Took my wife and two teenage sons here last night. We'd been told it was the best restaurant in the area. We're not usually fans of 'pub grub' - this too often means 1970s 'scampi', 'chicken in a basket' followed by 'triffle'. However, The Old Wheatsheaf was a pleasant surprize. Walking into the pub area to book a table (which you must do becasue they're almost always full) was like a scene from an old Hammer movie: everyone in the room turns around to look at you! I resisted the urge to burst into song for the 'audience'. Went back later for the meal. The decor is a bit dated, farmhouse-style furniture, 1970s wall fixtures. The service was excellent if a bit slow (this place has a reputation for slow). Food though was outstanding. The menu tended towards the traditional english, but had a surprizing selection of European and Oriental dishes as well. I ordered bruschetta followed by a chicken tagine. To be honest, out here in Surrey in this sort of pub, I was surprized they'd have these sort of dishes. I was even more surprized when they'd been cooked to perfection. The tagine (although served in a non-traditional bowl) was the best I've ever had! Another surprize was the wine menu, short but well balanced. We ordered a spanish rioja that was very palatable. The waitress impressed us with her wine knowledge. My two sons ordered traditional 'bangers and mash' and again the restaurant did an excellent job. The highlight of the meal was a chocolate pudding with ice-cream. Very rich, very moreish. This isn't a place for the cost conscious, our evening meal for four came to £200. I like good food, well presented, but to be frank this can be hard to find outside London. Overall though our experience at The Old Wheatsheaf was exceptional and I'd recommend it to all Canucks visiting Olde Blighty. read more
