Much to my surprise it turned out to be a theme pub - the theme being crap service. Having annoyed the bloke behind the bar by asking for a drink, he proceeded to make a complete balls up of pouring it cursing 'for f*#ck sake' under his miserable breath. I won't be going back there again.
Far more successful was my foray into the H G Wells - Worcester Park's newest boozer, which opened for business on Wednesday.
The pub has been tastefully refurbished turning the interior from bare and cavernous into a snug and relaxing and managing to avoid the faux-traditional clone feeling of many other pubs, with warm decor, an eclectic smattering of ornaments and some tasteful nods to the works of Mr Wells.
Positioning itself as a food-led establishment, there is a large area reserved for dining - leaving perhaps too little space for drinkers - with food served from Midday to 10pm and the promise of tasty roasts on Sundays.
Most impressive of all were the staff - genuinely cheerful, welcoming and accomplished, and not a hint that it was only their third night of operation.
I can't wait to go back.
23 COMMENTS (Add Yours Now!):
north end tavern no doubt is a bit of a chav,s pub sadly/ i ussed it in the 70s when rocker,s were there no trouble genuine intellectual people wth less big ego,s that modern chav,s have!
I had much the same experience in the North End, only went there once as a result. I'll have to check out the HG Wells, sounds nice! Do you know if it has a decent garden?
I have also ventured into the HG Wells and found the staff friendly and helpful.
If the chef is half as good as the menu that they have I look forward to many reasonably priced meals there. (Had a steak sandwich there last night and was excellent).
Since Danny put the prices up in Rumours, quite a few of his folks are now regulars in the North End and I even bumnped into a few of them in the HG Wells this week.
Well done to Dick and his team for doing a great job of the decor and the food in the HG.
NS: Yes, there's a decent-sized garden at the H G Wells.
I went to the North End Tavern recently and was also angered by the barman, whose attitude stunk! He was genuinely ignorant and I certainly won't be going back there again! I'll give the H.G.Wells a go as it sounds like they've made a real good effort with the place!
Mmmmm ... we used to use the North End for our monthly lunch meeting. But then a change of management, a change of lovely lady behind the bar ...
You should see the scum that tumble out of the North End some weekends, terrorising the local roads. Most of them from our "local authority" neighbours no doubt. Something to do with the changes at the Huntsman's Hall I shouldn't wonder.
Hmm, felt concerned by the presence of a 'bouncer' outside the H.G.Wells on Saturday evening at barely 6pm, I must admit!
Why are you concerned about a doorman outside a pub? Surely they are trying to turn the pub around?..... And on the flipside, doorman doesn't mean you are a trouble pub, instead the pub is just looking after everybodys safety. Don't be scared of doorstaff,,,,,,
we went to the HG wells for dinner yesterday, there were a few teething problems which is understandable as they have only been open a few days and probably still finding their feet but the staff were very friendly and the food was lovely will be making another visit soon no doubt
Had lunch at the HG Wells and we were most impressed. Food was good and service was friendly and polite.
Highly recommend.
Hi we went for something to eat Sat lunchtime. We hoped to try the butchers breakfast but got told it was only Mon to Fri. But we must have looked very disappointed as they offered to check with the chef to see if they had any of the ingredients available. They did and it was terrific. Real quality food and the staff were great. We will be going back soon to try their steak night.
Does anyone have a telephone contact for the HG Wells?
I went into the North End Tavern last night, simply because my friends chose the place but I was a little wary after reading your post.
I must say I had a great night, the bar staff seemed friendly, I was interested in working out which barman was the "moody" one you mentioned but I couldn't as the two lads in there seemed friendly and helpful enough.
There was also a good atmosphere and we got chatting to a bunch of the people I assume are regulars and ended up having a really good night!
I heard a rumour that the North End Tavern was once owned by the Kray brothers 'back in the day'. Can anyone confirm this?
I ventured to HG Wells last night as my wife had the ladies around. Turns out I was in luck as Tuesdays are Steak Night! For a tenner, you can get a great steak, a potato variant (baked or french fried) and some green veg AND to top it off you get a drink with it too.
Very impressed and I think I have finally found a place to chill out.
Apparently you can also hire it out for parties...just in time for those summer birthdays.
Until next time....
Had a great evening in the garden last night in the HG Wells with some great company. Turns out that Wednesday is quiz night - there were quite a few teams playing if you are into that sort of thing.
James, the manager there tells me that their website will be up and running later today (3rd June) so more info up and coming.
by the way - they do Eton Mess on the dessert menu.... yum yum
My husband and I moved to WP about a month ago and the HG Wells is just round the corner. We went there for dinner a couple of nights ago and found the atmos, food and staff all excellent. V reasonably priced wines by the glass too, you can even have a glass of prosecco for £2.50!
The HG Wells gets the thumbs up from me. They *must* keep the standard up though.. remains to be seen.
Just Had lunch at the H G Wells and it was excellent
Only lived in WP since September and never really fancied going to The Drill. We have popped into the H G Wells about thrice now (only at weekends during the day, as we are one of those annoying couples who take their kids to a drinking establishment every now and then). Decor is subtle, but nice, toilets nice (ladies - we know how important that is), good selection of drinks, menu varied - with kids menu, huge garden and really nice and competent staff! We have had a lunchtime snack there and are looking forward to getting a sitter and spending a nice evening with a meal drinks soon. The only criticism is that on their map WP station looks almost to be across the road, which couldn't be further from the truth.....
H G Wells - nice place
We went to the HG wells the other day and we found it really excellent. Pity it's a long walk from the main part of Worcester Park. The Worcester Park pub could easily be as nice as the Drill if they did it up and made it more family friendly with excellent food. Does anyone know the contact details of the owners of the HG wells? It would be nice if they could buy out the Worcester Park pub :-)
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