The Foresters, Dartford

Very friendly, very traditional pub. Only question is - can this sort of gem survive these days ?? Let's hope so.

1 Mar 2012 00:17

The Albany, Thames Ditton

Went here on a warm, late Saturday afternoon in July for some food. Welcomed very warmly, shown to our table. The waiting staff are very friendly and attentive but I'm afraid the kitchen needs to up the ante.

The prices and the approach are clearly "gastro-pub" but it just doesn't cut it. Food delivery is far too slow, and the waiting staff should be told by the kitchen to let the customers know if there's an excessive delay.

And the food clearly wasn't checked before going out - I reckon our beans had been left under the warmer for ages and got nicely singed in the process. Sent them back, but didn't bother with my wife's equally burnt asparagus with her fillet steak.

It was better for food when it was a Vintage Inn - but thank heaven's it's gone back to the proper name !!! Guys - if you want to be a Gastro Pub, sort out the kitchen. If not, drop the prices. Simple as.

6 Aug 2010 13:00

The Castle, Surbiton

Started drinking in this place, aged 15, in 1970, coming here from the Venture Scout HQ in The Retreat. Had a good old lino-floored public bar back then, and the landlord got very upset if we tried to go in the saloon, tho it was tolerated if we were accompanies by Ranger Guides. Was shocked when it got the ES pub of the year award many years later - clearly it had changed dramatically.... Not been in there for years !!

30 Nov 2003 20:13