please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is a typical modern-style Youngs gastropub, with a drinking area at the front and an open kitchen and dining area at the rear. Apparently it also has a large garden. Young Ordinary & Porter, Wells Bombardier & Courage Best were the beers. Aspalls was the cider on tap. The clientele seemed a bit more upper class than at the Roebuck nearby. Service was fine.
|
Had Sunday lunch here, was ok, veg was good but not enough meat. Dont visit if your a wine lover, took us til at least half way through the wine list to find something we liked and by then it was time to leave.
|
We had our office Christmas party at The Marlborough and have to say it was the best Christmas Do I have ever had.
The staff were not only professional but extremely friendly and helpful.
The food was so amazing we decided to book a table for their New Years Party.
At first glance we thought it was a little pricy at �40 ph but any worries we might have had quickly disappeared.
The sole stuffed with crab moose was so light and tasty it left you wanting more.......
I raise a glass to all those who work so hard at this friendly local pub and wish you all a happy New Year
|
A pub to have a slow beer in to savour the leather sofas and the young-person-about-town atmosphere. Yes it is more expensive than some other places but that is what you expect, and want, in a place like this.
|
My husband and I just came back from The Marlborough, in Richmond, following what was probably one of the worst meals we have ever had! My husband enjoys having a roast dinner on a Sunday evening; however, he was extremely disappointed with the overall quality of his meal. Despite checking with the waitress about the freshness of the roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, these were appalling. The �roast potatoes� were in fact boiled new potatoes and the Yorkshire pudding was flat. The beef was chewy and the gravy poor. I ordered �The Works Burger�, which was served with stone cold French fries and the meat not only was extremely poor quality, but over cooked. For our toddler we ordered the mashed potatoes with sausages, which must have been made with instant mash mixture, for it was inedible. We used to eat at this pub very often a couple of years ago and were always very pleased not only with the service but the food. We believed they must have changed their chef and after a couple of very disappointing experiences we stopped going until earlier this year. As it seemed to have improved slightly it was at my suggestion that we decided to dine there again tonight, but after a terrible evening when the quality of the food was nothing but scandalous, I believe we will not be returning!
|
This a super pub to relax in; one with good character with well kept ale. Perhaps reflecting its affluent clientele, it's not a budget option, but well worth settling into.
|
Watch out for over-charging! It has happened to me a couple of times now. Just �2 - �3 here and there. Today I had the chicken for 2 (�22.50) with a portion of chips, a pint of Kronenberg and a single Vodka and tonic and it came to �37.35. I realised afterwards that �15 for 2 standard drinks and a portion of chips was rather overpriced, but they couldn't do a receipt at this stage. Learnt my lesson, will always ask for a VAT receipt in future if I go back.
Shame because it's a lovely pub, with a fabulous beer garden and dog friendly too.
|
Nice place for a drink disappointing for food- attractive bar, spacious with comfortable seats. Can get very busy in summer but service has improved. Food is distinctly average here though - just my opinion I keep trying as I want to like the place but the last three times been very disappointed. Also overpriced -�4.80 for artisian bread, a thimble of pesto and thimble of oil! Stink to a drink and you'll be happy!
|
well spotted.......................
|
I love looking through the reviews of some of my favorite pubs. I find it amazing how some people have nothing better to do than rant about nothing in particular. The review below tops them all..................
Yes you BEDFONT�����.
When writing a review at lease get the information right other wise you just look silly, and even more so when you post the same thing twice!!!
It�s a Young�s pub not Browns and every time I have been in there the beer has always been out standing.
Maybe next time you should keep your options to yourself��..
|
More resturaunt than pub.
Beer standard browns and even that NOT that well kept.
|
More resturaunt than pub.
Beer standard browns and even that well kept.
|
I moved to Richmond Hill late last year, and discovered The Marlborough was my local pub.
I had a friend round that evening and we went to see what it was like, what the food was like etc. When we found it we were amazed how nice the place looks from the outside; and when you go inside you get a warm homely feeling and the smell of home cooked food. Its a real gem on the Richmond Hill.
I had prompt service from the bar, and chose to stay for food as the food being taken to the tables looked really nice.
My guest and I stayed there most of the evening having enjoyed a fantastic starter, main and dessert all of which we could not fault in any way. The service in the restaurant was second to none. The waiter was very attentive, the food was delivered in good time and the quality was fantastic.
I always think of pub food as mere "pub grub" but....... this is a different experience, I feel that the Marlborough needs to be described as a homely pub with the added benefit of quality restaurant sectioned nicely away from the classic pub area.
The whole place oozes class, its extremely well decorated in the bar, with modern decor and lighting, mixed with classic furniture and open roaring fireplaces to keep the classic pub feel, the restaurant area in my opinion looks like a country dining room in a large house, its a trully beautiful setting. The pub also has a huge garden with a gorgeous decking area with a huge green with rabbits at the end for kids to play around on.
I have returned there frequently for drinks and a couple more time for food. I am always made to feel very welcome; I would recommend this place to anyone visiting. In my opinion it is even worth venturing out of town to try this place out if you like good food and drink in great surroundings.
In terms of the cost, I think drinks match other bars in Richmond, some may vary, but on the whole i'd say it evens out. The food is fantastic value for money... My favourite is the sausage and mash... Just over a tenner for a great portion and the mash is even tastes real!!!!! From potatoes and not powdered muck.
I rated 10/10 I think they run a great pub there and they all deserve it. Well done to my local!!
Mark
|
Stumbled across this pub between Christmas and New Year by accident more than anything else. Had originally meant to meet a friend in another pub but decided to head up the hill. Having lived in Richmond 3 or 4 years ago I had expected this to be the slightly "beefeater" style establishment it used to be of old.
I was hearted to find it wasn't. After several pints of Youngs (must admit I'm not the biggest fan, it's not Hooky, Butcombe etc but will do at a push) the guy who was serving us at the bar convinced us to stay for dinner rather than head back down into Richmond. He's not hard to spot looking like a cross between GazTop and Timothy Claypole. I'm guessing he's the eccentric looking guy mentioned elsewhere. All I can say is we found him nothing but helpful and amusing. But I guess in buttoned up Richmond.. well...
To the food... For me it hit the spot. Good and honest without resorting to what seems the norm in this sort of place of throwing 50 herbs at something when 1 will do. I had the Pork belly which was cooked just right.
Normally I wouldn't even bother to write a review but I recommended the place to a colleague the other day who responded this morning by saying " There is a shocking review of it on "Beer in the Evening"... So as i said to her.. I had a rather nice evening there! Those reading this can take this into account as they may any other review here.
|
My there's been some nonsense posted recently about this pub. I've been drinking (and since the revamp eating) here for many years and I can say it consistently delivers.
My view of recent posters complaints:
Overpriced drinks - all the pubs round here are expensive, the marlborough compares well. if you drink Premium beers or wines, its going to cost.
Overpriced food - �20 for 1 coursesand a bottle of wine on Monday -thurs on there wine and dine offer pared down menu but it includes steak, burger etc.
on the menu - my criticism is that they don't change the menu enough.
Food quality - nothing on the menu is advertised as organic,etc. If you want to know which farm your beef came from either buy it yourself or eat a top restaurant, this is a pub. The chefs are good, but it does get very busy at times - would you complain if Ramsay swore at you?
I could go on but why bother. The marlborough is a great neighbourhood pub (there's lots of us regulars) in a nice location, with decent beer and it does food. on top of which the staff even the grumpy ones and great fun Judge it on more that 1 visit, you may revise your opinion.
|
Hi I like to reply to the last review in defence of the the Marlborough. I�ve been coming here off and on ove r the past year as you can tell be the reviews I�ve posted so here�s my currant take on things at the pub at the moment things are quieting down for the pub after a ruckus Christmas and new year which was for the most part a fun time when I visited this particular pub with parties going on and meeting of mates for a bit of grub and a pint, new year festivities were a blinder with a great band fancy dress and dancing all the staff were great throughout even Andy though he�s not a party person but I do recall him smiling at least once. Now I�ve eaten here with and without my family, at the weekend and in the week and the food has most of the time hit the spot. The steak and always been cook to perfection and the steak and ale pies lovely ( well so I�m told as I�m the vegetarian in my family) I�ve had the veggie curry at least 3 times when they�ve not had the mushroom filo parcels on or there aubergine and mushroom lasagne on and I was busting at the seams ( I�m a handsome 12 .5 stone too) so I think the calling it a child�s portion is a bit twisted perception all in in all it�s been a marvellous year in Richmond and my favourite pub so good luck to you all.
|
It�s a real shame, because the Marlborough, Richmond Hill has been a great venue for a Sunday lunch and a family friendly pub (almost to a fault) with a great garden, but the whole food experience is now pretty lousy. I only ever tend to go on a Sunday, so know what to expect in terms of waiting times for beer, tables, and then the long, but understandable (noting the size of the kitchen) wait for food, but the last few times I�ve been, it has been getting worse on several counts. I�m guess that at any other time in the week, the pub could still be a cracking local (and probably is) but needs a LOT of work on a Sunday. And a polite manager - if you can�t stay polite when you�re busy and making most of your week�s money, change jobs, fella.
I can easily understand that the staff may get grief as the wait from the kitchen is long on a Sunday, and when people are hungry and paying a reasonable amount for food, they tend to get a little fidgety. However, when it arrives, the food is poor quality, even the roasts at �13.50 where you would expect them to take a little bit of care � under and overcooked veg, poor portions, cold plates. Don�t go near the sweet potato curry, unless you want hard sweet potato, and a kids portion (�12.50 for an undercooked, veggie ready meal size / quality option). The Steak and Ale Pie -anaemic pastry, very average pub grub at best - and it used to be good.
The manager came over to the table and was rude in front of my guests and the rest of the tables around. I may be wrong, but I think a manager especially should really be trying to look after four customers who are spending approximately �100 with tip (bar staff were fine). If the manager is rude, it sets a poor example to the rest of the waiting staff.
I understand times are tough, VAT�s going up, it�s a recession blah, blah, and it�s difficult to keep a business going, but how about trying to offer a menu viewed as even vaguely approaching value / quality, and being polite to your customers, and then you may keep some of them or even grow a business. If you�re given a decent pub like this by Youngs, you must have done or be doing something right once at least. I�m disappointed, mostly because I�ve used to look forward to coming here for a Sunday lunch, and was giving it one more chance. You could always try a quiz night on a Wednesday or a Tuesday or whatever.
|
It might help if bar staff didn't post on here. It's quite blatant!!
Still it's a decent enough place with a very large beer garden and well-kept ales which change regularly.
Bring back Young's Kew Gold though...
|
Tuesday even
|
Stop Press The Marlborough Richmond EVERY Wednesday night at 8
OMG this is where the best pub quiz night in greater London resides.
Gone are the standard selection of Question's from easy to hard, and inclusive categories like sport, music, film and General Knowledge.
Welcome to Andy's World, where you will find subtle nuances and dark humor mixed with an encylapaedic knowledge of his own interests.
If your specialist subjects are Jazz, Lord of the Rings, Comic books, midlands heroes and so on then you're sure to win.
Bonus points available for dressing like Oscar Wilde.
It starts 8pm sharp, but arrive early as drinking before helps.
|
Stop Press The Marlborough Richmond EVERY Wednesday night at 8
OMG this is where the best pub quiz night in greater London resides.
Gone are the standard selection of Question's from easy to hard, and inclusive categories like sport, music, film and General Knowledge.
Welcome to Andy's World, where you will find subtle nuances and dark humor mixed with an encylapaedic knowledge of his own interests.
If your specialist subjects are Jazz, Lord of the Rings, Comic books, midlands heroes and so on then you're sure to win.
Bonus points available for dressing like Oscar Wilde.
It starts 8pm sharp, but arrive early as drinking before helps.
|
Decent Guinness, a nice selection of wines and ales. The marlborough is a pub with acres of personality I'm surprised how much I talk about it with my friends, I think I'm even facebook friends with it/her/them..
I moved into the area about 6 months ago and though I've tried to sample all the pubs in the richmond area, and I've done a pretty good job of it, I find myself keep going back to the marlborough. Now, I automatically arrange to meet people there as it's a great place for conversation and food in a comfortable and cosy setting. Whilst the restaurant retains the character it is more functional and with comes with added helpful table service.
You could walk past this place on a summers day and think it's empty, however there is a sizeable back garden and great BBQ all summer long.
For cyclists, sunday drivers et al who are looking for a gem to find on their trip to Richmond / Richmond park this pub takes a little more to find but is worth the effort.
|
Beerintheevening seems sometimes to be a place for people to let off or rant over any slight or issue. For me it's a good place, lovely pub, good garden and I think the staff are friendly and it has improved a lot. Also agree food has improved but not sure it would be my number choice as the wait for food is sometimes a little too long - still a good pub
|
It's a nice pub that sells Young's beer now, but �8.05p for 2 pints and a small bag of KP nuts.....???!!!
That's simply too much for a drink and much as I love Young's beers, It's put me right off.
I know it's Richmond and they can obviously get away with these prices, but I think that's just plain daft.
|
As a local, I have been coming here on-and-off for the past 2 years. A great retreat with an awesome beer garden. The food has also improved 1000 fold in this time. I couldn't disagree more with a couple of the comments on here. Management have been first rate - hence the reason I return. Enjoy the fact the staff take the time to sit down and ask how things are going (and yes this is not on a sunday where the pub must be turning over a huge profit). Will keep coming back.
|
me and my girlfriends popped in to this pub on lunch time, and i couldnt disagree more with the bad comments the guy with the avant garde beard lets call him ming the merceless couldnt have been nicer he had a great sense of humour and was very helpful, after learning that I had ruptured 2 discs in my back he made me as comfortable as he could and even served us our lunch in the garden which apparently you usually have to collect. The food was great and I liked the pub so much I talked my husband into going back the following saturday night which happened to have a live band playing I cant remember the bands name but they were brilliant, the atmospher was great and everyone was enjoying themselves, yes you did have a short wait for a drink but lets face it the reason you go to a busy pub with a great atmospher is not only for a drink but for the buzz of the place, otherwise just pop along to you local old mans pub that has three cusomers, a dog and a tv that way you'll get a really fast pint . all the staff were great and adding to the atmospher and I meet the manageress natalie who was greet fun and made sure everyone was having a good time. Im now planning to return on a tuesday night as that is quiz night and run by ming, who may think he can defeat the earth but will not defeat the quiz i will dispatch ajax to bring back his body.
|
I was there last Sunday and i saw was besieged bar and a pack garden yes i was told there was a wait on food which gave me the choice to leave and find another place to eat or stay and wait and well worth the wait it was i had lamb shank and my friend had the steak they was fine yes the wait was annoying but when at the bar all i saw was consent movement from the staff and a couple of customers being indecisive as for slobbering into the beer i saw none of that.
|
An impressive piece of bar mismanagement. Nice if you want spittle in your beer from the barman with a fetish avant garde beards. Food available if ordered 3 days in advance. Queues for beer can take longer than the siege of Mafekin. Best beer is in the offie next door and for food, try a take-away from the cafe over the road.
|
Very disappointing. Group of us arrived on a hot Sunday lunchtime, hungry and thirsty after a cycle ride. You would have thought that a place like this would have been the perfect place to stop for lunch, but you would be wrong. I waited for ever at the bar to be served a few beers, if we hadn�t been a large group I would certainly have bailed after about 10 minutes waiting. The bar staff consisted of two pretty young girls who seemed to do everything in ultra slow motion (�who�s next please?�), and one arty designer looking chap with impressively creative facial hair, but who was slowly chewing gum all the time with his mouth wide open and slobbering, rather like watching a tumble drier with the door open. Absolutely disgusting, a few of us were just waiting for his chewing gum or dribble to fall into someone�s beer. Most people at the bar were making jokes about the loooooong wait, but frankly it was just rubbish.
When we asked about ordering food, we were told with a straight face that it would be an hour�s wait. There was no table service in the garden, no waiting staff scurrying about making sure everyone was being looked after, which you would sort of expect in a family pub this busy on a Sunday lunchtime.
Because there were quite a few of us and we had all parked and locked our bikes up outside, we were sort of stuck, but it was too slow and painful trying to get any food and drink. A number of our group eventually went to the shop next door and came back with bottles of wine, and a picnic which we then sat and ate. Needless to say, nobody complained to us about this simply because none of the staff were interested enough to speak to us at all.
The pub garden is absolutely rammed with achingly cool yummy mummies and their boden-clad offspring, but even for them the place was most unwelcoming with signs around the place stating that �Customers whose children make too much noise will be asked to leave�.
I�m not sure at all what this place is � a kindergarten for Richmonds beautiful set and their beautiful children to take photographs of each other, perhaps? If you want a pint and something to eat, take a sleeping bag and your toothbrush. And would someone please tell razor beard behind the bar that�s it�s stomach churning to watch him slathering and chewing his gum whilst serving customers. Too cool by half this place, never again.
|
I have seen this pub go from strength to strength since Youngs & Co. took it over a while back and made investments in refurbishing this fantastic buiding, with it's impressive garedn and outdoor facility, located on Richmond Hill. Under the professional management of Natalie & Paul, this pub & restaurant from good to excellent. The relaxed ambience, combined with great service from the staff they have hand-picked, makes this a superb venue at any time during the week, whether it's a lively Friday or Saturday evening with friends or a relaxed Sunday dinner with family. The extensive wine list would serve any gastropub well, although I do think there is room for further improvement with the food menu. That said, it stands part from most in the area. I would recommend this as one of the best in Richmond.
|
much improved pub over the last year - politer and faster service
|
This is easily the best pub on Richmond Hill. The staff are friendly and so are the visitors. Its comfortable and is a great place to meet up for chat.
|
There used to be plenty of space to sit inside this nice pub with a pint and I was pleased when I heard it was to become a Young's pub, but since then on recent visits my friend and I have begrudgingly had to walk out as the service has been painfully slow and most of the room is now reserved for diners, with a few (and usually occupied) leather sofas, unless you arrive stupidly early.
The only alternative is either to be very, very patient for a drink and sit outside in the pleasant garden -which is fine in Summer, not in Winter... or take a walk around the corner to the Roebuck where there is usually more seating.
Better training for staff, a few more seats inside for casual drinkers and keener pricing on the beer is desperately needed here in my opinion to really bring it up.
|
Since the renovations took place, both interior & food have improved but I found some of the staff to be extremely 'rough' around the edges. On several occasions staff members have been so loud that I could not follow conversation at our table, some abrubt in manner and one even made a racist remark to one of my friends! I find this unexceptable and ask that this be rectified.
redro - 12 May 2009 14:58 |
Well my (mpw246pl) review certainly got the reaction it deserved judging by the recent comments.
This forum is for honest, impartial reviews whether they be critical or not, it is not for the posting of comments sniping at each other.
ginsling - for information I am a man, I am not overbearing or rude by any stretch of the imagination. I am a married family man with 3 children and just expect a reasonable level of service when we go out. I think you should use the dictionary to understand what a 'review' is meant to be, as your comments on 1st Feb are nothing more than a banal attack on me.
lordy23 - I did make a mistake, and i have emailed the webiste 3 times asking them for my duplicate review, to be removed from The White Horse, this has not be done to date.
|
i saw that same review by mpw246pl for the white horse very very suspect ideed
|
My God!! I have just read mpw246pl's review from last Summer! Unbelieveable! Maybe the fact that he/she was served by a young, immature girl is just a sad reflection that the only people to take jobs as bar and waiting staff are generally students and young people who are being blatantly exploited by large breweries on minimum wage? I wonder they would have the same attitude if it was one of their children, struggling to pay tuition fees, being picked to pieces by an overbearing and rude customer?? Probably not.
It makes me wonder if 'mpw' might stand for Marco Pierre-White?!...
An unnecessarily critical review, in my opinion. Hopefully they will stay in the White Horse and keep out of our way.
Love the Marlborough - best pub in the area by far.
|
We visited this pub on a week day evening and I liked the ambience and decor. Very comfortable. The real ales (Young's) were in very good condition. I can't comment on food but there is a large kitchen aperture at the back. The food served to others looked basic and the menu quite pricey, but hey, it's Richmond.
Summary: I'd visit again for a relaxed pint of good beer.
ps Agreed mpw246pl (other reviewer below) seems to have idle time to write lengthy twaddle. Give these pubs a break, we're losing them at the rate of 40-a-week in this country !!
|
I wouldn't bother eating in this pub - Some of the food is rubbish beyond belief. Go in on a Sunday and you may as well be in a creche considering the number of kids in here.
For a midweek or evening drink though you'll be OK, the staff are friendly enough and the Youngs is good in here - so not all bad then..
TheGP - 25 Aug 2008 20:05 |
What absolute twaddle by mpw246pl.
In summary food was OK, service polite but couple of mistakes when taking the order and a poor dessert selection. This equals a long winded moan that is also double posted on the White Horse's page - seems others make mistakes too.
Unbelievable, only 5/10 for the manager immediately recognising his name and taking him to the table - what do you have to do to get more!!!!
This has not turned me away from the pub, only drawn sympathy to the Marlborough and no I don't work there.
|
You sound pretty high maintenance, perhaps somewhere like the Ritz would better suit your needs. The management is not to blame, more the complete pickiness of a customer who doesn't quite comprehend that they are eating in a pub with a chilled atmosphere, not a silver sevice restaurant.
|
The marlborough will be re-opening on the 8th May (builders permitting)
|
Marlborough is re-opening on 7th May in the evening
|
Is this pub closed for a refurbishment? When is it reopening?
|
I don't think this pub deserves a sub-5 rating. I've been there three times since recently moving to Richmond. Each time my experience has been enjoyable. I suspect, based upon previous reviews, that management is attempting a turnaround.
I like the space and the food. The two times I've eaten, I've had some of the best casual food I've eaten in Richmond. Granted, I've limited myself to the steaks but each time they have delivered a reasonably priced plate of good food. And, if you are looking for impeccable, adaptable and obliging service, you'll probably have to accept basic friendliness instead.
I found it unpretentious and friendly. Plus: lager, ale or cider--they usually have more than one choice on tap.
anonymous - 18 Mar 2008 23:35 |
Do not eat Sunday Lunch at this pub!
We ate Sunday lunch here in Spring 2007, at was excellent. 1 year later (Feb 2008), against the better advice of other reviews we tried it again. The food and service was awful. Veg was stone cold, meat over cooked and staff not helpful (although they did offer to "heat it up"). The bar here serves a good range of beer, but it is always slow to get served. So, OK for a slow drink, but I won't try the food here again.
|
I wandered in here just wanting a drink and was served by a very surprised barman who was probably astonished that I did so without being accompanied by my wife, children, several other relatives, and wanting a full meal. Clue, pal: it's supposed to be a pub, that's as in House, Public. Not a local branch of Mothercare set up in a Victorian barn which it resembles.
|
We went here for our works drinks and I had some worries after looking at the comments on the website. However it is a perfectly pleasent pub. The bar person who served us was really nice, we ordered food which everyone enjoyed, the manager very helpful. There was music but it wasn't too loud (and it sounded alright). I got favourable comments back from other people in the group to. We were there on a fairly quiet Thursday. I understand it's part of a chain - which doesn't suit everybody - but I'd go there again.
|
About five years ago this was a fantastic pub that was always full and I went every couple of weeks.
Oh how things have changed. As other reviewers have said the service is not only terrible now but the bar staff are actually aggressive and threatening. It used to be worth the walk up the hill but not anymore. Avoid like the plague.
|
This pub is a disgrace. We visited earlier this week to find a completely empty pub and garden accompanied by disgruntled bar staff and heavy metal music. Despite this, and due to convenience, we stayed and upon trying to order a further drink at least five minutes before last orders we were rudely and point blankely refused. The upside is that we all left very sober, the downside is that until a change in management and attitude this once great local is no longer such.
And yes, we too have experienced the frozen fish!
anonymous - 1 Aug 2007 11:54 |
Has really gone down hill in recent years.
The food is ropey in the extreme - ordered fishcakes the last time I visited and there was ice in the middle !! No apologies from anyone, and they still tried to charge me.
I used to visit there most nights when Ois�n ran the place 3 or 4 years ago.
Since the frozen fish, I haven't been in.
A well deserved nul points !!
anonymous - 22 Jul 2007 08:47 |
Visited last Saturday. Queues at the bar were a problem with some long waits. Gets a such poor mark chiefly because of the lack of soap in the gents toilets which was reported but nothing was done about it.
sharm - 20 May 2007 14:01 |
Do they still do a quiz in here on a Wednesday eveing?
anonymous - 5 Apr 2007 12:19 |
Nice big garden for kids; could do with some new play equipment though and a general tidy up. Sadly the fences around the garden are not always secure so if you take little ones into the garden make sure they don't escape through a fence/gate!!
Found service helpful and cheerful. The food is good, though with a lack of a childrens option it is very pricey when going with kids; would like to see a childrens option on the menu (something
that isn't just a bowl of chips).
Good selection of interesting beers, which is great. All in, a good child-tolerant pub.
anonymous - 5 Apr 2007 12:18 |
I had a pleasant enough lunch in here the other day. Barman was efficient. Choice of beers was plentiful. "Stumble on, brother..!"
And now that the loo's fixed, Mick Jagger has no more excuse not to visit..! TJ
|
My local pub. It has recently been renovated and I do like to more now.
Shame the staff can't be a bit more helpful, and am sometimes disappointed in the food.
Oh well, it is stumbling distance from home so that has to count for something!
sem07 - 14 Mar 2007 13:55 |
What a great pub, prime location, great staff, great beers, great food, well worth a trip up the hill.
BTW teejay the toilets were fixed today!
|
Richmond Hill...what a location! Mick Jagger living around the corner...Ronnie Wood not far away either! This should be a really nice pub.
My meal was ok, the selection of world beers & lagers is unusual, and worth checking.
However, some people say you can judge a place by the state of the toilets...! If you suffer from asthma, or any other breathing disorder do NOT go in the gents loo...!! It has a serious DAMP problem, not helped by the centre urinal, whose pipework is still damaged, and has an unfortunate trick of 'peeing' back at anyone near!! (How embarassing.. explain that damp patch..!) Management, it needs sorting quick!! TJ
|
Well not a pub you would want to drink in and eat. The staff ignore you and are left waiting to be served.
My friend tried the food which she said was nothing more than average. But the place has a lot going for it.
anonymous - 21 Feb 2007 15:36 |
Since the management change, the policy changed to 21 plus. My friends and I have gone there for the past year and really enjoyed it, but now we cannot even drink there. They are now are going to lose alot of business from the students who live around the area. We really just wanted a pint of Fruli, but now we must try to find another pub close by for our cravings and our business. It was nice knowing the Marlborough, but good riddance.
anonymous - 18 Feb 2007 21:21 |
Did I mention the list of 'world' beers on tap at the Marlboro..!:
Kirin Ichiban (popular Japanese beer); Liefmans Frambozen (thats Raspberry beer folks!); Becks Vier 4%; Heineken 5%; Belle-Vue Kriek (a red,cherry beer); Maredous Blonde (sounds French); Paulaner Munchen (a clear German beer); Staropramen (premium Czech lager); IPA Green King; Leffe (strong Belgium beer 6+%); Fruhli (is that strawberry beer...!!)! And thats just for starters, further down the bar away from the door are more ales & beers. A fair choice indeed. I like this bar! We will have to re-visit. TJ
|
The Marlboro' is a no-smoking pub, up Richmond Hill. A far uphill walk from Richmond town centre, but as I discovered well worth it!
A long thin bar, with seductively dimmed lighting at night. A large soft leather sofa infront of a log fire at the far end (nice on a cold night). But there were hardly no more than a dozen people in there at 10pm (closing at 11pm mid-week, Midnight Fri+Sat) begging the question 'why'? The 'good lady' and I quite enjoyed it in here, the piped music was soft and 'bluesy' but not too loud. Clientele tended to be the over 30's, who didn't need smokes, weed, or raucous music! (Sorry if I've put you off now..!) But I would place the 'Marlboro' definately high up in my top 10 of Richmond pubs. Thanks Ben! TJ
|
Leffe ! Fruli ! nice !
|
The people who run The Marlborough have absolutely no idea. It is, unfortunately, my local. Fortunately the most excellent Roebcuk is just round the corner.
I was in there the other night and had to wait 15 minutes to get served, while no other customers were waiting. The bar staff have a tendancy to ignore you, the manager will walk past and smile meekly, but not actually step in a pour a pint. The beer is variable, not particularly well kept. Green King IPA (rough), and Bombardier (passable) are always on. If you're lucky there might be a guest.
The food, as other reviewers have mentioned, is awful.
The recent 'refurb' was basically a lick of paint and some tables re-arranged. It's a real shame - if the management got their act together they could make this into a great place. As it is I won't be drinking there again.
|
Good with a big group, but a bit pretentious. Nice Belgium beers, however.
|
Really getting worse, as time goes by.
Got a blue plastic finger in the middle of a fish cake there recently, and no apology from the manager. Had to remind him that I shouldn't pay for the meal !!
A well deserved nul points
|
The Marlborough is a bit odd. You can have a really good night here, but everything is variable - especially the staff. The beer is generally quite good, they had Moorhouse Golden Witch on the other week for instance. The food on the other hand is overpriced and pretty shocking - check out The Village cafe next door if you want to eat, then come back. I like the decor - relaxed, comfy chairs, nice beer garden, wooden floors, giant sudoku, worth a visit anyway, especially if you live round the corner...
|
I wouldn't bother. Go round the corner to the Roebuck, upstairs is no smoking if that's your bag but better service, atmosphere and view frankly.
anonymous - 13 Jun 2006 16:23 |
This is my local and I'm afraid to say it has gone down hill badly over the last 2 years.
The food when you eventually order can be ropey - I once got a still frozen (in the middle) fish! Half the menu seems to be unavailable every time I order.
The garden has slid into a bit of a state - needs a serious going over with a mower.
The staff are a bit hit a miss. Most of the boys working there seem not to give a damn about their customers. The manager seems blissfully unaware of anyone but his own cushy little number 'running this place'. I really hate it when they do not pay attention to who is next to be served (a pet hate of mine) - and there are always people waiting to be served which seems incredible as the place never seems that busy.
The pub could be great again - but needs a serious overhaul. Put the customer first, get some more attentive staff, two proper chefs and a manager that understands minimum standards of customer care and you may see me back.
I'd rather be in the refurb'd Roebuck.
|
Used to love it here, but what has happened to the place. Read the reviews below and nothing more to add to them unfortunately.
|
Very child friendly, nice enough outside area. Terrible food and when I complained to the Manager I got a whole load of abuse! Awful service which is a real shame as it could be a nice pub. The Manager is rude and offensive. (and ginger and balding).
|
Trendy and expensive. Definitely worth a visit!
|
Great location , but another pub ruined by a characterless refurb . Foods not bad , but can't have your after dinner smoke !!!!!
|
whatever happened to boris? I miss him dearly.
|
I think I can add some light to these comments...I used to work at the Marlborough, from about 2000-02, when it was indeed managed by two lovely Irishmen, Oisin, Andrew, and then later, assistant manager, John. And experienced the "re-furb" as it was called, by Six Continents, the owners. I loved the staff, the pub, the regulars, and the atmosphere we created. I don't know what it is like now, but I am anxious to see in a month when I come to visit from the States. I just hope all the regulars haven't gone elsewhere because I really want to chat with them.
|
Should be better than it is. Sometimes great sometimes appalling. Can't make my mind up, lovely location in summer and have banned smoking now which is nice but unsure if good idea. Indecisive maybe.
|
A great pub marred by practically endemic overcharging by the staff. I can think of at least 5 occasions amongst friends that have involved serious overcharging on bar tabs etc... Still, pay in cash, check your gold fillings and you will have a good time as it's a great pub with no pikies able to make it up the hill.
|
Was much better before they did it up a few years ago.
|
Amazingly found out 4 vodkas are only �8.20 Maybe "chavs" have a problem with maths. Little oiks should probably drink in town, and leave the adults on the hill.
anonymous - 4 Jan 2005 20:30 |
o me, it's one of the best pubs around. Food is just great, i love it, and the service isn't that slow as some people say. it's a very nice place to chill out in the evenings. I quite like to spend monday nights there.
anonymous - 30 Nov 2004 13:58 |
I've always been a big fan of this pub but I had a very bad experience there last night. Having been to settle up my tab I realised that I had been over charged. The bar staff took about 20 minutes to try and resolve the problem only for them to accuse me of having drunk 4 vodkas. The managers comments summed up the experience, "If your lying I hope you burn in hell." Angry words were exchanged and I left with the refund, but to be honest I would have given them the �12.50 back just to retrieve 30 minutes of my life.
anonymous - 27 Nov 2004 11:51 |
crammed on sunday afternoon. food well worth trying.shame the weather was too cold to go into the garden.
anonymous - 24 Nov 2004 13:00 |
I went there on a Saturday night for a change and it was full of top totty! Too young & tasty for me but worth noting! That said, the service was as dreadful as ever; surely the slowest in Richmond? Oi manager you need 4 people serving and you will get more money!
Jake Holloway - 17 Nov 2004 16:55 |
This used to be a great pub until earlier this year. The garden is still massive and great in summer and the interior isn't tatty as mentioned below, but it is laid back. The food used to be great but is now just okay, and the service is deadly slow at times, taking over an hour for a sandwich to arrive sometimes. I think the management must have changed recently and they're just not coping. The staff are okay usually but some are really up their own arse and do make you feel like you are being really out of order asking for anything.
Angela Spangela - 21 Oct 2004 13:42 |
really nice laid back sundays. food pretty good, but friendly staff make it worth the walk up the hill. try the real ales.
Piers H G - 18 Oct 2004 00:45 |
I was told about this place by a friend of mine, who told me it was worth a visit. So I visited and can not complain, leffe on draught, lot's of foreign beer in bottles, real ale was good. I didn't have any food on this visit, but if it is as good as the beer, I'll defenately come back to try it. watch this space. well worth a visit.
Saint - 24 Aug 2004 23:32 |
Rubbish, the place is clearly being run into the ground, has potential but is tatty beyond belief
TheGP - 22 Aug 2004 20:26 |
Used to be a great place when it was run by an Irish fellow with a funny name. Anyone know what ever happened to him? Agree completely with the comments below by the way.
Mary - 20 Aug 2004 15:05 |
I found the staff at the pub to be very unfriendly, making the punters feel as if they were asking for the world, not a beer. The kitchen closed before it should have done. The beer was no more than ok. Nice garden. I would not ever contemplate wasting my time to go there again.
Ben - 18 Aug 2004 13:52 |
I live fairly close too, and feel the pub is really worth a visit! Go on, you know you want to.
John - 28 Jul 2004 22:48 |
Well, I returned for summer drinks recently but can't say my opinion has changed that much. Outside it's nice but does very much strike one as a 'work in progress'. Like this pub in fact which seems to exist in a strange limbo, teetering on the brink of oblivion on one side and genius on the other.
|
sadly, it aint what it used to be two years ago. not really worth the walk up the hill
john - 2 Jul 2004 22:50 |
Disagreeable unfriendly sort of place with surly wannabe yuppies behind bar. Music always a couple of notches too loud, beer average. Only worth the trip if you live next door, which I do, sadly.
anonymous - 29 Jun 2004 21:21 |
fantastic atmosphere there on weekends, great bitter, bbq red hot and delicious, a delightful summer pub
John - 29 Jun 2004 18:07 |
Seems like there a mixture of views about The Marlborough. Personally, I like it. It gets very busy in the evenings and finding a seat can be tough. Food is good, beer is alright, decor is smart.
radandmark - 11 Jun 2004 17:37 |
Was there in the summer, and the garden is great, especially in the evening when the parents and kids have gone home. Have been there quite a lot since, and the staff are friendly and accomodating, as is the manager who is quite funny when he's drunk.
Cazza - 3 Mar 2004 16:45 |
Essentially this place has narrowly saved itself from P&P/All Bar One purgatory by adhering to two of the most fundamental rules of pub - keep the lighting low and the colours warm. You can't argue with that and as it is it's a nice place to go. In summer it could suffer from it's big windows, although much of the seating does remains to the rear which might help. I haven't seen the garden and I can't recall the prices being overly expensive - it is Richmond after all - so I'll give it 7/10 for now but it will be up for review come early summer.
Good for: Winter weekend nights
|
Typical of the richmond set, very expensive and not really a pub!
tibbs - 24 Feb 2004 12:58 |
Used to be a really nice pub but changed management. Now the service is awful and the food has gone right down the pan. The manager hasn't a clue and the lines are filthy,time for a clean. Do michell's and Butler know anything about running pubs and managers. Er! No seems to be the answer.
anonymous - 13 Oct 2003 00:51 |
Marlborough is lovely - lots of candles, big sofas, wooden furniture and a fantastic outside courtyard at the back with more seating. Food was lovely & there's a great wine list. No complaints here..
JT - 27 Aug 2003 16:49 |
Used to be brilliant. New management recently and it's really gone poncy. Still worth a visit but service is awful.
jimmy - 21 Aug 2003 22:38 |
Lovely chilled places, sofas for curling up on in the winter, barbie on the go most days in the summer. Only complaint would be quite a narrow menu.
Emma - 13 Aug 2003 14:29 |
