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Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common

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user reviews of the Abinger Hatch, Abinger Common

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Can't believe I'm risking saying this, but the latest in a long line of managers of pretty miserable managers appears to be be perfectly pleasant!!!!

What's more they have adjusted some of the truly ridiculous pricing - food and drink - to more realistic levels. The beer, which with the exception of Ringwood's Best, seems to change quite a lot,.I have enjoyed all that I've tried with the exception of one solitary pint which was off but I don't think the young barman understood what "off" means, never mind.

Have tried the food on a weekday lunchtime and it was good, but dreadfully slow coming out of the kitchen - the menu warns of a 20 minute delay while it's prepared but think (on a quite day) more in terms of 30/40 minutes with some pretty amateurish service i.e. vegetables coming out long after the main course. I would avoid eating at the Hatch at busy time until the sort this out - I'm sure they will!

Those who like the but have been appalled by some pretty poor managers (who hired them?) should give it another try.

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Surreyyokel - 6 Nov 2012 11:32

Lovely pub, with an attitude problem. Not sure that this pub knows what it is trying to be. Restaurant/ Gastro Pub or country pub? Set in a lovely location and a comfortable place to relax. Have been several times and feel that the owner / manager is rude and disinterested in engaging 'non regulars. On a recent visit, instead of serving us, he prefered to clear glasses from tables. Prices are ridiculous. 1 pint and 2 shandy pints over �11. The website is misleading as it is not friendly to walkers in my view. Whilst there on the recent visit, witnessed the manager remove a couple from a table in the restaurant who were having a drink. restaurant was half empty, manager was very rude about this.

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Robthebar - 30 Apr 2012 10:05

Went to have yet another look last week. Little sign of the new management, so I can't comment on that. Not sure I agree with RolfHarris when he suggest the beer is reasonably priced at �3.80 a pint - I know of pubs in Mayfair where it's less expensive.
Certainly RH is right to describe this as easily the best pub in the Surrey Hills if he's talking about the visual appeal: they've still got a long way to go in terms of running the pub - including washing the floor, you could grow veg on it which is pretty amazing given we're in a drought.

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Surreyyokel - 2 Apr 2012 11:12

New Managers in, doing a great job. Menu has increased in size and now has some amazing burgers. Beer well kept and priced at a reasonable level. They dont seem to mind walkers, dogs, cyclists and even kids! Gets very busy on a Sunday which is a pain. Easily the best pub in the Surrey Hills.

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RolfHarris - 3 Mar 2012 13:39

The charm offensive I mentioned (and hoped for) in my badly spelt October 21 comment has yet to arrive: short on the welcome and long on the dismissive.

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Surreyyokel - 12 Jan 2012 11:41

Had a weekend lunch here. It's a pleasant pub and the service was good but the lunch was very poor value. �15 for a roast that was way too small and not particularly good quality (the parsnips reminded me of my youth and not in a good way - very tough & stringy!) We skipped the expensive puddings, reckoning that they too would be greatly over-priced. The beer was ok but also on the expensive side.

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Psi - 16 Nov 2011 11:17

I don't think this pub knows whether it wants to be a jolly local or a gastro pub.
We popped in yesterday afternoon at about 4.45pm to see if the menu was something we'd like to try that evening.

The girl behind the bar, although polite, was a tad cold. She advised us that there was no menu for that evening yet as the chef was still deciding what to prepare.

We asked what sort of food was generally served and from that got the impression that we'd like to go back that evening for some dinner. Added to the fact that it was a nice atmosphere, a fire was on in the main bar and the ambience of the building seemed quite warming.

However, when we returned that evening the atmosphere was rather less ambient. It was a strange mix of posh people going for overpriced food from an uninspiring menu and the local yokels at the bar effing and jeffing at the tops of their voices as if it was a public bar in a spit and sawdust saloon.

The pint of TEA I had on the afternoon visit was good and the Wandle was well priced at �2.50 per pint (a rugby promotion) but the food wasn't as good as they probably think it is and is far too pricey (�6 -�7 for a dessert!!).

We had soup & Fish & Chips but left feeling rather short changed and so doubt that we would visit again if i the area. Looking at the reviews of the nearby Volunteer we shall probably go there instead.

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chunkypetersplat - 23 Oct 2011 15:38

Under the previous ownership I rated the 'Hatch' (which I have known and used for a very long time) a lowly 2. I have been back three times since the opening earlier this year. The new owners have made big steps to clean the place up and it really does look very good: I wish that the word 'good' could be applied to some of what I presume is the senior management who seem to be somewhat lacking in the customer relations area.

Clearly I incurred the wrath of the owner/manager during a recent visit when I asked for a spritzer that I had paid for - clearly he didn't believe me and thought I was trying to fiddle the place. In the end he grudgingly dispensed what could best be described as a glass of soda water with a splash of wine added - probably the most expensive glass of soda water I have ever come across.

Still, I will up my rating to four in the hope that a charm offesinve is on the way!

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Surreyyokel - 21 Oct 2011 12:52

On Wednesday 5th Oct., our cycle ride stopped at the Abindger Hatch for lunch. No sandwiches were shown on the menu, and we were directed to a corner of the bar, where a pile of clingfilm wrapped filled baps laid not very appetisingly.
Some cyclists bought soup with a mini roll at extortionate prices. I chose from the starters menu something called ".... charcuterie platter" at �9. Being French, to me "charcuterie" implies a selection of pates, salami, cold meat, ham, etc. What I was served was: two minute bread rolls, still cold inside (ie. not very well defrosted), 4 or 5 see-trough slices of chorizo and salami, some scraping of ham, a finger of cheese and half a dozen olives. It was meant as a starter, but even as a starter, it was very mean and very costly for the quality and quantity of the food offered. As for a drink, I had asked for a J2O, which they do not sell - and was given a small glass of water and ice cubes on which was poured two kinds of syrups, it certainly did not taste fruity as J2O does. However on the bright side, the beer (Wondle) was enjoyed by my husband. It is unlikely that we shall stop again at this pub - perhaps they do not need our business although there were only 3 or 4 local guests at the same time as us.

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Francoise - 7 Oct 2011 16:06

Oh by the way it looked like one of those long life UHT cartons with juice made from concentrate!!! Please correct me if I'm wrong.

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thisistrue - 5 Oct 2011 13:15

On a very recent visit I ordered an orange juice & lemonade. I asked the barlady if the OJ was fresh, she replied 'yes'. I had only see prebought cartons, so was interested to see what she was going to give me. I watched her grab a carton and sneakily pour it from the carton into a plastic (purpose made) OJ container with a fancy pourer on the top, as if that makes it fresh. I asked her again is that fresh then? she said 'well not freshly squeezed', so I asked again 'is it fresh then?' I didn't get a reply, so I ordered a different drink..........................VERY DODGY!!

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thisistrue - 5 Oct 2011 13:12

It's a little unfair to leave reviews on this site from last year when the Hatch has had a complete refurbishment decor, new Chefs, Manager and bar staff. The previous reviews do not reflect the impeccable service, ambiance, excellent food served since opening on 19 April 2011.

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JennyAnne - 3 Oct 2011 18:33

Visited for a meal with a prebought special price voucher. The restaurant area was a lot more casual than we had thought it would be and we were left to choose our own table.
Menu choices were good but one starter a very good sized portion and the other quite mean, main courses good but again typical gastropub style meat and a carb no veg, extra cost if wanted. A band were playing inside the pub that had meant to be outside but was raining so was very noisy and drove out all the locals leaving the people who the band had come to play to from the hall next door.
Would we go again? Probably not, food good but prices (without voucher) steep and food not quite good enough to warrant the high prices charged. Location also very off the beaten track so think this may well stay a locals pub.

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yummummy - 19 Sep 2011 14:19

This pub has changed hands since I visited in July last year. The decor is much brighter and the food is undeniably good. Visited in June and I am part of a mixed group dining. However, there is an attitude problem in relation to female visitors - "careful ladies" - an attitude also noted by others. I ask at the bar what wines are available by the glass. I cannot get an answer just "try this" and tasters in different wine glasses are put down before me. Ask again what wines do they have by the glass? Still not told. The queue behind me is now so long that I feel obliged to select one of the tasters. The glass I'm then given, admittedly not the small size, costs me well over �7 - ouch. Subsequently find they do have a wine list showing wines by the glass - why couldn't I have been given this?

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HJ26 - 18 Jul 2011 14:53

It's difficult to describe this lovely building as a pub any more. Yesterday evening, we were intercepted on entry and escorted to a table by a smart and courteous young woman. She then presented us with a menu filled with uninteresting and expensive meals, and there were no specials on offer. Then it became apparent that every beer I wanted was off, so we decamped to The Volunteer, where we had not only an excellent meal but also a pint. In The Hatch, as we left, we overheard the couple sitting next to us discussing the direness of the menu. Last time we were in, at Easter when they'd just reopened, the owner asked us if we had any suggestions for the menu, so we gave him a detailed list of what we and the dozen or so people we were with, all of us locals, wanted to find on a pub menu. Pub food, basically. It hasn't filtered through. Sad to say, we won't be returning until we hear that things have improved.

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Jacquot - 7 Jul 2011 18:08

Our previous visit was approximately 12 months ago (Summer 2010), when the pub still had a cavernous, cold feel to it. What a difference a change of ownership makes! This visit was pimarily to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunshine, but we stayed for dinner, such was the welcome. The haddock fillets were excellent; my wife enjoyed her Tongham Tea and, as a cider man myself, I can heartily recommend the Hogan's (particularly the bottled perry, as recommended by mine host). A return visit asap is planned.

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filbaker - 27 Jun 2011 13:32

Popped in here for a Saturday lunch. The place was heaving, due to a wedding in the church over the road!! That didn't stop the staff quickly finding us a table, and sorting us with drinks before bring us the menus.

Considering how very busy it was we were served quickly and politely, and the roast pork I had was simply divine.

All eight handpumps appeared to be in action. I tried the Hogsback 'TEA' & Purity Brewery 'Pure Gold'. Both were in tiptop condition.

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jimbutcher - 27 Jun 2011 11:18

The new owners have made a good job of the decor (which I think is probably ongoing) and there are some gestures of friendship - borrow a rug to take outside for use on the lawn; good for families.

Sadly it looks as though Surrey hase got yet another gastro pub - �11.50 for what looks like a decent burger in a bun? Beer prices are a little 'toppy', the aim seems to be to get the price as close to a half-way decent bottle of plonk in a supermarket as possible.

I suspect that except for Surrey's would be Chelsea set there wont be too many locals drinking here which is a pity: perhaps that's what the owners want.

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Surreyyokel - 1 Jun 2011 10:28

Absolutely delicious food to be had here, and very friendly atmosphere.. If you like a chilled out evening out without having to cook, then come here :)

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x3dre - 27 May 2011 07:53

Absolutely delicious food to be had here, and very friendly atmosphere.. If you like a chilled out evening out without having to cook, then come here :)

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x3dre - 27 May 2011 07:53

Visited this pub after its recent reopening - very nice decor inside and lovely garden which catches the sun during the day. However, I found the service appalling, was spoken to extremely rudely by members of staff, including who appeared to be the bar manager, and the drinks didn't taste very nice and were severely overpriced. I was pretty shocked by all of this and will not be returning.

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Plant - 16 May 2011 16:38

Hi, just so you know the Abinger Hatch has been reborn.

As well as being refurbished with a comfortable decor, the toilets have been updated which is a real bonus.

Children and dogs are welcome inside and out.

The general menu has been upgraded and there are plans to add a children's menu in the near future.

It is well worth a visit!!

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newpubgirl - 27 Apr 2011 19:16

I understand the pub reopens today (April19) after a refurbisment.

I'm going to offer-up a small prayer: "please don't let it be yet another so-called gastro pub; which is shorthand for 'I really wanted a restaurant but I'm disguised to look like a proper pub'."

Anyway until I try it, best of luck to them, I hope I will not be disappointed.

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Surreyyokel - 19 Apr 2011 15:56

Walked past the place this afternoon, it's currently closed for redecoration / refurb.

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alan_From_SAWW - 31 Mar 2011 16:00

This is a truly beautiful pub and the present owner in my opinion did a great job on rebuilding the interior and initially had some pretty good people working there. The bar/pub is still beautiful but sadly the staff seem to be pretty naff and just not up to the job. On my last visit the relatively expensive beer was close to being undrinkable and the food: well the kindest thing I can say is that I've eaten better food in extreemly modest cafes

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Surreyyokel - 15 Aug 2010 12:20

Seemed a nice pub for a sunny lunch today. The tuna steak with anchovies sounded interesting, but when it arrived I couldn't find any anchovies. When I queried this the guy bringing the plates out went into the kitchen to check. When he came back he just said the chef had run out of anchovies. So they just continued sending out the (fairly small for the price) tuna. No chance of choosing something else; no offer to add something extra; and certainly no change of price.

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rxm - 20 Jul 2010 21:13

Visited on 1 July 2010. Good menu choice, excellent food served speedily and hot. Friendly and helpful staff. Was part of a large party that evening and there were no complaints. Would visit again. This pub is in a beautiful area. Yes, it was a little dark inside but then it's an old pub and has low ceilings.

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HJ26 - 3 Jul 2010 09:42

Visited on 29th May 2010 and order dinners for three persons. Whilst the beer was acceptable the food came out finally to us after having first been served to the wrong table. The vegetables were cold and had to be returned to the kitchen where they were presumeably micowaved. Two of the three dinners (main course only ordered) were just about acceptable whilst the third a fish pie was absolutely gross and found to be cold in the middle and swimming with liquid. Our impression was that it had been cooked from frozen.
On complaining we met the supposid Chef (ha ha!), a scruffy unshaven morose looking half wit. Just the thought of this guy having had contact with our food was quite off-putting. By 9.30pm, he was sat at the bar knocking back pints of ale and proceded to argue with us, but didn't have the good manners to even make eye contact prefering to have his back to us and occasionally glancing backwards over his left shoulder in our direction. This once lovely pub has in all of our opinions been absolutely ruined by the ignoramous who one can only assume was probably working in the building trade or the dustcarts until turning into the Jamie Oliver of the Abinger Hatch. He even advised us that one of the waitresses had eaten what was left (most of it) of the Fish Pie (obviously knows little or nothing of food hygiene) - my she must have an extremely robust constitution. Can't rate it low enough, also four others at the table adacent to ours that evening had by the look of it also left most of their dinners!!! Not a very pleasant experience!!!

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CWT - 19 Jun 2010 15:23

A funny place. Looks from the outside like it should be a lovely old country pub, given its setting - but it isn't. A pub that's tried too hard to be a restaurant. Atmosphere when not busy can feel rather desolate (..erm - are you open?). On Summer weekends the garden can be overrun with kids hyper on Coke and crisps. The Fortyniner beer however is excellent. I fully concur with the rancid fat smell inside reported by other posters - a massive disincentive to sample the food there, which I have never done for that very reason. It's in a good spot for walkers and is a pretty location. It needs some tweaking.

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SheikhInvakh - 23 May 2010 01:26

had a nice pint here. needs a bit of life in the afternoons though. over all not a bad spot really.

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jasonK - 31 Oct 2009 18:26

Things have changed for the better! We used to love going to this pub but finally gave up on it in Jan 2007 when we walked out after waiting hours only to receive cold soup. We ventured there last night in the hope that things might have changed and were delighted to see that new management has taken over. The place looked fresher, the staff friendly and attentive and the food was of a good quality. The only problem was that it wasn't as full as it should have been on a Sat night - in some part I expect due to the bad reviews it has had in the past. This is such a lovely pub which is definitely on the up again so go back there and give it a try.

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riches - 19 Jul 2009 09:50

So know who you mean Mrgrumpy lol... Yes Bill still owns the pub but it was Chloe that made the pub great. Sadly she's gone and now the pub is the pits. We were regulars for 6 months after Chloe left but this year we didn't even bother going there when we went to Abinger Fayre as the beer tent was much better. Food is overpriced and pretty crap. The beers are fine but the attitude of the staff and management is beyond belief. RIP The Abinger Hatch

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danishdish - 6 Jul 2009 18:57

Anyone out there remember Benny from Crossroads? If this was a pub it would be him. Big and dull, but inoffensive.

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mrgrumpy - 7 Jun 2009 15:41

Visited on a walk yesterday. Ringwood Best and Fortyniner and London Pride. Large beer garden, looked a bit gastro inside. Attractive location, seemed short on staff.

OK

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GuideDogSaint - 25 May 2009 11:23

First time user, arrived with baby, and 2 other new mums. Notice advised children were welcome but not in bar area. We took seat at the farthest corner in an empty room from another user. Pub took our money and (overpriced) food arrived ages later. One mum breastfed discretely, one of the little ones cried (less than 2-3 minutes) while mum readied herself to feed her. Within minutes we were approached and asked to take the baby outside if she/he cried. Our food was then removed before we had finished. If this pub does not want children, fair enough but have a sign posted advising no children and don't take our money or this is plain daylight robbery. A pleasant day spoiled by upsetting experience treated like second class citizens when we were being as sensitive and discrete as possible.

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anniewakeywakey - 20 May 2009 16:30

I visited this pub on a Sunday in May with three friends. We were trying to find another pub and had given up. Reading the reviews as we sat in the lovely beer garden waiting for food, I was rather apprehensive.

However, this pub is ok. It's by no means as bad as some other reviews suggest. On the plus side, our food arrived fast, hot and definitely edible. Not haute cuisine, but better than aveage pub food. I had a good lamb shank with spring onion mash, my partner had beef with roast potatoes and a slightly below par Yorkshire pudding. The others had a smoked salmon and crayfish saad which they thought good. THe service was fine - the landlord was friendly and attentive and the other staff were ok, not overly friendly, but quick and polite. The beer was also good, and a nice selection.

On the down side, the pub does smell a bit, I think from cooking fat. The loos could do with a lick of paint. And the food is a little pricey.

Overall a 6, as it's by no means the worst pub I've been in - far from it, it'sa perfectly adequate sunday lunch pub. Given the surroundings, it could do better though.

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HoppingBunny - 10 May 2009 19:32

We visited this pub at lunchtime on a sunny day in March. It was almost empty. The bar smelt of rancid fat. The staff were unwelcoming. Menus were on curled up sheets of paper. The staff appeared to treat the customers as an inconvenience. When someone phoned to make a reservation for Sunday evening the reply was 'we only serve food Monday to Friday'. A once great pub now to be avoided.

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Woofs - 19 Mar 2009 15:29

Ive just taken my girlfriend for lunch at the Abinger Hatch and had possibly the worst time ever eating out. We were told we might have to wait 30 mins for food and after an hour they sold the last chicken to the table next to us who came in after. We had to make another choice and that arrived in another 30 mins. By that time we are very hungry and annoyed but the waitress who possibly may have been handicapped so i apologise if thats the case, plonked our food down and didnt say a word. After struggling through the barely edible dry food for 5 mins we walked out as there was no one front of house to take a complaint. As they make you pay when you order there wasnt even an option to not pay. Dont ever go here if you like to have food you can eat and be served in the same day.

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stappers - 21 Feb 2009 15:52

Charming pub in a great location for walks, but the food is overpriced. Nice pint of Ringwood 49er, though.

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rentaquote - 15 Jan 2009 05:21

I have to say I agree with the last reviewer (BeerMonstersBall) this beautiful pub set in a perfect location is spoilt by overcharging and pretty poor management who seem to regards customers as somewhat of an inconvenience to their personal lifestyle.

The owner has spent a lot of money to create an excellent facility that's spoilt by a belief that Mayfair prices can be charged and indifferent staff are all that's required.

Very sad to see this once great pub so low.

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Reasonedview - 23 Dec 2008 11:18

I visited the Hatch during the Abinger Fayre too, and was similarly surprised to see it so empty, but was I? Overpriced food, bad service and sometimes very variable beers, although on this occasion my Fortyniner was top notch! I think people have voted with their feet, IN DROVES.
Come on Bill, you made a good start when you took the pub, it needs constant fettling to retain its trading position.
Once a regular drinker here, but unfortunately no longer worth the 2 mile walk from home across the fields.

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BeerMonstersBall - 25 Jul 2008 11:40

Visited the Hatch during the Abinger Fayre. Was shocked that the bar was almost empty when in previous years you had to wait ages to get a drink. Toilets still don't flush and the bar is dirty. How the mighty have fallen

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lolo9801 - 26 Jun 2008 20:52

Pricey but pretty - all you can say really!!!

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applecrumble - 24 Apr 2008 11:31

Can't believe how expensive this pub is now for both food and drink. Used to love the Hatch but it's too expensive.

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lolo9801 - 12 Mar 2008 12:23

A lovely pub for a Sunday drink or lunch. Beautiful inside - proper beams and the ever traditional fairy lights! A good choice of good quality Sunday menu, worth the price. (Also interesting ales and wines.)

The summers and winters are equally catered for with a large beer garden or a roaring fire. It's over looking the village green, church and village hall. Perfectly english!

The only problem is that someone has to drive to get there. It's worth finding a virtuous non-drinker person to go with.

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AShep - 23 Jan 2008 21:00

Decent pub with ok food abit on the pricy side and the lack of staff can mean you end up waiting to be served. That said lots of atmosphere and a nice large garden which comes into its own on a sunny Sunday. Been a number of times and will make the effort to go again.

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epsomwinedrinker - 9 Nov 2007 09:10

So was a good pub when Chloe ran it. Gone downhill on the food side but the cellar is still really well kept so highly recommend it for a drink. Really lovely staff, just can not fault the service.

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fairyairline - 14 Oct 2007 18:57

Beer and food both good, but service poor. They need more staff. We've had three visits there in the last few months and each time the lack of staff has been the only problem. Can't give it more than 7 until the staff head count goes up.

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pwr - 22 Sep 2007 22:19

Excellent pint of Ringwood Best, great garden - food did look pricey.

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MrLloydEvans - 10 Sep 2007 14:49

Popped in here last weekend for lunch after a long arduous walk with the dog. Was welcomed by an iced cold cider and rapid food service. Unfortunately I felt that the food was very average and quite small for the price (�11 for roast lamb). Don't think I will eat there again but the garden was very nice for boozing.

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dogwalker1978 - 29 Apr 2007 18:28

Nice old pub with well kept Ringwood best & forty-niner on. Plenty of room for big groups. Decent food and quick service. Fairly impressive range of puddings too.

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alan_From_SAWW - 17 Mar 2007 20:49

Came here after the refurb a couple of years ago and hated it, finding it expensive and pretentious. Went back last week and either I've mellowed (not likely)or it's much improved. They got all the basics right - it was warm, comfortable friendly and efficient. Ringwoods beer well kept, white wine chilled and food was superb. Highly recommended.

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nickmarch - 7 Mar 2007 18:05

The Hatch is one of my favorite pubs and I would recommend it every day. We only got there every couple of months as we live too far away for it to be our local. The staff are lovely and attentive without being intrusive. The beer is well kept and the food is excellent. Always worth a visit

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Ciderbabecindy - 19 Feb 2007 19:48

Visited on 15 Feb for a soup lunch, very good, lovely surroundings and a professional approach to service. It was also noticeable that the four real ales on the bar were being give some professional treatment (cellar and bar pump) - nice to see as many pubs keep but in fact have absolutely no idea what they're doing with the stuff. The main menu looked good as well, only criticism, a very good home made soup deserves a hot bowl!! PS what on earth do they do with that big red double decker London bus in those narrow back lanes of the Surrey Hills ? 6/10

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Biker - 15 Feb 2007 14:46

We have just been back after 6 months and had a very good meal,service & food was far better than on our last visit.Thank you guys for a lovley evening.

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Beersupper - 17 Jan 2007 18:41

Mixed reviews for this place I see.
I've been in twice in the past 6 months or so, once for an evenings drinking, once for a meal with a large family party.
Impressed on both occassions. Yes its a little on the pricey side but the atmosphere is good, food is tasty and beer very nice.
Lovely location - I would recommend it for a spot of lunch and couple of pints

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atsoutar - 2 Jan 2007 11:43

Again, too much emphasis on food, and the refurb is best left to the imagination. The food we ate here was poorly presented...I ordered a medium-well steak, and received a steak that was pink and bloody and luke warm..the chips were soggy and the salad was limp and unappetising. Hoping for better luck at the bar, I was disappointed to receive a pint of cloudy ale, overly warm (I understand it was summer, but surely all cellars are best kept chilled?). All in all a very disappointing experience....I for one won't be returning.

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wonderkind - 28 Aug 2006 14:13

Aww "anonymous" my friend didn`t mean to upset anyone only said on this visit the food & sevice was not up to the standard of our other visits to this pub.We are not knocking this place out of hand.But only saying what we felt.

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Beersupper - 20 Jun 2006 19:29

Had a drink in this pub by accident. We had read the reviews and wasn't sure but how right the majority are. We were served by a lovely girl called Verity who served everybody in turn. We loved the atmosphere so much that we decided to eat there as well. The food was well presented and excellently cooked. We met the female chef who was delighted we enjoyed our meal. We finished with the largest cheeseboard we have ever had with a great choice of cheeses. Wish this pub was in our village as it's one of the best we have been to. Would recommend this pub to everyone.

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lolo9801 - 19 Jun 2006 21:45

Another great visit to the Hatch. Good beer, great food and lovely, hardworking, efficient staff. A good menu is supplemented by great daily specials. This is a very busy pub with a good customer retention so they must be doing a good job. The review by Beersupper is not a good reflection of this pub. When you visit this pub mention that you saw good reviews on Beerintheevening and don't forget to give them the feedback they deserve

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Ciderbabecindy - 19 Jun 2006 19:21

Ahhh, Beersupper, giving your usual accurate reviews?! This is a good pub, in a nice location serving consistently good beer and food. I prefered the interior of the 'old' pub, however the refurbishment isn't the worst I've seen by a long chalk.

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anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 14:54

I too was in the pub on the 11th. The pub was very busy with queues three deep all round the bar, however the staff were working very hard (and good humoured) and there was only a few minutes wait for a drink.

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anonymous - 14 Jun 2006 14:47

Visited the Abinger Hatch yesterday whilst visiting the Abinger Fayre. Great atmosphere for young and old alike! Very busy but staff worked very hard to serve quickly. There was a BBQ in the garden serving great burgers for �2.75, well worth every penny. Will definately be back again soon.

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anonymous - 12 Jun 2006 11:26

I was also in the Hatch on 1st June. Our meal was superb as usual, the service was good and the atmosphere was warm & friendly. Our chips and salad were absolutely fine. My steak was cooked to perfection. I found the pub to be totally different from the previous review from Beersupper, were we in the same place on the same night???

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anonymous - 5 Jun 2006 16:17

Not that friendly in this pub. Found menu ok not a great choice,i had a steak which was ok sauce was good chips under cooked, salad was passed its best before date.Will not hurry back im afraid.

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Beersupper - 1 Jun 2006 18:09

The Hatch is now a brilliant pub so it's sad to see the previous review was nearly a year ago. The London Pride is especially well kept and they have regular guest beers. Weekends are busy but the staff are polite and hard working. The pub is well managed by Chloe. Plently of people use the Hatch for drinking only. The food is superb especially the mixed grill which is the best I have ever had. The Sunday roasts are also brilliant and they have a barbeque in the garden if the weather is good. Highly recommended.

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Ciderbabecindy - 24 May 2006 11:54

This once good pub is now a metaphor for just about everything that is wrong with this country as far as pubs are concerned. The latest refurbishment has trashed the atmosphere and turned it into a well nigh 100% restaurant where the concept of a casual pint is an alien one. Most of the clientele are too rich to realise they are being ripped off- we arrived there by bike last week and one of my friends paid �4.75 fora watery bowl of soup, and...wait for it...�1.55 for an 'extra bread portion' which amounted to three thin slices cut from a cheap baguette. Unbelieveable!
Add to this the 'service' already mentioned, and the fact that at weekefdns you have the uncontrolled kids of the aforementioned customers running around screeching, and you have all the ingredients of a crap pub wher emaking money is the only concern of the management. I now loathe the place and shan't be going back in a hurry.

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Beerwulf - 9 Jul 2005 13:24

Having visited here during the week I thought that it would be an ideal venue for me and my family at the weekend. After arriving and placing our order we indicated where we were sitting and settled down to await our food, after ten minutes an extremely rude female ordered us out of our seats as the table had been reserved,when we pointed out that there was no reservation sign we were told that because there was cutlery on the table this meant that it was reserved.We were then told that we would have to sit elsewhere and as it was late we decided to stay, however sitting in a bar with dogs eating food from plates rather put us off and we haven't been back since.

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annejanice - 26 Mar 2005 18:29

Disappointing visit, beer choice restricted but well kept. Food was slow to arrive and universallyy (10 individuals) poor, oven chips and mass catering!

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iestyn - 9 Jan 2005 09:46

Nice quiet location. Ringwood beer is normally good. Food normally tastes good although it is not cheap. Portions can sometimes be a bit small. Have found bits of foil or platic labels twice when I have had a curry - does the sauce come out of jar and the wrapping gets caught up with it? Menu is getting more fish oriented everytime we go. Would say that the food was not as good as when we first started going there in early 2003 and sometimes it can takes AGES to get served.

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Andy & Nat - 11 Jun 2004 10:10

ate here lots last summer and was very very impressed. Went back last week and was vrey very disappointed. Food has dropped from high quality restaurant to average pub fare. What a shame.

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fay - 1 Jun 2004 11:37

I have visited this establishment several times [its not really a pub - focus is certainly on revenue from eaters]; plus points = usually good Ringwood beer and Pride [though the Bombardier was foul when I tried it once].Clientele mainly well heeled cliquey Range Rover/Porche crowd and some public school types + SAfricans and Antipodeans. Pleasant surroundings outside, though have experienced screaming children charging around and swinging from the tree outside in the garden / inside a bit spartan and cold, the unattractive brick bar is a pity. Parking can be difficult and some drivers inconsiderately box others in or block the exit.Staff generally very pleasant and good service, except for the unendearing South African [bar manager?]who usually has an aloof manner and is not as welcoming as one would expect. Have tried food twice -good, but irritatingly small portions for the money.A portion management policy is clearly in operation here! Also, the kitchen closes very early at 21.30hrs Can get crowded [nearly all tables reserved for eaters] and noisy.

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Rod - 27 Apr 2004 11:36

I totally agree with Graham Walker's comments when he says the pub is now cold and clinical. We too used to be regular users before it changed for the worse. What a pity - the atmosphere just isn't there anymore. I'd give it 2 out of 10.

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Silvia Anwar - 13 Mar 2004 00:12

Unfortunately, this once genuine free house has been taken over by the 'Ringwood' brewery. The bar has been stripped off all the wonderful memorabilia collected over 20 years or so and is now cold and clinical with rows of pine tables. Like an 'all bar one' in the country. Instead of 5 or 6 real ales it now sells Ringwood beers (served too cold). A eal shame - another name crossed off the list.

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Graham Walters - 4 Mar 2004 10:30

I'm surprised at the comment about the service. I have been a regular customer over the last few months and have found the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful. The food is always excellent and beautifully presented.

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anon - 21 Aug 2003 17:13

Yes, good walkers pub.

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Vindaloo - 13 Aug 2003 15:01

A wonderful pub. I've always (in around 30 years...) found the service friendly, the food good and the atmosphere great. Went back after about 10-15 years and the bar seemed much smaller than it used to be - that must be what growing old does to you.

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mpellatt - 29 Jul 2003 11:39

Having visited the Abinger Hatch several times i have found the food to be of an excellent standard,we met the Kiwi chef who has travelled extensivley around the World,and his menu was a good indication of this.However we have since learnt he has left for India and hope his replacement will be of the same high standard(Im sure he will).One must also note that on certian nights a group of local thespians can often be found drinking and singing merely to old classics such as "My old mans a dustman" and "Pack up youre troubles in youre in youre old kit bag" ..but be warned,dont upset the old fella with the beard,(youll recognise him,he usually has a glass of red in his hand).....ill just leave it at that.

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Asthom aindi - 16 Jul 2003 09:32

Nice pub, shame about the service. For an expensive eatery the food was good but the bar staff are slow/lazy ... made a complaint but it was ignored > now thats what I call bad service. I'll think twice about recommending in future & be voting with my feet down to the Volunteer.

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Anon - 27 Jun 2003 12:10

delightfull pub in a lovely spot of the country. the food was fantastic with an excellent service. we will definatly go back, especialy to see the cute manager!

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Julie harms - 12 May 2003 21:20

This is the ideal country pub and it's just a short drive out of London. We visited twice over the Bank Holiday weekend and we'll be going back again SOON! The stuffed chicken is delicious and the steaks are huge. The pub looks amazing inside and out and I highly reccommend it.

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Marina Hierro - 7 May 2003 15:38

A really welcoming pub situated on a real village green. The bar is well stocked and the food is the best in the area. Check out the ducks in one of the 3 pub gardens.

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Peter Baker - 1 May 2003 10:05

This is a great country pub with a fantastic menu and a great range of beers to choose from. The gardens are near a pond and the pub has 6 plucky ducks that love being chased by the kids. Well worth a visit!

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Stephen Day - 30 Apr 2003 16:44

A delightful country pub with friendly service and excellent food.

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Paul Beardshaw - 29 Apr 2003 15:30

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