The Anchor Inn, Lower Froyle

High-quality refurbishment. This was my first visit since the re-opening, and it certainly delivered. Whetted the appetite with a pretty much faultless pint of Ringwood Forty-Niner, then on to a delicious baked brie starter. The steak three of us had was superb, with stunning, huge hand-cut chips � la Heston. No pudding but Illy espresso to finish.
Staff were attentive and friendly, and service was pretty damn good too, despite being busy.
Despite many other reviews to the contrary, I thought the prices were very reasonable considering the quality of the food. In this area I suspect the pub will be a success anyway, as there's a lot of money kicking about. Two courses plus drinks was a shade over �30 a head, at lunchtime with a light drinks bill.
Almost too grand to be called a pub now, The Anchor is definitely worth a visit, but book in advance.

20 Dec 2008 01:18

The Hare and Hounds, Warlingham

We went here for lunch on the strength of a 7.2/10 rating... Rather disappointing. Food was very mediocre but cheap; beer was absolutely nothing to write home about though well kept; wine was standard generic plonk out of a small bottle. Absolutely no better than our local, which is, er, local.
Why is it so difficult to find a decent country pub with good ales and decent food? If you live round the corner from the Hare and Hounds then it's better than some, but not worth a trip to.

15 Oct 2008 16:53