Oatsheaf Fleet — Restaurant in Hart

I used to visit this pub a lot as I worked locally - it was always a bit hit and miss, but not bad for post work drinks. After my recent experience, however, I won’t be returning and nor will a lot of my friends/family. I met a friend a couple of weeks ago for coffee. We were only there for about an hour, in which time I had 2 coffees and my friend had a soft drink - it was extremely quiet, almost ghostly, which it never used to be. A few days later I received a car parking ticket from eurocarparks- it seems the pub has decided to install a parking meter since I visited a few months ago. After reading a similar review to this from another customer and seeing a very polite reply advising the customer that if they had contacted the pub they would have cancelled the ticket for them, I decided it was worth getting in touch- after all, I was a genuine customer and it had been a genuine mistake. I sent a couple of emails and tried to contact the pub via Facebook, but all communications were ignored. In the end I called to discuss it over the phone and advised I had emailed a few times but not heard back. Before I could finish my sentence the incredibly rude manager interrupted me and said: “can I just stop you there? Is this about car parking?”. I explained that it was, to then be told the pub can’t keep up with all the emails they receive about car parking and they don’t reply to them!!!? Clearly I’m not the first to have experienced this! The rather obnoxious woman proceeded to tell me she was sick of having to continually tell customers that there are signs in the car park (obviously not very clear ones if she’s always repeating herself!!) and that I would need to send in proof of purchase in order for them to cancel my parking ticket. I only had a card transaction for one of the drinks as the rest were paid in cash and i didn’t think I’d need to keep the receipts. I sent the card transaction over the proved I was a genuine customer of the pub, only to receive a reply abruptly advising that I did not spend the minimum threshold of £5. I had actually been due to meet a friend at the same pub for dinner the next evening and replied to the manager urging her to help and to hopefully see the value of my repeat custom. I was ignored again and when chased, told I had breached the terms and conditions and I would have to pay my fine. I had to pay £50 in the first 2 weeks or £85 thereafter. Whilst I appreciate I was partly to blame for not noticing the signs, I found the service and demeanour utterly appalling and extremely short sighted! I obviously changed the pub I was meeting my friend in for dinner and we went to the Heron on the Lake instead - it’s just round the corner and free parking! our bill came to over £100, so a total loss for The Oatsheaf. Furthermore, the minimum ticket cost at The Oatsheaf is £2 for 2 hours, which is quite a lot for a pub to charge customers who are meeting for a quick drink and don’t reach the minimum threshold. Maybe that explains why it was so quiet when I went - it’s gone very downhill. I strongly recommend those looking for a pub in fleet try the Heron on the Lake instead. The parking is free and you get treated like an actual customer,...

Edited to add: Thank you Oatsheaf for your response. As you can see from the receipt, service charge was indeed added to the bill.

We visited on Christmas Day. The atmosphere was lovely and it was a real treat to go out on Christmas Day. We very much appreciate all the staff who worked hard on the day. The event was at huge expense though so I feel it’s important to let you know where the experience could have been better. There were candles on the table but when I asked the waiter about them he said he couldn’t light them as he didn’t have any matches, very strange… perhaps someone could’ve popped to the petrol station to pick up some matches? Both rounds of drinks we ordered took quite a while to get to us. The starters came out before our bread had been finished. The mushroom risotto was dry and tasteless. The pastry on the beef wellington was soggy. The chocolate bomb did not melt when the hot sauce was poured over. More effort could have been made to source gluten free pigs in blankets and stuffing (widely available). Whilst all of this didn’t necessarily detract from the experience I completely object to a compulsory 10% service charge being added to the bill. The last thing I was going to do was complain about this and have it taken off which would have caused me much embarrassment in front of my family and other guests. I absolutely expect that staff wages should be included in the very expensive cost of the meal. I don’t mind spending the money on a special occasion but don’t like extras being sprung on me. For this reason I don’t believe the cost (including service charge) of the, slightly imperfect, meal was worth it and I will be trying the Foresters next year. Note : I was advised about the service charge prior to the event but after I had already paid for the...

The Oatsheef Fleet offers a refreshingly upscale take on the classic pub experience, setting itself apart with its sophisticated decor and ambience. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the plush velvet seating arrangements that add a touch of luxury and comfort to the venue, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening out.

The bar staff were notably friendly, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their professionalism and attentiveness ensured that every patron felt well taken care of, enhancing the overall dining and drinking experience.

Adding to the pub's charm are the elegant bathrooms located upstairs. These facilities are not only stylishly designed but are also impeccably maintained, reflecting the establishment's commitment to providing a high-quality experience down to the smallest detail.

During my visit, I found the pub to be pleasantly uncrowded, which allowed for a more intimate and enjoyable experience. This serene environment was perfect for savoring the drinks and the company without the usual hustle and bustle associated with typical pubs.

Overall, the Oatsheef Fleet stands out as a gem in Fleet, UK, offering a fancy pub experience that combines luxury with the coziness of a traditional British pub. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet drink in style or seeking a sophisticated spot for a night out, the Oatsheef Fleet delivers on all fronts, making it a must-visit...