Three Pigs, Edgefield

Went there last night for dinner and a few beers. The building itself looks wonderful and the beer was very well kept, the Pigs brew itself was particularly fine.

We had a great meal although we didn't sample much of the menu as we all chose the same main course, the belly pork which was fabulous. The idea of tapas style dishes is a good one and 4 of these between 3 of us was a substantial starter.

Trying to find something to fault but am struggling to think of anything. I don't echo the comments about prices as I think the food and drink was very reasonably priced. However I'm used to Surrey prices so may have a slightly skewed base point. I really think that �11 for a main course or �10 for three starters is reasonable. The beer at �3 a pint was maybe on the pricey side but I'd rather pay more for something that good than less for a far inferior pint.

Very friendly and busy pub with welcoming bar staff. Would very happily go there many times again.

3 May 2009 11:07

The Nelson, Farnham

Went for dinner at the Nelson a couple of nights ago as the menu at the Shepherd and Flock had shrunk and didn't have anything we fancied on it. The baked camembert to share was fabulous but �8.25 for 3 overcooked prawns in garlic butter was a sign of what was to come.

My husband's main course sirloin came without half the ingredients shown on the menu, when we mentioned this to the waitress she muttered something about thinking it was from a different menu. Before she got this rectified we found that the steak was very well done throughout despite it being ordered as medium rare. My husband sent it back and after quite some time was served a blue steak that wasn't even warm 2mm in. This went back and he finally got a medium rare steak on the third attempt.

Our friend's burger was good but served with a fraction of the chips it normally comes with (maybe this 'other' menu the waitress mentioned was the 2 for 1, however this theory didn't prove true when we got the bill). My beef wellington was good but with rather tough pastry.

The owner did offer us one free dessert but we didn't think this was sufficient as the 3 attempts to get my husband's meal right had left him eating alone and the other 2 of us with cold food as we'd tried to slow down so we had something left when his arrived!

On paying the bill my husband did complain and was given his main course free.

This is such a shame as whenever we've been to the Nelson for lunch (usually burgers) it's been lovely. I refuse to use the one of the unnecessarily large range of chain restaurants in Farnham as I want to support local businesses, especially pubs. However it feels like the Nelson is over stretching itself. Either get some new chefs or be realistic about what the existing ones can achieve.

9 Apr 2009 10:22

The Prince Alfred, Upper Hale

Went last night for a pint to see how it had changed with the new owners. We found a wonderfully lively bar with good beer and a friendly landlord. The restaurant looked empty to start with but once we'd been tempted by the menu and decided to eat there the it had suddenly got quite busy. Had a wonderful home made meal that was very well priced along with a couple of lovely bottles of wine. We'd previously used the Lobster Pot when we fancied a meal out within walking distance but, based on last night, Alfred's (as it's now called) will be our pub of choice for food and maybe even rival the Ball and Wicket for when we want to pop out for a few pints.

This is a family run place which deserves to do very well. If you've been there before these owners took over I urge you to give it another shot - it's changed very much for the better.

15 Mar 2009 20:15