Based on 1.332 opinions finded in 4 websites
Based on 1.332 opinions finded in 4 websites
Nº 190 in 308 in Mole Valley
Nº 39 of 75 British in Mole Valley
Opinions
Absolutely spectacular!!!! Service is brilliant. Great food. Will be back again. Thank you for the great experience.
Alexander S . 2025-03-08
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Fantastic Sunday roast served in this quaint countryside pub. Venue was very busy but staff attentive. Both the chicken and pork roasts were of high standard.
Guide05687191917 . 2025-03-03
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We wanted a change from our usual dining spots in Reigate and the surrounding area and my brother recommended The Running Horses near Dorking (Mickleham). We weren’t disappointed. Exceptional food, service and surroundings. My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing and indulgent Saturday lunch and we will definitely be coming back.
Vanessa M . 2025-03-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Incredible food, service and ambience. Great quality products at a very reasonable price. Despite the pub being very busy, service was attentive and friendly
Charlotte . 2025-03-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
We enjoyed a lovely lunch time with delicious food and fantastic service. The whole family were made very welcome including a 2 year old and a dog. We shall be back!
Dreamer603513 . 2025-02-26
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Great meal in the restaurant and good service
Claire Lee . 2025-02-08
MORE AT Google
Beautiful charming pub in dorking Surrey brilliant service & lovely choices of food and alcohol. Food was stunning and catered for my wife who has various allergies. Well done
Andrew Churchman . 2025-02-07
MORE AT Google
Had the baked cod which was superb and the staff were very friendly and attentative. Would highly recommend.
Steve Price . 2025-02-07
MORE AT Google
Nice pub hotel. Authentic very old traditional building
Colin McGibbon . 2025-02-06
MORE AT Google
Had lunch for 12 yesterday.. drinks in the bar .. very nice selection of beers .. shere drop on tap .. my favourite local beer. Nice big table for us and super charming service.. and the food was really great. Chicken and mushroom pie for me, with creamy mash and lovely crunchy cabbage.. all with a lovely gravy .. my perfect comfort food. My wife had cheese burger which looked epic ... Stole a few of her skinny fries which were great in my gravy 😀 A super lunch with the family.. thank you to the staff .. we definitely need to be coming here more often 👍
Robert Tribe (Rob) . 2025-02-05
MORE AT Google
A great pub with great atmosphere, food and service. We came here for dinner. Highly recommend
John . 2025-02-02
MORE AT Google
Great food. Polite service and picturesque location!
ROBIN HUNTER . 2025-01-31
MORE AT Google
The Running Horses really is the best pub in Surrey. Great atmosphere, a drinkers pub, as well as setting the right tone and atmosphere for exceptional food. Perfect for a post walk drink, casual lunch with or without kids, or a special occasion. Their attention to detail and efforts to cater for food intolerances is where most pubs fall short, but the guys here make sure everyone feels welcome, and they make it easier for themselves by making dishes suitable for those with and without allergies.
Kiera O'Hana . 2025-01-28
MORE AT Google
Great pub and excellent Sunday roast.
Mike Honnor . 2025-01-26
MORE AT Google
Very enjoyable Sunday roast at The Running Horses as a very large group (22!). Beautiful setting, inside and out, and the pub was buzzing when we arrived - very popular venue! The team were very helpful in the run up to our visit and very attentive on the day.
Julia Faure Walker . 2025-01-26
MORE AT Google
Came in to celebrate my birthday with friends. We were very disappointed with the food quality and small portions at the price point on offer. It happened to be Burns Night so two of us had the haggis. £18.50 for 4 spoonfuls of haggis flanked by matching quantities of mash and carrot & swede. If this was some exceptional, home made haggis, then fair enough. But this was confirmed to be shop bought haggis, and tasted exactly as anyone could make at home. So why so stingey with the portions? It's meant to be a celebration, not a robbery! The service was also very lacking. We ordered an orange juice, which tasted off, which was raised with a waiter. He said 'are you sick? Maybe it tastes bad because you're sick.'. I added that we'd all tasted to confirm. He returned with another glass, which I think he said he'd added some lemonade to, in hopes of improving the flavour! It still tasted off, and was left unfinished. I appreciate he was trying hard, but if the orange tastes bad then he should either try a fresh bottle/carton or offer an alternative. The one saving grace came as one of our party was having a terrible headache and needed some painkillers. The waitress promptly managed to find some which was very helpful and appreciated. The service in general was otherwise very slow. Had to leave my seat to ask for the bill because every time I tried to make eye contact with the waitress she just smiled at me and rushed past. Stood at the bar for over 5 minutes with no staff attending.
Harry Dude . 2025-01-26
MORE AT Google
Great location, good food, good service. Proper pub
stephen jones . 2025-01-26
MORE AT Google
Best bœuf bourguignon I've had in a long time!!
Caroline Sajas . 2025-01-25
MORE AT Google
Had a nice pumpkin soup and a shandy here during our Box Hill hike. The service was polite and professional.
Joey Googs . 2025-01-25
MORE AT Google
I literally picked this pub based on the size of the yorkshire puddings, and let me tell you this theory did not let me down. The food was amazing, literally the best roast dinner in a long time, especially the pork! Cooked the Italian way. OMG I'm drooling now thinking of it. The service was faultless. The atmosphere with logs burning and oak panelling was beautiful. Would highly recommend!
Michelle Papayannakos . 2025-01-20
MORE AT Google
Beautiful pub, lovely fires and good food. Not cheap but worth it
Katie Jenkins . 2025-01-17
MORE AT Google
Excellent service and good food 👌
abdou adesanya . 2025-01-13
MORE AT Google
Having been to this atmospheric pub several times in recent years I can honestly say the food and service has never been better. It represents excellent value for money and the wine list is outstanding with a range that covers every taste and budget in a clear and unpretentious way. The food was that good I felt compelled to go to the kitchen to complement the chefs! This is the best pub in the area whether for lunch, dinner or just a pint...
Simon O . 2025-01-06
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Lovely ales on tap but sadly the steak was undercooked. We sent it back as the medium was bloodier than an abattoir, before one cutlet returned cooked medium, the other still bloody. A shame really as the pub was beautifully decorated and laid out. Will return for a drink but not for the food.
George Thomas . 2025-01-06
MORE AT Google
We met friends here for a Sunday roast over the Christmas period. Service from the out-start was excellent despite being extremely busy. Food was excellent, best Sunday roast I’ve had out in a long time, all our plates were empty by the end by of our meal. Would highly recommend and will definately be back.
Paul T . 2025-01-05
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Cosy village pub with an open fire an local ale.
Chris Gledhill . 2025-01-03
MORE AT Google
Had a very nice lunch today. We had a bowl of olives to start which were very tasty and the braised venison was delicious. Apple and blackberry crumble with custard was very good although a little too sweet for my taste. Overall a very good meal with excellent service.
Tony Waring . 2025-01-02
MORE AT Google
Stunning country pub with lovely rooms + a nice team
charlie roberts . 2025-01-01
MORE AT Google
I am so glad that my brother in law introduced the Running Horses pub to me and my husband on our visit to Dorking. The food is delicious and the space is beautifully decorated in a vintage British countryside style. The service is lovely and quick. The staff is super friendly and helpful, especially Mo was smiley, chatty and very attentive to details. We had a great lunch and experience at the pub and will definitely be back. Thank you!
Thanh Nguyen . 2024-12-31
MORE AT Google
We had lunch here just before Xmas and it was perfect. Wonderful location in The Surrey Hills, beautiful pub with olde world ambience, great customer care and superb food. Highly recommend.
David Brice . 2024-12-30
MORE AT Google
Lovely pub great atmosphere fantastic staff
Karen Smith . 2024-12-28
MORE AT Google
Service was very slow. Took 30 mins from arrival to get some drinks. Mains took another 30 mins. Had to chase up each round of additional drinks. Food when received was fine but wanted to charge £1 for extra children cheese which seemed OTT.
Simon Fielder . 2024-12-27
MORE AT Google
A brilliant birthday meal by the roaring fire in the bar. Highly recommended.
Alan Duncan . 2024-12-27
MORE AT Google
Not the first time I had eaten at The Running Horses, tonight I was not impressed with the older gentleman serving. My son asked for ketchup and mayonnaise from one of the younger waiters which was bought straight away. No one asked if any of the other dinners would like anything else. When my husband asked the older gentleman he muttered something under his breath and looked very disgruntled. Not the sort of service I would expect from any pub, especially spending 363 pounds for a meal. I have booked two rooms for my children and their partners to stay tonight. My daughter and her partner are in the room I have booked. My son is not in Sandown as he should have been. I know this as I took friends (9 of them) on the 10th of December and with the hotel manager went upstairs to look at the rooms to ensure they were the correct rooms. Very disappointed. Next time I will book the White Horse. Such a shame the food as always was very good.
timgS8356KG . 2024-12-27
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Wow what a terrible service, booked for Christmas lunch on the phone for 24th for set menu , never mentioned that I have to pre order, when we turn up they said we had to pre order for set menu! Would help them if they would know what they doing and ask the right questions when booking tables. Had to leave as solving their problem was impossible for them. Man in charge rude and unhelpful, totally unprofessional, do not recommend this place just for this.
Kristina Jasinckaitev . 2024-12-24
MORE AT Google
Had a family meal there at lunchtime on the 21 December. Excellent service and food
Alastair Walter . 2024-12-24
MORE AT Google
A fantastic Sunday roast in beautiful surroundings. You'll need to book, it's not cheap but it's worth it. When busy, dependent on where you sit and how noisy fellow guests are, it can be loud.
Jeremy Baker . 2024-12-24
MORE AT Google
We had a wonderful Christmas menu lunch last Thursday, every course was delicious and went down well with the whole team. Everyone commented on what a nice venue and were impressed with the food. We'll be back :)
Ruth E . 2024-12-23
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Visited for lunch with another couple. The Italian general manager was so engaging and welcoming....good start. Mains were delicious...especially the pie and the venison...really tasty and good quality ingredients Service with a smile...all the time Beautiful ambience...especially near the fireplace...if you have a dog
Henryg2812 . 2024-12-18
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Amazing food and great service. One of the best roast I have ever had. The child's plate was enormous!! Well done
Graziela Villela Pedras . 2024-12-15
MORE AT Google
I had cycled past this pub many times and the setting and look of the place made me want to book a table for food. We were not disappointed. The staff serving us were friendly, efficient and attentive. I had a great pint of Shere drop to start, the meal was delicious and the house red was excellent. If you are looking for a great Surrey pub with a traditional feel this is just right. It has a roaring open fire as you walk in and sells some local Surrey beers. Great value, great food and will definitely be heading back.
Dan Thornton . 2024-12-14
MORE AT Google
We had a lovely time celebrating our Christmas Party (22 people). The food was delicious with generous portions. The wines were also really liked. Would come back and recommend!
Giulia Ca . 2024-12-12
MORE AT Google
Great pub local to where we stayed, would love a local like this one
Andy W . 2024-12-11
MORE AT Google
My sister and I have been searching for a good, tasty Sunday roast and we’ve found it here! The beef was cooked just right, roast potatoes crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, the Yorkshire pudding nice and light and huge! We had a glass of Primitivo that went well with the beef. Go on treat yourself…there’s no washing up!
Millie Johnson . 2024-12-11
MORE AT Google
We've been coming here on and off for 30 years, usually to stay a night after a day or two at Brands Hatch. It never fails to deliver, we took 4 friends with us last weekend and the food, the welcome, the beer, the location, the breakfast and the hospitality impressed them so much we may well all do it again soon.
Ed Morgan . 2024-12-09
MORE AT Google
Old, authentic and beautiful pub. Great food and super friendly staff. We love ending up there after our long hikes.
Benazir St. Aubyn . 2024-12-07
MORE AT Google
Great stopover, really welcoming hosts, great food & service, room was everything we needed. Thanks
Simon Winson . 2024-12-04
MORE AT Google
Delicious Sunday Roast. Log fire roaring in the bar, dining area well presented and very efficient service. We look forward to returning soon
marina zabell . 2024-11-11
MORE AT Google
We came for Sunday lunch so can't comment on the rooms. Excellent food and helpful friendly staff. Dogs welcome in the bar area.
Jill Clements . 2024-11-11
MORE AT Google
Such a wonderful place to visit. Really pleased to see the service expert Mo working here supporting his guests. Had a perfect Sunday. Thank you to all of you that made our visit very special today. See you soon. Thank you. Best wishes James and Martine
James H Baker . 2024-11-10
MORE AT Google
Difficult to find an English pub that doesn’t feel like a hotel. This pub exceeds expectations, great for a roast post walking on box hill! 5 stars thank you!!!!
Alicia Sale . 2024-11-10
MORE AT Google
Fantastic food. Great pub. Really good service. Highly recommend the lamb and a visit. A nice country pub near Dorking.
Andrew M . 2024-11-08
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Fantastic food, amazing service from very friendly and helpful staff. Wednesday was steak night, which was very tasty, and cooked exactly as requested (which is amazing , as most places overcook the steak)
J&L H . 2024-11-07
MORE AT Google
Sunday roast. The staff were fantastic considering we had a toddler with several allergies. Really appreciated everything they did for us. Highly recommended
Giles Ashford . 2024-11-05
MORE AT Google
Our second meal at The Running Horses, and we were just as delighted as before. This time, we were there to celebrate my sister's birthday. We received a warm welcome from Giovanni, the Restaurant Manager. He recommended the special of the day, King Prawn and Crab Linguine, and the Beef Bourgignon Pie with Creamy Mash and Seasonal Greens from the main menu. Both were superb. Giovanni and one of his colleagues even joined me in singing 'Happy Birthday' to my sister. We look forward to our next visit.
Mark S . 2024-10-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Wonderful pub, full of charachter, excellent food with friendly and attentive service. Something for everyone on the menu. Children and dog friendly
Sophie . 2024-10-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Excellent Lunch from the main menu. Nice location at the base of Box Hill in Surrey and friendly staff with good service. Lovely old pub.
Jandave . 2024-10-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
A most memorable Sunday lunch for 12 of us celebrating a a family occasion. Thank you Gio & Joao for your impeccable service, attention & patience! One of the very best Sunday roasts which we can highly recommended. Excellent all round!
Jacqui L . 2024-10-21
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Flat beer begrudgingly replaced, unfriendly bar staff, always been a great place to eat and drink but we wont be returning after the last visit
Annalisa Dennington Balch . 2024-10-11
MORE AT Google
Terrific Sunday lunch, our waitress kasha was superb, v good food and wine menu, cosy yet spacious, great ambience. Will definitely be back
Tom Forster . 2024-10-06
MORE AT Google
At the inn, we decided to dine, Chickpea curry, oh so fine! Holstein pork, a tasty delight, Both dishes gone in just one bite. Service swift, without delay, Our food arrived without dismay. A feast so grand, a perfect score, We’re coming back for even more!
Estefaniaab . 2024-10-05
MORE AT Google
Wonderful dinner & tasty dessert with friends that we have not seen since our Wedding reception in 1985, who live just down the road. Most enjoyable 🌞
Rick King . 2024-10-03
MORE AT Google
Fabulous Sunday lunch Staff very efficient esp Katcha the manager
rjb3333 . 2024-09-30
MORE AT Google
I didn't write favourably about this pub before, so I would like to put it right and say I was wrong. I misunderstood the whole concept of this pub and realise the way it is and that it holds dear to what it was meant to be, a delightful British pub. Although me and my family did not eat there, I shall look forward to booking a table.
Fiona Terry . 2024-09-26
MORE AT Google
A really love pub, in the gorgeous village, a little gem in the Surrey Hills. We went for a spontaneous Sunday Roast as our children were out with friends. The styling of the pub was really to my taste and it felt so welcoming. The food was amazing , simply delicious.
lizzielouvinesy1976 . 2024-09-08
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I didnt stay in the hotel but did eat in the pub, the food was great and the service was friendly.
Rick Longley . 2024-09-08
MORE AT Google
We had a really delicious Sunday roast , the food was lovely, and so were the team. One of the best roast dinners had in a restaurant.
Lizzie Vines . 2024-09-08
MORE AT Google
My daughter and I loved our stay at the Running Horses hotel last night. The atmosphere was very warm, the room very comfortable and decorated with care and above all the staff are very friendly. We dined in the restaurant and discovered delicious British cuisine. We highly recommend this place
Valérie G . 2024-09-03
MORE AT Google
Excellent food. Much better than expected. Top quality, and therefore very good value. Beer was good too. Looking forward to returning.
John B . 2024-09-01
MORE AT TripAdvisor
A great little pub in a picturesque setting. The quality of food was amazing, the service was efficient and prompt. If you’re in Box Hill area, I highly recommend a visit.
Sara H . 2024-08-31
MORE AT TripAdvisor
The Running Horses staff looked after us all splendidly and we would recommend it highly to anyone looking for an attractive location with excellent service and food.
Vanessa J . 2024-08-29
MORE AT TripAdvisor
I stayed in this beautiful pub for three days. It is a wonderful environment with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff are very welcoming and the food is excellent. my room was clean tidy and beautifully decorated and the bathroom was immaculate. I would recommend this hotel to anyone on a business trip or a brak.
Keith . 2024-08-25
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Arrived late but they kindly served a late lunch.
David Andrew . 2024-06-13
MORE AT Google
We visited this lovely village pub/restaurant for curry night on Tuesday. Their usual menu was also available and offers a good range of modern and classical dishes. They also have steak nights too. The food was really tasty and the service and friendliness of staff could not be beaten. The Running Horses is situated in the lovely picturesque village of Mickleham which is close to Dorking and Box Hill. There is plenty of outside seating - perfect for those warm sunny days/evenings - and the bar area inside is quaint and welcoming with a cosy atmosphere. We look forward to returning again soon.
Jacquie Sanders . 2024-06-12
MORE AT Google
Nice food great service prices Surrey value.
Martin Kulin . 2024-06-03
MORE AT Google
Excellent roast dinner with large portions, quality ingredients and served quickly. Delicious
Philip Wilkinson . 2024-06-02
MORE AT Google
Extremely impressed with the food
Mourad Venturini . 2024-05-27
MORE AT Google
We were back for Sunday lunch and the food, service and atmosphere were absolutely on point as it always is here. Thanks guys 👌🏽
Matt Crilly . 2024-05-27
MORE AT Google
WHAT A REVELATION!!!! The cost of eating out has become pretty much prohibitive now, and sadly, the quality and quantity of dishes served has generally diminished by the same amount as prices have risen. On a whim we decided to treat ourselves to dinner last night at The Running Horses, accepting we'd be disappointed. What a fantastic surprise to be serviced by lovely people, we ordered the cod loin main course - every item on that plate was cooked perfectly and hot. Yes, it was £20 each, but absolutely worth every penny. So much so, we had desserts, and they were not the pub standard dessert, but creative, beautifully presented and didn’t disappoint at all. I haven’t enjoyed a meal out as much for as long as I can remember. Are we going back again, abso-***ing-lutely!
Steve OHara . 2024-05-25
MORE AT Google
Amazing pub been back twice already. Proper village pub with a lovely roaring fire. Very cosy. It appears to be popular and has a lovely separate restaurant area. The Sunday roasts looked generous. Didn't see anything other than empty plates. Will go back and try out the food for sure. No pub parking - you have to park on the road. If you are desperate to go get here early, so you can find a space. It is popular with walkers and cyclists as Box Hill is nearby.
David Mullin . 2024-05-05
MORE AT Google
A hidden gem just off the A24 near Box Hill, this is a great place to eat or stop over. Staff are friendly and accommodating and food is top drawer.
Andy M . 2024-05-02
MORE AT TripAdvisor
This is my second visit and I love the location, ambience of this pub. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the food delicious. I had the lamb cutlets roast dinner, which was wonderful. My partner the butternut roast. Dad had fish and chips his favourite. Our thoughtful waiter offered a smaller portion for Dad as he has a small appetite and it was perfect. I was impressed. I will certainly be back.
Lisa L . 2024-04-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Sunday lunch is best we’ve had in years. Outstanding service by all staff; rarely enjoyed such a happy professional workforce We will be back
Joan Begg . 2024-04-28
MORE AT Google
Pub review - not hotel review. Service was poor. We had to get up to request dessert menus and the bill. Food was good but quite overpriced. £25 for a roast. And I would expect *brilliant* for that money.
Dan Hayes . 2024-04-28
MORE AT Google
They need to have bar people serving the BAR instead of diners.
stuart lloyd . 2024-04-23
MORE AT Google
We enjoyed an excellent dinner at The Running Horses. It is a beautiful old country pub in Mickelham, full of character with a lovely dining room through the back where we had our meal. The food and the service were excellent and we look forward to our next visit.
Andy Dymock . 2024-04-22
MORE AT Google
Stopped for dinner on a Sunday evening. Team must have been tired after a long service, but everyone was welcoming and friendly. The roasts were great and there was a good range of delicious desserts. Would definitely recommend.
Paul Singleton . 2024-04-22
MORE AT Google
The Running Horses is an excellent old coaching Inn (name is a bit of a give away) tucked into the shadow of Box Hill. Easy to find just off the A24 at Mickleham but not so easy to park. A fine selection of beers and a good lunchtime menu. A little pricey but the good food, service and atmosphere more than made up for it. £15 for a chicken club sandwich. It was full and very tasty. Open log fires in the winter and ample seating outside in the sun in the summer.
Ron Bailey . 2024-04-21
MORE AT Google
After a long walk, this was a welcome rest, with a fantastic bowl of wild garlic soup and sourdough toast. Delicious. Dogs were welcome too.
Andrea S . 2024-04-20
MORE AT TripAdvisor
This is a great pub with plenty of nice outdoor seating. The junior staff are all very nice and helpful. One of the female managers was quite rude to someone behind the bar while a large group of people were waiting to be served which I was not impressed by. Also, I was very disappointed by the buttermilk chicken starter. While it tasted delicious, the 3 measly bits of chicken and batter was not at all worth the £8.50…absolute joke! Would definitely ask for my money back if that is the quantity of food put in front of me again for that price.
Caroline Lyons . 2024-04-18
MORE AT Google
Steak night at the Running Horses was excellent. The staff were warm and attentive . We enjoyed the three course meal very much. The Australian shiraz ‘Hanging snakes ‘ for £20 with the steak deal is a very good wine and is on their drinks menu for a great deal more. An enjoyable evening.n
Dorkingholidaygirl . 2024-04-11
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Great pub, beautiful Sunday roast great ambience and service and excellent ales. Perfect after hiking in the Surrey countryside
Alex C . 2024-04-07
MORE AT TripAdvisor
One of the best roasts I’ve had, with excellent and timely service. It’s exactly what you want after a long country hike!
Ian Cameron . 2024-04-04
MORE AT Google
Loved the vegan roast and also the vegan chocolate dessert was much appreciated. So much better than sorbet which is the usual offering
Sharon . 2024-03-31
MORE AT Google
Just popped in for a drink. Good feel about it and seemed welcoming.
Mike Mackenzie . 2024-03-31
MORE AT Google
Wonderful Easter Sunday lunch with the family. Great atmosphere, food and service. Must have been one of the busiest days of the year but the service was still fantastic. Vegan option excellent, including a great chocolate dessert. Can’t wait to return
B5962WM . 2024-03-31
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Booked a table for 8 for my birthday lunch - lovely meal and sticky toffee pudding 😋 and a walk in the hills and back for a nice cup of tea!
Richard G . 2024-03-30
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Friendly waitress but the manager made us pay in advance because we didn’t have a reservation. It took more than an hour to get our food after asking
António Diogo . 2024-03-30
MORE AT Google
Great food, best Caesar Salad ever and efficient friendly service. Good menu choice, great range of cocktails, a warming fire and beer as good as the food
Tim F . 2024-03-28
MORE AT TripAdvisor
Fantastic vegetarian roast lunch and friendly staff.
Nina Anin . 2024-03-27
MORE AT Google
Similary restaurants in South East
800 Opinions
We had a very nice meal in here. I can recommend the sausage and mash. The staff in here are very nice.
3649 Opinions
Went for a birthday Sunday lunch, was served by the absolute legend jack. It was a birthday lunch and couldn’t have wanted anything more. Even had a complimentary beer. Thankyou very much!
740 Opinions
A Most Precarious Repast at The Old House at Home There are few things in life as sacred as a well-poured drink and a sturdy table upon which to set it. Imagine my horror, then, upon entering The Old House at Home, only to find myself dining not in stately comfort but in a state of perpetual imbalance. One reserves a table with the reasonable expectation that it will, at the very least, stand firm beneath one’s elbows. Alas, what I was met with was a rickety, quivering contraption, trembling at the mere suggestion of movement. My fellow diners and I found ourselves locked in a silent contest of steadiness, each lifting a fork with the precision of a bomb disposal expert, lest we send our glasses skidding into oblivion. To make matters worse, this architectural affliction was not limited to my table alone; no, the neighbouring furniture appeared to share in this affliction, as if the entire room were engaged in some grand, lumbering waltz. A wonky table is not mere inconvenience—it is an insult to the art of dining, a sign of neglect so egregious that one wonders whether management has mistaken rustic charm for outright disrepair. One does not expect to endure a siege upon one’s senses simply to enjoy a meal. A man should be free to place his drink upon a table without fear that it may betray him. Until this most elementary of expectations is met, The Old House at Home shall remain, at best, a folly; at worst, a farce.
2009 Opinions