Eating out: The Yew Tree, Reigate

By dmorris

It must rank as one of the most well known and familiar sights in Reigate, given its strategic location.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Reigate Hill, the imposing building that houses The Yew Tree dates back to 1936 and is one of the most striking pubs in the area. Once inside you can enjoy a drink at the large and welcoming bar, with all original features restored to their former glory by owners husband and wife team Marc and Maureen Jones.

They took it over about two years ago after setting up their new company, Time Well Spent. In short order they acquired two other well known pubs: The Sportsman, Mogador, Lower Kingswood, and The Plough and Attic Room, High Street, Rusper, near Newdigate.

They have restored and refurbished the beautiful 16th century inn in Rusper, breathed new life into The Yew Tree and refurbished and updated The Sportsman.

Their commitment to values of service with the emphasis on quality and standards has clearly paid off.

Having sampled the cuisine at both The Sportsman and The Plough and come away suitably impressed, I found it hard to resist an invitation from Marc to visit The Yew Tree.

The warm, cosy and relaxing atmosphere -– coupled with Marc's equally warm welcome – were in sharp contrast to the howling winds and incessant rain outside one Friday evening.

The Yew Tree has an exceptional ambiance, relaxing and impressive with its original oak panelled walls and parquet flooring. The addition of quality furnishings and fabrics create a warm and feelgood environment.

You may like to sit by the period double aspect fireplace. Or if you prefer, move on to the stylish restaurant area. At the rear of the pub is a surprisingly beautiful 50 seater split level courtyard, complete with water features.

The pub is very clean and standards high without being pretentious. There seemed to be a very friendly set of patrons enjoying themselves around the bar in little groups.

We sat ourselves at a table for two, by a warm radiator, from where we enjoyed an overview of the bar area and much of the pub. Our waiter promptly brought us the menu which we looked at while we munched on an assortment of warm bread rolls with butter.

For starters both my wife and I chose deep fried breaded whitebait, served with tartar sauce, a large portion of mixed salad and a wedge of lemon (£5.45). I have to confess that I was not familiar with whitebait prior to this – I found it much like scampi.

My wife chose a 10z rump steak (£13.95) as her main course and I went for the smaller (8oz) albeit more expensive (£16.95) Scottish beef fillet steak. Both were served with seasoned hand cut chips, onion rings, pan fried mushrooms, grilled tomato and peas. The peppercorn sauce set it off beautifully. We rather fancied the chips and asked for some more.

By now thoroughly satisfied with our meal – the portions were pretty generous – we decided to take a bit of a breather before making our dessert choice. Both of us opted for a "trio of St John's Farm real ice cream" (£4.95), with my wife choosing coffee, chocolate and vanilla flavours and me going for just the vanilla and chocolate flavours.

The Yew Tree, which has a child policy (age 12 and over), offers real ales and an extensive and exciting wine list (by the glass and bottle), which includes some interesting New World offerings.

Marc and his team at The Yew Tree, led by head chef Nicola Sutcliffe, are all geared up for the forthcoming festive season, their Christmas menu (available December 1 to 24) already drawn up. The Yew Tree is the ideal venue for a Christmas celebration, combining at it does the very best of the proud English pub tradition with good food and drink, a warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere and a well run and efficient operation.

Alf De Araujo

ataglance

Reviewer's rating: Four stars

Cost for two: £51.70 (including deserts but not drinks )

Service charge: At discretion of diner

Wine: Varied and impressive selection

Vegetarian: Plenty of choice

Parking: Space for at least two dozen vehicles in front

Disabled access: Yes

Service: Prompt and efficient

Value for money: Yes

The Yew Tree

99 Reigate Hill

Reigate

Surrey

RH2 9PJ

01737 244944

Photos: David Berman