The Royal Oak — Restaurant in Mole Valley

Cycling club placed a preorder for food at 8pm. We turned up 1/2 hour early and I paid for my food while buying drinks. Save me going back in again later. Said I was happy for food to come out with everyone else’s.

Next thing I know, angry landlord brings my food out early and has a go at me because his kitchen can’t cope with me paying for it before I eat it, or something. No apologies. Just a case of here’s your food. Eat it now. Or don’t. Like anyone gives a toss.

So I did. And it was pretty rank.

Edit: You’re right, we were there at 8.30, not 7.30. My apologies. Not “disingenuous.” Just a simple mistake.

Still, I recall standing at the bar asking you to bring it out with everyone else’s. Just as the rest of the club turned up to order their drinks and pay for their food.

The way you came out with just my plate and blamed me for the error in the kitchen was unacceptable. You seriously need rewriting if you think that’s “service.”

Noted, you managed to bring everyone else’s food at the same time so maybe you’re being disingenuous with any problems with staffing in the kitchen?

As for an opportunity to offer alternative food. I’m not sure you had any alternative ...

Stopped in last minute for a Sunday roast after a long walk on the North Downs. Cannot say enough positives about this pub. Staff were delightful. Starter, main and dessert all fantastic. Standout parts for me were the whitebait (easily the best I have ever had), perfectly cooked beef and the unbelievable roast potatoes. We were also sat in front of the roaring fire. Felt like being round a relative's for a very cosy meal. My mrs was in the car with our baby son for a bit at the start as well as he was sleeping when we arrived and the owner made a point of coming over to assure us that there was no rush, which meant another pint for me in peace... Everyone was a winner. 10/10 on all aspects and will certainly be...

Have been quite a few times now and the staff behind the bar are always welcoming and friendly which should really be a key focus. The manager unfortunately always seems very grumpy, never smiles or says hello and is usually muttering something negative about someone which is a shame, the atmosphere does seem to dwindle when he is around. Could have so much potential as a local pub with more events and a bit of modernisation. Menu is quite standard and quality isn't fantastic but good for a sandwich or some chips. As the only pub in walking distance to so many locals it would be beautiful to see it thrive with a more positive fresh energy...