please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Sadly only TEA and Doombar on offer. TEA was an eye watering £4.75/pint !!
Sorry, won't be returning at those prices.
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Excellent food just a sad choice of ales...Doomed Beer yawn and TEA. But if the punters are coming in because the food is so good then maybe they don't need to worry.
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Been here 3 times recently for lunch and it's okay. TEA, Ringwood 49-er and (*yawn*) Doombar all available with the TEA being very nice indeed. Food prices have just increased from borderline pricey to expensive. The quality is good, but not that good, which may explain why it can be a bit quiet. The staff, mostly Italian, struggle a bit with the local lingo (a request for a dash of lime produced a slice of lime) but for the most part seem hard-working and willing. They deserve to succeed, but I'm not sure they've quite got the formula right.
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Called in mid-week for lunch. Party of four. Well received and offered a choice of tables. Meals were all excellent. Good sized portions, fresh vegetables. Much of the menu is Italian themed, but pub grub classics also available, Some interesting and well presented choices. The owners and staff are an Italian family - all very friendly and pleasant. T.E.A. was excellent.
Prices very reasonable. We will certainly visit again.
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Having lived in Elstead for quite a few years I have watched the progress of this pub closely. The most recent owners have made an excellent effort with the refurb (although they have completely ignored the garden), and are pushing food above all else. Remember this is a pub and not a restaurant, the owners name is above the door indicating that he is licenced to serve intoxicating liquor, not prioritise food.
I cannot understand the reviews on here that state welcoming or friendly staff as this is quite wrong. They are just plain rude, exceptionally so if you are not there to eat. From entry they assume that you will be eating (it's a pub!) as the food they serve obviously accounts for most of their income (again, pub!). The attitude of the staff when they realise you just want a drink is deplorable, they try to seat you at the worst tables and even shout at customers who are drinking that dare to try to sit in comfort. This has happened three times to groups I have been with so I can report first hand how annoying and rude their attitude is. This attitude has no place in a pub that is licenced as such, with customers paying good money to enjoy a drink in their local.
I have also eaten here under the new management, expensive, and really not worth the money.
I predict The Woolpack will be changing hands again soon, as this kind of service only serves to deter valuable customers. I will certainly not darken their door again until this has happened.
The woolpack has massive potential, as an eaterie and a pub, but landlord do remember you are running a pub not a restaurant. If you want to run a restaurant then buy one and pay for the licence as a restaurant not a pub. There is no such thing as a Gastropub this is just a term not a licence option!
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First time here for many a year. Very buzzy on a Friday night; full of atmophere. We ate which although very nice was expensive. Disappointed at the choice of ales, Bombadier and Doom Bar. There is some much local choice now in Surrey and Sussex. Landlord, maybe try Ranmore Ale from Surrey Hills or something from Tillingbourne brewery or Dark Star brewery. They go through gallons of it at the Refectory.
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As one of the new owners of The Woolpack (we took over in April 2011) I thought I would update the site as to how the pub is doing. As owners of three other local pubs, The Dog & Pheasant,Brook, The Squirrel, Hurtmore and The Albany in Guildford we were very exciting when given the opportunity to breath some much needed life back into this fantastic pub. We now offer 4 real ales direct from the cask.(current ales are Ringwood Best, Hog's Back TEA, Harvey's Sussex and Fortyniner) as well as two draught ciders in Addlestone's and Stowford Press. Amstel, Heineken, Kronenbourg and Guinness make up our portfolio along with a great selection of bottled beers.
We are very proud of our food offer which uses the best of local produce wherever possible and we specialize in seafood and shellfish. We have also re-introdued the very popular dessert counter and our home-made puddings include: Bakewell Tart, Banaffee Pie and Eton Mess, using strawberries from Secrett's Farm in MIlford.
If you are passing, please pop in and say hello and join us for a drink or sample of new summer menu.
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I came here yesterday Sunday lunchtime with my walking group of 12. The table had been reserved for us. However it was clear to me that we were a bit of a problem. The man behind the bar with the earrings was clearly put out and told us all brusquely to sit down at our allocated table when our orders would be taken. When a lady came to take our orders and realised we'd be paying separately she then instructed us to go to the bar to order !
I do go to quite a few pubs and restaurants in Surrey and have never had such an appalling welcome. I left and joined the rest of group in The Golden Fleece across the road. How lucky I was as I wouldn't usually opt for a Thai lunch however it was fantastic and served by such lovely efficient and most importantly welcoming staff.
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We visited this pub for lunch today. The food was absolutely fantastic and the Green Thai Curry is the best I have had. The staff were extremely welcoming to both us and our children, which to be honest is so refreshing these days. It has a lovely atmosphere and a very well kept garden. After seeing other peoples food arriving before ours we cannot wait to return to try other dishes from the menu (apparently they have a new chef). The prices were very reasonable and the kids ate for free under there current promotion. Would reccomend to all!!!
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We stumbled across this pub yesterday and popped in for lunch - which was delicious by the way. I had the Thai Curry and my wife, the chicken breast with apricot and brandy sauce - I wasn't offered a taste as it disappeared. Two or three real ales on and the London Pride was in great condition. Having seen the last review, I can only presume the pub is under new ownership - well worth a visit, we'll be back.
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What on earth has happened to this place, going down hill very fast. A real shame it was starting to go in the right direction the "word" was it was starting to build a good reputation. What has happened has it been taken over recently. Will give it another go maybe this was a one off but not holding my hopes up. My advise please try else where plenty of better pubs and better food. Must be a change of chef!!!!!!!
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BIGACHO's comment(s) are hilarious. They couldn't be any more affiliated with the pub if they called themselves "The Woolpack, Elstead, Surrey"
Anyway, I found it to be quite average, better than The Mill, but that's not saying much really!
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what on earth is going on absolutely shocking service and food. you really have to be bad if you cant cook fish and chips, mine was almost hollow it was that overcooked and it took ages to get another sorted out, maybe they sent some one fishing who knows. all i can say is stay away
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A bit slow for service, the chap serving seemed unfamiliar with the running of a pub??
The food was really good and huge! Recommend the fish & chips.
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Surrey TVR Club meet at Woolpack 4th Thursday of each month, first time I managed to drive across but really glad I did. Great summers evening so all of us anoraks can discuss the world of TVR and admire all the machinery on show. Nice to finally find a venue where the landlords dont mind a bit of beefy noise. Had a lovely meal, beer very well kept specially the Abbott. Staff really friendly especially when the poor waitress had to find us in the car park with our food :-) Looking forward to next months meet. If your free on the 4th Thursday of the month, fancy some good food, beer and a selection of tasty motors then please come and join us> TVR club always looking for new recruits.
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Strange the last 3 people to comment on this pub only use one place to drink and make good comments about is it the landlords family or staff mmmmm i wonder!!
We found this pub an average village bozzer nothing great.
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I organised a get-together with friends just before Christmas and was worried about finding a place for 12 people so close to the holidays.
Although they are very busy that time of year, the staff at the Woolpack were so accomodating and made room for us, even on quite short notice.
When everyone arrived, the place was buzzing and the atmosphere was great. We were taken to an area tucked away towards the back and it was absolutely lovely. It was the perfect spot for our group and we were waited on hand and foot all night.
The food was fab- even our vegetarian friends found something delicious on the menu which isn't always the case in pubs. Everyone really enjoyed their meal- I am a major fan of their puddings!!
We had a wicked night and I would totally recommend it- the service, food, drink, atmosphere....everything was top quality!! I wish my husband and I lived a little closer as I'm sure we would be there all the time!!
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I've been to this pub several times whilst visiting friends that live in the village... I am yet to try other pubs in the area, as I just can't seem to tear myself away from the friendly atmosphere in The Woolpack!
The family that now have ownership had only just taken over when I first visited and every effort was being put into eradicating the bad press that the previous landlord had left in his wake, and I think they achieved that completely.
I have always found the staff friendly and attentive, freshly prepared food was delicious (and in my opinion fairly priced for the portion sizes and wonderful choices!). My father was very impressed with the range of real ales to choose from when I dragged him along too!
I recently went on a Friday and the was a live band of very high calibre, and although there was a very busy bar, the bar staff somehow kept waiting times down to a minimum... what more could you ask for?
I'd recommend anyone who likes good food, good drink and a good time to visit The Woolpack. I'll certainly be visiting again!
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This Pub has been under new management for just over a year and I have to say that they have done an amazing job in turning this pub around.
You are always greeted by a warm welcome. Real ales behind the bar and good food freshly cooked that day. All produce is bought from local suppliers and the specials menu offers you a selection of seasonal delights and the meals that everyone seems to like. (Lamb Shank/macaroni Cheese etc)
I know have to book for Sunday Lunch as the Restuarant was full when I last visited. Even when it was fully booked the landlord took the time to let me know how long the wait would be and looking at the food that was going past I decided that it was worth the wait.
All the staff and owners make you feel at Home when you visit and I now treat it as my local and would fully recommend it if you are in the area.
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one of the better ones in the village....7/10
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Glad to hear this pub might be on it's way back to former glory. Used to eat here frequently until it changed management 3 or 4 years ago (memory not so good). You'd get a warm welcome from the previous landlord from behind the bar....the chap who then took over chose to sit customer side, sporting an arrogant attitude that stunk to high hell. A great shame. It's a fair old journey for me to get there now, so I would be interested to read more comments on current status.
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The Woolpack is back on form!
Visited in November, food was delicious and the Abbot from the keg just superb.
Well done to the current incumbents, I hope that 2008 will see you get back the client�le who the previous owners put off. A reputation is hard to gain but easily lost.
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Dropped by for lunch. Bar staff were friendly and helpful. Took a little while to get food but it is the run up to Christmas and the food was proper home made fare. So well worth the wait! The side extension part of the building is a little lacking in character compared to the rest of the pub but the food certainly made up for it.
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A real pub that sells real ale (unfortunately this type of establishment is fast disappearing.) Full of friendly people - both staff and customers alike. Well worth a visit if you`re ever in the area
Also the food is amazing, really good english quality homecooked food, what a treat this was.
Be back very soon
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OOPS !!!
Have just seen the comments posted by 'ITALISTAR'.
Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear !!!.....I used to be a firm supporter of freedom of speach but I am beginning to wonder whether it is wasted on some. Wait a moment though....perhaps aliens from the planet 'WHINGE' have landed at Hankley Common??
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My partner and I visited this pub the other Saturday lunchtime. The Beer was excellent and the bar snack was also fine. So much so that we went back the following friday evening for a full meal. Beer excelent and the food also excellent. A real local public house that also caters for those wanting a nice meal.
If you want to pay �80 for the leg of a 'Kate Moss' style chicken garnished with a sprig of some sort of greenish foliage and dolloped, artistically it has to be said, in the centre of an unnecessarily large plate and answering to some totally irrelevant French name then dine in the West End. However, If you want a decent meal at a reasonable price in a nice little village pub that also serves decent wine and well presented beer then try the Woolpack in Elstead.
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I went the the Woolpack with my Partner on Sunday as they have recently started serving food on sunday evenings. We were greeted by friendly staff and we ordered drinks and food. There are beers, served from the barrel, excellent! Our food arrived promptly and was delicious. We were sadly too full for puddings, but they did look really scrumptious! Would definitely come back and recommend to my friends
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Sorry am i missing something here what are you talking about Star76 i dont see a comment from Guildford drinker for you to put straight, i take it his comment was not liked by the pub so it was removed,so whats the point of this site if you can`t say what you think?
We visited the pub and found it average but going by some of the comments thats better than its been in the past so it must have been awful.
p s there are a couple of good pubs in the area ie.The Mill or The Donkey.
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Hi Italiastar,
A new chap purchased the Woolpack back in Nov 2004 and sold it to us in Sept 2006. The landlord pre Nov 2004 had done a fantastic job and had a wonderful reputation. They had been at the Woolpack for approx 18 years and moved to a pub in the Farnham area in 2004.
As you will see with the entries on here pre 2004 people had left some very nice comments unlike the comments left in 2006.
Once again I apologise on all of us here for your dissapointing visit in December 2006. I can asure you that we have made every effort to improve all aspects of the pub outside and inside, beer & food and I am sure your next visit will be enjoyable.
Look forward to seeing you soon.
Comment posted by Star76 on behalf of the Woolpack, Elstead.
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To put you straight "Guildfordrinker" these postings have been placed by myself Star76 on behalf of some locals in Elstead. It's been a long time since we can say the Woolpack is in good hands and we want to give the new owners as much support & encouragment in there new venture as we can. For nearly 4 years now we have been without a good quality pub in our village.
I approached friends and asked if they could write some comments I could post on there behalf, as they do not have e-mail, bit tought to set them up as a user. If I get any more I shall put there names in the text.... simple solution.
Oh by the way if you take the time to read some of the detail comments you'll see I posted a response from the new owners as they to do not have e-mail either.
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Just a quick note in response to italiastar from the new owners of the Woolpack. We would like to take this opportuinty to thank you for your comments and apologise to you and do hope that your next visit to the Woolpack is a more welcoming and pleasent one.
When we arrived back in late September we knew we had a hard job on our hands to try and restore some of the fantastic reputation the pub had gained over many years and what the previous landlord had managed to destroy. As part of the purchase we inherited staff that unfortunatley did not want to sing of the same song sheet as us and had complete the opposite views to us on how the pub should be run. Now we have cleaned out the closet so to speak we have brought in a complete new team of chef's some new faces out front waiting and as you will see when you visit the pub has had some well deserved TLC which she deserved.
We have introduced a new lunch menu kept the specials board and at present gradually introducing a new fresh looking evening menu.
We want to keep the real traditional feel with the food and be a pub people talk about when they want good quality home cooked food at very good prices. All we ask is for people to give us a chance to show them what we are all about and to give the people of Surrey and the surrounding area's the pub back to what they all enjoyed in the past.
We look forward to seeing you soon and very confident that you will havve a very enjoyable exp.
anonymous - 27 Jun 2007 22:24 |
Email review.....
Woolpack Inn Pub & Restaurant - 01252 703 106
Easy walking distance from Hunters Moon..
Welcoming atmosphere and used by locals and visitors alike� attentive bar staff and waitresses.. oh and not forgetting the chefs for a customised meal..
After a testing day at the office I found the restaurant a great place to retreat with a news paper and have a few glasses of wine and a meal
Fantastic wine, Fantastic food, Fantastic people, Fantastic place�. not necessarily in that order..
Dave
anonymous - 23 Jun 2007 13:41 |
My daughter and I passed the Woolpack this evening and feeling peckish stopped to see what was on offer. The bar was warm and friendly and for a Monday quite busy. The staff were polite and efficient and we went through to the restaurant area and ordered our meals. We thought the menu very good and there were several items we fancied but had the garlic prawns for starters, I had lamb shank with mash and 3 veg, and Kerryn had Steak & Guinness pie with chips and 3 veg. It was excellent. Kerryn, being a piglet, had a wonderful Concorde Chocolate dessert which, of course, I had to try. It was delicious! I understand that the owners have only been here for under 6 months and are busy redecorating and refurbishing. It has a very homely, confortable, feel about the place and I hope they will be very happy here. We will certainly be back to sample more of the delicious food on the varied menu. Highly reccommended.
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A bit soul-less, but reasonable beer straight from the barrel. Food quite expensive, but nice enough...
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This is over priced "Pub Food" of average quality, well presented and in a nice location, a description which seems to be a par for the area.
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The best pubs around for super grub and beer on the gantry. Can't book tables but arrive after c8pm and you'll get seated. I challenge you to manage a starter and a main course from its extensive blackboard menu. Puddings are to die for (if there's any room left). Puts the nearby Mill (now Fullers - but great London Pride - who don't display much knowledge about food and service) at Elstead to shame.
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Lovely food in a cosy atmosphere...albeit beers a bit pricey.
Lisa - 7 Jan 2003 14:44 |
Fantastic pies and the beer is excellent. Highly recommended.
Webster - 6 Dec 2002 12:17 |
they do a lovely sunday lunch
anne - 1 Nov 2002 17:14 |
Does any-one remember Bill Martin, who used to live at #1 Westbrook Hill. I am one of his Grandsons and am trying to trace his family tree (i.e. his parents, grandparents etc. and their place of birth
Stuart J. Barton - 8 Jun 2002 19:51 |
