The Anchor Hotel, Shepperton

If you're going for a drink here there is NO ATMOSPHERE! Its a shame because the surroundings are very nice. The chap who works behind the bar is friendly enough but there is a woman there in her 50's who thinks she really is doing you a huge favour. She is very miserable and makes you feel the same!
I think this place could be great - apparently it used to be the place to go in the Church square area. Usuallly pretty empty unless there is a function on there. Ok for a quick drink if you're fed up of the kids in the Kings Head but its generally unfriendly. Beers are ok, nothing to shout about but there is often a choice of ales. Prices are average from memory.

10 May 2006 11:57

The Kings Head, Shepperton

I moved to Shepperton about five years ago and loved this pub. However, since this time I have seen it get worse and worse. Thursday to Saturday evenings it is usually full of (very)under age drinkers (some look about 12!) - predominantly sporting the latest "chav" clothing who all think they are being "classy" by drinking in such a nice old pub. This has ruined it in my opinion.
This pub is obviously steeped in history (1758?) but it seems to be suffering from the really dodgy clientele. The landlord has been there for a number of years and seems to leave the day to day running to the manager. The bar staff seem to change almost every time I've been in there. The bar manager seems to do his best to control the customers but he is fighting a losing battle. It also smells of fried food at the rear due to the proximity of the kitchen and poor extractors.
The bar prices are excessively high - probably the most expensive pub in Shepperton. I would willingly suffer this but the yobs really do ruin the place and I have pretty much stopped going there.
It either needs a change of owner or the landlord needs to get a grip.
(Still recommended for an afternoon drink or early in the week but otherwise forget it).

10 May 2006 11:48

The Bell Inn, Shepperton

I think this is the best kept secret in Shepperton. Due to its location you'd only go there if you knew of its existence. Old Charlton Road is a no through road and the pub seems to do its trade mainly from the residents of that road or the roads off it. It is only 5 minutes walk from the top of the High street. The inside is cosy and they have an open fire in the winter - beer garden in the summer. The staff and the landlord are very friendy. I have lived nearby for five years and only found out about this from a local resident. They serve food which looks very nice although I haven't tried this yet.
The landlady always has really nice smelling flowers in the bar area - if you like this sort of thing!
I almost feel like keeping this place a secret as it is so good. Good selection of real ales for such a small pub. The landlord is enthusiastic about his beers and asks your opinion while you're standing at the bar. A genuine decent pub - it is a locals local but they are really friendly. Try it out!

10 May 2006 11:32