The Bear, Oxshott

Been going since the refurb. Enjoyed the Bear many a time last year, but the last three visits there since the New Year have not been very good, sadly, since my friends and I would pay a visit here quite regularly through the summer months. Food has been slow to arrive (45 minutes for two sandwiches at 3pm on a weekday afternoon!) and generally just doesn't look or taste as good as the prices should dictate. I think every item on the main course menu is over �10 now, and the standard is definately starting to slip. Maybe they've become a bit complacent after drumming up all the business last year?

I will pay a few more visits throughout the summer though, and maybe my faith will be restored - esp seeing the two recent glowing reports below.

4 Jun 2007 15:04

Old Plough, Stoke D'Abernon

Been going to this pub for a few years. Have also noticed the recent change of hands, but I would say things are still going along nicely. Was in there yesterday for a late lunch and the food was a little slow to arrive, but still very well presented and cooked!

Do miss the front ourdoor heaters/parasols, which had to be removed after a bitter local complained to the council and had them taken down... goodness knows how they were causing offence or problems for anyone, but some people will always have something to complain about!

4 Jun 2007 15:00

The Black Swan, Martyr's Green

As always, people will shout when they have something to complain about, and not necessarily when everything is good. I came on here looking for the opinion of this pub after spending two nights in a row at this new-found local of mine, and I can say my experience was very different to those below.

I went to the Black Swan last Wednesday with a couple of friends. They had already eaten, so treated themselves to two desserts, whilst I ordered the roast chicken. The meal was fantastic, served quickly within 10-15 minutes and the chicken was the most tender, succulent chicken I've had in a long time. The two desserts were incredible - I think one was a Chocolate Fudge Sundae, the other a Sticky Toffee pudding. I definately heartily recommend the Sundae!! But both are to die for!

I enjoyed the evening so much, I returned the next evening with a couple of other friends - in fact I think we sat opposite the poster below, since I did see a couple who were complaining about how thoroughly their chicken had been cooked. I do sympathise with them, as no one wants to pay good money for food which isn't cooked to standard, but we all ate that same night without any problems. I had the rump steak, which was cooked to perfection (I asked for a medium-rare). I am fussy about my steaks, and I don't often order steaks in a pub anymore, as they tend to be tough, dried out affairs (anyone wanting a REALLY good steak - try the Gaucho Grille in Sloane Street, Kensington!), but it was pretty good. My friend had the chicken on my recommendation from the night before, and again, had no problems with the cooking.

Overall the service and food I have experienced so far has been fantastic. And the setting is great - and the decor is nicely modern and contemporary whilst still retaining a homely feel at the same time, not to mention the great outdoor area.

I'd driven past the pub before, but was inspired to try it out after reading another glowing report by Clifford from the dine-online website. Check out his review on his website if you want to see what this pub can offer, from an experienced foodie!

Finally, the pub was packed both nights (well, for a mid-week night it was very busy). They were also fully booked for Sunday lunch, so make a booking if you plan to head there on a sunny weekend.

4 Jun 2007 14:52