Dukes Head, Brockham

some curry houses serve beer on tap, does that make them a pub?

It's not a pub, its a restaurant who has some beer on. What it is good for is having a glass of wine outside. In fact the wine list is very good and reasonable. The black sheep is also very good but there is nowhere to have a drink inside, all of the tables are for eating. There is a small bar but not really for drinking, you're forever dodging or moving for the waitresses.

However, I have no idea why this place is so popular. I have been twice, once the service was good and the second time it was shocking. Took 10-15 mins for someone to even take our drinks order, then another 10 mins to get a bottle of wine. It wasn't even that busy, there were spare tables. Our waitress apologised for the wait by saying "sorry we're busy". This this really wound me up - they either took on too many bookings for the staff or should have not accepted turn up at the door bookings. Why should the customer suffer for their ineptitude to get enough staff?

On to the food; it's ok but certainly not worth the money. my steak and kidney pudding had two small pieces of kidney in it, the venison wellington had soggy pastry and overall average.

I like the decor and the ambience is good. However, you need a stepladder to see over the menus. They are just ridiculous, especially on the small tables.

no rating as it isnt a pub.

26 Sep 2011 14:46

The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate

I heard a lot of great reviews about this pub but unfortunately it just isn't my cup of tea.

The beer was fantastic - the Ranmore was kept brilliantly.

But the pub to me feels like a mixture between a working mans club and a retirement home. Its like it got revamped in the early 80's, lost its old charm and its not been touched in years.

The service was very slow due to one person behind the bar and 4 people waiting and not very welcome (not the landlord).

I'll go back and give it another go but it just didnt click for me; hopefully it will on my next visit.

13 Sep 2011 13:37

The Plough, Coldharbour

Ive been here a few times on a sunday and always enjoyed the visit. Great to try the beers from their brewery. After sampling them all (and no i didnt pay for the sample nor for a glass of water), i had a few Crooked Farrows and really enjoyed them.

We have had a couple of starters with some chips and all were good.

The locals have always been very friendly, as was the landlady.

I'll be going back for sure but its a shame the garden isnt utlilsed more.

13 Sep 2011 13:25