The Onslow Arms in Guildford

Went to celebrate my birthday as a treat from my wife. Served by Frenchman who did not introduce himself. Had to wait half an hour for drinks and a further half hour for food. My calves liver was acceptable and tasty. My wife's meat pie was far too crusty which she was unable to cut easily and the contents were minimal but the vegetables were very nice. Although the restaurant was not crowded the service was very poor.

Service was appalling. We were told the reason was that there was a function on upstairs! Not my problem. Either employ extra staff or do not take bookings for the restaurant if you can’t give a proper service. Cauliflower soup, watery, main course lukewarm. Arrived at 12 midday, received main course at 1.45 !!! Won’t be visiting any time soon.

Lovely birthday lunch. Super location...food was excellent... Good service, attentive but not gushing!. Thank you.

Despite requesting no ice in a drink it was served with ice. The two pints of beer took ages to be served were mediocre and not a full pint. Ordered food haddock and chips the fish was greasy not many chips and only warm Service was adequate but he charged 12-5 service charge inappropriate

Booked a table for two, with dog, requested garden room for this in booking notes as saw on their website that they do not allow dogs in main restaurant. Was hoping for a nice romantic dinner, but we were seated in the bar area and given menus. It seems they weren't using the garden room. After around 20 mins of no one coming over and trying to attract barman's attention to take an orders, we asked at the bar, and it turns out we were supposed to order there. No one told us this. Not really ideal when you book a table expecting a restaurant type experience. The food was very nice, although took quite a while to come to the table.

Food was excellent, delicious and well presented. Just one issue. Wife and I selected two from the ‘nibbles’ first, olives and sourdough. We naturally assumed these would be served before our starter to enjoy so were somewhat surprised when they arrived together with our crab starter. Had we known this we would not have ordered the ‘nibbles’, a bit of a waste.

We had a very pleasant late summer Sunday lunch on the terrace. We were lucky with the weather, the thunderstorms that had been threatening didn't materialised, we had a large group and although we were under the permanent cover had it rained hard those on the outside would not be in the dry. The staff were pleasant and attentive, the menu good and the food didn't disappoint. If I was nit-picking I would have preferred three rectangle tables rather than the circular table with a rectangle table attached, just because it makes some people feel a little detached, but maybe that is just me.

Great service from gabby. Funny and attentive top lass. Food was great. Pub was very busy but overall delicious thank you again

Ella served us today. Absolutely brilliant service, food and setting. We’ll be coming back soon. Highly recommend the burger.

Our waitress Ella was very attentive and friendly. Lovely aperols as well! Thank you! Love the outdoor area in the onslow

Lovely afternoon for a family meal in the garden. Service was a little slow to begin with as it was quite busy but thank goodness for Ella she was fantastic and made our experience extra special! Food is great, huge portions and well made

When booking we were allocated a two hour time slot, which was not enforced and unnecessary. Plenty of parking - a good start. Menu and food was typical of pub fare, so nothing special. Atmosphere was loud so difficult to hear each other speak and made worse because tables were very close. Service was good. Quite expensive for what we had. All things considered - an average (unmemorable) experience.

Anna was very friendly and helpful, thank you! Food was delicious and served quickly. Ambience was also great - I will return soon!

We have used the Private Room facility for two Business events and will be a regular client. The room is stunning and holds 18 people, the meal is well priced and while the staff have to come up and down some stairs they are attentive and clearly wNt us to be happy. Amelia looked after us and we were impressed with her service.

Bad experience, full stop. We had been to this place many times before and assume that the food quality and service are the same. What we found out is that the staff is not attentive (taking a long time to get us a table) and the food quality is so much worse than before. The hake we ordered is not fresh and the fried fish is also of very poor quality. We later learnt that the owner has been changed. Will never go to the place from now on.

Very disappointing. The Onslow Arms used to be one of our favourite restaurants but it seems to have down hill. We waited so long for our dinner that in the end we cancelled it altogether, although other guests who came in after us, did get their food. We wont go again.

Had lunch at the Onslow Arms. We didn’t have a reservation but were quickly seated. Our waiter Benjamin promptly took our orders for drinks and food. Service was very good and Benjamin took care of all our needs. The food and service were both very good and we look forward to our next visit.

A great place to take my elderly mum for lunch. Good menu with varied choice and specials board that gives sufficient for all to find something to suit. Lovely atmosphere in a traditional setting with log fire in the colder months. I drive from Oxford so I require a restaurant I can rely on and my 'very discerning' 96 year old company is happy with!!! Usually request and get the position I want in the restaurant (purely for a firmer chair) so although all staff are very good special thanks to Andreea who often serves us for her attention, smile and sometimes patience!!

Some good and some not so good Some of our group had the steak and ale pie which was very good but the chicken escalope was ok but a bit dry and over cooked also the fish was a bit oily Should have said something at the time but not mentioned until they had finished Quite surprised that the Onslow does not have Chardonnay wine ???? On the good side, Ben our waiter was faultless and very attentive to our needs also kept us updated on the status of our order

Delicious food; the special cod en papillote was excellent. There was a lovely atmosphere, helpful staff and plenty of car parking. A very enjoyable lunch experience. Thank you.

I really oppose to negative reviews, this time they have taken the biscuit with the food. We live local as we came back from Guildford on a beautiful warm and sunny day decided let’s give the Onslow a go . First impression yes money has been spent to tart the place up and staff very friendly and made you feel welcome, been going to the onslow for 40+ years it had its up and downs through the 40 years . Today we had chosen a 2 simple meals . Sea salmon trout and a crumbed (small portion) chicken fillet . It was bland covered in some sort of oil both meals . I was not worth my breath and words to moan about it . I think the persons behind the stove and also the person that check the food before goes out need to be retrained . Looking at all the reviews afterwards that I read are glowing , our food was not glowing and not cheap either £18.00 for a small piece of salmon trout £16.00 for so called crumbed chicken. Nah this place is definitely a big no, no

Beautiful location but bland food. Pittas smeared with dry hummus. No flavor to onion rings. Cajun chicken burger was moist but tasteless.

The Onslow Arms is our “go to”. We turned up on what we thought would be a quiet Monday night and found the restaurant unexpectedly busy. There was a moment of panic on our behalf before the fabulous Pascal found us a table. The Onslow arms provides a fantastic local option for casual, relaxed dining, great food with simple and fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. They always have amazing, friendly staff. Highly recommended, even if you don’t book!

Great pub! A busy little gem hidden away in Surrey but enjoyed our visit. Beer nice and cold, food nice and hot just as it should be!

Food excellent, good ambience, we eat there every Friday night and it never fails. Usually served by Andreea- she is wonderful! Friendly, smiley, professional, efficient… always attentive but never overbearing. A real asset to the restaurant.

Really enjoyed our dinner and our waiter Pascal was perfect, finding great solutions for the kids and making good recommendations

This is our "go to" place for birthdays and anniversaries, and never disappoints. Great food, and great service - staff always seem to be well informed regarding allergies etc

We as a group have been coming here for the last ten years, and it is always a pleasure. We normally use the upper private room, but owing to numbers this time we ate in the main restaurant area. Obviously it is a little noisier, but the atmosphere was good, and the place was full. The staff were very helpful, as I try to pre-organise the event with paperwork to make the evening easier for me, and to assist the staff so that the evening goes smoothly. It worked perfectly last night. Everybody said how good the food was, and had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A special thank you to Pascal who saw everything through for a really good night.

Beautiful building, nice and busy with good choice of menu items and Matt seasonal produce. Service extremely charming and a lovely evening overall. Thoroughly recommend

Great for delicious fresh food with a very wide choice of type and size. We had excellent service from Benjamin. Plenty of room although popular.

An enjoyable evening meeting up with friends for dinner but the dining room makes it very difficult to hear as there is a high level of ambient noise from lots of chatter. Having visited the Onslow Arms over the years I regret to say the quality has definitely fallen off a little since the new regime took over (Youngs). Particularly service which was always absolutely spot on compared to last evening. Only little things but they make a big difference. Food menu was very accommodating for all tastes and nicely presented. As seems to be the norm cost of drinks at restaurants is getting very expensive. It is now becoming quite expensive to eat out for a mid-week supper.

What a shame!! The Onslow Arms WAS a great place to meet and enjoy amazing food. Now it's a Fullers pubs the menu and the food is disappointing. We arrived at 6.30pm to an already full car park, the restaurant at this point was not...

An enjoyable lunch, good food and service. A usually consistent restaurant in my experience. Can get very busy but has a large car park

Our friends arrived first and had to wait at least 5 minutes to be attended to. The food was ok but the service was very slow. There appeared to be too few staff to properly serve the packed restaurant. Would we go back - not...

Lovely atmosphere, great food and fabulous service from Andrea our lovely waitress. Have had a really lovely evening. Well worth a visit.

We had the private dining room for a 60th birthday celebration, what a great space. Apart from the service being a little slow to get going, everything was excellent.

Came for Sunday lunch with a friend, we had starters, mains & dessert. The food was great, the staff were very welcoming, friendly & attentive even once it got busier. My 4/5th visit so far and have never had any issues.

A truly exception evening meal was enjoyed by our party. The main courses were superb and the ice cream desert really good. Only annoying thing was the poor drinks service which was very hit and miss.

Amazing roast dinner along with an amazing server called Pascal. He was very kind and patient with us even when we couldn’t decide what roast we wanted! The food was absolutely delicious in the end and me and my family will definitely be returning.

The Onslow Arms is still a very popular place to have a Sunday lunch / roast. I have been back to the Onslow many times in the last 12 months (average every 2-3 months). The food is good (depending on what you have). However, i...

An excellent lunch. Service was professional and friendly. Food amazing nothing left on the plates good flavours and seasoned perfectly. Well done to the team at The Onslow Arms

We are frequent visitors to The Onslow. Twice a month over the past six years. Tonight our meal was enjoyable, as usual. My husband commented on the meatiness of the steak pie and perhaps there could have been more potato. Staff are welcoming, pleasant and...

I met some friends for a mid week lunch in April. We eat inside. Even on a wednesday lunchtime the place was packed. I would seriously suggest that you need to book, whenever you wish to eat at this great pub. The food is miles...

Ambience, food and staff great. Couldn’t be better. But you take your life in your hands exiting the car park which is on a blind bend. It is a 30mph speed limit but the cars were certainly exceeding that. A passenger in our car had...

Excellent as allways, it's nice seeing the same staff every time, Andrea is very proficient in looking after her customers, always with a smile. A pleasant and relaxing occasion

Excellent service. Good nicely presented. Bit noisy - had asked for a quiet table but probably all the same! Prices on specials board didn't match what was on the bill. Difference corrected without a problem.

Very busy but the staff were fabulous, really on top of it all. Food was great , as ever. Very friendly atmosphere and thanks God no stupid piped music.

We have now come a few times and the pub is consistently good, as is the food and service. It suits our friends to meet half way and we will definitely continue to come back!

Food and service was amazing, lovely pub. All the staff were great and provided an amazing service! We were served by Maya she was so friendly and helpful- Will be visiting again soon, thank you :)

Came for a friends birthday, and was not disappointed. Great food, quick service and they even bought out a board that said happy birthday on it. Altogether a very lovely evening. Would definitely recommend!!

Very nice place, had to much food and a very nice waitress called Maya. We will come back soon to eat the lovely food 😋 ♥️ ❤️

This is a great pub for good food and atmosphere with perfect service from the very attentive Maya who was our waitress for the dinner.

The best food I’ve ever had from a pub in all of Surrey. Outstanding service especially from my favourite French waiter Pascal.

We've dined at the Onslow Arms many times in the last decade. I am not sure why but our visit last night was defintely not up to scratch. We went for dinner at 7pm. The service from our waitress was very good. However, the meal...

We have been to this venue many times but on this occasion the visit was disappointing. We went around 5.00pm on what had apparently been a busy Sunday. it took some time to attract anyone's attention when we arrived and the table wasn't ready. The...

Our second visit and the place was heaving! Service was very slow from ordering to receiving our lunch. The waitress did apologise as there was a large party that was being served but we did wait for an hour to get our lunch. Food was...

This is a great pub and four of us had a very nice meal here. Service was very good. We did have to wait some time for our mains but our waitress did come and tell us she was chasing them. I thought my portion...

The Onslow Arms is excellent! The service and food are ALWAYS first rate. Yesterday I went with 3 friends and we all enjoyed the food. My favourite is Chicken Satay. The chips are fantastic too. Highly recommend. Grace was our server. She was perfect!

Good atmosphere during our Friday lunch visit. Good food with excellent service! This pub comes highly recommended and I will be going back

I sadly have to echo the concerns of others. This has always been our go-to place but something has gone wrong. The drinks took a long time to come out and we waited at least 40 minutes for the main courses. When we chased them...

As usual, a delight and always a winner with the food. The gluten free availability makes it so much easier for the family and safer for those who suffer with it. Keep up the great work. MJ

Extremely high standard of cuisine coupled with a great restaurant atmosphere. Very courteous, happy staff. Lovely relaxing outdoor setup. Can’t fault this place. A real pleasure x

This wasn't my first visit to the Onslow Arms. I've eaten here perhaps a dozen times over the last five years and it continues to impress me with it's high quality of food and service, well kept beer and decent wine list. Since coronavirus drove us all outdoors, they have adapted really well and have an extensive, covered and partially heated courtyard dining area. it's a really lovely outdoor environment and now that we're allowed back indoors, I really hope they maintain this facility as it is. Many years ago, the Onslow Arms used to boast that it was the only pub in Surrey with its own helicopter pad! These days, I'd say it consistently hovers above most of the other pub eateries I've tried.

What can I say. So lovely to see friends back at our fave pub. Such a slick operation felt so covid safe. Wonderful warm and cosy set up. We all managed to stuff three courses. Two of us had oriental chicken, two ham terrine. A burger, fish and chips, another fish main and I had a delicious pie. The pastry was rich but I managed to eat it all. We all had desserts and coffee. We all had two drinks as well and well under £50 a head including tip. Our only thing that was a bit disappointing is bang bang chicken is off the menu. Also garlic bread was off the menu. . But we managed to hide our tears with our second choices. The little snug we sat in has been made so homely heaters everywhere, rugs in a box couldn't be more warm and snug despite the rain. In fact everywhere was well protected. We will be back in less than two weeks. And have already made our third booking.

We really enjoyed celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary in the secret garden. The meal was lovely and the tables gave plenty of room to keep everyone safe (Covid). The staff were very nice and attentive. Only negative was we were expecting a heater for our table but they don't have them in the secret garden. Lucky for us it wasn't too cold.

Wonderful lunch today, outstanding food and service. A perfect setting outside, own roofed table, heater and fairy lights. The rain didn’t matter in the slightest! Wow this team have really stepped up and delivered a truly special experience to the customer. Hats off to you all.

Great burgers and good food - worth a visit definitely. Good atmosphere and great service and all round good time

Three friends having a special lunch together in the courtyard for the first time in a year. We were welcomed, seated and attended to very efficiently, The courtyard had a lovely atmosphere and the tarpaulin above felt like it had always been there with lights etc.Our lunch was lovely and we all felt happy to be back at the Onslow.

This was a first visit as I don't live in the area. Online booking was not great because the description of what outside seating is available was hard to understand. However on arrival I was very impressed by the Covid precautions, the system that has been put in for arrival and moving round the pub and the provision of well covered and heated outdoor seating. I also had a query about a future booking which was very helpfully dealt with by the person who greeted me at the outdoor reception desk. Service was very good, non intrusive, helpful and just right on timing. Drinks and food arrived propmptly. Food is mostly standard pub grub fare, I had the veggie burger which was in fact vegan and my friend went for the fish and chips. Both were good. There were also other vegan/ vegetarian options. Good selection of wines by the glass and large wine choice in bottles.

Excellent service and food made for a super lunch in well screened and civilised garden. Definitely be back soon.

The ‘Secret Garden’ was charming and comfortable. Our waiters provided paper menus; when requested by my friend in preference to the App. Proper linen napkins were a surprising addition to the table setting. Our drinks and food came promptly and the food was very good. Properly cooked poached eggs benedict with a crab twist were delicious. I will definitely return.

I went to The Onslow Arms for dinner with one of my friends and we were seated on one of the outside tables under the teepee. The way that they have decorated the outdoor area is lovely, with little touches such as fairy lights, and they had plenty of heaters so I actually was able to remove my coat and did not require the spare jumper I had taken with me! The service and food was great quality as always! I recommend the Camembert to share as a starter.

First meal out for my husband and I since last lockdown. I booked early(6:15) and although the heaters were great by 8:00 my feet were getting cold. Food was delicious, we were both very pleased with our meals and the waitress who looked after us.

We have eaten here twice since full lockdown ended, both times in the barn as we are still not allowed indoors (except for loo visits!), both times with friends.The staff are friendly, helpful and unobtrusive. The food, almost without exception, has been very good. Wouldn't have the burger again, but that's probably personal taste. The fishy things have been wonderful - specials of scallops, a half-pint of prawns, and fillet of hake on chard were highlights this last time. Others had battered fish, which is huge and reliably good; the thrice-cooked chips are not to be missed! Interesting puds and a varied wine list complete the experience.

We had lunch today in the garden barn- it was delicious and the setting superb. We were served by William who was very attentive and great with the children in our group. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon, thank you all

Simply consistent reliability of Staff - Food - Ambience - Not overdone nor underdone - They keep it just right

I have not stopped talking about how well they are doing things here. Lots of covered and heated outside dining, together with their Secret Garden, which is not heated or covered, and looks like an overflow area but I am sure on hot sunny summers days will be first choice for many. Food was excellent, staff very lovely and friendly, and service spot on. Highly recommended.

I booked this pub for 6 people but could only get the secret garden which is not heated and they cannot guarantee a parasol. I took the risk hoping weather might get warmer. It didn't. At the point I was thinking (several days before) maybe I will reschedule, I got an email from Amy at The Onlsow Arms to say a table in the covered area had been cancelled and she had moved my booking. The table was surrounded by heaters and so warm. It was also really cosy and my friends and I could chat comfortably all evening. The food was excellent and the service lovely. My big shout out is to Amy! Excellent proactive customer service that means 6 people very ready to come back for other events. Thanks Amy

Faultless and friendly attentive service. Visit with an elderly relative and they couldn't have been more attentive. What an excellent team they have working for them

As usual the Onslow didnt disappoint. So glad to be able to go out to eat again and although we were sitting in the walled garden area (which was still chilly) the food was good. Only comment would be the puddings could be a bit more adventurous.

The Onslow Arms is a wonderful pub. The food, staff and service are always first rate.I often meet my friends there for lunch. The menus are varied and the food is always delicious and served well. The Sunday roasts are exceptional. I highly recommend the Onslow Arms. We saw Ian again yesterday - our usual waiter and he was so welcoming!Great to be back. We sat outside but there were heaters and blankets. It was perfect. Thank you! Angela & friends

Reviewing the Onslow again to congratulate them on how well they deal with the Covid dining rules. Very cosy with the heating, well spaced, staff fully trained in the correct process, friendly relaxed atmosphere - and most importantly the food delicious!

Very well organised table seating and escorted to our secret garden table from the outside table reception. We had a really hard choice choosing our lunch, as it all sounded fab! I had the ham hock croquettes , (very hammy)with a side of chunky chips, which were so sooo good. Crispy on the outside and soft potato on the inside without being greasy. (Must of been triple cooked). No room for pudding but we saw some coming out and they looked delicious. Shame the chocolate brownie has disappeared from the menu, as it’s my sons all time favourite dessert there,over the years. Please bring it back on.We’ll be back again before too long!

So nice to be back at the onslow after lockdown, we were lucky to be in the covered area and service was quick. Can’t wait until they can open indoors again.

Great outside space but really below average uninspiring menu. Sat in the worst place possible with ineffectual heating & the only place with tarpaulin flapping above our heads. Asked to move but no other space apparently - at least we weren’t pushed out to the ‘secret’ garden. Good ambience but a victim of its own success & reading other reviews standards must have slipped.

We booked via the website and it was very clear about which areas have heaters and which don’t. A few hours before arrival, we received an email noting that there might be rain and there was a risk of getting wet, though the parasols are a good size. We could have asked to alter the booking but we were happy to go ahead and as long as you layer up, it’s absolutely fine. There was a basket of blankets I believe - we didn’t need them but 4 ladies did. For goodness sake, below 12 degrees, wear a jumper! The app worked perfectly, service was very prompt, helpful and friendly and everyone seemed on top of their game. The food was great and we thought the menu was much better than some others who have reduced their menu basically to fish and chips, burger or one veggie option. There was plenty of choice here and portion sizes are generous. If you have salmon niçoise followed by the burger, you may need to be carried home. Thanks to all for keeping things safe too.

i would certainly concur with the previous review. On arrival we also had to wait several minutes to be greeted. The welcome was not there, no sorry you had to wait etc. as in yes what do you want! The wood burners do blow out a lot of ash and make the garden smokey and unpleasant. so yes get rid of those and a warm welcome would have made it 5 stars. you can use the app. to order or the wait staff will come to your table. the waiting staff are friendly and efficient and the food was good although the menu is only like you would cook at home. it would also be nice to have the specials also on a menu. that way you can see the price and not get a shock when you see the bill for an expensive special starter.

The service was friendly and attentive and the food was well up to Onslow Arms standards. We chose scallops followed by Dover sole from the day's specials. Both were excellently prepared and presented. The only negative points were the two wood burning heaters which, being smoky, were placed too far from the tables to be of any practical use and the fact that your knees got cold under the table because blankets were not being loaned out, presumably due to Covid-19. Solution - take your own blankets.

Staff were so friendly and remembered us from the last visit. Food and wine excellent as usual. The atmosphere outside was great and the heaters were on, so nice and warm. Can’t wait to return.

On arrival we had to wait several minutes to be greeted. The welcome was frosty to say the least. The wood burners then blew a lot of Ash over us during the meal. Get rid of those and a warm welcome would have made it a 5. They were the negatives, the actual waiting staff were very friendly and efficient and the food was delishious as always.

Excellent anniversary meal this (late) lunchtime. Well wrapped up because of the cool and wet weather, but nicely covered. The wall heaters and provided blankets were very welcome. The food and wine were very good as usual and the staff were as friendly and efficient as always.

Brilliant place to eat for any occasion. We love it here, been a fair few times over the years. The food is incredibly nice with excellent service.

After a long walk around Hatchlands Park my wife and I arrived at Onslow Arms for our lunchtime reservation. We had a perfect table in the garden, the sun shone, the staff were delightful and our meal was first class !!! Perfect fish and chips and peas, two beers and we were more than satisfied. Highly recommended for an informal, very relaxing couple of hours. Thank you to everyone there !!

I can highly recommend this restaurant! I visited with work colleagues and we were working away from home so unfamiliar with area and where to eat! Booked the secret garden! It was impeccable service! We were provided with blankets! The food and drinks we ordered via an app- which I was a bit apprehensive but actually it worked so well and was easy and within minutes drinks/ cutlery arrived and there was only a short wait for food! My colleagues has the fish and chips which they said was delicious and I had the most expensive meal on the menu so wasn’t sure if should choose but I am so so glad I did! The rib eye steak was so succulent and cooked to perfection! thank you to staff for a wonderful eve with amazing food

Well organised staff and polite. Very clean toilets. The service was friendly and consistent. It was busy but the waiter relocated to us to a table in the sun after a guest left which was thoughtful. The food was delicious. May seem small but I like my food piping hot when brought to the table and it was!! Will definitely go again

Excellent service and very well organised . Sat undercover in the barn with lovely warm heaters on a chilly evening. Very can do attitude from all the staff and the food was outstanding. Couldn’t have asked for anything to be better. Thank you!

I have been visiting the Onslow for almost 40 years and have over the past 10 years or so been very critical about the quality of the food and the cooking.Went for lunch last Friday and delighted to say say the food and service were very goood.Well done to Youngs and the team.

I booked a table in the secret garden for a beer after a round of golf at Clandon. Very friendly and efficient service from the staff. Would definitely recommend.

Had to write a review after having the best experience at the Onslow Arms on Thursday. First meal out since lockdown eased and it was perfect. Secret Garden is fantastic with a lovely atmosphere - we had sun and shade so could move as we pleased, the service was fast and attentive to check we were okay with the app etc. and that we wanted our food all at the same time. Food was outstanding. All the inside doors on the way to the toilet are left open and there is sanitiser everywhere so no need to worry about not feeling safe. Mirrored an outstanding outdoor experience in December - the team should be very proud how they have adapted and continued the high standard the Onslow has always had - thank you!!

The pub garden looked amazing and the service and food of the highest quality. I couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate my birthday under the current Covid-19 restrictions. Will be looking to return very soon 🍻🥂🍾🍸