The Magpie, Lower Sunbury, Sunbury-On-Thames

Facebook page of The Magpie - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Magpie - www.facebook.com

A very old building with a few good original features but slightly spoilt by an unsympathetic refurb somewhen in the past. As previously described, the bar is down a few steps from the street entrance, with an upstairs room labelled 'restaurant' that I have never noticed in use. There are two slightly dark rooms, connected by a random arched viewing hole, with the bar to the left. They both open out onto the nice plant-filled riverside terrace, which is also accessible down a side alley. The inside decor is looking a bit worn and in need of some attention however. Beerwise, a bank of handpumps offered just IPA and Tribute, although the latter proved to actually be Yardbird but they evidently didn't have the right clip. I still haven't quite worked that one out, but not that it mattered, as the barrel expired after one slightly unpleasant pint. The IPA was marginally better but still not great, and I will refrain from detailing the numerous failings of the food in favour of issuing a general caution. All in all, rather disappointing and could be so much better. I will begrudgingly score a 6 for the riverside setting and the general potential, but they need to get their act together.

Official site of The Magpie - www.magpiesunbury.com

Official site of The Magpie - www.magpiesunbury.com

This is still owned by Greene King under the stewardship of Metropolitan. The main drinking bar is down a few stairs below street level and has several distinct areas including the outside terrace facing the river.Ales on were Greene King IPA of course along with Sambrooks Pumphouse Porter, Southwark Havard and Twickenham Naked Ladies which was decent,costing £4.20 for the pint, a fifth handle had a turned clip.I didn't find the pub overly gloomy as previously mentioned, the walls were painted in a pale grey with some exposed brick around the fireplace. The only thing I found to detract from the charm of the pub was the single TV screen with Sky News on , it was however muted and not a great distraction. A decent pub.