The Berrylands

Came here for a party. Had a brilliant night. Pub seemed like the pubs I knew back in the early 80s, but in a really good way. Staff all very friendly and helpful, prices very fair.

Food was supplied for the party, I’ll be honest I’m really not sure who did the catering, but it was all very good, a finger food buffet.

There were two bars that I could see, not sure if there are other function rooms.

Very near Berrylands station. Parking seemed easy.

I've been sitting here for 20 minutes.
The staff walk past me several times and serve the people around me. It's as if they deliberately don't see me. 20 minutes and no eye contact established.
I'm not sitting hidden either, but in the sun next to an occupied table, and I can be seen directly from the entrance.
I mean, both staff members keep walking past me to serve other guests.
They are not understaffed either, for the few guests.

I used to have good experiences here. But today was substandard.
...

Just now (after 20 minutes or longer) I was at least greeted, a brief smile, I smiled back and started to say something, but she immediately turned around and had no order taken?! Immediately afterwards, my table mates were asked if everything was OK?
What is going on here?

I mean, even if customers are expected to go to the bar themselves, you could let them know or at least make eye contact. And there is no „wait to be seated rule“ either. (Apart from that, other customers ordered directly at the table after the employee went there on her own).

And no, I don't blame myself or have anything repulsive about me. I'm wearing black trousers, a high-necked black top and a cardigan. I have a ponytail, am clean, without make-up and my very well-behaved dog is curled up under the table. I look super standard boring but nice. I look friendly and smile, seeking eye contact. Took to waving when the look went my way, but it was just looked away.
You can tell I want to order something.
Since they didn't hear me speak, they can't guess my origin. Unless they heard me talking to my dog, which I don't think I did.

By the way, in the meantime I am at home. I left after 25 minutes or longer. Everyone around me got food and drinks and I got hungry and thirsty. I started writing the text after waiting there for 20 minutes and then finished it later at home. So I stayed in the present.

A great pub, really friendly staff and a nice pint. Food looks good too so will have to have a try. Nice sitting outside watching the world go by

The pub itself is nice, serves a reasonable range of beverages including cocktails. There is plenty of space and never seems too busy and has outside heating.

The food however is a bit of a let down so avoid if you looking for good nosh.

Stopped here for a quick half on a Sunday. Staff were friendly and greeted us on entry. Nice atmosphere. The roasts looked good so might pop back again in the future.

(Dec 2022) I attended a christmas dinner party with a group of regency dancers. We all had various dishes from the christmas menu. Cannot fault any of it. The pigs cheeks got an excellent review as did the soup which this year it was not curried, which was a lovely change from last year. The turkey dinner was very flling so much so that all but one left something on their plate. The sea bass was my favourate, perfect in everyway. However the prawns which came with it were a bit chewy and I would not have missed them. The lamb pie was full of meat and a good size. The wellington looked impressive. Pudding was variable. The brownie was a little heavy but well complimented by the cream and berry topping. 3 cheeses with the cheese board and an excellent christmas crumble. The chrismas puddings were well presented. Value for money? Definately a yes. I have shown 3 friend the photos and they all want to attend. Well done to all the staff who worked hard to make the evening enjoyable.

Happened to go in on quiz night... very fun atmosphere, good burger. Had the 0% gin. Wasn't easy to see how to join in with the quiz and how much to enter but it was nice listening along

Went to the pub for the lunchtime christmas dinner £12.50 advertised as smaller portions to the evening functions of £24.50 which i attended the friday before with my regency dance class. All i can say is superb. There were more choices for the evening meal, but as for portion sizes, i could see no difference. Both were generous sizes and i had lamb for the evening meal and turkey for the lunch time one. I could not eat it all so i wrapped some meat in a serviette and took it home for my dog. It took him 30 seconds to sniff it out of my bag and leg it upstairs. Needless to say i never saw it again, or the serviette!
Faults with the meal could not be found however i think someone forgot the xmas crackers at the evening do, and the person who layed the table for both meals must have been left handed as they put all the spoons out the wrong way round. A small price to pay for perfection.
Well done to the cook and staff at the Berrylands.