The Anchor, Wisley

Myself and my partner have visited this pub several times and are mainly attracted to it because of its stunning location. The drinks are expensive and the food over-priced but we thought it was worth it because it is right on the river and very attractive. Previously we have had a meal or a snack or just a drink. Today (31st Dec 2008) we went there around lunchtime having driven a considerable distance just to go there. Immediately on our arrival we were confronted by someone who I can only describe as a "bouncer" asking if we intended to eat. We said no, then our attention was drawn to a blackboard which said that no-one can go to a table without seeing the "host" first or they could sit outside (in 1deg!). My partner checked with a waitress whether we could just have a drink and was told we could. My partner went looking for a table and again he was virtually chased by "the bouncer" who pointed us to a table which turned out to be reserved. Needless to say we had our walk by the river and left to go to another pub where we were not told where to sit and were not treated like second class citizens because we had chosen just to have a drink in a pub (its usual purpose) and not a full meal. I can understand why the dining area would be reserved just for those having food, but to discriminate against those just wanting to have a drink in other areas of the pub normally used for drinking (and it is a large pub) seems very unfair. Obviously the Anchor is not as we thought previously a charming pub in a pretty location, but a business without thought for its customers who put it there in the popularity stakes in the first place. I doubt if we will be returning.

31 Dec 2008 18:42