The Ramblers Rest, Chipstead

I have lived in Chipstead all my life and i have seen this pub change hands so many times. It has recently been taken over by M&B. Before they opened i was hopeful that they would turn the place around. If only we were that lucky.

They have been open now for two weeks, and i have never known a pub to drive away so many locals in such a small space of time. The managment and staff have clearly put no research into the area and as a result have decided to stop letting all dog walkers in. Bear in mind Banstead woods is on the back door step! Shocking.

Two neighbours of mine have both been turned away, due to their dogs being 'wet'. When one questioned the manager, the responce he got was, "we only allow clean dogs to come in, we have spent alot of money on our interior".

Moving on to the interior, yes it does look nice. Is it a country pub anymore? No No No! When Whitbread had this pub, the service may not of been great with a terrible Kitchen team, but it has a country pub atmosphere. It now resembles what can only be described as someones living room and with a touch of a tex mex restaurant (as a result of the animal skulls hanging off the walls). Within the restaurant, some parts are very dark gloomy red, which yes can be nice in some areas, but not in the middle of Chipstead countryside!

It is sad to see that so many of the old friendly faces that use to greet us every evening, have been forced out.

Overall, its been open for two weeks, in that time its driven away more locals that i can ever recall, lost the dog walkers (because no research has been put into the clinatle of the area), interior doesnt resemble a country pub. Very poor M&B.

The Ramblers was one of the only country pubs left in the area, NOW WE HAVE NONE!

15 Dec 2008 12:44