please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Beer quality gone down the tubes � shame, as I rather liked this place when it first opened.
Has had a bit of a refurb and gone for the laminate floored thing, presumably to try and rid itself of the dodgy image and dodgy customers it had a few years back.
Can't say I was keen, although the back part still looks the same. Despite the dubious characters I always had a soft spot for it. Sadly no ale available, so didn't stop for long. I hope it improves.
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A friend told me 'The Town Hall' building actually features in the block-buster film "Gandhi" ! There's a piece of Bollywood trivia for you..!!
Its a great building, and you won't bang your head on the ceiling...!
Its a "Smith & Jones" pub, one of about 20 or so around the UK. So a certain standard of food & drink is maintained. (Its better than Burger King..!) If you're clever enough to obtain a Smith+Jones loyalty card, you can get 20% off food, wine, & champers! (Well...it could be someone's birthday couldn't it..!!) Good bar to watch the footy or rugby in, but it will get crowded for the 'big' games, but adds a 'live match' feel. You should be able to get a good view of one of the dozen or so tv screens, even if you can't get a seat. Its better than 'The Boundary' pub next door (which used to be the 'Blue Anchor', if you remember it). There's a town square type feeling outside this pub, with those large 'Stella' umbrellas its almost European..!! Which will no doubt be busy in the summer. So if you want a quieter, more casual drink.. try "Baroosh" in Staines high street (before 10pm!) or pop over the river to the 'Swan Hotel'. I like the TH, I'll give it 7/10. The foods OK. TJ
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I went last month to watch England vs. Russia and I've never been to such a place that resembled a football stadium in all my life! The fact that there's another level above and a massive floor space below, it really does make for good atmosphere and a good night out.
The beer is reasonably priced, the bar staff are coherent, and they actually remember who was in front of who when time to serve someone (don't you hate it when someone's that's only been there for 5 seconds is served before you that's been there closer 5 minutes?).
We're going down there for the Rugby World Cup Final, should be "crunking"! :p
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A fantastic pub from the "Smith & Jones" chain. Amazing building and a great pint of real ale, a well deserved 9/10 in my books go to this.
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does anyone else agree with me that this pub has the hottest barmaid ever!!??
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It shuts later now.
1:30am fri and sat.
anonymous - 24 Dec 2006 00:30 |
This place is different and thats in a good way...had a Chicken Wrap in there the other night while the footie was on which was really good! Serves all the right drinks so I cant complain! Only thing I would say is its a ashame it doesnt shut any later!
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Have done a nice job in here, very big and visually arresting (parallells with The Academy in Aberystwyth). Three ales on (Tim Taylor's Landlord, Youngs Special and suprise surprise Courage!), which are well-kept.
Many big-scren TV's dominate, all with their aspect ratios correctly set, so a good place to watch sportsmen rather than Smurfs. Though conversely some of the staff on big matchdays are in absoultely no hurry to serve you, which is pretty irritating and drove us over to The Swan at half time yesterday.
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Check out that photo again..! Have you seen a pub like that before..?! What a building. Check the high ceiling. Check the rather long bar. Check the various large screens for live sport. Check the upstairs balcony (opened when busy, or for large live sporting events on Tv) over-looking the rather large hall. This bar has a 'Wow' factor. It may not be everyones idea of a perfect pub, but there's certainly a place for a 'Town Hall' in every town..! Try it. TJ
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One of Staines's better pubs, the food is good and reasonably priced with very decent portions. Certainly worht a visit.
anonymous - 22 May 2006 10:45 |
Good pub. Awesome for footie (when they open the upstairs...do it more often!!!) Nice grub and nice atmosphere. Have NEVER seen any trouble in here which makes a change for Staines
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I love it. Its always a good night out. No trouble which is a good thing, means the doorstaff work to know whos trouble and who isnt.
Girls behind the bar could smile abit more but other than that, I enjoyed it.
Just wish they would open upstairs, it gets abit crowded at weekends.
anonymous - 16 Apr 2006 01:16 |
Most of the staff seem to be bored and lazy. Dont bother trying to watch rugby on a Saturday afternoon as the TV's are on but with no sound. On asking I was told 'we don't do that'. If watching rugby to disco music is your bag then its for you. I've tried it 3 times and it only seems to work with the big matches ie England. Other than that, forget it.
chimp - 14 Apr 2006 10:38 |
Went to the pub today, and i cannot understand the other comments on here about it??? although it was quite busy i was served very quickly, with my food turning up equally as quick(and was really nice) I was reccomended the Thai Chiken Curry and told that it was made by their chef which did shock me, as not many places do fresh food now (shame that all pubs have gone frozen food now)
Anyway would deff recomemed this pub to anyone...
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Just had lunch at the Town Hall - took over forty minutes to get a steak bagette despite the pub being empty. Had to chase the staff to find out where my food had got to, which seemed to offend them greatly.
When it arrived, it was slammed down on the table without a word of apology or explaination why it was so late. (everyone else at my table had long since finished eating at this point).
I don't want to sound like a whinger, but everytime we've eaten there something has been wrong - one person's meal turning up half an hour later than the others, the wrong food turning up, or food turning up tasting funny. Quality of the food is hugely unpredictable from one week to the next, but the indifference of the staff remains constant.
There are loads of better places nearby for lunch - save yourself some grief.
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how much are xmas eve tickets?
anonymous - 23 Dec 2005 00:13 |
plastic mcPub of the dire big telly variety. Nice building but a poor public house. In saying that however, where does one go for a drink in Staines?
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A cracking place to watch a big sports event. Plenty of seating and tv's. I like it.
chimp - 20 Nov 2005 12:34 |
Agree with cuttysark yes it is glitzy, but it is the best pub in Staines as the rest are dull, boring and empty, and usually filled with fights.
anonymous - 15 Nov 2005 13:16 |
Truly horrible - glitzy rubbish
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Ice chilled pint very nice but the Staff seem like they cant be botherd to smile more chance of cracking a joke in a mourge cramped seating areas price could do with going down on the old amber nector
anonymous - 1 Oct 2005 17:19 |
This is a lovely Venu. Bar and door staff are very friendly. The food is lovely and good value. Very clean place to enjoy an evening out.
I like it.
anonymous - 23 Sep 2005 09:12 |
Apparently the courtroom scene in Ghandi was filmed in this building. Its sheer size internally robs it of a bit of atmosphere but the conversion has been done quite sympathetically. Didn't have any problems with the service either.
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Not very good, must try better!
To be fair staff arent that rude just s...l...o...w
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Better than all the Chav bars in Staines, but still reeks of All Bar one & Ikea.
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Response: Yes i would say 'McDonalds' is the best at what they do, i wouldn't class it as a restuarant though!!
The Town Hall is good at what it does, it's not pretending to be something it's not, it's a friendly, inviting place to go without worrying about if you look at someone the wrong way you're going to get your head kicked in.
anonymous - 12 Aug 2005 22:11 |
For anyone that knew this building as a theatre, they will be pleased at its reinvention to The Town Hall Bar.
I did a number of plays during it's time as a theatre and loved every minute of being back stage and wandering upstairs and into the basement.
Really very tastefully done, and everytime I enter for a drink I have a secret smile.
Well done to whoever designed the new useage for this great buliding.
Thumbs up.
anonymous - 10 Aug 2005 14:57 |
Zod I really must thank you, I work at the Town Hall and it was brought to my attention a couple of evenings ago, that a customer came in purely because of seeing us on the BITE website.. Because of all the negative comments, their expectations were very low, however we met all their wants and exceeded all their expectations because they were expecting a terrible pub, and when they left said they would rate us a 10 purely on the basis that we exceeded all their expectaions. Thank you Zod, but most of all thank you BITE! Good work
anonymous - 10 Aug 2005 12:23 |
Yet another characterless formula pub spoiling an interesting historic building. When will the faceless pub chains realise that Staines (contrary to popular and misinformed belief) isn't chock full of fake Burberry clad charvers looking for the next 2 for 1 deal and open somewhere with some character?
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In response:
"seeing as we're busy most of the time then i don't think we're doing much wrong"
McDonalds is always busy, would you say that was a good restaurant?
"so if all these individuals rate it a 10 beacuse they like it then it becomes highly rated. That's the nature of polls."
You are missing the point, the poll isn't a "good or bad" poll, it's on a scale of 0-10. If you give a pub a 10, then surely you are saying it's one of the best pubs you've ever been in, and it's PERFECT. Is it really? Sure it's lively, clean, in a lovely building - but it is a kit-pub. There's nothing original about it. It's there purely as a cash cow for the chain. As a Staine resident I was hpoing for something a bit different. Something that I thought Cocco would offer, but that has also been a let down.
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so if all these individuals rate it a 10 beacuse they like it then it becomes highly rated. That's the nature of polls.
I used to love the town hall as a building, so I'm really pleased to see it being used again. Kept the character, tastfully done.
anonymous - 9 Aug 2005 00:38 |
Who cares what you think anyway!!
All you've done is slate the pub, but for someone who was going to show themself the door 'FOREVER' you've got alot to say...
The town hall is a decent, clean, well managed pub and the staff work hard so all the customers we do have in can have a good night and seeing as we're busy most of the time then i don't think we're doing much wrong. All our regular customers are pleasant and polite and it's nice to serve such people!!
anonymous - 8 Aug 2005 20:26 |
Well, if you read my comment again, you will find that I used the plural term 'fans'. Implying that all of those that have posted used the 10 rating, not just one person repeatidly.
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I haven't yet posted a comment about this bar, but I'm amazed at the people slagging it off with such mistakes.
'Zod - 8 Aug 2005 09:14' : I think you'll find only ONE rating per person per pub counts towards a pub's score. So no matter how many times one person apparantly rates it a 10 it won't move.
As for shouting at the staff. I find that appauling. What gives you the right to shout at anyone. You should be ashamed.
As for my opinion on the pub, I have been in here a couple of times, once for a drink and once for a meal. I found the service quick and friendly. The only downfall is they didn't have the Fresh bread for one of the meals, but it was a Sunday afternoon.
The decor is tasteful and the toilets are always clean and well presented.
Would definitly go back.
anonymous - 8 Aug 2005 15:30 |
No baseball caps or tracksuit bottoms? No charvers. Well done.
anonymous - 8 Aug 2005 09:26 |
The only reason this pub is in the top 40 is because everytime a 'fan' posts a comment, it gets an obligatory "10" rating. If you are someone who gives this pub a PERFECT score, I would question not only your taste, but also suggest the theory that you've not set foot into another pub in your life.
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How can anyone say that The Town Hall is expensive..
a bottle of wine for less than �9, is there no pleasing anyone in staines!!
It's a nice, clean, pleasant place to go and considering it's usually very busy they can't be doing that much wrong!!
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 12:55 |
Ummmm thats funny been coming here since 1997 no wonder you waited so long for your meal the town hall only opened in June 2005!!!!!
The town hall is actually one of the cheapest pubs in staines Que-Pasa is certainly not cheaper neither is baroosh a double vodka and redbull is only �3.95 in the town hall how much is it everywhere else?
The only expensive drink in the Town Hall is the Kron Blanc,you can also get a bottle of white wine starting from �7.50.
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 12:12 |
The Town Hall only opened in June of this year and before that was a Town Hall and Arts Centre.
The Manager is still the same and I haven't seen any new staff there yet, I have never had to wait longer than 20 minutes for a meal, it is always hot, delicious and delivered with a smile.
As for expensive I rate the Town Hall as one of the cheapest in the area, but most of all it gives exceptional value for money in a clean, safe and well run pub.
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You have been a customer here since 1997?? Not bad considering its only been open since June 2005!, you must be a time traveller!, there has only ever been one manager and the staff hasn't changed. HOW BIZARRE!
It was a Town Hall in 1997 (hence the name!)
There seems to be a lot of fictional write ups about the Town Hall look at the one from the Bar Inspector, Que Pasa cheaper??, Toad at two rivers?? Just for your information the venues are the same!, and the Toad closed down in March this year.. New Career perhaps? I think this is just more jealousy about the Town Hall and how well it is doing.. Looked in the Top 40 pubs recently?
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 10:23 |
Que Pasa. The Toad at Two Rivers. The George. Baroosh. The Blue Anchor. The Hobgoblin. Ha Ha Bar And Canteen. The Phoenix. The Cock. Cocco. The Jolly Butcher. The Jolly Farmer. heres just a few of the pubs that are cheaper in staines but these are only the ones i go into theres many more in staines that are probbally cheaper also than the townhall the townhall pub is by far the most expensive in the area as i am a bar inspector i would know this.
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 09:32 |
fantstic location very roomy but the people running the place are more intrested in profit that making the customers happy i Waited nearly 40mins for my Meal then when i recieved it i had it Banged down on the table like a dogs dinner and the portions was very small but the prices were too "high" ive been a Customer here since 1997 ive seen lots of managers and staff come and go but the people running it now are the worste i have now taken my custom to more friendly Surroundings Not reccomended untill a change of management happens.
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 09:21 |
We go to the Town Hall and pay �2.45 for a pint of lager and �7.90 for a bottle of wine and �3.45 for a double vodka redbull, doesn't exactly break the bank does it, if you can't afford these prices maybe you can't afford to go out at all.
anonymous - 6 Aug 2005 08:22 |
The only pub that I have found the Town Hall to be more expensive than is Wetherspoons, so which pubs are cheaper please let me know
anonymous - 5 Aug 2005 17:59 |
Staff cleaning tables?, thought that was good!, obviously not used to it in Staines.
anonymous - 5 Aug 2005 17:57 |
Second visit to this pub its a fantastic building just a shame the staff are rude and the price of the beers was very expensive compared to other pubs in the area worth a visit but it isnt a very comfortable feeling not recommended for anyone that just wants to relax because if your glass is nearly empty the staff keep cleaning down your table with a rag to hint at you to buy more beer.
anonymous - 5 Aug 2005 17:04 |
I work at the town hall and we are usually very busy and we work hard so customers can have a pleaseant night out which i like to think we achieve, i enjoy my job but i'm not there to be shouted at from across the bar...by anyone!!
Our customers are usually very polite and pleasant and it's nice to serve such people....rudeness will get you nowhere!
anonymous - 4 Aug 2005 15:56 |
am I'm readin this right?? He shouts at the bar staff and wonders why he doesn't get served????
dear oh dear.
anonymous - 4 Aug 2005 15:13 |
Back to this pub while working in Staines and must say has got even better!, the food was delivered very quickly, which is good when you only have 1 hour for lunch. Wine was perfectly chilled and staff very efficient and friendly. Back to Staines next month but already looking forward to lunch and evening drinks at the Town Hall.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2005 11:26 |
Still a regular at the Town Hall and still as good as ever. Well run, professional staff, excellent food.
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I think someone's been looking at the food menus in the Crown. Barracuda owns and manages mid-sized pubs and large bars in affluent suburbs, community locations and university centres. Its modus operandi is to grow by buying existing pubs and by creating new sites from unlicensed premises. The group started with backing from PPM Ventures, the venture capital arm of insurer Prudential, but secured new funding in 2005 from Charterhouse Capital.
The group uses four brand names - Smith & Jones, Varsity, Barracuda Bars, Juniper Inns.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2005 08:19 |
**The crown at egham is juniper inns**, I suggest this is removed before a law suit is issued!
anonymous - 2 Aug 2005 17:47 |
Thank god for that.....!!!!
Now we can get on with the pleaseant, polite customers that we usually have in there!
anonymous - 2 Aug 2005 16:44 |
I was in no way rude to any of the staff, so expected to be treated in the same way.
I've shown myself the door FOREVER on that place. Thanks for the offer though.
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I work at the Town Hall and have just been reading the comments that have been posted.
Some of you people need to get real, working behind a bar on a busy friday night is not easy for most people.
You say that the bar staff are rude....well what about you customers it doesnt cost any extra for a please or thankyou, yes we offer a service but do we really have to put up with abusive behaviour.
As for the manageress who doesnt know what she's doing, im sure if you would like to share your comments with her in person she would gladly show you the door...........FOREVER.
As for all of our loyal customers, thankyou for your custom its always a pleasure serving you.
anonymous - 2 Aug 2005 11:29 |
Standard funpub / disco / winebar / bistro straight out of the box kit pub.
anonymous - 2 Aug 2005 10:26 |
I was at the front of the bar for ten minutes, and there were three staff behind the relatively small upstairs bar. The bar was only one deep. The frankly foul look that I got from one member of staff made me wonder why I was bothering. Although the door staff were impressive (very polite when asking to search my bag).
As mentioned, this is a wonderful building, but it has been handed to a naff chain (Smith & Jones also own The Crown in Egham...hmmm).
This place could have been made into a lovely bar. Instead it's been made into a cash factory chain pub. Shame.
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Note to everyone complaining about poor service: Try smiling, try being polite to the staff, they're doing a job. Standing at the bar tutting and tapping your foot while looking hacked off will not get you served any quicker. So what you have to wait 10 minutes to get served when the place is busy, not exactly going to die of thirst are you?
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Nice pub. A little too big for Staines, struggles to create an atmosphere for me but it's well decorated and the staff are pleasant. Very nice place for a quick drink and a bite to eat.
anonymous - 29 Jul 2005 17:43 |
25+ as if that would ever happen.
not everybody is as ageist as you lot seem to be.
anonymous - 5 Jul 2005 23:11 |
Not likely to be the Town Hall though Peter. Two reasons; firstly its a listed building so they're very limited what they can do to it (ie. soundproofing) and secondly its proximity to the flats behind it. Pity really as its a really interesting building. I do agree with you that Staines need a late night venue for 25's plus.
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I was not saying that it was a club, I said it would be good if we had a decent night club (late venu) for the over 25's.
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****THE TOWN HALL IS NOT A CLUB, NOR IS IT PRETENDING TO BE IT CLOSES AT 11PM******
anonymous - 1 Jul 2005 12:41 |
Not overly impressed with this place, Staines needs a trendy decent club for an older crowed not another teenage boozer! staff seem nice enough though but the place is too big and has no atmosphere.
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An excellent, friendly pub! Good standard of pub food at reasonable prices. All staff were professional, excellent service. Good choice of wine and a decent pint. Comfortable and relaxing surroundings. Not sure about samyj's comments - which Whetherspoons have you been in???!!!! Still, never trust anyone who is more concerned about the uniform than the actual venue!!! Maybe its you that needs to get out! Future visits to Staines will certainly involve a few drinks and food in the Town Hall. GREAT PLACE!!
anonymous - 30 Jun 2005 15:20 |
town hall pub......at last a decent place to go in staines, staff are friendly excellent menu choice wide selection of drinks on offer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
anonymous - 16 Jun 2005 16:27 |
Finally a nice decent pub in staines!
loulou - 13 Jun 2005 14:01 |
