Queen Stage, Leatherhead

The pub’s undoubtedly named after the famous, some might say infamous, commander of the British forces during WWI, who was eventually promoted to Field Marshal and ennobled as the first Earl Haig. The pub itself qualifies as a country pub as it’s in the country, but it doesn’t have all the character one expects in a country pub. It’s carpeted; is mainly furnished with normal tables and chairs, except that there is some banquette seating by the dartboard on the right and of course some stools at the bar. There are a couple of fireplaces, one in the wall on the left, and the other in the wall on the right by the dartboard. The one on the right, and its surrounding area, is stacked with logs giving the promise of a roaring log fire when the weather requires it. A door at the back on the right led to a garden, although I didn’t venture out there. There were three ales on – London Pride, Adnam’s Broadside, and Adnam’s Lighthouse, the latter a 3.4% session beer which at £1.65 for a half (£3.30 a pint?) seemed a bit pricey for such a relatively weak ale. A fourth pump was unused during my visit. There was no food on show, nor any menus on display, at 2.30 PM on a Wednesday. I saw a TV on the wall, but it wasn’t showing anything although it was powered up. Some radio station was being played softly in the background. As you would expect, it was pretty quiet with only three or four regulars in. I thought it looked a reasonably ordinary but good local – not a destination pub, but a decent enough pub for a pint or two.

Top marks for food and accomodation. We stayed for a couple of nights and found the staff very welcoming and professional. The specials board meant the menu was varied, and the quality of the food was excellent. Good wine too! Will be returning soon, thankyou.

What a superb place this is. A choice of 4 real ales and good wines as well. The food offering sits nicely between tradional pub grub and gastro offerings, which meant all our party were satisfied. The food we received was cooked and presented superbly and was very good value. I understand there are some letting rooms here as well, which we will be checking out in the future. All in all a definate place to visit if you are in the Effingham area.