The Greyhound, Carshalton

hello again everyone, gary here, the longest serving barman..

its been a while since i have logged on and seen the reviews, about a month..

i would first off like to say thankyou to Barbeerian - whoever you are for your comment on me - i would love to constantly work the Swan as i use to do, but alas i shot myself in the foot when the new manager took over, because he realised i could sell more beer and make more sales on the main bar - he gets his �p/h better that way, its a shame but im still enjoying myself..

wombled - you need to come in and have a chat with me lol - im sorry about the tattoos, but i had them done when i was 15 and thought them cool.. uniform states short sleve black shirts so i cant do much about you looking at my tattoos, but as most of the regulars state - ones a sword going through a cabbage and they make them giggle and im happy with that

ok onto the new management and they way the pub is now being run..

Meiron and his wife Debbie (and their children) have really made their mark on this establishment, ive always said it would take a couple with children to get things going.

our menu has become a delight, trying to shy away from the ordinary and give the customer something new and exciting yet still within budget for what your paying for - please come in and try the Hunter Pheasent - my annabel and i ate there last week and she had that, i plumed for the steak - but her pheasent was to die for, not saying my steak wasnt excellent, it was.. i was just jealous of what she had - needless to say we shared :)

we offer the traditional Youngs menu but also couple that with our ever changing specials list (changes roughly every 2 months) so you, even if your a once a month diner will always be greeted with something new

pub side - we have at the moment 5 ales on, 3 Youngs and 2 guest - the Youngs on draft are the Ordinary, Special and now RamRod - the guest are Cornish Coaster and T.E.A. for the hogs back brewery (TEA stands for Traditional English Ale) and i tell you what its superb - im an ale drinker myself - normally a ram and special but the TEA is very good

lets get onto service.. a lot of the comments are well over rated, i will admit there are times we are streached, but every member of staff in this establishment gives 100% if not more. i have commented on staff before and they will always see that you leave happy and well fed and watered..

i have to throw this in lol - i think wombled works for another pub in the area and want to put me down - 95% of the people who come into this pub know me 5% are passing trade - that 95% would know i would never in a million years be rude or incourtious, its just not done.. i greet every coustomer with a warm welcome and if they want something thats not on the menu i get it done for them, regardless..

for anyone that hasnt been here before - we are situated in the heart of carshalton, overlooking twin ponds, smothered in wildfowl inc a resident heron. the building actually dates back to the 17c but may features have been added since but the Swan bar has tried to capture its originality with no technology in the bar -no screens no music, just grandfather clocks and wood paneling and comfy seating

the main bar is a little more upbeat serving all the usual ales alongside a good selection of lagers, this bar has music and 4 screens inc a big screen showing all the ususal and latest sports (i must say i hate anything with a green background) but for the sports fans and we have many, this really is a great place to view your thing!

the hotel side - we have 21 rooms, 2 bridal - all with sky tv, if you read this and are thinking of staying then ask for 208 and 209 - their the nuts... oops! if you do stay - ive also had the breakfast and i couldnt manage all of it, we really do send you off on a full stomach.

Gary

4 Oct 2010 04:17

The Greyhound, Carshalton

Me, im the longest serving bartender (Gary), I just love this place. lets start with the building and setting... one of the oldest buildings if not the oldest in Carshalton with a fantastic history dating back many centuries. In the begining what is now the Swan bar was the first phase of what is now the Greyhound, this served as a hunting lodge for the gentry hunting deer in Nonsuch park, the lodge also has links with Lord Derby the founder of the famous race meeting held at Epsom race course. At the time of construction they probably didn�t realise just how beautiful Carshalton would turn out, the site was originally chosen because of the prime location to fresh drinking water (Anne Boleyn's well) and the fact that clean water was available to the horses via the pond which is fed by the river Wandle. Today the pond is the diamond in Carshalton and the Greyhound the mount as it overlooks. Over the centuries new parts have been added and taken away from the building but in doing so forged the most prestigious pub, hotel and restaurant for miles around. Since the dawn of the brewing trade this establishment has been a Young�s house, famous for their fine ales (you cant beat a pint of Special in my eyes or taste buds) and their consistency to deliver fine food. Lets move onto the staff.... For as long as I have worked at the Greyhound (2ys) there has always been Roger the head chef, this man runs on lithium ion batteries working seven days a week to ensure every meal that leaves his kitchen is cooked to perfection and of the highest quality. In my opinion and im sorry to say this Mr Chief Executive of Young's but your holding him back on his real potential, I mean some of the staff lunches that he provides really should be on the menu. Then there�s Selda head of housekeeping, aww she�s lovely, always running around in a panic for no reason making sure every room is spick and span, every bed is folded down perfectly, every light bulb to every complementary packet of biscuits is facing the right way. She and her team really do deliver 110%. As for the front of house crew (bar staff), right now I don�t think I could ask to work with a better crew, bartenders and waiting staff. Every team member strives to make 'you' the customer happy and will go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant experience when visiting the Greyhound. You will always get a warm greeting and were happy to take five and have a chat if you so wish (as long as there's no-one waiting that is and if there is, we'll come back to you). I personally would like to commend Laura, Kerri and Tanee, these three girls bring new meaning to the word multi-tasking, if assigned to waitressing they are always ready willing and able to jump on the bar and make sure you are served with the minimum of wait and always with a huge beaming smile.
... The customers if your wondering... an amazing bunch, we have hardcore regulars, regulars, once in a while and passing trade, but each person has their own uniqueness and it is that uniqueness that makes the Greyhound what it is, this is a very friendly, happy pub, where you really can feel right at home or part of the Greyhound family.... if I haven�t already said enough, have a chat with one of the staff, we will be happy to tell you some more.

22 Jun 2009 09:58