The Volunteer, Sutton Abinger

Off the beaten track, looks good and popped in for Sunday lunch. Friendly bar staff and landlord but food a disappointment. Unless you order sandwiches or something fried, the helpings are minute. I had the crab-meat salad, he had the last of the beef carvery. For �10.95 I expected more crab, less salad. It must have been the smallest portion ever. As for the roast beef and gravy, it was salty with soggy pots and veg and yorkshire pudding looking sorry for itself. Some of the other diners with steak sandiwiches/cheese boards fared better so maybe we chose wrong however, on mentioning my disappointment, the Landlord quickly invited us back on another day for a free lunch each on him! Can't say fairer than that. As for the drinks, good price, good selection of ales and try the HoffBrau lager. Nice and freshing on a Sunday afternoon. Will be popping back though.

25 Jan 2008 17:19

The Bell, Fetcham

Have visited The Bell before and after it's most recent refurb. Looks clean, tidy and welcoming with additional feature of a timber covered heated area outside for smokers. The only downside is the price of the drinks. �3.40 a pint and the menu hasn't been updated since the last landlady left so I was hoping for a bit more imagination from the Chef....change of hands change of menu. It's OK but could take a few tips from another Youngs Pub, the Hand & Spear at Weybridge....great place to visit instead.

25 Jan 2008 17:12

Old Plough, Stoke D'Abernon

Having driven past this place for a while, thought it time I should pop in over lunch. What a disappointment. The pub is a complete dump. Dirty, dusty, in need of a desperate refurb and menu basic, all deep fried "in a basket" food or sandwiches. Wasn't busy when I went in and I can see why. Surly staff and general overall impression was dreadful. Give this a WIDE BERTH.

25 Jan 2008 17:06