• Added: 1st of September 2008
• Area: Camden Town
• Category: Bars and Pubs

London NW1 7HJ
020 7916 7929

simwilliams said
Taking the mick....
The two previous posters (blondie_wandie & papayoyo) have, at least, a sense of humour; but, to give The Good Mixer five stars is madness.

Its location in Camden Town, beside one of the largest mens' hostels in Europe, tells it all. It is the recreation room for that hostel which accommodates some very needy individuals who deserve help and pity, more than ridicule.

For years, service and hygiene standards have been very low - and sometimes, an effort is made to provide musical entertainment.

A busy fruit and vegetable market is just outside the pub; the traders are daily customers - less than articulate ones. One star is generous, really.

• Added: 27th of August 2008
• Area: Dorking
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Dorking RH4 3QG

simwilliams said
Old Style
Less than two miles west of Dorking, this pub is well placed in the picturesque village of Westcott - on the A25. Friendly locals and plain food make it an ideal stop on a trip to Guildford.

In the 30's, Ingrid Bergman stayed at The Crown when visiting her friend Leslie Howard (Gone with the Wind), who lived in Westcott.

Sadly, the years have not been too kind to The Crown. Upgrades have been rare and the pub has been the victim of years of A25 roadworks - just at the entrance to the car park.

Popular with locals and walkers, The Crown has one of Surrey's longest serving landlords - Paul, a very pleasant chap. Compared to other 'chain pubs' on this road, this establishment is more the old style pub, with few frills.

Overall, its good for a quick break - but could do better. I hope it improves as the will is there to be different; there's a hog roast out front in Summer and a swinging blackboard outside providing proverbs and thought provoking witicisms for the traveller.

• Added: 30th of July 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Guildford GU5 9LA
01483 202506

simwilliams said
Wherefore art thou......Goat ?
On passing through Gomshall, my dog (Lycra) seemed in need of a comfort break - so I headed for the Compasses and Lycra for the Tillingbourne which flows through the pub's beer garden.

Although slightly dark inside, the Compasses is a pleasant sojourn (on the A25) with good food, beer, friendly staff and riverside parking.

Try saying 'God Encompasseth' after a pint or twelve and you will know why the name was soon corrupted to Goat and Compasses and eventually to just the Compasses. The 11th century Gomshall Mill [now a restaurant] is close by.

Whilst I was in the pub, Lycra encountered a delinquent duck; the Vet says she should stop limping by Christmas.

• Added: 18th of July 2008
• Area: Guildford
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Guildford GU1 3RR
01483 566637

simwilliams said
Mighty fine.....
Wandered into this Fullers pub recently after a visit to the nearby historic Abbots Hospital which was founded about 400 years ago (by George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury) to house needy Guildfordians.

The small pub - near the High Steet at the rear of Trinity Churchyard - was very quiet at lunchtime, probably because its hidden away. Clean and tidy with a friendly barmaid; however, I saw nothing really exceptional to comment on.

Food is served from noon; standards unknown. However, my pint of Fosters could not be faulted. In my view, the historic location justifies a 3 star rating.

• Added: 16th of July 2008
• Area: Dorking
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Dorking RH5 5RD

simwilliams said
Grand Spot......
Walliswood is out of the way - about 3 miles SW of Ockley (on the A29).

Any detour is worthwhile not only to visit the Scarlett, but because of the lovely rural landscape which is steeped in history. The nearby Okewood Church must be seen.

Recently refurbished, the Scarlett has lost none of its old world charm and has gained a fine menu which is varied and sought after. Often, a couple of dozen walkers will descend - so its wise to book for food. Beer quality is excellent.

Ample parking, friendly locals and if the bar area was bigger - a future Surrey Pub of the Year. Its horsey country; these critters can often be seen in the beer garden when a walker chapie/chapess forgets to shut the gate. Init !

• Added: 7th of July 2008
• Area: Redhill
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Redhill RH1 1RD

simwilliams said
Simply awful.......
This has to be one of the worst pubs in Surrey - under all headings. Standards of hygiene are very low and the clientele give the Surrey Mirror most of its copy. On the market yet again, this outlet (formerly known as The Office, Crocks etc.) is probably beyond redemption except by a focussed/no nonsense management. It may be worth it, as turnover seems high.

• Added: 7th of July 2008
• Area: Dorking
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Dorking RH4 3AH

simwilliams said
An Oasis ?
A small back street boozer that doesn't do food (except rolls). However, the beer quality is excellent and the staff and regulars are very friendly. Live sport is shown on two screens and - although a specific journey to the POW may not be appropriate - its a ideal place for a quiet pint away from Dorking town centre.

• Added: 2nd of July 2008
• Area: Worthing
• Category: Restaurants

Worthing BN11 3EE

simwilliams said
Shame about the chips......
An expensive fish and chip restaurant - with excellent fresh fish. Service is friendly and efficient but there is no doubt that the food is overpriced. The chip quality is poor and when my friend asked for new potatoes instead (only slightly better quality), £2 extra was added to the bill.
Its not 'value for money' - £35 for two (plus 10%) for one course,including soft drinks; will not be returning.