please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This 700 year old pub was gutted by fire, last evening.
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Popped in here before going on hols from nearby Gatwick. Beer was very good unfortunately the choice was limited. The food and service was also very good and they found us a table for 6 at short notice. Will certainly come in here again. I recommend others to do the same even if you are not using Gatwick.
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Was in for lunch today with an old chum. Ale OK, food zero. The "Bells" was one of our airport pubs back in the late 60s etc., now tis just a "I think I'm a gastro pub" location.
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Food quality was not bad but the portions were hit or miss, Sunday roast was good however I do expect more than 8 chips with a �10 burger.
On arrival I was greeted by my pet hate "please wait here to be seated" sign, never a good introduction esspecailly as the place was almost empty. To make mattes worse we had a noisy family group with 3 kids seated next to us, this is meant to be a pub not a branch of bloody Starbucks, kids should not be allowed in pubs.
Beer wise I stuck to the excellent Apsalls although I did notice a dinner having to send his very cloudy pint of Doombar back, which was in fairness exchanged for a Pride with no questions.
To be honest I was very disapointed having used this pub for the last 5 years I don't expect to back anytime soon. It is not a pub whatsover anymore, it is simply dedicated to food sadly drinkers do not appear to be welcome here any longer. As they have loads of Gatwick hotels and B&B's close by they do not have to try very hard to get punters.
A real crying shame as it is a lovely building and it used to be so much better. Vintage Inns, thank you very much for totally screwing up a good pub.
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The food at this pub has gone rapidly downhill. At the weekend we waited almost an hour at lunchtime for our main course despite the pub being fairly empty, and when it arrived the portions were small and bland. We also asked if they could serve baked beans instead of garden peas for our grandson with his scampi and chips and were told they 'were not allowed to do this' for a reason I could not understand.
The ale (London Pride) was excellent however as was the cider (Aspalls). But this is not a drinkers pub and the food let it down badly. We all rated the food as mediocre. We will not be visiting again.
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Used to eat and drink there regularly, for over 10 years, but the new landlord has taken the pub/restaurant down hill, food portions have got smaller, they don't want people drinking there, just want Tourists as they don't complain and often wont return. Many locals refuse to go there now as they fill uncomfortable with the situation, my advice is if you can get served is have a drink and eat somewhere else.
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I have used this pub on many occasions and have given it good reviews in the past, however I will have to mark it down in future.
The service is still goos, however whilst the food itself is OK the quantities have become stupidly small and not worth the prices charged.
I really think this pub has to seriously up it's game if it is to do more than pick up the trade from nearby Gatwick.
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I booked a lunch time table today for nine people to celebrate Mothers ninety fourth birthday, and was told this was fine. shortly afterwards, the pub was again contacted by telephone and the number was increased to eleven, this was also confirmed.
On arrival the staff denied any knoweldge of the booking, and after protests offered us a table in an upstairs room which we reluctanlty accepted, due to Mothers age.
The room was freezing cold and everybody ate lukewarm dinner with their coats on.
The staff who served the dinner were excellent, but those in charge were appalling.
Would I go there again, NEVER NEVER EVER.
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A lovely old pub comfortably furnished, low strategic lighting and a decent pint of Harveys and Pride. I found the staff polite but very rushed and harassed. The food was good but if we'd have got there after 7pm we would have struggled to get a table. Later on the food queue was about 20 mins long, mainly due to the person taking the food order also pouring the drinks to accompany it, then there was a 40 min wait for food to arrive. I had a long wait for a second drink due to lack of staff. Despite these shortcomings I would recommended it here if you're at one of the nearby hotels close to Gatwick. Much better than the alternative hotel bars and food.
chick - 23 Sep 2010 10:45 |
Sugarplum24 are you talking about the correct pub???
I assume you visited the pub today (I had Sunday lunch with my wife today as well) and I find the comments that the "staff are so rude" as extremely hard to believe. The pub wwas relatively quiet and I am sure I would have heard any "rude" staff talking to a customer.
Today I was served by two different bar staff and a further two different waiters who were all completely polite and professional. This is the norm with this pub with each of my monthly visits over the last 3 years.
Anyway a review of my visit.
The pub now has three ales on hand pump although I didn't try them as I settled for the Aspels Cider (very nice). The pu does not set out to win any awards for the number of beers it keeps however it keeps a good selection including a very good mulled wine in winter (ask Mrs Kevmac).
Sunday roasts (lamb and pork) were very nice as was the whisky to finish.
Just for the record I have no connection to the pub, it is not my local and I do not personally know any of the staff. The main reason for my post is to try and ensure people do not get put off by what I believe to be an inacurate post below.
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staff are just so rude, therefore never got as far as trying the food
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On a flying visit (sorry about pun) to a trip out of Gatwick could not resist the chance to check out this place.
Harveys was in great condition, pub itself although a big eating place was still somehwere where you could find a quiet corner for a chat over a pint or two. Food we had took a while to arrive due to the volume of punters on a Saturday night but the food itself was very tasty & hot - something many pubs seem to forget about!
Difficult to find something not to like about this pub?
Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
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Rather a rather nice pub, although it is a chain pub, for very foody. Service is good, food is OK, pub decor etc. rather nice, only real downside is they close rather early/ or very prompt...
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A decent pint of Harvey's but if that goes how long do you wait for the next barrel to go on? Came here in the evening for a swifter and despite the size the place was packed to the rafters - food, food, food and more food, a diners paradise. Casual boozers avoid at all costs.
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welcome poor . boss / manager arrogant . food very nice .waiter / waitresses very efficient and helpfull would return again
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An establishment with food as good as this should address its very paltry range of good beers.
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My favoured lunchtime pub with work. Only the one proper bitter (Harveys). The food selection is standard pub fare but reasonably priced. I have a special dietary requirement of large portions and this pub never fails to impress on that count, I can well recommend the 8 oz rump steak or the gammon, eggs and chips.
7/10 for the food, wouldn't come here to drink though. The garden is pleasant enough.
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Predominantly a food pub and by all accounts the food is pretty good. The same can't be said for the real ales that I tasted last year. Illustrates the point that if you can't keep your real ales properly peole will drink elsewhere. This is a pretty pub which I will try out again next summer unless we are fortunate enough to get some decent weather later this year.
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Been here twice now and had good meals both times. The food was jolly good and not overpriced. The downside is the choice of ales of which there aren't any, just lager, lager, lager.... Oh and a large queue to get the larger. Ambience is nice, staff are polite, and nice beer garden. Prob one of Horleys best pubs , if a little hidden away.
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I have used this pub restaurant for more years that I care to remember. Contrary to others experiences I have never felt unwelcome even when I pop in just for a drink, there is never any animosity. The food is above average and the service is always friendly and quick. The only downside is that it can be very busy in the summer months due to holiday makers, waiting to depart from Gatwick Airport, descending on the pub from nearby B&B's. A good pub, if you are in the area give it a try - you won't be disappointed!
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Centrally located but perfectly tucked away 'n' quiet piece of heaven down here on earth... Give it a try on your own, have a pint on that wonderful terrace on the backside and you KNOW EXACTLY what I mean... Mmmmmmmmmmmm...
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Not sure what some of the posts are on about.
Very nice welcoming pub, yes the focus is mostly on food but having a drink in here with no food is not a problem at all.
Service is usually of a high standard. Lovely pub, give it a try.
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Is it a pub or a restaurant? The bar person seemed amazed that I only wanted a drink and that I would not be eating. Having finally established that I would not be eating on this occasion, my beer was plonked down in front of me. The beer was very good and not overpriced, as tends to happen in popular hostelries. I stayed for a couple of hours and decided that my initial feelings were misplaced and I was made to feel very welcome. Some of the clientele seemed to think they were a bit special�����.believe me your not. Overall it was a pleasant afternoon and I will definitely visit again next time I am in Horley
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Rapist and murderer Mark Dixie, now serving a life sentence was the chef in this pub in 2006.
Says much about the managers recruitment techniques.
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More of a restaurant than a pub- drinkers are not really made to feel welcome. Service is often of a poor standard- I once witnessed a customer being told he could not eat his lunch in the garden because the staff would not carry it out there, he then volunteered to carry it out himself but this was also not acceptable!
The food is standard chain pub fair- unexciting and lacking high quality fresh ingredients and creativity. Similar to all pubs in Horley.
On the plus side the garden is a nice place to be on a sunny day.
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Good food, less than friendly service, did I mention the good food? It really is good food and what a nice garden they have. Pity about the service. Not that they don't do the job but that they don't do the job with any sort of elan. But the food is good.
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This is one of the better pub/restaurants in the area.
Nice to sit outside by the river in the summer.
FlridianCarol, if you are home now and need a pub, try The Cricketers Arms Pub on International Drive, Orlando.
denis - 14 Jun 2006 13:53 |
This was a wonderful pub/restaurant. I was a visitor from Florida where we do not have pubs like this. As I was alone I felt somewhat uncomfortable but everyone especially Claire, my server, made me feel right at home and welcome. No one objected to my taking pictures of them in the pub. The liver and bacon and steamed veggies were great. The cheesecake is just like New York Style at home and the best I everhad. Thanks for a memorable evening!!
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I know its been a while since the last review and the anonymous comment is so obviously the owner, but we went in for a drink once and we were told we couldn`t drink unless we were eating. Sounds like a restaurant to me.
But also i must say we have eaten in there lots of times now and the food and service are always good. you do have to pitch up quite early though as yes they don`t take reservations. Still good though.
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Very impressed. Ancient half-timbered building located next to a churchyard and a stream, large secluded beer garde, plenty of cosy corners inside. Ideal place to settle in for a leisurely session. Fullers London Pride and Draught Bass on handpump.
Certainly worth a diversion if you're in the vicinity.
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It is a pub, maybe you should look for a restaurant.
anonymous - 1 Apr 2005 12:34 |
I have tried to book a table for 12 people in the restaurant of this pub for a special occasion (85th birthday) as we have peole coming from all over the South of England. The pub had been recommended. Will they take a booking? Absolutely not! Even if it's early evening? Absolutely not! They say "It's not company policy". The company says "It's at the manager's discretion". Well, talk about "jobs worth".
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Still an excellent little riverside pub well worth finding and the food is not bad
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Our family LOVES this pub, eaten here on 3 differnt visits. Lovely sitting outside "cows" in pasture / stream flowing by.. Wonderful , go upstairs to see the beams , ceiling! 3 generations loved it..
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Very welcoming staff, attractive place and good helpings of real food. Plenty for vegetarians.. Would have scored 10/10 if the red wine (which was good) had arrived a bit warmer.
Angela
anonymous - 20 Dec 2004 21:10 |
lovely food
anonymous - 30 Oct 2004 09:07 |
Absolutely the best pub food I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. You can't beat the ambiance, either.
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Lovely pub. Good food, but go early!
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food on the whole good. service can be erratic to say the least. went at 2130 food arrived & was told it was too late for the relish board! what no mustard with the sausages, horseradish with the beef! - i dont think so!
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Friendly pub with low beams, beers normally in good nick always full of trolly dollies (both genders) but everyone is friendly
Tim - 30 Jan 2004 18:28 |
If you are going to watch Horley Town FC then pop in here for a good meal. Posh grub and not much with chips but good all the same. Rating would have been higher if they had given me extra gravy with the pie!
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the 6 bells was always good in the summer because it has the river mole next to it, and they used to have raft races for charity along the bank.It is the oldest pub in Horley, dating back to the 8th century .
martin ordish - 16 Dec 2003 21:35 |
