please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Certainly has a modern feel, staff were not on top of their game, but quite acceptable for a local pub experience so close to Heathrow.
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Absolutely spot on CaptainMorgan, though i must warn you to expect your review (and this) to be removed, as were the overwhelming majority of negative comments regarding that diabolical refurb. Ancient historic coaching inn transformed into an ikea showroom!!, beggars belief
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A perfect example of how to tear history apart all the old world charm has been messed up by this new refurb its such a shame the beers and wines are still good but its like drinking in a modern pub rather than a warm cosey historical inn. The Captain recommends avoiding only 3-10 for this spoilt inn
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I visited the Ostrich for the first time last weekend and therefore cannot compare to what it was like before the refurbishment. The food was excellent, with great attention to detail and very generous portions. The menu had something to offer for everyone and the staff had a good understanding of the dishes and were helpful in recommending accordingly. The place has a light airy feel for a building so steeped in history and the open fire and faint smell of wood-smoke help create a country atmosphere. I would definitely go again.
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I have no idea why all any negative comments are being made about this fantastic place. I loved it and had a great evening. The staff were incredibly friendly, the food was superb and the experience was well worth the drive up from London. Hurray for the refurb, that's what I say!
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I have been to the Ostrich before and after the refurb and to be honest it's a country mile better now. The food is great and so are the atmosphere and staff. It's a great place to eat whereas before it was fine for a quick pint but that was it. The only downside so far has been there's so many brilliant things to choose from! At least that's a perfect excuse to keep going back.
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Always had a soft spot for The Ostrich. Use it extensively for "corporate". The yanks just love it. Beer always well kept. Bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. Extensive and imaginative menu, always well cooked and presented. Love The Ostrich!
RoyTheBike
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I went to this pub at the weekend and must say that, having reviews here, I did not know what to expect. However, I was really pleasantly surprised.
I had not been to the Ostrich before the re-fit and cannot comment on the "before" look, but on entering the pub, it is clean and has a pleasant atmosphere. There is a lovely old fireplace near the bar (which is very modern-looking and perhaps out of keeping with the history of the building) but I liked the "feel" of the place.
The room we ate in was a little cold to begin with (it was not near the fireplace) but it soon warmed up once we started eating.
The food was fantastic. A little pricey but very good. Service was excellent. We were shown the large function room upstairs, which was very impressive and the character of the upstairs has been kept very much intact.
I can understand that locals may not be happy with the refurbishment. The pub is very old and it would have been nice to see more of the character kept downstairs. However, I was very impressed by the cleanliness (the glasses were crystal-clear, the cutlery, crockery and tables were all clean and not sticky like you get in some places and the floors and surfaces were all spotless. Toilets likewise).
I really have nothing to complain about. when I go out for a meal, I think about the following things when making a judgement:
1. Was the place clean and would I be happy to eat there again? (yes)
2. Am I getting value for money? (we had the set Christmas menu and I thought it was priced about right - we had three courses plus coffee and mince pies and chocolates. With drinks it came to under £30/head).
3. Would I recommend it to my friends? (absolutely)
4. Were the staff friendly and was the service good? (the service was excellent).
So, in all, I would definately recommend this pub for its food.
Negatives - a personal comment: I would prefer to see less of the artistic photos of the pub on the wallsand more of the history. The pub has an interesting story and I would have liked to have read more about it during my visit.
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I've been here a few times in the past and enjoyed it. Would have gone there today but was completely put off by the comments on the refit. This is a listed building (http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/search/details.aspx?pid=1&id=44151) - has anyone contacted the local Conservation Officer to see whether they reuqested / obtained Listed Building Consent for the changes?
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I have been to the Ostrich a couple of times and will go back again. The food is delicious and well presented and the ice-cream!!! All home made, each visit an adventure. The staff are pleasant, chatty and polite. I can only muse that the negative comments about this pub are posted by individuals whose idea of haute cuisine is a TV dinner and I would recommend in future that they stick to one of the burger joints run by the namesake of that famous Scottish clan. I would commend this venue to all perceptive diners.
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Amazed at the negative comments. The burger at £8 was fantastic value; the Chowder the best I have eaten in years and presentation was as good as it could have been. All together a great place for a good sunday lunch. Wines well priced and it isnt the fault of the Staff that they are understaffed and rushed. The staff were friendly, courteous and professional.
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This is a great place. Can't undrstand some of the other comments. The Ostrich burger, OK it's not cheap, but it is the BEST burger I have ever tasted & one of the biggest. Interesting & diverse food menu. Staff are ALL friendly. The drinks are on the pricey side but this gives a better class of customer, not local kids looking for a belly full of lager.
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Hamburger, I think Innkeeper means Ostrich burger!
Exceptional value for money for this freshly cooked and prepared food. Try the Cod and chips it was 12 inches long!
Staff very friendly yet remain professional.
Can see it upsetting a lot more locals though as they focus more on food and more people from the surrounding areas start to visit.
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**A lovely Sunday lunch out, highly recommended**
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Travelling round on a Sunday looking for a good home made Sunday Roast and stumbled across here, what a find!!, Even though the place does look a bit old and tatty it fits in with the atmosphere and history and the Sunday Roast was excellent!.. Highly recommended
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me2, been watching most haunted have we?
Not a bad episode I must admit, but seen a lot of better ones.
Not been to this pub yet, although I plan to in the next couple of nights, but i've heard the food is well worth the price......
anonymous - 10 Jan 2005 16:44 |
I saw Jeremy Beadle in here in 1997. He was eating a bag of mini cheddars.
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A very old english pub steeped in history with a lovely open fire. This pub was once owned by Jarman the murderous landlord who killed and robbed his wealthy overnight guests by dropping them into a vat of boiling oil through a trap door in the bedroom floor. Food is excellent, a bit pricey though. Well worth a visit!
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