The Barley Mow, Tandridge

A better place to drink under the latest incumbents but they'll have to work hard to bring back regulars who, justifyably, deserted the place in droves a couple of years back.

Friendly management and staff and a good selection of beers kept well. A bit on the pricey side, particularly the fairly indifferent wines, but a happy "hour" from 3pm to 7pm helps. Food is still nothing special though and, for what it is, outrageously priced. Don't try the cheesy chips, truly awful!

Food aside, it's now not a bad pub and, with the onset of warm weather,
has the additional attraction of a decent garden. Still room for improvement but definitely better than it was.

27 Apr 2009 19:57

The Cherry Tree, Copthorne

Popped in on route to home cos it looked quite reasonable from the outside. Inside, very modern decor,lacking in character, particularly for a country pub. At 12.30 midweek I was the only one in the bar; not a good sign. Prompt service but Badger First Gold at �2.90 is an absolute rip-off; short measure to boot. I wouldn't go there again

5 Sep 2007 18:31

The Barley Mow, Tandridge

Some significant improvements under the new tenants. Beers remain good as is the food although not particularly good value. Service is prompt and friendly. The spacious garden with new seating is a real plus in fine weather

There are some downsides. The new incumbents clearly do not subscribe to the adage "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it" nor recognise that locals, especially those in small rural communities are ultra conservative. The bar has been enlarged and had a "makeover". Much of the paraphernalia which builds up over the years and gives the country pub its character has been removed and the walls painted white. What was once a cosy, if slightly worn, bar has been replaced by bright impersonal room in which you can drink. Entirely out of place is a new "space-age" cigarette machine (with a smoking ban due in July, what's that all about?) and a LINK cash machine (talk about low rent!). Sadly missed are the complementary bar snacks on Sunday lunchtimes, replaced by a garish peanut vending machine.

Overall, though, a friendly place to drink and eat albeit compromised slightly by unecessary changes which make the bar look like an urban refugee in the country. It wouldn't take much to correct what's amiss; I hope it happens.

26 Apr 2007 16:51

The Barley Mow, Tandridge

Once a good locals pub, also popular with walkers and others out for the day. Now spoiled by the latest landlord. Offhand, sometimes rude, plays his own taste in "background music" at levels that preclude conversation. Hardly ever presnt in the bar which, on reflection, is no bad thing. Highly mobile staff, which must say something about employer relations.

At one time had a lively bar, an honest, if unremarkable, restaurant serving decent pub grub and a nice garden for the summer.

The beer's still good but alienated drinkers are now voting with their feet, and wallets. Bar often virtually empty as a result.

Restaurant is a joke. A scattering of soft cushions, odd potted plants and square plates are incongruous and pretentious additions to otherwise ordinary decor. Extensive menu for "pseuds" plus ordinary fare at silly prices e.g. Super Mixed Grill for �25, Super Cheese Platter at �15. Extra charge of �5 if you want another plate and share the meal. What a P*ss Take. Can't comment on the quality but something has driven off the diners; like the bar it's often virtually empty.

Still a regular, though not as often . Looking forward to the day when the current incumbent moves on and we get a decent landlord who understands the basics of customer service in a country pub.

19 Oct 2006 14:26