It is important to remember that for every bad review there are probably lots of satisfied customers. These reviews are the comments of individual visitors to Information Britain and have not been authenticated by us. They should not be taken as the views of Crawbar Ltd - publishers of this web site.

Reviews of Abinger Hatch, Abinger

Best rates for a Local Hotel

Review by Nicki Douglas on 15th May, 2014

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I travelled from Suffolk to meet my parents and niece for lunch on my birthday. The location is perfect and as it was a lovely sunny day, we were able to sit out in the garden. First, our order was taken behind the bar by a very grumpy man. Then only 2 out of 4 starters arrived. On asking about this, we were told we hadn't ordered 4....this is untrue. Eventually they arrived long after the first 2 had been consumed. After a very long wait for our main course, they arrived. The fish pie was ok, the pan fried cod was average and my mothers Macaroni cheese and limp salad was nothing short of disgraceful! So disappointing. We were not offered a dessert menu or coffees. Worst eating out experience in a very long time.

Date visited: 14/05/2014

Review by Phil Moulson on 28th September, 2011

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I felt ripped off after my first visit to the Abinger Hatch in many years. The food portions were not generous and the quality was barely acceptable, however it was the arrogance and pomposity of the bar manager that I found most distasteful. It appeared to me that he regarded our visit as something of an intrusion. I was also unpleasantly surprised at the 'optional' 10% service charge on the price of all meals which, incidentally, are paid for in advance. There was certainly no option given at the time of payment, nor a receipt offered. I have no objection to leaving a tip for exceptional service, but I do not agree with a tip being expected beforehand in the hope that the service will be tip-worthy. To cap it all, the bottle of tomato ketchup they provided was pressurised, presumably due to fermentation having taken place within it. God knows what they had put in it, but whatever it was, must have been past its best. The result was that tomato ketchup sprayed onto the walls and onto the clothing of one of our party of three. There was a half-hearted apology from the bar manager, who informed us that exactly the same thing had happened the previous evening when a couple also got sprayed with a 'lively' bottle of tomato ketchup. I would not be going there again in a hurry, although in hindsight, our visit has provided a few laughs recounting the experience to others; that's some compensation, I suppose. Phil Moulson

Date visited: 23rd September 2011

Review by bizaoui on 19th June, 2011

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Very disappointing. Had been told that it had been taken over and was really great (by the manager himself) booked for fathers day and it was really poor. Had to wait 30 mins for our booked table, had to wait ages to be served. Food was overpriced and cold. Spilt gravy over me and didn't appologise. Kids portions were tiny, even for an 8 year old. Charged us for food and drinks we hadn't had and was a struggle to get them to adjust the bill. When we explained to the manager that we weren't impressed, he said 'oh well, have a nice day'. They are not interested in our opinion, they just wanted our money, and don't care about repeat business. We will be telling all our friends not to bother going there.

Date visited: 19/6/11

Review by john baker on 5th September, 2010

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What a disappointment! After a long morning walk we arrived at the pub thirsty and hungry at 2.15 to be told that last orders for food was at 2.30 but as they had a large party in the dining room would not be taking any more food orders. The young man who served us was friendly enough, but when he asked the lady (presumeably the landlady) about food she tersely replied No! and walked off. Not the way to treat customers, and we will not be returning. No wonder that the pub was virtually empty (apart from the large very noisy party in the dining room ).

Date visited: 4/9/2010

Review by James Clarke on 8th March, 2010

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Wow, I thought I was at a highly rated restaurant in London. The quality and quantity of the meal was outstanding. It is to the Chef's commendable ability that he performed and provided such a high quality of variable cuisine to about 20 or so gathered for a choir recital at the church opposite. I haven't stopped talking about it to my colleagues in the office in London, hopefully this will attract new and more deserving clientelle to the "Hatch." Come on Michelin, this is were your stars should be, this is real food at a level that should be supported.

Date visited: 06/03/10

Review by Nicky Richards on 20th December, 2009

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What a pleasant surprise. Having eaten at 'The Abinger Hatch' on a number of occasions before, and at times the most you would have given it would have been a 'Satisfactory', we were delighted with our latest experience. Alan and Max have transformed the menu, the quality of food and the atmosphere. Service was prompt, with a smile and courteous. Considering they've only been in for a small number of weeks, the future looks rosie. Congratulations!

Date visited: 20/12/09

Review by Dean Faulkner on 13th December, 2009

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My wife and I having been to this particular pub some time ago decided that with a child free weekend we would visit again for Sunday lunch. We were delighted with the warmth of the greeting and with the atmosphere overall. Our food was out of this world - both the quantity and especially the quality were fantastic! As before the real ales are always a great pull. We would strongly recommend a visit to anyone looking for excelent food and hospitality.

Date visited: 13/12/2009

Review by Ian on 19th April, 2009

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Had Sunday lunch at The Abinger Hatch today. I was very impressed. The garden setting is very nice with well spaced out tables and a calm atmosphere. The service was attentive , prompt and pleasant. As an aside it is good to see waiting staff clearing tables regularly.........and I am happy to confirm that our meals were all served promptly , tasted really good and were value for money. I would certainly return there and recommend it to others.

Date visited: 19th April 2009

Review by Helen Kincey on 16th April, 2009

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Just to let all you old and potential customers out there, myself and my husband Grahame have just taken over the Hatch as new managers, Grahame is front of house, and I am running the kitchen. We have already had very good feed back from locals as well as destination visitors. Having just returned from 4 years in New Zealand we feel we have a lot to offer the Hatch with us having enthusiasm for the lovely building and surroundings as well as the food, (which we feel you wont be disappointed with) and also the friendly service that you would expect from an Old English Pub. Come and try us, and look out for our special event evenings (i.e. St. Georges Day) and also (dinner with magican) wine tasting evening and quiz evenings we are also hoping to have music on the lawn in the summer (if we have one!). Look forward to seeing you Helen and Grahame Kincey

Review by peter buckingham on 10th March, 2009

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Our visit to celebrate my sister in laws birthday was a disaster. We had booked a table for six for Sunday lunch and on arrival were told there was no roast pork left. We ordered 3 lamb shanks and 3 chicken and leek pies only to be told there were only two lamb shanks and two pies. Then we were down to one lamb shank. With the available food rapidly disappearing we disappeared too(we did pay for the drinks) Manager had a day off so no one to complain to. We live locally and will not be going back. Waitress was very sweet, felt sorry for her not her fault the place is such a mess.

Date visited: 8 march 2009

Review by Adam on 21st February, 2009

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Ive just taken my girlfriend for lunch at the Abinger Hatch and had possibly the worst time ever eating out. We were told we might have to wait 30 mins for food and after an hour they sold the last chicken to the table next to us who came in after. We had to make another choice and that arrived in another 30 mins. By that time we are very hungry and annoyed but the waitress plonked our food down and didnt say a word. After struggling through the barely edible dry food for 5 mins we walked out as there was no one front of house to take a complaint. As they make you pay when you order there wasnt even an option to not pay. Dont ever go here if you like to have food you can eat and be served in the same day.

Date visited: 21 Feb 2009

Review by nick on 12th May, 2008

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A simply beautiful spot is occupied by this seemingly ancient hostelry with a lovely garden but to be honest rather average out dated food cooked without an awful lot of enthusiasm. Still most certainly worth visiting if only for and beer and situation

Date visited: May 2008

Review by jon newman on 3rd June, 2007

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We were looking for a dog friendly pub that served good food and had a good atmosphere in Surrey and the Abinger Hatch gave us all that and more. The food was fantastic, the beer was great and the service was superb. The location and surrounding area are beautiful.And my fourth month old puppy "Willow" had a brilliant time playing with other dogs. All in all a really great experience.

Date visited: 3rd june 2007

Review by nigel on 28th January, 2007

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we really like the hatch and especially the attitude of the staff. The food is good proper pub grub and there is a really nice garden, deep in the heart of rural surrey. took us 65 minutes door to door (west london)

Review by nick on 31st March, 2005

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mothers day. very busy full of dutiful sons etc. had to sit at 12 and vacate by 3. had very good whiting and excellent roast pork. mum had a nice piece of beef which they managed to cook to order for her. good portions. £32 for one starter, two mains, two pints, one glass of wine i thought was good value. would go again. really lovely surroundings

Date visited: mar 2005

Review by chrsitine on 31st March, 2005

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beautiful country like setting by village green, very old church, brook etc etc sat in the garden and had dinner - charming gaggle of ducks/geese soon proved a bit irritating, especially as people at nearby table were feeding them (in to a frenzy) but anyway this is the country after all and they were prob here first. food above average and reasonably priced

Date visited: sept 2004

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