The Grumpy Mole Oxted in Tandridge

I am so disappointed to be writing this as previously have enjoyed good food and service. Not today though.We arrived at 12.30 my host had booked and asked for a table on the terrace. When we eventually found someone to speak with they said just find a table here, there or in the garden. We found a table in the garden - took our seats and waited, waited, waited - after 30+ minutes I (as the youngest member of the group) went to the bar to ask whether someone could come and take our order - with his back to me the barman said 'what do you want' - so I placed an order for drinks and food (we had made our choices on the long wait) - I was then presented with a heavy tray to carry out myself - a drink missing - I went back - no apology nothing. Well, at least we had a drink now - waited a further 30+ minutes for the food - fish pies so dry and a steak and kidney pudding that was full of gristle (I gave that to the dog). Oh we asked for condiments - they turned up halfway through the meal - good job I got up and found some on another table.It has been a while since I have been here admittedly, however the menu never ever changes, the service today was appalling (I am sympathetic about recruitment and working in heat etc) however, there was no one around - even had to go to the bar to pay as yes we waited and waited and waited...The Grumpy Mole Oxted did us all a huge favour as it raised the bar - sorry to say its competition has surpassed them - I think Simon Nicholson and his team need to get a grip and perhaps visit The Haycutter and others close by to see how his business has been surpassed.Location - fantastic. Gardens / views - wonderful. Staff - stressed and not coping, unapologetic. Food - today - very poor.Let's hope the next time (there will be one) the experience will be very different.I did not ask to see the manager today as I was a guest.

My first time here, and a nice (not too hot) summer evening in July, this was a Friday night the place was busy, lucky to get a space in the car park, but also great to see this business flat out (after Covid etc).I would recommend based on this to book in advance, we did, and we had a nice meal with a couple of bottles of wine, the starters and main dishes were all cooked well, and very nice. The service was attentive, with someone cross-checking one of our requests around garlic in one of the dishes, which they were able to cope with. This attention to detail is good, nothing worse than getting served something you did not want, or are unable to eatThe pub is doggo friendly, and has a nice decor indoors and well maintained outdoor area, with some wonderful views and last night a super Kentish sunset.This pub is part of a group of three or four, so not a chain, but a nice size of company for this type of country-style pub/food venue in terms of standards and continuity of service and staff.I would recommend it fully and wish I lived a little closer!

Went for afternoon tea .old pub ,a way out side of Oxted. In a very rural setting. Inside is very modern with a large bar, good selection of Beers and wine and a good food menu. Cream tea was excellent.Large outside seating area that wraps around the pub and takes advantage of the views. Two car parks either side of the pub.

Now this a really nice local pub. Perfect for a nice summers pint outside but the inside is really lovely too.The food menu looked great. We will come shin for sure

Food was tasty, but not as good as a time we went ~4 years ago, in general felt like more standard nice pub food. Service was pretty bad, had to ask for extra menus rather than just the single one on the table, took a long time to get orders in, they almost brought us a duplicate starter and mains took a very long time to arrive. But worse for the table next to us - they'd been seated before we arrived, received starters when we did, and only got their mains in the end when our dessert turned up! At some point a manager had come over to ask whether they'd like to order a dessert, and they said they were still waiting for their main!Parking is absolutely atrocious, some lines on the ground in their car park would definitely let a few more cars park either side - as it is people leave a metre or so between cars, heavily limiting who can fit!

Great little country pub, lovely food from an interesting menu. Good choice for wine, attentive friendly staff. Definitely worth a try, only downside is that the car parking is a bit limited so would be best to get an early table.

Wonderful! We started with sharing a delicious mezze platter, followed by fish pie for one of us, sea beam and prawns for the other. Perfect. Despite being very busy, service was friendly and welcoming. Fabulous setting in the garden. Then we had a walk in the amazing bluebell wood across the road. A fabulous afternoon.

We were on a very muddy winter walk. Despite this The Royal Oak supplies boot covers, and made us very welcome. Our light lunch choice was a much needed sausage and onion baguette with a little salad garnish. We highly recommend this place, which was a favourite of our family for celebrations. Great to see it still thriving.

Lovely pub meal here today.Great service and great food!Tasty and hot. A real treat !

Had a great meal at The Grumpy Mole on Friday evening. We hadn't booked but took a chance and just turned up. We asked to sit outside and found a lovely spot on the terrace under the shade of a welcome parasol. Our waitress was very efficient, friendly and polite. The food was served in a timely manner and everything felt relaxed and very welcoming. The two starters we enjoyed were the smoked salmon parcel and cheese & bacon potato skins, both absolutely sublime. For mains we had the Cajun burger with fries, coleslaw and salad, and calves liver, bacon, onions with mash and vegetables. Both delicious. Everything cooked to our liking, so very happy tummies! Can't wait to return here for another great meal in a lovely setting.Had to add another review, as we went back for a great lunch on Saturday. It was a very rainy day but that was completely forgotten the moment we entered The Royal Oak.The waiting staff were absolutely brilliant, made us feel so welcome and valued. We were offered a very cosy table in The Alcove. We chose the lamb rump with Dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables, and the Steak and ale pie with new potatoes and vegetables. Absolutely delicious! This place has become a real gem and the staff appear so committed to giving you a really special experience. A big thanks to everyone at the Grumpy Mole Oxted!