Old Crown, Weybridge

LLiking details on website, same owners since 1959, by the river, and simple menu etc. I booked a table for four for Sunday Lunch. No table reserved as requested on arrival but pub empty and told to choose one ourselves in either of the dining areas. Made second mistake in choosing this establishment by taking one in conservatory with stone floor. Plastic cushioned chairs, place mats with corners chipped and sticky back to my chair brought considerable disillusionment. Pint of Directors, half of guest beer, half of cider, and a J2 put �10.30 on the tab, and 3 Sunday Roasts (�11.50 Beef only), and 1 Chicken Breasts with vegetables (�9.50) ordered. Roasts arrived with the meat submerged in a thick brown gravy, soggy yorkshires/roast potatoes, al dente parsnip chips, a spoonful of boiled cabbage and sliced carrots. Chicken dish rated average. Bottle of screw topped French Merlot (�16) delivered to table with four glasses. Two elderly couples being asked "do you guys want anything else" rankled but the 4 Desserts from the local patisserie were all good and reasonably priced at �4 each which earned the one rating point awarded, and the barman did bring the jug of water and glasses requested at the end of the meal. Total bill with !0% service (definitely not silver!) came to �95 and was in everyone's opinion and experience an exceptionally high cost for a very mediocre pub Sunday lunch. Regrettably none of the suggested attributes in the online description were apparent especially the riverside position, appearance, welcome, ambiance, quality or food, but the lengthy same ownership was confirmed. It is likely to change hands however before we return!

12 Sep 2011 00:52

The Jolly Farmer, Horley

Tried the Jolly Farmer for a lunchtime anniversary meal (52nd) after reading reviews on line and we were treated as special guests by Michelle (bar and service) and chefs Marion and Rebecca. Let us split the first course of delicious whitebait (small appetites) allowing us plenty of room for the main courses of Thai beef salad and Three Cheese Crispy Veg Pie beautifully presented. Insisted on us having a complimentary lemon cheese desert to mark our anniversary. Very reasonably priced drinks and persuaded to have a full bottle of the house italian Merlot (under �10) with encouragement to take the unfinished bottle home. We came away completely satisfied and feeling we had not only had a lovely and excellent value meal a bit different to the norm but had also made three great new friends with the attentive and welcoming staff. We will return! Tony & Rosemary Hodges

14 Jun 2010 16:23