The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate

News that Ken Proctor has left after many successful years at the helm of this well-nigh perfect pub has saddened me. He knew what people want from a proper country pub and he delivered in spades. I wish him a well-deserved, long and healthy retirement. The Oaks had the best selection of beers and ciders for miles around and good food at a reasonable price but above all an unpretentious, friendly often jovial atmosphere that pulled you back for more. The latest reviews are starting to worry me but two recent visits have been good - the beer hasn't suffered anyway. I will attend the beer and cider festival as ever and just hope that the new kitchen will not change the food too much or be too expensive: many 'gastropubs' near here have disappointingly dull selections of poorly kept ales and sell overpriced and often badly prepared food with a poor to average service. Please don't let that happen to the Oaks!

19 May 2014 12:35

The Telegraph , Putney Heath

Big disappointment. Apart from the food and the big screen TV, it fails to meet the expectations set by its gushing website. Not easy to get to so you'd think they'd make the effort to get their beers right but when I went (on a Thursday) they were poor: a good selection of four but not well kept, all were flat. I ended up drinking wine (!) with the meal because I couldn't face another flat pint and the wine list's not great either. Toilets need some TLC. Service was average but friendly, the food was not bad, it had free wi-fi and prices are reasonable so I'll rate it 6 instead of a 4 for the beers alone.

2 Mar 2014 22:09

The Seven Stars, Leigh

I've been going here on and off for years. It was taken over by new landlords last November. It was a good pub before; it's even better now and stays open more often and longer. Beer is just as well kept: it had T.E.A. on when I visited, (which is almost a local brew and was excellent), as well as London Pride and a couple of other stalwarts. Plenty of seating in spacious and attractive areas outside. There is a new menu with some excellent offerings and the cooking is restaurant-standard with fresh ingredients. Service was immaculate. Definitely worth travelling to for a good meal in a friendly pub-environment and with good beer albeit from an unimaginative selection.

3 Jun 2013 20:34