13
Closed today, again.
This pub has serious management issues.
It's run by idiots - avoid.
13 Aug 2017 21:13
New young management have taken over - can only be a good thing.
10 Aug 2017 11:18
Fine establishment with an enjoyable and different atmosphere. The boutique concept is already getting very popular, with craft beer fans - and others.
A fine addition to West Street and Dorking - with most pleasant and knowledgable staff, who know what they're selling.
10 Aug 2017 08:14
Awful place - by every analysis. So bad - hygiene, service, food/drink - it is a vile pub. Outside Victoria...
21 Jul 2017 22:25
Wetherspoons, Victoria Station
The Wetherspoon on Victoria platforms is the best! Slerpy IS senile - and has never been in the Opera House, Tunbridge Wells. Or so many others..
21 Jul 2017 22:05
Terrible place. Untrained staff and new junior managers all the time.
Needs major facelift badly. Worst in Redhill !
Upstairs only used for toilet access.
Hygiene standards low - like the beer.
Good that there'd no food...
18 Jul 2017 11:20
Well run Wetherspoon - and busy all day. Coffees, breakfasts, lunches etc., in this town centre location. Trading for 4 hours before the other pubs even open! Near bookies, supermarket, newsagent - and more. Well run with good quality food and beer.
18 Jul 2017 11:02
Lease taken over by local group - and expected to reopen soon.
Good luck to them!
18 Jul 2017 08:57
The BITE heading says 'closed' - but this pub is very much open, and was recently refurbished.
30 Mar 2017 14:04
Poor staff, management, service, beer, hygiene - and watch your change!
18 Mar 2017 20:56
Yes - passed the pub today, and it's obvious that the work hasn't started yet.
The place looks a mess - but is in a lovely leafy location.
Plenty of walks, wildlife and potential.
15 Feb 2017 14:25
The Carpenters Arms, Limpsfield Chart
Recently refurbished with new management - concentrating on food.
10 Feb 2017 09:44
As pointed out - now by four posters - this fine pub doesn't sell real ale, as there is no demand for it!
But the food, lager and service are first class. Together with plenty of TV sports.
8 Feb 2017 09:40
Soap-box Gam ignores the saliient point that this is a well run and excellent boozer - with well kept beer and good food.
Friendly staff and customers, and easily the best pub in town. Handy parking nearby - and just up from the train/bus stations.
21 Dec 2016 12:31
Yes - a fine establishment now, after major makeover.
Large beer garden, with the concentration on food.
However, avoid the rednecks in the small front bar.
18 Dec 2016 10:38
The food and music has arrived!
A most pleasant boozer, with a friendly governor.
Decor - and facilities - are of a high standard.
With Sky Sport, free Wi-Fi, weekly quiz and parking.
Best pub for miles.
17 Dec 2016 16:23
New friendly management - Debbie and Mick.
And a new head chef.
Most pleasant spot for a beer or meal.
7 Dec 2016 14:10
Closed and cordoned off - for a major refurbishment.
The surrounding area looks like a building site.
7 Dec 2016 11:24
The George Hotel, Barrow in Furness
Posted as closed over six years ago - try to keep up m8.
5 Dec 2016 13:02
Great, says fozzy - who's never been at Fever.
And where a lady was attacked with a champagne bottle, over the weekend.
5 Dec 2016 11:50
New young governor works hard - though, there's usually only one barperson.
This makes service slow at times.
And the place is busier - due to the closure of the Eagles Nest, nearby.
20 Oct 2016 09:06
Double Smirnoff (50ml - total); £7, with splash of Coke.
By far the most expensive in Horsham.
25 Jul 2016 10:28
Been in a lot of bad pubs - but this takes the biscuit!
The manager is a lazy clown.
Sincere apologies to the clowns who work.
Hygiene doesn't exist, staff ignore customers, incorrect change is the norm, frequent bust ups and screaming conversations - from 6".
We, in Santander - up the road - would not darken the doors of this vile place again.
My girlfriend in Axa says the same.
23 Jul 2016 23:52
A talking shop for bar staff - particularly at shift changes, which can last half an hour.
19 Jul 2016 18:13
The Plough and Furrow Inn, Smallfield
Fine pub with good good, and child friendly - in a rural area.
Beer quality is excellent and the staff are efficient and courteous.
Good for a trip out from Horley and/or Redhill.
13 Jul 2016 11:06
Different type of outlet! Friendly staff and good food.
Has a children's play area on the first floor.
Worth a visit - because it's outside the norm.
12 Jul 2016 14:27
Awful place, and run down badly.
Seems inhabited by vagrants - and bar staff are inept and unkempt...
12 Jul 2016 14:13
One of the finest beer gardens in Surrey, and excellent food.
Efficient staff and well kept beers.
Same management as the nearly Red Cross - which doesn't do food and concentrates on music and TV sport.
5 Jul 2016 12:40
Stall tend to chat amongst themselves, often at the expense of service quality. And often seem bored.
Burgers are good, as is beer quality - and choices. No sport/TV, fair enough.
Acoustic problems exist probably because of size, flooring and furnishings. Can be difficult to hear, when busy.
6 - potential 9.
4 Jul 2016 15:54
Called here last evening for a meal, about 7pm. And left quickly, as the majority of the tables had not beem cleared after use* - whether because of laziness or staff shortage, or both.
13 Jun 2016 09:50
Still closed - and planning application in, for conversion to apartments.
5 Jun 2016 14:50
This pub's new name was posted on here, 7 months ago!
Business is good - as evidenced by the full/enlarged car park.
Service can be slowish, due to customer numbers sometimes.
However food and beer quality are good.
31 May 2016 09:59
Open yesterday - and looks good. However, it has the same square footage as before. Menu looks good, and the new management seem keen and enthusiastic.
5 Mar 2016 08:36
Closed again.
Simply because its on a bad road bend, and has no parking.
Also - just between two largish towns.
2 Mar 2016 21:53
Excellent news for Reigate where pub quality and standards are not good. Only marginally better than awful Redhill, where Wetherspoons sell most of the beer. Could they come to Reigate?
4 Feb 2016 18:09
This pub remains closed - and one wonders whether it will reopen for Christmas.
1 Dec 2015 09:38
Great pub, with good food and beer. Quite a few 'regular/bores' were barred recently (and can be seen in local hostelries) - and this has improved the atmosphere dramatically.
16 Oct 2015 11:26
Handy enough pub - near the train and bus stations. But the service is dire.
The landlord is too lazy to serve himself - or to train new staff.
And check your change!
16 Oct 2015 10:00
Now reopened - after a major and tasteful refurbishment. Fixtures and fittings are good quality, with an extensive beer and wine selection; but, no food that I could see.
A bit expensive - with two young untrained barmaids serving.
However, a very pleasant change from its previous sad incarnation.
5 Jul 2015 15:25
It WAS Derby Day!
And a glass of wine (unspecified) is an imponderable - price wise.
The beer price is what you'd expect to pay, on their busiest day - with such a prestige event taking place a few yards away.
7 Jun 2015 13:48
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
Metrobus (22) for example. With regard to 'real' cider - I am unsure of your definition; but, good cider (from apples) is sold.
8 Mar 2015 13:31
The Iron Duke, Victoria station
Now renamed and refurbished - and the most expensive in the Victoria area.
For example, a double Smirnoff (50ml) with a splash of coke is £7+. The same drink, at Wetherspoons - a few yards away - is nearly £4 cheaper!
Just trying to take advantage of busy commuters and tourists. Avoid.
4 Mar 2015 10:13
The Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common
ey1's errors.
Yes there is real cider - and buses are frequent, every day.
18 Feb 2015 23:12
Wetherspoons run good pubs well (about 1000) - and will close early when profit margins are not being achieved.
They are not a benefit office/social club - although some may think so; the only reason they exist is to make money for their shareholders.....
22 Jan 2015 23:21
Wetherspoons, Victoria Station
Slerpy (Steve) from Sanders - is geting old now. Tends to be a tad vague.
And NEVER speeds......
19 Jan 2015 22:34
Two posts in a week - from the ubiqutous slerpy and Olive (?)
Nick has done a great job here
Just try it.....
(WHO is Olive?!)
28 Oct 2014 22:25
Third negative post from sawus who only posts about this pub - usually to moan, criticise and give advice! A pub should be part of the community, he says; like many, I travel to this pub from South London - and have no interest in any 'community'.
He also says that a pub is about customers and not owners; again, rubbish. Nick and his staff are working hard to serve a very diverse customer base - with a huge variety of tastes (brown beers are not boring to me!); and there is no reason whatsoever that he should follow the Ken blueprint.
Nick is a good publican who is doing well - but, sadly, some don't like change even if its for the better; but I fear we are likely to hear more from the sawus expert who seems to have pre-WWII pub views/tastes.
17 Jun 2014 10:04
The Duke of Cornwall, Weymouth
Yes. Alas poor slerpy. He thinks Yoevil is a micro brewery.
1 Aug 2013 08:34
The Yew Tree 'Time well spent', Reigate Hill
Really a restaurant now - although the ale is well kept. Decor is nice. The real downside is the governor who is obviously in the wrong job and can be quite surly.
8 Jul 2013 13:00
The Blythe Hill Tavern, Forest Hill
Molly, try and sober up - this is a pub/beer site. (And learn to spell).
26 Jun 2013 22:15
Some evenings, the baby ritual now goes on tour to other Reigate pubs - but the cult seems to prefer the Admiral. Why they can't wash/feed their baby at home is a mystery!
8 Apr 2013 12:07
No wonder....so few comments. Even with the two nearby pubs closed (Dog & Duck, Abbot) - this place is still empty! Very poor management and staff......
25 Feb 2013 21:57
there is a lady here (customer), who almost every night feeds her small baby in this two bar pub - with the help of her partner; nappies etc. extremely bad manners, and taking advantage of a very friendly management and us locals.
25 Feb 2013 21:45
No food now - just bored staff and very quiet. Gets a bit busier at weekends but, overall, the place has little to offer. The BITE rating of 3+ is generous, in the extreme.
6 Feb 2013 14:50
Knob and Plank have no more points to make, only pointless insults. The correct view that it is ENTIRELY up to pub owners whether to allow children in, or not - is lost on them. As someone typed here before - 'why won't McDonalds sell kebabs?'......answer, because they don't wish to!
7 Oct 2012 11:22
The Spotted Dog, Willesden Green
toni, this awful/failed venture closed about 5 years ago m8! did you hear that London has got the 2012 Olympics?
7 Oct 2012 11:05
Oh don't be so silly - Owen! You've only typed about two pubs, both of which you've 'run'........ That IS strange!
7 Oct 2012 10:46
In at the reception for the Toffs tonight, like me. Magic place now. One of the Fullers blokes said to me - 'still a lot left in the budget' ......................
13 Sep 2012 21:34
The lady manager spends her time at her other pub and the Bell's barstaff (off duty and on) now use the pub as a club, loudly conversing down the coffee machine area. This is a pity and a clear example of taking the eye off the ball - service standards have lowered considerably.
12 Sep 2012 09:15
Now re-opening on Sunday, 16th of September; this is to coincide with the Reigate/Guildford Tour of Britain stage on that day. As said before, Fullers seem to have done a good job and one hopes that the new management is up to the job.
12 Sep 2012 09:09
Plenty of ice now! Good JDW - the busiest pub in the area, by far. Most staff are friendly and the Olympics will be on TV, every day.
26 Jul 2012 11:20
Correct kev. Reopening in September after c�600k refit by Fullers - with new management and food emphasis.
26 Jul 2012 10:04
Improving town centre pub, now doing food and recently refurbished. Photo is out of date.
13 Jul 2012 08:45
The Crystal Palace, Tunbridge Wells
Juzza has its issues!
This is a very mediocre pub that has the papers and is near a bookies.
Otherwise its just about ok for a quick pint - pub opposite, boarded shut.
This will be soon, again.
18 Jun 2012 23:18
Haha; well spotted randolf7. And both(!) Arfa's and julia's half a dozen comments were all about this pub only. And all very positive, with not one negative vibe - about a failed venture! Valedictory views of the TV crew? Probably...
16 Jun 2012 08:22
Could not care less about this mediocre pub which is closing soon for very obvious reasons - and have no connnection with other posters. But arfa/julia seem to like typing 'haha' !!
15 Jun 2012 22:37
Lad......pleese learn to spell and sober up. This is the finest pub in town, by a mile. Just because you're barred and unhygienic is no reason to slag the pub off...
29 May 2012 21:58
Refer to last post, but one. Over �7 now! Just temp staff mainly in this tourist area basic pub; the temps have no interest; the owners, only in margins; simple.
And the margins don't extend to hygiene!
16 May 2012 23:12
Weald is correct,
There is no pub in Surrey with anything close to so much pollce attention,
Wench says 'talk about the beer' - when your life is at risk??
26 Apr 2012 22:02
Far too many pubs are closing in the UK. But, this one should have been closed years ago. Its simply awful...no hygiene (staff or customers). Yet, 'people' seem to like the shouting, children being ignored/crying, the drugs (being bought and sold) and the fights. Please turn it into a shop.
25 Apr 2012 22:37
Tempest and tradervic are correct. The two pubs are virtually the same.
In fact, one day I fell asleep in The Moon and woke up in The Grapes!
Just one example of the JDW excellent service.
19 Apr 2012 14:22
Late Sunday afternoon - footie time - the pub was packed. Downstairs....one barmaid on! Like many others, I walked out.
10 Apr 2012 10:28
Third name in about six months! And, there's talk of a fourth - after the Olympic Games which will stage a major cycling event on nearby Boxhill. Olympic Arms?
3 Apr 2012 11:56
And, btw, slerpy - Chamberlain first uttered those words in September 1938, at Heston...
28 Mar 2012 11:25
Slerpy berates posters for their spelling, holding on to boring jobs, commenting on his past posts, lack of beer knowledge etc. etc. Everyone else is a troll! Please stay in Croydon slerpy - where you are well known and avoided.
27 Mar 2012 09:34
Fifl says he won't rate this place - but says its not a 3/10 venue; he also advises us what not to comment on! I have used the garden and upstairs (which is similar to downstairs) - and still think the Market is very much below par. For instance, no lager - from 4! - has been available, on ocassions, with the 'management ' or Fullers incapable of either rectifying (for long periods) or predicting demand...
The 3- rating is apt.
18 Mar 2012 10:05
Yes, re-opening on Monday, February 20th - looks very nice from the outside. New photo required!
18 Feb 2012 10:47
awful place with dopey barpersons. can be a childrens' playground. but it is an estate pub. with no future. maybe with better management. hard to be barred here!
14 Feb 2012 22:11
I agree with the last poster. 'Rammed all summer?'
No.
Mediocre at best and quiet. Fox joined BITE today, the guvnor?
14 Feb 2012 21:52
Slerpy brings his notebook. But, you will note does not comment on ANY beer quality. Kelham and Hepworth tasted today like the urine of a dehydrated monkey, although I am unable to to be completely sure...
29 Jan 2012 21:21
Fullers have bought the pub. GREAT news - they can't do worse than Market Taverns who put in little money and hired third rate staff. Hope they get rid of the 'regs' - those who congregate under the TV, awful people with no brains or hygiene.
29 Jan 2012 21:08
The Sportsman 'Time Well Spent', Mogador
for a first time poster red, that was more an ad than a view (!). good place, but needs better management. michael (poster before you) is on the money!
29 Jan 2012 21:02
Alan gone? GREAT news - what a bore, inside and outside the counter. Dog (Mia) was nice though; we will return again soon, even if the pub don't have SKY.
28 Jan 2012 00:13
Unique pub...but very expensive. Nearly �7 for a double Smirnoff (50ml) with a dash!
14 Jan 2012 10:27
'the food is to die for'
no regular customer (or managers) would make this silly claim...the dolphin serves - most of the tme - reasonably standard pub food
a bad series of staff/managers, after a large rerubishment, have put people off this place which now uses agency staff all the time
mediocre at best. louts, try mid-afternoon!
12 Jan 2012 21:49
The Coach and Horses, Whitstable
No Tuna. He's barred from most pubs in the town - sadly, there's a computer in the library.
EVERY day in the Peter Cushing (unwashed)
Funny.....or sad?
29 Dec 2011 22:04
Currently on the market for �375k. Lower price than a lot of Westcott houses....
13 Dec 2011 11:23
Always a vile place with customers and staff of very low calibre
Every time I pass - I say 'demolish'
Now, where do these lazy people go? The bus to Sevenoaks?
15 Nov 2011 23:19
New management, albeit temporary. Roy left - after 15 years.
8 Nov 2011 12:09
Over 40 posts (on this pub) in three years now from slerpy - with a very positive bias: 10 ratings. The same for the Half and Half and others where he has a 'free pint' arrangement! Ignore this bloke who has been brought to BITE's attention.
4 Nov 2011 12:24
The last poster 'atthebar' is Katie, the governor of the Red Lion nearby. See the much more recent and numereous comments about her awful place!
1 Nov 2011 09:45
Even the dyed blond barman has improved, albeit from a low base! Charity events and music are now featured and the place has a better feel to it. With zero local competition (one recently had its opening hours cut and another was the subject of police activity - all on the local paper), The Sun still has room to improve its business levels - and service quality/speed.
21 Oct 2011 15:06
Bald blokes....saw two in the last week, serving! But doom (a small bald bloke?) never makes a negative comment about this average/typical station boozer where change should immediately be checked, as in all busy pubs. Unfortunately, here, they tend to contest their errors. Vic's idea seems good.
18 Oct 2011 12:50
tks goffie for ruining a good pub. pse stay in brighton wiv ur m8s.
17 Oct 2011 00:01
The floor area of this pub is c350/400 sq. ft. A 7+ rating is well off the mark - as cats cannot be swung in the place. Easily, the smallest pub in Surrey....
13 Oct 2011 10:28
The customers (a friendly little clique) in this small basic back street pub seem to be programed to welcome us visiting real ale drinkers from Dorking. Did I overhear (tonight) that Stuart is now living upstairs?
16 Sep 2011 22:49
yes, wetherspoons will bring wescott to life and even take some of the dorking business. pre-christmas opening is expected and, in my opinion, the name don't matter. ain't done a check, but this will make five east surrey wetherspoons, with horley, redhil, epsom and leatherhead. all are doing well and open early and close late, with cheaper food and drink. and its a 25 year lease.
5 Sep 2011 14:03
Family run pubs are almost non-existant in town centres - where JDW almost only operate. Yes, I would prefer an old style family run pub too; JDW's are by no means perfect! But, undoubtedly, they have stolen a march on a sleepy UK pub industry. The seven other pups in my Surrey town will open at noon; by then, the local JDW will have been trading for 4 hours.
17 Aug 2011 10:08
Nuff...hope you're not seen dead in a JDW - the most successful UK pub group getting on to 1,000 pubs (in only 30 years) and with a �1b+ turnover. This when other pubs are closing at a rate of 400/500 a year! You don't think they're doing something right? I bought a new car by selling a few of my 'spoon' shares...
15 Aug 2011 22:27
A quick way to guage hygiene standards at the Sun is to go around and attempt to lift the glossy Wetherspoon magazines which are on each table. You will find that a high percentage of the publications are firmly stuck to the table top.
4 Aug 2011 11:17
good and friendly landlord. but a reg there with a dog, seems to take over. he don't work or wash and provides gossip from other local pubs. i think he lives upstairs with his dog (canine). badger is well kept and i once played against the pub's cricket team. good blokes.
26 Jul 2011 21:38
The Old Customs House, Portsmouth
Double Smirnoff vodka (50ml, total) and a dash of coke - �7.10! The most expensive pub anywhere?
Service quality is low and the food, mediocre.
26 Jul 2011 10:50
Pub is doing a questionaire on service etc. at the moment; it seems like the penny might have dropped! As said before, this place could be a lot better with some real management and effort.
26 Jul 2011 10:20
What another boring 'review' tom! This is not a bar billiards site; modern preferences have made that game almost historical, like the high bikes.....
24 Jul 2011 23:06
This is how a pub should be - with a fine blending of old and new. The future, remembering the past, in a tasteful fashion.
Service is prompt and friendly and the pub's fittings (toilets, furniture etc.) are 5 star hotlel standard; no expense seems to have been spared - down to the impressive decking style beer garden.
Food and beer quality are top class and this c120 year old pub has been transformed to a standard that might even win prizes. The only downside is the absence of a car park - because the available space has been used to its best potential.
In the whole of East Surrey, I know of no better hostelry. There is even a hotel across the road (A25) and Redhill station a few yards away.
14 Jul 2011 12:31
The Sportsman 'Time Well Spent', Mogador
Kev...calm down, calm down.
But its clear that you don't like people who just see The Sporsman for what it is!
You little devil you.
9 Jul 2011 22:29
Opening today, July 8th. Hours - 9am to Midnight (2am at weekends). With the closure of the nearby Liquid & Envy niteclub and the reopening of the newly refurbished Home Cottage pub (also today), Redhill's pub profile will have improved considerably. Maybe Wetherspoons might now also upgrade their tired local outlet.
8 Jul 2011 15:22
Currenty closed - for refurbishment.
Not before time and one can only hope that they do it well and have stricter customer vetting, on reopening; far too many 'down and outs' served here previously.
21 Jun 2011 16:18
I work just up the road from this pub where we used to get take-away breakfasts in the mornings. Without any notice - verbally or by window notice - this stopped and, as said before, the pub seems barely open; this seems to be under the pretence of a refurb - but no work is taking place and the pub appears to have the new name 'priory nights'. It would be good to know what the opening hours are and whether food is available anymore - but, there are many other pubs in Reigate which can cater for us nearby office workers.
21 Jun 2011 15:40
Yes, I've just counted 40 posts on BITE from slerpy in recent times for this pub.
All are very positive.
But blatant bias and advertisements are quite unhelpful on a site such as this.
23 May 2011 15:25
Recently had a tasteful refurbishment - new toilets etc. A friendly/cosy place with good food and beer and, although its a bit small, probably Reigate's best.
20 May 2011 12:55
A vile outlet with bored/inept staff who like to chat to themselves and do anyting but work. Service and hygiene are dire - as is beer quality - and Market Taverns just don't seem to care a fig; because of its central location and size, it gets busy on weekend nights - the rest of the time, its virtually empty save for a few village idiots underneath the TV. As far as I can see, the place has the lowest BITE rating in Surrey.
20 May 2011 12:45
Early...maybe not all Youngs' pubs in London turned out as well as those in Surrey (the point of conversation). But, like the Dolphin, the Chequers at Walton and the Falkland Arms in Dorking are very recognisable - post renovation.
22 Apr 2011 23:17
'it might just be better to keep all four (ales) in check' - says TWG
too right!
12 Apr 2011 08:59
The Dukes Head no longer exists; the building now trades as a fine pub and restaurant called the 'Inn on the Green' - where food, beer and service are excellent. A major improvement on the old Duke which, essentially, died.
1 Apr 2011 09:09
The Market (Reigate's biggest pub) quotes an �11,000 weekly turnover on its sales particulars. A couple of miles away in Redhill, that town's largest pub - The Sun (a well managed JDW) - is taking over �60,000 by using every ploy from early/late opening to frequent beer festivals.
A clear manifestation of The Market's very low management quality. If only Market Taverns (the owners) would just go quickly - and allow this fine site, in an affluent business town, to be developed by their numerous betters as soon as possible. Those that mock JDW should really treat The Market with scorn.
30 Mar 2011 14:46
Creche...yes. Awhul, the landlord is is in a world of his own.
As his ex-wife says.
The stupid grin don't help!
2 Mar 2011 19:31
beech is just over 80
staff were not supervised
nick, ben and monica etc. - will always be tainted by this absolute foul mess
2 Mar 2011 18:47
Slerpy seems to have to promote this basic outlet, at all costs.
His credibility?
Gone with the wind!
21 Feb 2011 22:28
A Zizzi restaurant (same owners as Pizza Epress and Ask - both a few yards away) opening here soon.
20 Feb 2011 09:30
As a neutral, I must side with beerlover. Slerpy's ramblings are now biased and inaccurate; witness his constant (and all too regular) praise of the mediocre Half and Half boozer. A bit sad really, slerpy was a good reviewer in the past.
19 Feb 2011 13:08
Joanne, I fully agree with most of your sentiments. But, I - for one - will continue to complain about the foulmouthed louts who remain unchecked and are a major factor (not the only one) in this pub's decline. However, thank you for your advice!
18 Feb 2011 12:12
The Fox on the Hill, Lower Kingswood
McDonalds seem to be in the frame. The small/brown/lady manager had several failed personality bypasses.
10 Feb 2011 22:23
Wetherpoons had a good look at this awful - but well positioned pub. The staff are plain lazy, hygiene is vile and food/service are abysmal. It was only a matter of time before the business would fail - and it did. Soon to be a ZiZi restaurant. Goodbye to Nick & Ben; don't think either of you will work around here again.
10 Feb 2011 22:16
The Whyteleafe Tavern, Whyteleafe
Idiots like bateman now give opinions on pubs they were never in....
7 Feb 2011 14:39
Welcome to the site today John. Afraid things have gone downhill in the last 5 years through an inability to do even basic maintenance; your leak is now real.
6 Feb 2011 16:17
Place has improved a bit; the louts are all talking (quietly) about their Xmas credit card bills!
5 Feb 2011 19:20
�18 quid for a pub steak!
Thank you - I shall continue to avoid this tourist trap....
4 Feb 2011 23:44
Great refurb. But what a waste of money?
Still the same problems - poor beer quality, foulmouthed louts and inept management.
At least, the louts seem to stay in the Dolphin, leaving us to enjoy the excellent pubs in nearby Brockham and Leigh.
26 Jan 2011 10:57
dolphinista says leave the dolphin and thinks that only one of the 'regulars' has offended someone (see numerous posts). the constant use of the c and f words seem ok to him or her - but, significantly, tradervic's last question remains unanswered.
15 Jan 2011 21:34
One of the best pubs in East Surrey. Location, food and beer quality are good. Major downsides - management standards, and their inability to cope with a small number of fools away from their Dorking hostel(s) .
13 Jan 2011 23:29
A classic renovation and a fine location with a river, old forge and church nearby. With a huge beer-garden and ample parking, the Dolphin is probably the finest pub in the area; the staff are friendly and the beer well kept.
But, as stated many times before on BITE, the pub seems to attract a band of idiots - mostly from Dorking way. Why they are tolerated, I do not know - particularly after �250,000+ worth of expenditure. My visits will be rare.
1 Jan 2011 13:25
Hooray. The Market is on the market. New management soon, we hope. It would be impossible for them to be worse than the current idiots.
16 Sep 2010 10:21
Tradesmen (?) - these guys are too lazy to work; they have ruined a fine old pub with their foul language and behaviour. But, as has been said before, nobody cares and so many regulars have voted with their feet.
16 Sep 2010 09:53
The new steak nights (Tuesdays and Thursdays) are good value; my steak was top class as was bitter quality. A nice cosy pub, with a local clique (as mentioned previously) who think they own the place.
29 Jan 2010 11:12
One has to wonder if dolfpub is a member of staff - or maybe went into the wrong pub! The December thoughts of 5555 are much more accurate and based on his 25 years experience as a customer. BTW, where is brokham?
29 Jan 2010 10:48
'Staff' totally disinterested; the worst pub venue in the area. The rare 3- rating is very apt.
20 Jan 2010 14:46
Dunno about the 'homosexual' aspect of the last post - but the comments about Richard, the manager, are accurate. Put simply and kindly, he's in the wrong job!
Good sports pub (Sky etc.) and the other staff seem fine....as does the beer and food. The beergarden is one of the best around; we hired it for an office 'do' last summer - and all went vey well.
20 Jan 2010 11:28
This has been a good pub for generations. A downside is the transient workforce - many of whom are untrained in people skills and pub techniques. On every visit, there's new bar people - with seemingly 10 mins training; a view seems to have been taken that - as this Lanes pub is so busy anyway - why bother?
19 Jan 2010 13:58
The Red Cross Inn, Reigate
Still closed for lockdown.
Is this once fine site every to re-emerge?
Pity it seems to have died completely.
20 Jan 2021 08:14