Sunday Roast at The Olive Tree Pub

Is there anything that hits the spot better than a Sunday Roast? Every now and again it is nice to not have to cook a roastie and enjoy someone else doing it (and the washing up) for a change. For the first time in forever we decided to do just that and chose to eat out at The Olive Tree Pub.

This country-esque pub is nestled in Sutton Green, Woking. It is a relatively small pub with quite a limited car-park, so be prepared for a challenging parking situation when busy.

Welcomed with a friendly greeting and shown to our table, it was time to peruse the menu. With the option of 6 different roasts (gluten free options available) ranging from £17.95- £21.95 each are served with Yorkshire pud, roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, maple parsnips, honey glazed carrots, cabbage and a jug of gravy.

Roast Sirloin of Sussex Beef

If a Sunday Roast is not for you then they also serve a selection of other mains, which as they came out the kitchen they looked delicious. We both chose the Roast Sirloin of Sussex Beef and it was cooked lovely and melted in the mouth. It would have been nice to have 3 slices, this seems the average in pubs and restaurants but that would likely increase the cost here.

Cauliflower Cheese for Two

The cauliflower cheese was cheesey, had a good sauce to cauliflower ratio and is a firm favourite when it comes to a roastie! The vegetables were tasty but limited – 2 parsnip, 2 carrots, spoonful of cabbage. It would have been nice to have more of them. With only 3 roast potatoes it felt a bit stingy, after all next to the meat they are the next big staple to a Sunday Roast. However there was no mention on the menu that these were garlic roasted which for someone who hates garlic it was the biggest disappointment for me.

The customer service was sadly lacking and I wonder if it were because were in the dreaded corner table because it felt like we were forgotten about. We requested additional gravy which never arrived, no-one checked in during the meal, and we weren’t asked if we wanted any further drinks or dessert. It was also concerning that when I queried the roast potatoes and provided feedback that they could perhaps clearly state they are garlic on their menu, it felt like they didn’t seem bothered, and there was no apology.

An enjoyable roast dinner but one where some improvements and tweaks of at least additional veg, clearer description on the menu and more attentive customer service would have really elevated the experience. On the whole I probably wouldn’t rush back.

Perhaps this will be the start of a roast dinner touring series…. Where is your favourite place to enjoy Sunday Roast? Bonus points if there are in and around Surrey!

Nibbles ‘n’ Scribbles