The Prince Alfred, Upper Hale

Went here with the Wife this Saturday at around 9.30pm to try the Ringwood which I noted here was on offer, the pub was closed, despite the sign declaring 11pm closing time. I thought the pub had closed permanently but it seems that when he is quiet he chooses to close, what an attitude.
I shan�t be trying that again there are much better pubs locally where the business is appreciated by Landlords who are prepared to make an effort.

2 Apr 2012 11:22

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Got to say we had a wonderful family lunch here, the staff Gary employs are always so attentive, it really makes coming out on a cold, damp and miserable day worth it.
The beers were all on top form, I was hoping to see the beers at Farnham BEEREX but Gary thinks it unlikely as he hasn�t had his beers represented locally for a couple of years now, you would think the local CAMRA would support a small brewery on their doorstep. If they said the beers weren�t good enough, well have they got that wrong, the beers are excellent. I hope that Gary gets more support for all his hard work, out of all the pubs in Hale this really is the best for community support, fund raising and just as a really comfortable place to be.

4 Mar 2012 23:01

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Took my family for a meal the other day, I have to say I was impressed with the new chef. His meals are really tasty and remarkably good value, the whole restaurant has a much more warm, comfortable feeling and the service is very professional, I would definitely recommend this to my friends.
Beer on top form as usual and there seemed to be quite a few enjoying it.
Top pub.

15 Dec 2011 11:44

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Hi all
I�ve been into the Ball & Wicket early evening for the past two weeks, I always have my two pints of Hawthorn, never been served a bad one yet, if a barrel needs changing it never is a problem and is changed swiftly.
Gary works extremely hard with the brewing, the pub and the letting rooms and should, indeed deserves, more support.
Unfortunately there seems, I have observed, an element who are driven to cause problems for Gary, creating new accounts here with the sole purpose of undermining the beers, why they do so is beyond me, in truth I have drank real ales for years, more than I care to remember, and the beers produced here are excellent. Those people out to cause issues need to look at what Gary brings to the village and appreciate it. I understand positive criticism, it can be for the good, but sheepishly, cravenly and worse anonymously doing damage to another mans business is below a snake�s belly in my opinion.

12 Oct 2011 23:11

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

The pub was a bit quiet today but it got busier later, the normal chef is away on holiday but the temp did fine.

Disappointed that Mike Hawthorn wasn't available but I understand it's brewing as I write, so should be back on Thursday.

Still my favourite in the area.

22 Aug 2011 11:33

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Had a great weekend here, the Hale carnival was going on and the whole village seemed to have turned out on the village green opposite the pub, the pub was packed but the staff were great and no-one was kept waiting too long.

The beers were all on form and we had friends down for last weekend visiting who were able to take advantage of the accommodation on offer at the pub, so I can now tell you that the rooms are really well fitted out and comfortable with a huge flat-screen TV on the wall with freesat, a remarkable, enclosed, shower/bath/Jacuzzi and really comfortable double bed.

I think Gary has got this just right, the facilities offered here are a real bonus to the village, carry on Gary you�re doing a great job and thanks for making our friends stay so memorable.

4 Jul 2011 15:25

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Have had another wonderful meal with the family here, I now use this pub regularly and have had the opportunity to talk to the owner and brewer Gary about his beers (which are very, very good), he has recently altered the malting slightly and the hopping for the Hawthorn, which has produced an even better beer than before, let's hope it long continues.
I don't understand the horrible comments made by people on this site about just about every element of the pub, the toilets are very clean, the staff always welcoming, the beers are very tasty and most moreish and the food is excellant, I haven't had the opportunity to see the letting rooms but they seem very busy, full most weekdays.
Although Gary wouldn't be drawn on who is responsible for the adverse comments, other regulars are convinced it is another jealous landlord and his clique, if it is he should be ashamed. Good luck Gary you're doing a wonderful job.

17 Jun 2011 17:38

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Made the pilgramage again to eat here with the family, it was great, it's nice to be able to get good food along with the great service and it's never overpriced. The beer was excellent although the bar was a bit busy, still once we were seated in the restaurant the beers were brought through to us. I've taken the time to look at other reveiws of this and other pubs locally and there seems to be some sort of campaign of malice on this blog site against this pub, what's that all about. For the record I wasn't being derogatory about The Alma when I said it's a bit pink, it's lovely in there. I don't quite like being constantly referred to as "Dearie" by the male bar staff though.

19 Mar 2011 11:46

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Hooray! The restaurant has re-opened and the quality is great with a good food selection available as well as daily specials, I was told that there is a breakfast menu, lunchtime menu and evening menu so I'm looking forward to returning. The Stinger is gone Boo! but the three other beers were in top form and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, dogs are allowed in the main bar where you can also eat, so I might make myself a regular for "walkies".

4 Dec 2010 21:35

The Prince Alfred, Upper Hale

Been off this week with the weather so I've made the point of visiting local pubs, made the mistake of visiting lunchtimes and found it closed. Went back that evening and it was like League of Gentlemen, I was waiting for someone to warn me from leaving the path when I left. Really clicky, didn't bother eating as I didn't feel comfortable so I can't comment on the food. Only two beers on as well, not the five that promised both main stream beers not worth the visit.

4 Dec 2010 21:25

The Lobster Pot, Farnham

Unable to get to work this week so I've been roaming the village. The Lobster Pot is under new ownership but little has changed, it's still a restaurant not a pub but the service is good as well as the food although a little pricey.

4 Dec 2010 21:20

The Alma, Heath End

Went here to try the food the other day during the snow, got to say quite good. There seems to be a bit of a theme going on here possibly a pink pub, still not to worry at least it's still open.

4 Dec 2010 21:17

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Made the effort again today, well worth it. It seems the Landlord has closed the Restaurant temporarily, shame, still the Ales were excellant. I had been looking at this web-site before I went there and noticed a scathing comment from Geo3 which prompted my visit. What is wrong with this guy? He has written a total of 5 reports, 4 of which condemn the Ball & Wicket and 1 that praises its nearest competitor, Alfreds, HMMMMMMM, is there another agenda, for the record Geo3 choice is always an option and you use your feet to achieve it. Anyway back to the pub which was getting ready for a family birthday celebration today, it seems more popular than suggested, the Ales were all in top form and the staff were kind enough to let me try the Stinger, wow, not a session beer I fancy, the Landlord deserves a medal for his efforts in his brews not the petty, snidy sideswipes using this blog site to undermine his pub.

9 Oct 2010 14:27

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

I was shown this site by a friend who shares my interest in Breweries and took the time to go to the Ball & Wicket to find out the truth. I have to say I was impressed, the welcome from the staff was warm and the beers were superb, I really liked the Mike Hawthorn in particular, I stayed for the food and again nothing but praise for it, the steak was cooked exactly as requested and the quality perfect. I shall be going back again as it's well worth the effort.

29 Jul 2010 15:31