BITE user comments - h1234
Comments by h1234
Had a lovely meal their with friends last night (31/10/08). We had reserved a table, and the restaurant was full. It was nice to sit by the open fire and have a drink before our meal. The atmosphere was buzzing and the staff were really friendly and efficient. Wonderful food; a good choice of meat, fish and trad dishes, plus a specials board. Loved the home made burger with cheese & bacon and chips, just about had enough room for a huge portion of apple & plum crumble (with an extra jug of custard!) Yummy. Have rebooked for another night. This was recommended by a colleague at work, brillant choice for a Friday night.
1 Nov 2008 18:35
I dropped in for a quick drink with a friend on Tuesday night (20th Nov). Great atmosphere, so stayed for dinner (the chicken and warm potato salad was lovely), didn't leave until 11pm. The live music was superb (what was the guy's name?). Will return with a group of friends to celebrate my birthday in the New Year. It's great having this bar on my doorstep.
23 Nov 2007 11:21
I posted my original message as I was so struck by the change in the pub since my previous visit some months ago. OK, I accept there is always a settling in period, but surely it only takes a little effort to hang a few pictures, light the fire, and perhaps a few candles to give some atmosphere?
There used to be a huge choice of dishes to choose from, that were delicious and presented to a high standard, so I am surprised by your comment that they were microwave and frozen dishes.
There is nothing wrong with marketing this as a gastro pub providing you deliver a menu that the customers want. The previous traditional style was popular with so many people and rather than knocking it, build upon the pub's reputation, and perhaps expand the menu to give a little more choice. How about a specials board, reintroducing a few of the original favourites such as beef wellington, chilli, spicy curry and the homemade steakburger, and see what sells!
12 Nov 2007 19:28
Took my parents there for dinner 1/11/07. Sausage and mash was great, and my father enjoyed a huge portion of lamb. They only disappointment was the desert - they had run out of cream and therefore the fresh fruit pavlova was disappointing. The service was good and it was lovely to sit in candlelight. This is one of my favourite places for dinner and drinks. Please bring back the Thai Chicken curry to the menu!
12 Nov 2007 18:42
Visited this pub Sunday evening (7.30-9.00pm, 4 Nov 07) and were informed that it was under new management.
The charm and style of a once great pub has disappeared, along with the beautiful beams in the restaurant. Pack em in canteen style seems to have replaced the previous traditional style of dark red furnishings and old hunting pictures, and the result was a bland, cold and unwelcoming room. For the first time in 20 odd years, we walked into this pub to find no customers or atmosphere. Even the fire had gone out. It used to be crammed full of locals and visitors, plenty of noise and laughter, and roaring fires. We used to enjoy the traditional english food, chosing from an extensive bar menu and separate restaurant menu. Unfortunately the "improvements" mean that the menu has been reduced to a single list of pretentious dishes, that did not sound very tempting. We made do with a drink and then returned to Godalming for a kebab.
Please stop trying to "improve" these wonderful country pubs. Just look back at the reviews from 2005 and see how great it used to be. If people want a dire dining experience, there is ample choice in Guildford. Bring back the simple, traditional, quality english food that we enjoyed for 25 years, which made the journey from Hook Heath, and now Guildford, worthwhile.
5 Nov 2007 10:52
The Albany, Guildford
Back to my local, the Albany, for a late night drink (31/10/08). The staff and bar were dressed for Halloween - it was busy, but able to grab a sofa, great atmosphere as usual. Stayed on until well after midnight before strolling home.
1 Nov 2008 18:43