The Headley

Very good, will visit again.
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James Haywood
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, July 15, 2011

We went to the Headley on a Saturday evening to meet up with frends. We were looking for a nice, quiet country pub and so my girlfriend recommended the Headley as she had been there in 2007 and had a great time. Well, how things have changed since! The moment we stepped out of the taxi we heard the music blasting out of the open windows. Apparently there was an "event" taking place upstairs. Unfortunately they failed to mention this when we made the table reservation earlier that day. As we walked inside the music only got louder. We would have left there & then had it not been for the fact that the taxi had already driven off.

I wouldn't describe the interior as a country/ gastro pub. It was decorated in an ecclectic style of American steakhouse with fairylights meets "The only way is Essex". The walls were used as exhibition space for (local?) artists - some works were interesting.

The staff were friendly and service was acceptable. The quality of the food was fine, but portions were modest to say the least. The choice of wines on offer was rather limited.

I would recommend you give this place a miss if you're after a quiet night out with friends in a sophisticated setting. However, if you're still wearing your tracksuit bottoms & trainers after coming back from the gym and you can't be bothered to change clothes and you want to go out for a quick bite then do go to the Headley - you won't stand out from the crowd.

Such a shame - this place is set in a beautiful location and could be a great country pub, but clearly its management has different ideas. We won't be going back there any time soon.
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5 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 5
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Good lord - I have no idea what most of the reviews here are all about.

Having just been to the Headley and parted with the best part of £100, I agree with the topmost review - I FEEL MUGGED.

We were greeted by the barman who took our order for drinks before inviting us to the bar - we sat in the big sofas and soaked up the ambiance - of which there was very little - no music, no atmosphere and most importantly - no heating. Glad to have a large overcoat, I felt it awkward to eat with it on, so took the plunge and sat there shivering. My wife was the lucky one with a wrap where we all looked on enviously - although my son had trouble seeing straight as he was shivvering so much! It was amusing to see his lips turn blue.

Waiter arrived to welcome us and to inform us that half the menu was unavailable, seeming due to the shortage of potatoes for mash of which nearly every meal consisted of. My daughter and son had a £6 prawn cocktail which was tiny and I shared a baked camembert with the wife - not too bad. Daughter then had steak, son a burger and the wife and I had Gammon. No real flair to the dish, just like your mum used to make, except MY Mum used to make sure it was properly cooked. Overall, disappointing does not cover it. I NEVER write reviews on sites like this, but felt obliged to do so immediately after coming home (without a dessert as frankly could not stand it a minute longer).

If you have the idea to spend £100 on a meal - there are plenty of other choices, better value, better ambiance, better experience. For those involved in this restaurant - there is a reason it is empty on a saturday night and you should start to consider how to offer value and better all round experience before the doors close on your business for the last time.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
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1 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Saturday, January 29, 2011

I've been to The Headley a few times (8-10 times) over the last six months. It's a local so I am always keen to support local pubs/restaurants. Almost every time there has been a problem. Today though takes the biscuit. I arrived at 3:30'ish was passed a menu and spend a good 15 minutes browsing it at the bar while my son and I had a drink. The barman was great. I go to order and was then told the menu wasn't available until 5:30. Hmm. You know - if a barman spots someone reading a menu that isn't available - it's polite/useful to say so. OK. My mistake. I hold on and have a drink. 4 other guys come in and are seated and served!! what gives? Anyway. I go off and come back at 5:30. Order a steak (£15'd) and a roast for my son. Steak is medium. Guess what - 15 mins later. Steak turns up. It's rare. I send it back. Son's roast is super ordinary. Nothing special at all. Nothing even tasty, but he's getting stuck in so that's fine. Steak comes back. It's almost as rare IF NOT even more rare than before. I push the whole lot to one side. No on checks if it's OK, no one approached table. Eventually. Manager comes and takes plates. Doesn't wonder why whole plate of food is left, doesn't ask..

I am £35 pounds better off and feel completely mugged.

Like I said, I've been a few times. Mostly because it's local, secondarily because it's 'family friendly' and I like the big sofas and the relaxed nature of the place. The staff seem to change from one visit to the next. I can't recommend this place at all. Sorry - I wish I could.

I've made up my mind. I won't be going back. Not even for a mineral water.
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2 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Sunday, June 06, 2010

I have to agree with some of the previous reviews in that visits to the Headley under previous management has been a mixed bag. We booked this Sunday (26th) as we had a large party of 20 and numerous other venues could not cater for us so there was some trepidation although the telephone call for booking was professional and inviting. Our visit was for a significant family birthday event with some family over from Germany. Our arrival and greeting was pleasant and I was impressed with the relaxed modern decor and atmosphere. We were shown to the upstairs area where we relaxed by the bar whilst waiting for all to arrive.

The service was wonderful, never hurried, nothing was too much trouble and always wth a smile our waitress was wonderfully patient with such a large family group more engrossed in conversation than ordering food which is as it should be. The food was fantastic, stylish, of good quality without over complication. Wine choice was also very satisfactory. Our whole experience was one that will be remembered by all as a very memorable family event and many future events will have this venue at the top of the list.

My only fear is can it last. I do hope so, well done Headley chefs, management and staff for our happy occassion, thoroughly recommended for large and small parties.
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Peter Strange
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, April 27, 2009