As mentioned in a previous post, changes are afoot in Cobham’s pub scene. After the shock news that the Old Plough was closing, the Old Bear has followed suit and is closed from today while the refurbishment takes place. I spoke with one of the managers and they are all moving on to pastures new while the Wildwood guys set up an Italian restaurant. No-one seems sure whether the bar area will remain as a bar – but fear not because there is good news…
On the site of many before it (including the Vermont and El Torito’s) rises a phoenix from the flames – NY Bar and Grill opened last week and is being run by the owners of the Cobham Hotel on the same site. I’m not sure how different it will be to any of its predecessors, but I for one am glad that it’s open.
The Times ran a story last Saturday about Elmbridge and about how rich and detached from reality we all are (of course). They conducted an interview with Adrian who owns the Running Mare – and comically referred to said pub at least twice in the article as ‘The Racing Mare’. Perhaps they know something we don’t.
And finally, replacing the old metal sculpted plough that hung from the pub over the road, is this rather obscure pub sign. Some have called it ‘distasteful’, but does it affect your pub habits?
So it seems only The Fairmile is keeping itself out of the spotlight, for the time being at least. Can it compare with the more traditional, ‘local’ pubs nearer the centre of Cobham? Where’s your drinking house of choice?
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I am rather fond of the working man’s club. The cheese sarnies are to die for.
Wildwood looks like a no go, when I look at the bear as I drive past, it is still open and running and Cobham no longer appears as a restaurant on the Wildwood website. Maybe the Bear has survived.
Speaking as a 30 something Cobham resident, I would say we’re not exactly spoilt for choice – its a fairly lacklustre bunch of pubs… The Bear is presently my preferred pub since its refurb, although its fairly quiet, lacks atmosphere and seems somewhat focused on the restaurant element. The Racing / Running Mare has the potential to be a great pub but is hampered by the young, at times oikish clientelle. The Old Plough is a shadow of its former glory; cosy atmosphere and a nice, warm ale drinking older crowd but it also suffers from the restaurant angle. The Old Bear is out on a limb (unless you’re going to the train station). Cricketers at Downside is always good in the summer months with its picturesque setting and open fires in the winter are a good draw for a Sunday booze. I’ve found the bar staff unfriendly though. Black Swan at Ockham is great, upmarket gastro style, albeit out on a limb (I wouldn’t fancy trying to walk home on those lanes!). I’m interested to see what they’ve done with Bar Estillo / NY Grill but I’m depressed to hear its being run by the Cobham Hotel – they’re hardly likely to inject any style into the place. I reckon Cobham is screaming out for a trendier, late licence bar with a DJ playing a decent mix of modern music. There’s a substantial wave of young, fashionable, upwardly mobile types that have moved out of London to put down roots in Cobham and its depressing that all we have is a bunch of bland pubs.
Well said JP, I agree (as a 30-something year old too).
I agree with JP. And not just because I’m also a 30-something year old with JP as my initials.
Here Here, the pub situation is terrible, completely agree with last 3 comments. We should form a syndicate, buy up the Old Plough near the station and create the perfect 30 something bar..!!
Cobham in its heyday had at least 10 pubs. Sadly all but The Running Mare and the Plough at Downside are now currently open and this to a certain extent reflects the way the Cobham as a village has changed over the years. The Cricketers is probably a bit too far out of Cobham to be really included in this remit. The Old Plough at Stoke should be a success but has always had owners who seemed not to have a clue on how to run a hostelry and the Bear with its location should have been the busiest pub but always managed to promote an atmosphere conducive to curing insomnia. The Fairmile imgo is not a pub but more of a haven for those who have been banned from the other pubs in the area and is more akin to a restaurant rather than a pub.
I think we are agreed – Cobham need a venue just like the Albert in Esther. The old bear would be the ideal venue but the Stoke Plough would be an alternative. How long do we have to wait until someone hears the locals?
Who remembers the Tartar – always a good place for a fight if you were bored on a weekend.
Cocktails at the Vermont Exchange when it used to be so busy you had to wait 2 hours for a table. I even remember the place when it was a pub – that’s showing my age!
The Old Plough is OPEN again !! Big (bland) signs outside proclaiming ‘under new management’, and it was open when I drove past this lunchtime. Will try and find an excuse to file a field report tomorrow !
I remember the Royal Oak on the Portsmouth road opposite where Sheargolds are now. That’s how old I am. I also remember a pub called the Antelope which is now where Berkeley Homes resides. There was a pub that used to at the high street end of Church St which I think was called the Stag and Hounds. There used to be loads of them but now sadly lost in mists of time. A bit like me really!
And stating the obvious all these pubs were on the old A3 about 1 days ride from the centre of London.
I remember the Antelope but I’d have love to see the Stag & Hounds!
Loving the “Bar 30 Syndicate” idea!!! How much money can each of us chip in?!? Maybe Waitrose will let us have one of their charity boxes?? Has anyone checked out Bar Estillo now its under the management of the hotel?!!?
I might see if they’re interested in having a live band or DJ night – we need something to inject some atmosphere into the place…
JP – are you serious? I genuinely think it’s a great idea
Firstly, I just realised it was El Torito (not Bar Estilo) – now under hotel ownership.
As to whether I’m serious, well yes, a good friend of mine (and fellow Cobham resident) is lead guitarist in a decent, established band (supported The Who in a recent war- up gig). And my brother and various friends are Djs – in the past we’ve put on soul / funk / hip hop nightsand also more eclectic stuff (from indie – mod to house). And we know of other local-ish bands. If the owners were interested, I’m sure we could arrange a few events. I’m no promoter BUT I will talk to a few friends and check out wha’ts going on at NY Bar & Grill.
Any one else got any ideas / contacts / etc?
I know of one or two bands i could ask, i’m thinking El Torito would host an event as they hold a weekly over 30’s night! I’ve never actually been to it, i’ve also thought or considered it a over 30’s ‘singles’ night, and hence not somewhere i’d go for a drink with my missus on a friday night.. could be wrong though.
Saw on http://www.cobham.localify.co.uk/newsletter_18_november_2010.html that The Plough at Stoke has reopened. Has anyone been in and tried the food yet?
Also Stoke won a prize in the Fuller’s Village of the Year 2010 competition.
Sorry, hadn’t read the whole thread, some one had already said the Plough was open again.
As we are moving to Stoke D’Abernon shortly, I gave the newly re-opened Old Plough a go for a late lunch on Saturday. The food wasn’t awful, but not a patch on the Running Mare. I agree with all the comments about the Old Plough, it’s a great location and has so much potential but it was devoid of customers, the conservatory area was cold and the whole pub could do with a refurb. I hear plans are afoot so fingers crossed they improve my soon to be local!
What’s happened to NY bar and grill? Already closed down.
I’m a bar owner and am seriously thinking of setting up something in cobham, can anyone recommend a site/ location? Don’t think NY will be available as owned by the hotel. The only places to go at the moment are reds in weybridge, which I don’t like and a makeshift bar at Layla ‘s restaurant….
All I have seen opening in cobham are estate agents, and now sainsburys local…the area is losing its appeal if it continues the way it is.
Anyway look forward to hearing some thoughts and opinions.
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