The Monkey Puzzle in Kingston upon Thames

We had a long drive down to the premier inn next door and they told us the monkey puzzle has changed from beefeater to premier inn, so we decided to go so we didn't have to go anywhere. We arrived and took a while for someone to come over and seat us. The atmosphere is zero. There isn't even any background music. The staff took ages to come over to us again so we ordered food and drinks at the same time. The food took an hour to arrive despite they're being 6 tables in the whole place. We had an adult cheese pizza, a Childs cheese pizza, beef pasta and fish & chips. The pizzas were barely edible but the pasta and fish weren't even remotely edible. We ordered more drinks when the food arrived. Those drinks never arrived. I went to the till to discuss the inedible meals as we didn't see any wait staff for ages. They took so long to arrive and discuss the issues that we just wanted to leave. We paid for 1 round of drinks and the pizzas. The staff member said to me and I quote "Well it's a microwave meal babe they come in frozen what do you expect?" Needless to say it does not meet the usual standard we see at premier inns for food.

Very quiet, going through a transition from Beefeater to Premier Inn. Succinct menu. Was ok. Fish and chips and macaroni cheese our choice.

Not deserving of any stars across the board. Waited over 90 mins for dessert and spent so long in there I thought we'd entered Hell. Overpriced, no service, dire food no doubt out of the microwave, no atmosphere resembling a restaurant and I'm thrilled to hear it's closing down. Premier Inn next door are taking over the space for their guests. Would never have returned in the future either.

Great night out engineered by Gaynor’s service, friendliness and professionalism. She really cares and ensures you have the best dining experience. Every restaurant should have a Gaynor. Thank you.

Excellent service from Gaynor. Seated quickly and efficient service. Will definitely be back and will be highly recommend

We had two evening meals here and two breakfasts. The meals were delicious and the service was quick with only a 20 minute wait for the evening meals. The service was excellent the staff were so nice. We really enjoyed our food here and I would definitely go again. A small note Beefeaters are more expensive than Brewers fayre.

Had to wait for food to be replenished

Awful, don’t waste your money. Staff the three that they had are all miserable and don’t want be there. Guy spraying table without moving stuff first whilst yawning. Told wasn’t a table till 8.15pm which was later than we wanted but couldn’t be help then whilst eating told will be locking the doors at 10pm

Went for the first time in about 7 years Service had much improved and food for everyone on the table was great 👍

Perhaps it's the fact that it's a Saturday evening but loads of children, unruly, and service was not the best, Luke warm food but served to our asking, steaks from rare to medium well done, just not the warmest

We had a very nice meal today, one of my best steaks ever.

Fantastic services from lovely Gayner Fantastic food lovey restaurant clean and tidy smells nice staff are welcoming

Great value food. Ideal family restaurant

Good food, served by a very welcoming and professional staff. Would recommend again.

We visited here today with our two young children. When our non verbal autistic son had a meltdown we were visibly stressed. The staff were very helpful, understanding and sympathetic. Thank you.

We had a waiter who was exceptional this waiter was Jake he was very nice and made our visit good and welcoming

Guaranteed a decent Sunday lunch here but it's the staff that make it extra nice. Big up to Gaynor who is always so sweet to my inlaws

I had a really fantastic experience at Monkey Puzzle Beefeater at Chessington. We booked to have dinner as we were staying at the Premier Inn next door, unfortunately my young son began to feel unwell prior to our visit. However, Katie and Fatima were extremely helpful and understanding. They took the time to listen to the situation and explained that we could take the food to our room and not to worry. The way they both handled our concerns with empathy and professionalism was really appreciated. The food was also fantastic and we went back later in the evening for dessert! The team there are wonderful and clearly there’s a great dynamic which created a warm and friendly environment. I hope both colleagues mentioned above get the recognition they deserve as they are assets to the establishment. Thanks again!

Highly recommend, good service and friendly staff, especially the server Katie M, who served us for the meal we had. The food did not take long at all, and the quality was good for the price it was given.

Truly awful! Avoid it! Ordered, starters took 45 mins, when they did turn up they were cold, the staff were rushed off their feet, but food and drink was literally thrown at you. Everytime I tried to speak to someone about the cold food I got a, back in a minute, that minute never came!! Then when the main turned up, the steak was still cold in the middle, in a nice steak restaurant I will order rare, I ordered this medium, but sadly this was chargrilled on outside and cold on the inside! It was In edible! I tried on a number of occasions to get their attention to get it swapped, even walked it out myself, but no one could help! I had my kids with me so couldn’t leave them. This will be the first and last time I eat here!! If I could give less than 1 star I would!!

Truly awful! Avoid it! Ordered, starters took 45 mins, when they did turn up they were cold, the staff were rushed off their feet, but food and drink was literally thrown at you. Everytime I tried to speak to someone about the cold food I got a, back in a minute, that minute never came!! Then when the main turned up, the steak was still cold in the middle, in a nice steak restaurant I will order rare, I ordered this medium, but sadly this was chargrilled on outside and cold on the inside! It was In edible! I tried on a number of occasions to get their attention to get it swapped, even walked it out myself, but no one could help! I had my kids with me so couldn’t leave them. This will be the first and last time I eat here!! If I could give less than 1 star I would!!

Good wheelchair access and toilet

A fantastic meal after a busy day at Chessington. Good value meal using the meal deal from Premier Inn and kids menu and great service from Katie M nothing was too much too ask. Thank you

We regularly go to beefeater restaurants in tye area we live in South Wales but as we was going away we stopped in this restaurant thinking it be just as good. How wrong were we ...if I could give 0 star I would. Chips were reheated 100% not fresh.Chicken breast the same definitely not fresh been reheated.The worse meal ever not just from beefeater but any restaurant we ever been to .We all feeling sick & upset stomachs tonight which I definitely think it's from the food.WILL NEVER GO BACK & WILL MAKE SURE I SPREAD THE WORD TO STAY AWAY .

We came in for food after our day at Chessington, we was greeted by Katie m fantastic waitress always on the move, making sure everything was ok. Good food, great waitress can’t ask for anything more.

Great food and great service by Gaynor Food came in good time and was hot and flavourful. Gaynor checked on us and was at hand for any requests.

We visited for a late lunch after visiting Chessington World of Adventures. Our waitress Geynor was amazing she is a credit to the restaurant, kind helpful and has really good knowledge of the menu which shone through. The food arrived quickly and was just what we wanted, food that everyone wanted and warming after getting cold wandering around. My autistic daughter who was feeling slightly overwhelmed was greatly calmed by Geynors lovely manner she even commented how lovely the lady was…. This is very high praise indeed! One happy family who have swapped the delights of Chessington’s offerings for Beefeater in the future! PS it does get busy around 5.30 but was fairly quiet when we visited at 2.45pm ao may be worth leaving that little bit earlier x

Wanted to highlight what fantastic service we had from our waitress Katie M. The pub was very busy and she seemed to be doing the job of about 3 people. She was everywhere servicing multiple tables but still doing a great job of it. This pub is lucky to have her working there holding everything together. Excellent service thanks to her.

Absolutely brilliant service from Katie M during a very busy service. She was covering a huge area of the restaurant but remained attentive to us. Katie M was friendly and helpful and looked after us incredibly well. She’s a real credit to the restaurant.

Nice lunch, well laid out, excellent service from Katie M - thank you! Brilliant location just off the A3 & close to Chessington world of adventures

It was amazing and yummy food. Great service. Katie M was great and did amazing service. I had an amazing burger. The bacon was to die for.

Katie M was amazing. Great service on a very busy evening. Well done. 100 characters is way too many for a review. Update your system.

Pleasant enough. Nothing outstanding.

It was horrible.THEY WERE RUDE.we were ignored constantly.And the smell was appalling.I would never go back as they took us at least 30 mins to be seated.But it was empty.But good food I guess.

We went there for my daughters birthday Katy M managed to make it really special for us and provided outstanding service considering there was a large group of us

Excellent food, friendly staff, large car park, what more do you want LOL

Definitely a good Beefeater, Great food and great service 👍

A fabulous lunchtime family meal to celebrate my granddaughter’s 3rd birthday. Excellent service from Katie M and the team, especially as we were a big group with young children.

I was put off by reading the reviews but had already booked. Yes there is a strange smell around reception area. Once inside the decor needs a refurb but staff were warm, welcoming, friendly,chatty and the service was excellent food great especially breakfast. We were never rushed during our meals. I would return as the staff were a credit well done all.

Disgusting filthy place stinks of sewage never again, carpet had more food on than the menu, took an hour to serve us food even tho pretty empty

Nice meal with great service from Jayden. It’s in an I tweeting spot, only Chessington world of adventure is nearby, so was very quiet, but food came out fast and a good temp. Enjoyed by me and my girls

Awful experience, I'm a local and I used to pop in to this pub every now and then, with friends, hubby ect essentially in the summer, tonight I chose to go in with a work colleague, not only as soon as we walked in did the overwhelming smell of sewage, stagnant water hit you enough to almost cough or gag, we got a drink quickly and went outside, whilst sitting enjoying the rubbish build up and dirty tables a huge rat run past us the size of a cat..... We chose to go back in and finish our drinks safe to say, I won't be visiting there again any time soon. Absolutely disgusting, considering it could be amazing, with the amount of seats, options for couples or large groups, accommodation next door, car park and option of food. Shame it's ran by kids.

I should put 0 but I can’t. Mother day… wait for the main course one and half hours in the meantime no one come to clean all our dirty plates from the started. Only few waiter was actually care about the guests, most of them just stand in from of the kitchen chatting. Really bad experience.

Time we had 3 course it was 3 hours waitress was good just the time we had to wait they over booked in my eyes it was just greed will not go there again

Crazy Mothers day visit put us off the place. They tried but it was obvious they couldn't cope, either short staffed or too busy for them or maybe bit of both. We could hear tables around us complaing too. Food took over an hour and then as if it couldn't get any worse, it did, they put a really noisey 7 year old kids party of 8 right behind us, with the guradian/parents standing around the table, it looked very odd and we had them standing right behind our chairs. They kept telling the kids off and to quieten down but with little success. Not sure why they were so badly behaved but it probably wasn't a good idea to place a group like this near tables celebrating Mothers Day with varying ages of Mum's some of which were quite elderly. Food was very poor with loads of errors. Our meal came with Roast potatoes with a steak and they sent them out with boiled potatoes. I think they were short of Roast potatoes because of all the roast dinners coming out on a Mothers day Sunday but we complained and they suddenly managed to produce 2 bowls of Roast potatoes apologising for the mistake. Our server was great and did his best but the place let him and us down quite badly on this occasion.

This is the second time been here both time the restaurant smelt of sewage absolutely disgusting. Was charged £20 too much had to go back for refund

The food was great, and the service from Jaden was superb. He was friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. Big negative was that the restaurant smells really (and I mean REALLY bad) of toilets and bleach and badly in need of a complete refresh...

Fantastic for service and cheap tasty food, kids menu was brilliant, 3 courses for 6.99! Plenty of choice for both adults and children

Lovely food welcoming staff, Exception service from young lady named sharnie always met with a smile and quick to help with any needs.

After reading other reviews, I was surprised by the unpleasant odor in the venue. I was there primarily for a Premier Inn breakfast, which I assumed would be consistent across all locations. However, the smell I encountered was difficult to pinpoint, resembling a mix of mildew, mold, and sewage. Despite being one of the few guests having breakfast, the only staff member present seemed indifferent to my presence until several minutes had passed. The buffet breakfast options were limited, and the overpowering odor dampened my appetite, making it unappetizing to indulge in fried foods. I can't speak for the evening meals, but based on my experience, the Premier Inn breakfast wasn't worth the price. Ultimately, you be the judge.

Very good and clean also helpful /reasonable prices for all to enjoy so go there and enjoy the atmosphere.

We went here yesterday with some friends, not been before and definitely won’t go again. The place is dirty, it looks like it needs a good deep clean and I can confirm it has some horrible smell when you go in, toilet, sewage type smell. Food was very average, service was very slow and it wasn’t particularly busy at the time we went. A couple of us had the refillable drinks, I asked where the machine was to refill and our server huffed and said she was meant to do it but the bar was round the corner if I wanted to go and ask them to do it….ok. I’m not sure if there wasn’t enough staff for the tables that were sat (not that many but people were spread about the large venue) Just very lackluster venue in every sense.

Walked in for a family meal for my sons birthday. The venue smelt of manure and unpleasant. Unfortunately we left as the staff were not very attentive.

Absolutely stinks of sewage. Stuck with it as we are staying next door in the Premier Inn.

Really liked the buffet breakfast, good idea 💡

Booked a table on arrival the restaurant smellt of effluent the most surprising thing was that thay were still serving food. We did not stay this is absolutely disgusting

Fabulous lunch with friends, made all the better with the great welcome and service provided by Gaynor. Great sense of humour and nothing was too much trouble. We all enjoyed our meal and will be returning. Thank you.

Monkey Puzzle, Chessington Fab food, fab service our lady Gaynor was really helpful when helping us to choose and pay in split bills Have been here before always lovely

We, the BT Openreach, came in for breakfast, 30 of us. Buffet was lovely, really friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Would definitely recommend it to friends and family.

Lovely food, great service always welcoming, polite and efficient. Checked all was OK with meal, never any issues and will go back again

Went there today as my local beefeater in Epsom had closed down. Unfortunately there is no comparison. The food was not as nice, the salad had soft squidgy advocado, which didn't taste very nice. The curry wasn't presented as nice and was warm, the onion rings were dark brown and over done. Had just ice cream for pudding and that has shrunk to a mouthful. At Epsom you always got a decent amount and the icecream was of a better quality. Maybe Beefeater now have a cheaper brand. The building also wasn't warm and welcoming.

Lovely food, great service recieved from Gaynor, always welcoming, polite and efficient. Checked all was OK with meal, never any issues, look forward to the next visit.

Arrived here at about 8pm as was staying in the Premier Inn next door.Had seen previous reviews so was hoping things had improved.But unfortunately it looks like nothing had changed.First thing you notice when you walk in is the smell of sewage.Didnt smell it outside the pub so not sure what the problem is but it needs sorting urgently.We decided not to eat as the smell put us off and just have drinks.The staff that were there were working hard but it's definitely understaffed for the size of the place.We had noticed before our arrival on the website that food was being stopped at 9pm and drinks at 10pm but couldn't believe at 9pm on a Friday night they called last orders at the bar.Such a shame as this place can do so much better.Will not be returning.

Great service Jayden was a great waiter friendly and attentive. Food was great and came in perfect time. Great value. 😊

We called in and had a great lunch (2 adults + toddler). Good kids menu and choices. Jaden in particular was very friendly and helpful.

The restaurant smells of sewage! Walked in and straight away the smell made me sick, ordered a pint but left soon after. Was looking for something to eat but was put off. Staff looked unwelcoming. Can see that there are repeated comments re the smell...

Great spot for dinner Gaynor or was very helpful and the food was really good. I would recommend for food out with the family

Gaynor was attentive, food was delicious, hot and fresh. Decor ie bench seating could do with refurb as material torn. Musky smell in restaurant as soon as walk in.

Cold food , wrong food, 1h time before getting a starter , on pluse side waiters was very friendly and smiling despite the whole chaos

My partner & I came for dinner at the Beefeater and it’s been a great experience!! We got our drinks from the bar on arrival and the two ladies, who I think were named Amy & Charlotte, were very friendly and easy to talk too....

Service friendly, food ok but the smell that’s lingering is awful . . Drains? Something really should be done. We booked an early dinner, service was slow given it wasn’t very busy.

Shocking place stinks like sewage and very messy and dirty, food was very very poor quality. Staff where polite but felt sorry for them must be embarrassing to have to work there

Very warm cosy place to eat, I purchased the mixed grill and would like to give praise to the chef for cooking such a fantastic meal and also delivering a steak that was cooked as requested!

Restaurant smells really bad staff are not bothered ordered chicken and then told twenty five minutes later that they have none and then to reorder and waited in total about one and a half hours for our two course meal very poor

It was very quiet at lunchtime. However, service and food were very good. We (4 guests) had a great lunch!

Came to Beefeater as passing through and the food was basic with a grey hair in it. Service wasn't too bad, the restaurant stunk of sewage and the toilet taps weren't working 😭 don't think I'll be back 👍

Very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Food was great and staff very friendly making this place a great place to eat and chillout.

The service Is amazing and the staff are friendly. The lady on reception next door belive her name was hannah was just amazing. She was friendly and talkative and very efficient

Food was lovely good price friendly staff

Went for birthday meal as had a 25% voucher off , which h made it reasonable priced

Gaynor was extremely helpful and remembered us from a previous visit. She was polite and could not have been any more helpful.

I've visited a few times and like before the service and food was great. Gaynor was lovely, kind and friendly. Will definitely visit again.

Place was quiet, but service was slow - only one (disenchanted) member of staff. Food was tepid and mash had gone solid on top.

Food was good. They offer discount code via free membership but they take 48hrs to activate so we were disappointed that we had to pay full price.

Arrived at 09:00 on a Saturday morning to find no working coffee machines, cold coffee being served at the bar, 2 staff members running the whole place, a complete mess of spillages left on the fresh juices table and constant lack of food on the supposed all you can eat buffet due to such a small amount of food being served. Would not come back here again which is a shame as the actual pub looks like a really nice venue.

The place wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t smell of sewage. As soon as you walk in there is an overwhelming stench of sewage. The food is ok but the smell really does ruin your appetite. The only plus is the staff, who are...

Shocking service/ no service at all really was very basic and tasteless, kids beef burger said it came with lettuce and tomato but when it came was just an overcooked burger in a bun! Not even butter!! Such basic meals not worth the money, the chain is not worth the money anymore I'm surprised it's still going! Never again.

Unfortunately our dining experience was seriously tainted by the fact that the whole downstairs eating area smells like a toilet. This really needs fixing as it’s completely unacceptable for a food establishment to have an issue like this… I mean close the restaurant until you...

The food was excellent service excellent waiter very nice helpful friendly will visit again

Amazing service, Waitress Gaynor made our experience! Was nice to see a friendly face from tattenham corner! Half a roast chicken was best on the menu not dry and very tasty! will definitely be back!

Great service as always by Gaynor, friendly as always, always quick with the service. If you come to Chessington beefeater look out for Gaynor

We visited for our son’s 5th birthday. We received great service from Gaynor and enjoyed our lunch. The food is good value and good quality

Straight to the point. Good points - none Bad points The place smells Waited 10 mins to be seated ( the place only had 4 tables with customers) Limited food choices Food - all cook/chill (microwaved), and lousy quality Place had zero atmosphere (it was...

Considering what the poor staff had to put up with, a manger on the missing list, a flooded bar, five large families, all coming in together, Jayden was worth his wait in gold, he did everything to keep it all together

Had one of our best meals for ages Jayden was our waiter and he was faultless nothing was to much trouble for him once again thank you JAYDEN.

Cold and nobody there when I went

Jaiden was our waiter for Saturday evening. We stayed over at chessington hotel which was unfortunately fully booked for food so decided to go to the beefeater. The evening was busy, jaiden ensured we had everything we needed and nothing was to much trouble for...

Good service and food. Gayner was very pleasant and helpful. Children are welcomed. Overall good value for money. We usually go for breakfast but we would try lunch again.

Excellent service recieved from Gaynor, polite professional and friendly. Food was really nice and served quickly. We will visit again soon...

Great steak restaurant - affordable prices