The Royal Oak, Bryn

A recent visit, revealed that the back bar, previously cluttered with a miscellany of tables, etc for eating, has been somewhat restored to a proper public bar, as it was previously.

However, the choice of bitter was lamentable, Brains smoothflow, as I recall and the prices seemed a bit on the high side.

If only soem decent beer was stocked and some decent upholstered seating purchsed, this could be restored to the atmospheric local it once was!

8 Oct 2007 16:49

The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate

PS reviewer "anonymous", below = "the landlord"!
He has improved his welcome over recent years to be fair
The beer can be great, but irritatingly, seems to run-out after one pint, every time I go in there and is then switched to another brew [single barrels presumably]. There seems to be a policy of only stocking weak to low/mid strength bitters, which is a pity, as he used to stock some nice full bodied stronger brews.
The food is reasonable, but not great.
The pub used to be very smoky and is better for no smoking, but the landlord is quite parsimonious with his heating, so it can feel chilly.
However all-in-all, this is the best pub I know in the area for some miles

8 Oct 2007 16:44

The Six Bells, Newdigate

Viewing the previous reviewer's comments, nothing has changed here - very rough and unfriendly clientele and owners are evidently still in residence - you only have to look at the scruffily presented signage advertising "wots on", outside what could be a great pub in a lovely location, to be warned off - go to the Surrey Oaks a little further north, which I can vouch for as old fashioned, good beer, reasonable food and no nasty politics, if the other reviewer is serious!

8 Oct 2007 16:29