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Detail Pages
The Golden Grove, Chertsey
Chertsey
KT16 9EN
Pub Type
Punch TavernsReviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Golden Grove
A large and handsome pub in a rural setting, handy for St Anne's Hill, which has had various personalities over the years. Currently it seems to be trying to be a posh eating house, with staff who feel like extras from 'Made in Chelsea'. It doesn't quite get there, despite the designer furnishings and twee table lamps, and has a slightly run down feel, especially on the outside. It is however scheduled for a refurb shortly, which also means that cask ale has been temporarily abandoned: it apparently normally has London Pride as a regular plus a (mainstream) guest or two. The interior is quite low-ceilinged in the main part, but with a larger hall-type room behind, while there is a large and heavily-tabled patio at the rear. I can't help feeling it is going down the slippery slope of being more restaurant than pub. The food incidentally is nicely prepared if a little unexciting but is somewhat overpriced.
On 26th February 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Golden Grove
There is a real country feel to this old coaching inn, despite it being only a short walk out of town. The long interior is divided into separate areas, the main bar area has farmhouse style seating and some old photos plus a nice drawing of the pub. There are low beams where you need to mind your head and timber framing evident in the walls. Beyond the bar, to the rear is an add on which is a restaurant complete with "Please Wait to be Seated" signage. Another front area off the main entrance has some padded bench seating and a soot stained brick fireplace with candelabras, clocks and painted jugs above. Next to this is a small snug-like area where there are various artefacts on a high shelf. Walls are painted a pale green colour.
No less than seven handpumps although just four were clipped on Saturday afternoon with a rather ordinary selection of Pride, Doom Bar, Black Sheep Bitter and Tribute. I went for the Tribute but this came up sour and although changed without quibble the clip wasn't turned.
There are a few outdoor high tables to the front facing the car park, a nicer garden can be found to the rear where there is also a bit of kids' play equipment.
I liked the pub as a building and could settle here for a few but only if they took advantage of the pumps they have and introduce a couple or so more interesting beers and different styles.
On 13th September 2015
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Golden Grove
A massive transformation has taken place here with a huge investment (by Punch, if I recall correctly) making it larger by adding rear dining area and completely gutting and refurbing the rest (for the better, I should hasten to add). Décor is ‘gastro green’, latte-coloured banquettes, jugs on shelves, tasteful framed prints etc. Piped easy listening music for ambience. For drinking, there are two rooms at the pub’s front. Seven pumps at the semi-circular bar dispensing five ales (a mix of mainstream and interesting) plus Old Rosie. I tried the Dark Star and Munro which both came out in good condition though one of my companions had to return one which was dealt with swiftly. Ale loyalty card is available. The high-roofed dining area at the rear leads out onto a pretty impressive grassed garden area enclosed by mature woodland and hosting a kids play area. Very impressed with the changes here and would recommend dropping in to take a look.
February 2007
This should be a great old country pub but it falls well short. Set back from the road, the building (ancient) looks lovely with a big garden but the inside is cheap, scruffy, cold, outdated and unwelcoming. Went on a cold Wednesday night but instead of a snug cosy atmosphere it felt uncomfortable and transitory. Two ales were on, Tetleys Cask and Pride, OK to drink but no great shakes or imagination. With a bit of sustained investment, I could see this as having great potential for an Anthony Worrell-Thompson gastropub maybe. Not a bad place, but massively underachieving. Rated 4.
On 7th December 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 5089 recommendations about 5072 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
John Bonser left this review about The Golden Grove
On the outskirts of Chertsey, half way up St Anns Hill, is The Golden Grove, a former coaching inn on the old route to Windsor.
Set back somewhat from the road, the pub features low ceilings and heavy beams, but it's a rather characterless and unremarkable interior. There's 2 adjoining rooms. A rather worn and dirty carpet has clearly seen better days and, to be honest, the whole pub seemed a bit scruffy and run down.
It markets itself as a "family pub" and the enormous garden at the back and side of the pub features a large children's play area ( with climbing equipment etc ) that would put many a local authority recreation ground to shame. The pub was advertising a Bouncy Castle, Hog Roast, Face Painting etc for the forthcoming August Bank Holiday Monday. "Fine Dining" - 5 courses for £ 25 - was advertised for Saturday evening, 28 August.
On my recent Saturday afternoon visit, there was a distinct absence of families, just a few locals propping up the bar.
Beers on were London Pride, Bombardier and UBU Purity. I didn't detect any real commitment to real ale, nor did there appear to be much real ale trade, if my visit was anything to go by. The London Pride - £ 3.10p - was moderate, at best.
I found this a rather uninspiring pub and it's not down for a return visit
On 7th October 2010
- rating: 4
[User has posted 560 recommendations about 560 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Golden Grove
Old semi-rural pub near local beauty spot, with several adjoining rooms and garden at rear, but watch out for low beams! Became a little run down but building back up into a good local. Keeps a couple of good ales and food improving. Potentially could be great - worth a try.
On 1st August 2010
- rating: 8
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]