The Prince of Wales, Esher

OK, it was an Easter Sunday that I finally stopped my boycott of this pub (after 6 years).
I went today, and was lucky to get a table in this 2 month old refurbished Ikea. What a disappointment.
The staff were overworked and underpaid, but very helpful. I was near enough to the bar to get my own menu and order the drinks first.
The pub was full of 40 somethings with their kids and parents. No trouble there, just very loud.
The character of the old Prince of Wales has gone. The layout is still the same, and very nice for it. Unfortunately, it's been given a cheap whitewash, and looks as exciting as Ikea Croydon on a bad day. Where there were once a nice big party table, you now have a party bench!
The food is meat friendly. You have 1 option as a veggie, and it's a Black bomber cheddar risotto at �11.75! Where's the good veg in all that glue? Most unimaginative. Big profit margins.
I ordered the fish pie at �12.95. It was a small bowl of mash and carrots with some overcooked prawns, salmon and 1 piece of white fish. This was served with a separate bowl of soya beans. Thankfully, the beans had real mint on it.
The chef must have been drinking, as I only tasted salt. It was highly salted, but no other taste. I was so underwhelmed.
Did bring this up with the manager. He listened. Said 98% like our meals. I told him this 2% didn't. He was not tuned into helping our plight. In fact, he made it worse by giving us a bill, with other dinner's drinks added on. Paid and politely left. I will never returned. It was overpriced and over seasoned food. Not recommended.

5 Apr 2010 00:18