The White Horse, Sunbury on Thames

Hard to say anything good or bad about this place - it just is what it is. Recently decorated - new carpets, curtains, tables & chairs - but somehow looks the same as when Jimmy & Mary-Jo were here (15+ years ago) - even the same punters sitting in the same places! I'd definitely describe it as a blokes' pub, but I know plenty of women who love it - mainly for the characters who frequent it.

29 Mar 2008 22:21

The Jubilee, Sunbury on Thames

I worked here during the summer holidays in 1991(?), and remember the saloon bar being quite civilised. Sadly, it was locked shut when I turned up at 5-00 on a Friday evening. So I walked into the public bar - in a suit - and asked what bitter they sell (there being no pumps on the bar). I may as well have walked in wearing a tutu and ordered a Babycham.

I keep promising that I'll go back when the saloon's open, but so far I've not pluckedd up the courage.

29 Mar 2008 22:16

The Grey Horse, Sunbury on Thames

One of the better pubs I experienced on my recent travels. Always welcome, and always a decent pint - the Twickenham (Original & ScrumDown) were spot-on. I've heard many comments about the landlord, but he was never anything other than pleasant and courteous - you can do a lot worse in Lower Sunbury.

29 Mar 2008 22:05

The Flower Pot Hotel, Sunbury on Thames

While The Phoenix was shut I took the opportunity to visit all of the pubs in Lower Sunbury. Of the 10 I visited, I can safely say that this was one of the worst. The heart and soul have finally been ripped out - the ambience has been in steady decline for about 10 years, but has now hit an all-time low. The first impression was that I was waiting for the maitre d' to inform me that my table was ready, rather than waiting to order a pint. I eventually realised that I hadn't been visiting a 'pub'; it's either (as has already been suggested) a restaurant, or - even worse (!) - a 'bar'. Think Pitcher & Piano, Slug & Lettuce, All Bar One... I disagree with the sugestion that they're aiming at the 'mature' clientele - I think they're looking at the trendy crowd who spend as much on their drinks as they do on their clothes. Definitely one to avoid.

29 Mar 2008 21:59

Bugle Returns, Shepperton

Now called 'The Bugle Returns'...

8 Mar 2007 15:58

The Phoenix, Sunbury on Thames

Was closed for a while yesterday while the finer details of a change of ownership were finalised. Previous owners have gone into receivership, but I'm told that it's all sorted and was re-opened last night. Plans for renovations - including a restaurant on the back and moving the toilets - have been approved by Spelthorne Council, so hopefully the new owners will put the cash in. God knows us poor regulars deserve it!

12 Oct 2006 17:04