The Bulls Head, Reigate

Arriving in Reigate 30 mins early last night, for a meal at a place across the street, I thought I'd nip into the Bull's Head for a swift pint beforehand, as I remembered dropping in before a similar works 'do' about three years ago.

The lights were on (both inside and out) and the outer door was fastened open; it was just after 7pm on a Saturday evening.

The moment I stepped through the door, a scruffy-looking lad of about 25, sitting on a bar stool, mumbled: 'Closed, mate'.
An unhappy-looking woman sitting at a table behind him was the only other person in the place.

No apology, no explanation and it was just after 7pm on a Saturday night.

I made my way to the Red Cross across the road, which was a little busier and darker than I'd care for (I was trying to read the final chapter of a book), but at least I found friendly service and a small table there.

On my way back from the Red Cross, I saw that the Bull's Head's door was now closed and its windows were drawn, so why had they opened up in the first place?
(I wonder if these are the same people who run The Tower in Redhill? They seem to have the same ideas about sensible opening hours.)

I shan't bother trying the Bull's Head again, which is a shame, because it could be a decent pub, with the addition of a little customer service.
I'm giving it a rating of 2 instead of 0 based only on my previous visit in 2012.

15 Nov 2015 22:58

Red Lion, Redhill

This is one of the pubs closest to where I've lived for three years: it's as scenic as the White Lion up the hill, but I've always found it to have a more pleasant atmosphere.
Sadly, it does seem closed at the moment, and not in a good way. Word on the street (well, in the Garland) is that landlord Dave has been hit pretty bad by the recent passing of the pub dog and various flaming comments over kitchen standards. (I've eaten there a few times without complaints.)
I think I saw him inside the pub, with a picnic bench dragged over the door, earlier this evening, huddled in a corner with his usual laptop. If anyone on here who knows him at all well (I don't) would look in, I think you'd be doing him a big favour.

26 Feb 2014 00:53