The Royal Oak The Grumpy Mole Oxted — Restaurant in Tandridge

I am so disappointed to be writing this as previously have enjoyed good food and service. Not today though. We arrived at 12.30 my host had booked and asked for a table on the terrace. When we eventually found someone to speak with they said just find a table here, there or in the garden. We found a table in the garden - took our seats and waited, waited, waited - after 30+ minutes I (as the youngest member of the group) went to the bar to ask whether someone could come and take our order - with his back to me the barman said 'what do you want' - so I placed an order for drinks and food (we had made our choices on the long wait) - I was then presented with a heavy tray to carry out myself - a drink missing - I went back - no apology nothing. Well, at least we had a drink now - waited a further 30+ minutes for the food - fish pies so dry and a steak and kidney pudding that was full of gristle (I gave that to the dog). Oh we asked for condiments - they turned up halfway through the meal - good job I got up and found some on another table. It has been a while since I have been here admittedly, however the menu never ever changes, the service today was appalling (I am sympathetic about recruitment and working in heat etc) however, there was no one around - even had to go to the bar to pay as yes we waited and waited and waited... The Grumpy Mole Oxted did us all a huge favour as it raised the bar - sorry to say its competition has surpassed them - I think Simon Nicholson and his team need to get a grip and perhaps visit The Haycutter and others close by to see how his business has been surpassed. Location - fantastic. Gardens / views - wonderful. Staff - stressed and not coping, unapologetic. Food - today - very poor. Let's hope the next time (there will be one) the experience will be very different. I did not ask to see the manager today as I...

An odd one this, I'm hoping it was just a one off. We'd pre booked a table for seven, turned up on time and was shown to our outdoor table (we had the dogs with us so that was ok). Jugs of water were given and menus handed out. So far so good.. Still sitting there 15 mins later with no one in sight, I went to the bar to be told that even though we'd booked a table, there is no table service for outdoor guests and we had to order at the bar (which seemed very odd). It would have been nice to be told this when we sat down. Within a couple of minutes someone came to the table and said it's ok, he will take the order for us instead. Which was great except we still had to go to the bar to order our drinks, pay for them separately then carry them back to the table. The food in the GM is great - this is not our first time - we had no complaints about the quality or delivery of our delicious evening meal. For the desert menu I had to go back inside and track down a member of staff serving tables inside. After that we were all a bit fed up and decided against anything else or any more drinks and instead chased down a staff member for the bill. About 15 mins after it came, we again had to go and find someone in order to pay it (even that became a chore). Really, we could all have got up and walked out and nobody would have noticed. So, great food but a really odd way of half serving/not...

Had a great meal at The Grumpy Mole on Friday evening. We hadn't booked but took a chance and just turned up. We asked to sit outside and found a lovely spot on the terrace under the shade of a welcome parasol. Our waitress was very efficient, friendly and polite. The food was served in a timely manner and everything felt relaxed and very welcoming. The two starters we enjoyed were the smoked salmon parcel and cheese & bacon potato skins, both absolutely sublime. For mains we had the Cajun burger with fries, coleslaw and salad, and calves liver, bacon, onions with mash and vegetables. Both delicious. Everything cooked to our liking, so very happy tummies! Can't wait to return here for another great meal in a lovely setting.

Had to add another review, as we went back for a great lunch on Saturday. It was a very rainy day but that was completely forgotten the moment we entered The Royal Oak. The waiting staff were absolutely brilliant, made us feel so welcome and valued. We were offered a very cosy table in The Alcove. We chose the lamb rump with Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables, and the Steak and ale pie with new potatoes and vegetables. Absolutely delicious! This place has become a real gem and the staff appear so committed to giving you a really special experience. A big thanks to everyone at the...