The King William IV, Mickleham

My wife and I visited the King Billy during last winter after having recently moved back into the area and reacquainting ourselves with some old haunts. We were pleasantly surprised to see the old charm of this pub had not diminished and if anything had been greatly enhanced by the new owners especially with another fireplace opened up at the front of the restaurant so the views over the Mole Valley can be enjoyed whilst enjoying the great food and wine next to a lovely blazing real log fire.

During summer an article in Surrey Life Magazine voted the pub as one of the top summer pubs in Surrey and it prompted us to pop up and enjoy the delights of dining on excellent food and wine on their terraces in the sunshine. The standard of everything was superb throughout the summer and we can vouch for that because we went back for more regularly!

I can only despair at the blatant spiteful jealous nonsense on here yet again.

By the way they do not close randomly. They are closed every Sunday and Monday evening which is shown quite clearly on their sign!

27 Aug 2010 10:40

Harts Boatyard, Surbiton

What is it about people who feel compelled to whine!

All I have to say is that if there was any problem with the quality of food or the service I would be quite happy to accept that a venue such as this is popular and demanding for the operators because of its wonderful location. This website is becoming a haven for the pathologically dissatisfied.

We sat unbothered for an hour on one of their wonderful decked terraces overlooking the Thames and I had a couple of glasses of champagne and enjoyed the sunset and my two companions enjoyed well chilled draught Peroni.

Then when we could drag ourselves inside to eat we found ourselves sitting at a table with another fantastic upper view of the Thames.

The food was absolutely marvellous. I had the avocado starter which was wonderfully fresh with a fab dressing on the salad which I forgot to check the details of afterwards. Then I had the fillet steak and my companions had pasta and rack of lamb. We were bowled over with the quality of the presentation and the skill of the chef this was better quality food than a highly recommended French restaurant we went to last week.

We were the last to leave the restaurant area but we had not finished our wine so we took it down to yet another level of the restaurant with lovely comfy bucket seats and finished our debate and our wine in comfort in yet more beautiful surroundings with many other customers who looked as reluctant to leave as we were.

For goodness sake people learn to enjoy yourselves when you get the chance to do so in this type of venue. Take it in your stride when you encounter some of the inconvenience that will inevitably arise when you visit such a wonderful spot and celebrate the beauty rather than celebrating a chance to snipe!

17 Jul 2010 18:58

The Black Swan, Martyr's Green

It is a shame when a landmark pub loses all its character however as far as �gastropubs� go this one is okay. It is well run and comfortable enough and I enjoyed an excellent pint of well kept Shere Drop. They have an enticing menu and the food is well presented. I am not convinced however that you get good value for money.

13 Mar 2010 18:21