The Albany, Thames Ditton

I first started going to this pub when it was the Fox on the River and we were still students. I've kept going back since then because the food was fair and the setting just wonderful, especially during the summer when you can sit by the river and watch swans, ducks and boaters pass by. Then it changed hands and it was gastrocised. It's not a bad thing, the decor is brighter and the food has gone up a notch. I have been there a few times when its been busy and to be honest the service has been as good/bad as any pub in London. As for the bad side - some of the staff could be friendlier/more helpful but thats an easy fix. Also those dodgy porn-masquerading-as-art in the loos is frankly just bizzare, but hey someone there made a decision to buy them and put them up - and I'm guessing they must be into S&M! Come here if you like food and want to avoid those dingy 'traditional' pubs.

21 Sep 2006 23:25

The Anchor, Wisley

It's a shame about this pub. It has a great location by the canal and a lock, very picturesque, especially on a warm sunny day, however those of you expecting decent food will be very dissapointed, very, very dissapointed. Today (21/9/06) was a warm and sunny September day, my baby son and I drove down there from London. I've been past this pub a few times and never stopped for lunch for one reason or another, now I wish I hadn't bothered. My "Gourmet" burger couldn't be further from that description. It was a dried out, over-cooked pattie between what I presume was a foccacia bread. It was filled with shredded cheddar, some salsa and a couple of sliced tomatoes. The chips were ok, but just. Thank god they couldn't f**k up the beer or else there really would be no reason to go there at all. Somebody please buy this pub and turn it into a decent one. Sorry, rant over! As I say, don't bother if you're looking to eat, but if you want to watch the odd canal boat go by from the garden then it may be worth a visit. I was being adventurous and thought I would branch out from my regular stop at The Albany in Hampton Court, now this is a pub (well it was a pub, now its gastro!), that can do food well, has a nice garden over looking the Thames and Hampton Court Palace opposite.

21 Sep 2006 23:03