The Red Barn, Lingfield

Based on a Sunday morning visit with two biking friends grabbing a coffee I could not fail to be impressed by the `Barn' section of The Red Barn, and thought of a future cosy evening meal with my partner. Booked using their on-line reservation system, answering the question as to my preference of eating area being the `Barn', naturally. Upon arrival for our 8pm booking it became clear that this (Sunday morning) quiet corner of Surrey was being used for a wedding reception and the guest's at estimate numbered a couple of hundred. The initial `fight' to get to the bar and then the realization that the `Barn' was now a Disco, gave twangs of regret and I seriously considered walking out and re-booking at a time more appropriate for us. Word to the wise; if booking on an automated or electronic reservation service, be prepared that the final outcome may not meet expectation. The staff were friendly but clearly stretched. We were seated in the `Pantry' (which my partner felt akin to someone's kitchen!) and by the door to the toilets in a dimly lit (almost dark), cold (yes, cold) area that looked a poor substitute for the main attraction. Ok. The service was OK, our waitress being constantly interrupted by other diners while trying to take our order, I chose a starter Caesar Salad and a main of Beef and Ale Pie, my friend having the Sirloin. Top marks for the steak, cooked to perfection, and the hand cut chips. Middle marks for the Pie, tasty but full of gravy. Bottom marks for the portion sizes, my veg = 1 sprig of Cauli, 1 of Brocoli and half a carrot cut lengthwise, whether that constitutes even one of my five a day I'm not certain. The mash was nice and creamy, just not much of it. No marks for the worst Salad I have ever had, most unattractive, most unappealing, the Chicken was cold and clearly processed, the Croutons had a rubber effect and tasted, well, odd really and the anchovy was dry and tasteless. Oh and the little pot of gravy for the steak was supposed to be a pepper corn sauce, I think not folks, she left that anyway .... We decided to skip the dessert for a visit to a rival on the way home and sat in the Ashdown Forest watching the stars and drinking our Coffee. A pleasant way to end a disappointing evening for us both. The `bill' came to just over �40 which is as expected. Would we go again? Yes I would give this dog a second bite but only if the Barn is open. Next time I will telephone and make sure we are not part of someone else's big day. My partner, probably not. Looks like then, I may be dining alone ...

23 Apr 2011 09:13

The Horse and Groom, Rushlake Green

Our first visit to Rushlake on reccomendation and to celebrate a friends Birthday, we were not dissapointed with the food quality, portion size, service or atmosphere of the `ye olde' Horse & Groom situated in front of the village green. The various `specials' boards grab attention (although a little difficult to read) with two of us opting for the `half' shoulder of Lamb with Roasties & the Liver & Bacon; both cooked perfectly; the Mustard Mash with the Liver was very good in a kind of `melt in the mouth' way. Our friends chose from the main menu, a curry that was tasty but had little or no heat and the `wait and see' Pie that simply got the better of our Birthday boy and he had to ask at the Bar of it's contents prior to placing the order. We didn't have to wait long for our (hot) food and our young waiter was on the ball, polite and a credit to the establishment. Being offered a jug of water is such a simple welcoming thing, yet invariably is missing from other `more expensive' eateries. Everyone cleared their plates (the Lamb clearly a challenge ..) and Pudding was a choice from the board from Panacotta, Pies, Cheesecakes and varied accompaniments that were hard to refuse. We had Chocolate cake, Meringue, Banoffee and Apple Pie with Custard, the sweet tooth brigade demolishing in near silence ... So overall a good experience and one that we all agreed we would repeat. Maybe in the summer to see how the change of season effects a change of choice on the Boards. The Bar is quaint (small) with a roaring open fire that draws in the needy on a cold January eve. In fact it snowed this evening, just for a minute or two, oh how we joked that we may have to stay a little longer had it persisted! My Beer was Oranjeboom, still a rarity, still a good pint. I thought the bill reasonable at just over �20 per head and as no service charge had been added (thank you), I gave a tip to show our appreciation.
Oh and in case you wondered? Steak and Mushroom. The filling for the `wait and see'...

22 Jan 2011 09:23