Reply to THIS thread
Start a NEW Talkback Thread
Talkback Home

Whiteley's Restaurant - Bob Joyce (9th Jan 2010 - 15:04:01) Has anyone tried Whiteley's restaurant (formerly the Robin Hood)? Whenever I pass by there seem to be very few customers' cars there and today there were none. Any opinions about the menu / prices, etc? Is it likely to go the way of the Passfield Oak, once one of the best pubs in the district until they tried to turn it into a hotel?

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (11th Jan 2010 - 15:23:54) Hi there Liphook commenter. Well yes we're quiet sometimes but that's the nature of business this time of year, we have only been open for two months. We offer very high standards of food at Whiteley's and do not buy frozen cheating foods from frozen food company's who basically serve their purpose in providing food to Chefs that can't cook or can't be bothered to? So were not the cheapest but we strive to be competitive and offer home cooked food, organic were possible, locally sourced and family friendly. The Robin Hood before was never going to be successful, pub biz is very difficult, 50 a week are closing in this country. The Passfield Oak?? well that used to be very popular many years ago and was destroyed by a large company running it and taking away the personal touch of an owner proprietor like me. I have had many customers coming back six or seven times already! We are now, in addition to our steak and seafood restaurant, offering function facilities for Weddings, Christenings etc. Come and give us a try. We want your experience at Whiteley's to be excellent! Bookings appreciated 01428751635 Peter Whiteley

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Bob Joyce (11th Jan 2010 - 17:39:48) Thank you Peter for commenting. You must have had a launch campaign but somehow I failed to notice it! I only realized the change when I drove by recently and thought "Who or what is Whiteley's?". Pardon my pessimistic comment but for a long time I have watched the Robin Hood's decline and wondered how many houses could be packed into that site. The fact that no other readers of this website answered my question suggests that you may not have reached the good folk of Liphook and perhaps ought to do some leafleting, etc. Now I have an idea of what you are about I shall try to rouse my family and get down there. For readers' benefit could you provide a few examples from your menu here? Regards, Bob

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Neil (12th Jan 2010 - 10:45:22) Peter I am always loking out for new places to eat, I did try and search for a website but could not find one maybe when you get time you could put one together. But a sample menu is a good start Good Luck Neil

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Art Woodhouse (12th Jan 2010 - 13:12:54) We tried it just before Christmas and sad to say we were very disappointed which was a massive shame as we had very high hopes. It had all the makings of a good night. The waitress was lovely and smiley and everything was relaxed as we made our order. The prices were high but were led to believe this would be matched by the quality. Sadly my wife's steak was served as a tiny piece of steak. So small in fact we queried whether there had been a mistake and that she had got a children's meal instead. The waitress agreed and went away to see the chef, coming back some time later to assure us everything was as it should be. I then asked to see the chef but apparently he couldn't make himself available as he was busy at the moment. I said how can this be as were the only ones there! The wife begged me not to make a fuss so we left after our steaks and even without coffees or dessert the bill still came to some £60! Such a shame.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (12th Jan 2010 - 14:23:37) I can't recall this ever happening please could the last commenter get in touch. Our Steaks are from Kaighin & Daughters in Grayshott, the very best, weights and measures act prohibits the sale of under weight steaks and we are no exception! they are pre cut by the butchers? but remember if you have it very well done you will get substantial shrinkage and maybe you ordered the light eater option 5oz. Anyway as i said get in touch and come and see me so i can make amends,as i said before we strive to be excellent and give our customers a real treat and it concerns me that your not happy.All our customers seem very happy,i will do my best to enhance your next visit to Whiteley's. Please Liphook don't let this put you off a visit, regards Peter, ps i am very pro liphook and all my three children attend School there, Bohunt, Liphook Junior and Mad Hatters Nursery.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Sue W (12th Jan 2010 - 19:18:15) I have tried the Whiteley (soon after it opened) - but would like to go again when a few more people are there too. My friend and I were the only 2 from about 9oclock, and all the lights were turned off around us. The staff were friendly and cheerful, but did say that at weekends - when they do their Carvery its very busy. Will try the Carvery soon - just can't face another roast dinner! It is, as the owner has said not 'pub grub' and the prices reflect the made to order food. It is a good location, and should be busy, but as it has been mentioned not enough has been done to promote it. Lets hope this will give them a boost. Good Luck to you Sue

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Mike Grimes (13th Jan 2010 - 00:44:37) Art, I presume you had the Minute Steak.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Sean (20th Jan 2010 - 10:12:27) Sorry to say but we tried the carvery and were also very disappointed. My wife ws looking forward to the beef but it was so rare she couldn't face it. The rest of the carvery was OK but we took the 3 course menu option. The Pate starter was served with some very strange flat biscuit things and the dessert wasn't brilliant. All in all quite expensive for a carvery that wasn't particularly enjoyable Sean

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - jo herridge (20th Jan 2010 - 16:38:00) I too had the carvery recently. The only downside I thought was not enough choice of vegetables and the yorkshire puddings were a bit too crispy but all in all a nice meal. It was rather quiet but I went shortly before food stopped being served so could have been busier earlier in the day.Staff were polite at all times and I would go again.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Jane Gard (20th Jan 2010 - 17:36:03) Why is it that posters on this site are always so negitive. Maybe there are some people that have been disappointed with their meal but I am sure that there have been many many people that have had a good experience and enjoyed the hospitality of the Whiteley family. It takes a vast amount of money, planning and research to start any business and the Whiteley family should be congratulated and encouraged. I am sure that it will prove to be the success that they deserve. We all know that many pubs and businesses struggle to make a living in this present climate and I would like to wish them the best of luck, it takes such a lot of hard work to build a business from scratch. I will also say that I have NO connection with the Whiteley family but am someone who spent many years building a business in Passfield.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Fiona (20th Jan 2010 - 20:34:59) I just wanted to echo similar sentiments to Jane, since the turn of this thread doesn't sit comfortably with me. We haven't yet tried the restaurant but fully intend to. Unless someone has had an appalling experience I don't really think an honest new local business deserves to be treated in this way on here. If people have complaints or suggestions for the owners they should speak to them in private. People in the area are always looking for new places to go and eat and yet pull apart the smallest details of a new business trying to get going. Give them a chance!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Editor (20th Jan 2010 - 20:55:29) Well Jane and Fiona, it is true that there have been some negative remarks about "Whiteley's". As you are both keen to visit, might I suggest you do so, without introducing yourself to Peter, and write 2 reviews to be posted on Liphook ? This will then hopefully bring this thread to a close. All businesses have to understand that bad service gets more publicity than excellent service does. Alan

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Sw (20th Jan 2010 - 21:44:02) Actually, I think this has been positive for the Whiteley!! Its made talk-back. Sure there are people reading this that did not know about them at all. Yes, there have been some people not entirely satisfied - as there will be for any establishment. But there have also been positive and encouraging comment too. The Whiteley has now reached more people, and I am sure many will not be put off by other peoples comments - and will reserve judgement for themselves. Building a business is about making people aware you are open for business - they do made to order food, carvery, childs play area (enclosed with soft balls and frame). This thread comes with unseen added extras - free!!!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Dawn Hoskins (23rd Jan 2010 - 15:20:52) they should market themselves to the yummy mummies as their play area look fantastic! I wanted to go in it myself...... On the food / drink front. There is a mismatch somehow. looks like a pub - old pub carpets ect - but prices are for an expensive eatery and not pub food. I know that for me - If I want to go to a restaurant for an expensive meal - I wouldn't consider going to a pub. Still, have been, friendly experience and I think that the morning coffee brigade will soon discover it as the place to wear out the ankle biters before their lunchtime naps. Good luck to them on that score - should advertise at the local schools to get the Mums interested.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Helen (23rd Jan 2010 - 17:01:19) Right...that's it...I am going to check it out myself next week, liking the sound of the play area for the children.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (25th Jan 2010 - 16:35:35) Hi! to all, Thank you for your encouraging support, I just wanted to let you Mums and Dads know that we are open Tues to Sunday but not on Sunday night. Yes we have a clean and safe indoor play area for your little ones to play.Kids menu is available which is only £4.50 for two courses and under 3's eat free if accompanied by a full paying adult. Lunch time menu is available as well as our steak and seafood menu. All OUR FOOD IS HOME COOKED. The carvery is also reasonably priced as it comes with waitress service, together with laundered napkins £10.95 2 course 12.95 3 course. We are also fully licensed which you can't say for some carvery outlets. Please look out for our adverts in the Herald's to promote food nights and function's. Most people come back here time and time. Hope your experience at Whiteley's exceeds your expectations! Regards Peter

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Neil Mullett (29th Jan 2010 - 15:42:25) I have visited the pub ( Robin Hood ) many times and a complete makeover, as carried out by Peter Whiteley, was long overdue. Now Whiteley's Restaurant the decor is first class, the menu provides a variety of options, including a children's menu, and there is a wine list offering a selection of European and international wines. There is also a "safe" indoor play area for the children. I had lunch there today with my wife, daughter and granddaughter. The food was good, the staff welcoming and we were aso greeted by Val their Functions co-ordinator. Everyone is trying to get the business off the ground but it does need more local support. The area is crying out for a decent restaurant so why not try it out and add your comments to this thread.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Stephen (30th Jan 2010 - 19:34:30) Think I will give it a go with the family

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter (7th Feb 2010 - 23:25:23) For further details check out our website www.whiteleysfamilyrestaurant.co.uk. Look forward to your visit P.D.Whiteley regards to all our customers. Thanks

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - paul (8th Feb 2010 - 17:24:21) Hi, Are your steaks really 80oz size as per your website menu? Some hearty diners I presume!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Hellen Divers (13th Jul 2010 - 14:29:11) Whiteley's is greaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Lovely atmosphere, fine food, a delightful experience for all the family.....makes me broody. My boyfriend says I may have been a little tipsy. Oh well. H

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (17th Jul 2010 - 20:34:30) Thanks for your great comments,just to let all you readers know,we are available for Functions and have already done several Christenings and Weddings,together with other celebrations and meetings. We do not charge for the venue at the moment so its a great opportunity to come and chat to us about your special day.It is nice to see so many local people coming back time and again to experience our quality food. Although we are named a family restaurant we also have a fine dining restaurant with delicious Steaks and Seafood and operate a Carvery on Sundays,together with our steak and Seafood Menu. Have a peep at our website, you can even book online or just pop in and experience what we have to offer. www.whiteleysfamilyrestaurant.co.uk. 01428 751635.thanks again Peter

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Dave (26th Jul 2010 - 15:20:40) At £22+ for a steak the food needs to be exceptional rather than good. I feel that the proprietor is trying to get away with London restaurant prices in what is essentially a village pub.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (27th Jul 2010 - 19:02:13) Reply to last comment,£22 is the 8-10oz prime fresh scotch Fillet steak and includes all salad bar and any potato of your choice,all our steaks are very good quality and start at under £10.Personaly i have visited a lot of restaurants and paid more for less.We are not a pub!you get to dine with exceptional service great choice of wines,join as a member and get great discounts on food.Our value menu starts at only £5 and all food is homemade.I can show anyone who visits 300 recent great comments by our customers who keep coming back,week after week,that should tell you something?Were not in London yes but quality counts.I know i cant please everybody but as long as im getting 99.9 percent,i know im on the right track.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - John Lush (29th Jul 2010 - 19:04:29) Very Impressive response Peter, very well articulated. I wish you every success with the business.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Danni (27th Aug 2010 - 09:12:04) Wow! Went to Whiteley's last night for my "last supper" before commencing my Slimming World diet once again, and I must say I was VERY impressed. The first time I went was literally 3 days after it had re-opened as Whiteley's and I wasn't massively impressed. But I am all for second chances so the boyfriend chose it for my last meal out and I happily agreed. After my lovely meal (I had the 5oz sirloin - which was a great size and very nicely cooked) we spoke to Peter who seems like a wonderful guy and genuinely loves his business. As far as I'm concerned, if you know that someone is passionate about providing such great service, it makes a huge difference to the experience you have. I think that anyone who hasn't yet been to experience Whiteley's should definitely give it a go. And by the same token if you have tried it and it wasn't your greatest experience, give it a second chance. I try my best to support local family run businesses and I have to say I shall definitely be reccommending it to my friends and family and definitely be going back again. Thanks for a lovely evening!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - J Tiller (5th Sep 2010 - 12:42:34) We have enjoyed all of our meals in Whiteleys and that is why I held my 30th Bday party there - great food, lovely staff and fab atmosphere, a great night was had by all. We will be regulars to their restaurant.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (21st Sep 2010 - 13:57:17) Would any Mum's and Dad's be interested in a Childrens Song and dance Coffee morning for you and your little ones say from 9.30 to 11.30am ? I will provide coffee or Tea + a homemade shortbread for the kids. There will also be all the food of our family restaurant available after 11.30 if you and your little ones want to eat lunch. Music will be provided and the use of our indoor soft play area. Entrance fee would include tea or coffee + kids homemade shortbread and the use of our facilities. One Parent one child, extra kids charged at 50p each. All kids must be under 6 years and accompanied by an adult parent. I have posted this because several mums have asked me if i could do this. What do you think? Regards Peter Peter - what will the entrance fee be ? Sounds like a good idea - see New to area - wanting to meet other Mums to check the date you choice doesn't clash with other local play groups

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (21st Sep 2010 - 19:31:48) sorry it is £5 per Adult+child thats it,this includes hot drink for The adult and short bread for the child also includes music for dance and play.My wife will help with the dance and fun she will not be responsible for looking after any kids but will help.I have been informed that other places that do this charge about £5 on entry but they also charge for drinks on top,ours will be included.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (21st Sep 2010 - 19:40:11) I was thinking of Friday mornings as i know several Mum's kids are not at Madhatters Nursery that day and the Nursery is willing to promote me.Its just an idea?It should help people to see that Whiteley's is nothing like the previous Robin Hood Pub and that it is now a lovely clean safe place for Family's and other diners alike to go to.Providing fresh homemade not frozen produce.All feedback much appreciated thanks Peter

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Helen (17th Nov 2010 - 12:04:00) Just to say that I went to Whiteley's for the first time on Sunday, with my toddler and some of our family. We had the carvery, which was absolutely delicious. Pate starter for me (although my son stole some)! Choice of 3 roast meats, fabulous yorkshire's, veg and lovely roast spuds. My family all had a great time, and the only downside was trying to get my son to LEAVE the wonderful play area! (managed to tempt him out with some ice cream, but dashed back in as soon as he'd eaten it). We will definitely be going back. Thank you Peter, see you soon! Helen

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Dave (1st Jan 2011 - 15:56:46) My daughter wanted to go to Whiteley's for her birthday meal on 28th December. So we went along for lunch, only to find the restaurant closed - not only on 28th but pretty much over the whole of the festive period! Now I'm no expert but is that really the way to run a restaurant business - surely this should be the busiest period? We we really disappointed and won't be making the effort to go again as we feel really let down - what a shame!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter Whiteley (1st Jan 2011 - 20:05:33) It is amazing to me to hear this as there was no booking. I posted closure dates on the front door of the restaurant and also left a message on the answer phone. I was open in the run up to Christmas eve, Christmas day and New Years Eve. I am afraid that during and after Christmas Day (of which we catered for 70 people) I and my family came down with very bad full blown Flu!, I could not even stand up for 5 days. I am very aware of that I must always try to keep my restaurant open, but when there are illnesses and staff holidays, together with no body booking, I had to shut. My advice is that if you are planning a birthday celebration then please book first or check out if we are open. I am sorry that we were not available for this Birthday Party. Please note that on the 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5th of January we are also closed (this is staff holiday, only 5 days in 16 months trading), but will be open from the 6th Jan onwards offering our full service and Sunday Carvery on the 9th. We would like to thank all our customers for all their support during 2010 and look forward to looking after them in 2011! Thanks Peter Whiteley www.whiteleysfamilyrestaurant.co.uk 01428 751635

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Michael (2nd Jan 2011 - 09:44:09) I would like to thank Peter and all his staff for opening and going to work on "Christmas Day" (i'm sure most people are on holiday this day) and making our christmas day meal memorable. We had a party of 27 so maybe it was us who ruined your imune system for the rest of the break Peter. If it was i apologise. We will be back. Michael

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter (12th Jan 2011 - 18:39:53) Thanks Michael, just to let people know that we are offering Tues to Sat,Two and Three Courses am and pm for £12.95 and £14.95 throughout Jan and Feb 2011. Remember anybody eating in our restaurant entitles them to be a member and receive a membership card that gives them the right to just drink here with their friends and family if they want and every £1 they spend on drink gives them 10p discount off food eaten in our restaurant Mon to Sat. Thats great value and soon builds up to free meals. Please book your Function at Whiteley's and receive great value and free venue. We can cater up to 200 people and have a Marquee available for those summer months. See my website for contact details. Thanks to all my customers for your support! regards Peter

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter (29th Jan 2011 - 20:52:24) Just to let any interested readers know that Whiteley's is still offering a free Wedding venue and free use of our large Marquee for Weddings,etc booked with us.We are getting lots of enquiries and thought i would post this on the liphook site.We offer lots of choice of Menu,s for your venue,whether Wedding,Christening,Anniversary or wakes.Any body interested should call or visit our website.Thanks

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Peter (25th Mar 2011 - 22:52:34) Please note we are taking bookings for our Sunday Carvery and A La carte on Mothering Sunday.tel 01428 751635 open between 12 and 5pm

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - PETER WHITELEY (6th Apr 2011 - 21:34:23) Thanks to all our customers who supported Whiteley's on Mothering Sunday.Wow! what a busy Day.Our next event is our South East Asian Food Night this Saturday the 9th April.Food starts at 8pm,costs only £15 per person and includes dessert and a Tiger Beer! and the best news is its eat all you can and all home cooked authentic style cuisine from Malaysia,Philippines,Thailand and China.Bookings are being taken now for this food Night.01428 751635

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - veronica (6th Apr 2011 - 23:16:58) I too never see cars in there when passing ...we think you are too expencive ... would it be better if you did deals like othere places ..For instants buy one get one free. like the anchor or tobys....far too much for pensioners ...yesrs ago I use to work there ... We were doing good trade but when the people who were running it left, It went realy down hill.. so come on ..get your prices right then the likes of us may be visiting

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - PETER WHITELEY (7th Apr 2011 - 18:58:24) All our food is homemade,we do do offers like two for one during the week and also are running a promotion £5 off at the moment.I am not prepaired to lower our standards so we can give food away for nothing.The Anchor and the Two for One are not the Market we are in.A lot of pensioners use us all the time.Dont forget we are a destination venue and not in a town.Yes we are quiet sometimes,but dont forget we have a car park at the back,which is twice the size of the front.We are not expensive,our food starts at £5.95 for a homemade main course and rises depending on what you have.We only buy food from local quality suppliers.So many people see a place quiet and dont stop.You are seriously missing out if you do that.People as a general rule once they come they keep coming back.We even issue our eating customers with a membership card which for every £1 you spend on drink you get 10p towards food on your card,we have over 850 Members now.Why some people see us as expensive,were not.There is an old addage you get what you pay for in life,that is so true.Dont be fooled by cheap offers,they are not always what they seem!come to Whiteley's like the Two hundred people we had last Sunday did and you wont be dissapointed.Hope to see you here soon!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - lily (7th Apr 2011 - 18:59:13) I have to say I have been twice since it became Whiteleys, and both times not overly impressed. The first time was for a two course carvery (we had the dessert option). This was ok. I wouldnt say it was bad as such and the price was reasonable.The carvery itself was standard. The meat was good, but not much of a selection of veg. It was nothing to complain about, yet also nothing to rave about. We visited a second time because it was ok and convienient for us to get to without having to travel too far. On the second visit we again had te two course option, this time having the starter of chicken and sweetcorn soup. The carvery was again, fine, the starter was simply horrible. I realise the consistency is meant to be thin, but it was tasteless, had funny slimy bits of chicken floating around and resembled dirty dishwater. This wouldnt stop me coming back, id just have something different, and put it down to a bad day, as is what happens in the service industry. I do think the prices for steak etc are a bit steep, and also the atmosphere was a bit dull. Id like to see Whiteleys succeed though and wish them the best of luck

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - gr (7th Apr 2011 - 20:11:28) AS to the soup I think you will find this is how Asian soup is if your go to a Chinese restaurant this is the type of soup you will get so thats not a fault with the food. Come on lets here about the upside on this site NOT ALWAYS the DOWN side. Support your local busnessesssssssssss ( OH Blow the Spellink)

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - PETER WHITELEY (7th Apr 2011 - 20:57:27) Lily, I take what you said on board and I must have to tell you the chicken and sweetcorn soup was not the best choice, we have extended the veg to also include fresh swede and parsnips, brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, sprouts, roast and new potatoes. Last Sunday we also had Apple crumble, Rhubarb Crumble, pancakes with bananna and chocolate sauce or maple syrup, Cherry Cheesecake and Chocolate fudge cake. We even do a one course option now. All this and our new a la carte menu at the same time. Hope you will notice the even higher standard here now.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - veronica (7th Apr 2011 - 21:24:36) well not very good write ups about your place anyway what has Asian soup got to do with a carvery come to that, also what has chinese got to do with it. You seem to be digging a bigger hole for yourself ..as you say the proof is in the pudding,

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - PETER WHITELEY (8th Apr 2011 - 12:24:29) I think from now on i will stop replying to these people who make rediculous comments ,it just encourages strange negative comments.Come here to Whiteleys and see hundreds of my customers comment sheets on how good it is here,or better still try it for yourself.Our Carvery on Sunday is very popular & its advisable you book now.Why do you think this is?yes because its great value and choice in pleasant surroundings with good service with a careing attitude and not to mention lovely food.I will end this streem now as its abnout time people supported local businesses for local people.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Bob (8th Apr 2011 - 15:09:46) I am beginning to regret starting this thread! I asked a simple question about this restaurant which seemed to have appeared unannounced and about which I knew nothing. Now the discussion has degenerated to the level of complaining about a bowl of soup. If you aren't happy with the food that is placed before you then have the decency to mention it to the staff. Things go wrong from time to time in even the best-run establishments. It's cowardly and unfair to criticize a business in a public forum long after the event when it could so easily have been put right at the time.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Sumi Olson (10th Apr 2011 - 20:08:39) For my part, praise for Whiteley's! We booked my 40th birthday meal there and found everyone helpful and attentive and the food was excellent value. With two young children to deal with, it was a little fraught dealing with their table "manners" but Peter and his staff were delightful. Had I or my husband had any issues, we would have taken it up directly with Peter... Looking forward to going there soon and letting the children play outside while we eat! Sumi

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Dave (11th Apr 2011 - 16:48:51) I agree that where possible local residents should be encouraged to support local businesses. However I believe this support has to be earned. The product or service offered must be of a quality equal to that of "outside" traders and as competitevly priced.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Anna (11th Apr 2011 - 21:34:28) The quality of the food at Whiteley's is so good that we have been back there 8 times with different friends,both lunch time and evening.Several of my other friends from Liphook have also been there and also sing their praises.So my advice is if you want genuinely homecooked good food then go there and support them.If like in any restaurant you have a problem then speak up at the time,don't just backstab them on these sites later.In my opinion Dave they have already earned our support,we only went there the other night for their South East Asian Food evening and it was Fab and included a Beer,Fantastic value,can't wait till they have another!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - lily (14th Apr 2011 - 22:06:43) I have replied to a thread with Bob asking the question what is the menu like, why are there no cars outside etc etc. I thought etc meant so on and so forth. I have given constructive critisism about the quality of the soup. I did not complain about the soup, I did not make it an issue or want it rectified, as the other options for starters were, pate (dont like) and a fish dish (dont like). As I said I put it down to a bad day or as Peter himself agrees it wasnt the best dish he has put on his menu. To reiterate, I also said I would just not have the soup again. It wasnt to my taste or expectation, but that is my own taste buds, I speak on behalf of myself not everyone else. I also said I would still come back and that Id like it to succeed. Perhaps I should have pointed it out on the day, but my day wasnt destroyed, it really did not matter so much to me to make it a great issue by moaning to him, I just accepted it and forgot about it. The only reason Ive mentioned it on here is because people are asking what other customers experiences have been. Alas, it is a public forum, and Ive stated my case. In response to Peters comment, I think he took my post as being constructive, not negative.Peter ,as far as parking is concerned,it may be beneficial to encourage your patrons to park at the front using the rear as an overflow, because perhaps your restaurant is being overlooked by people thinking there is no one in there. Obviously if people believe a venue is not busy, they will wonder why and just drive by and avoid. I and my husband sincerely wish Whiteleys to do well, and since there have been some positive feedback we will come back. Soup aside, we would have anyway. I just hope Peter can see that I wasnt trying to be derogatory about that. I hope Peter would not want his guests eating that kind of thing because he is obviously very passionate about making Whitleys enjoyable for his customers, and a success for himself. My husband and I will speak to Peter on our next visit. No back stabbing intended!!! Lily

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Sally McCarthy (14th Jun 2011 - 10:58:48) If you are wondering whether or not to try Whiteley's Restaurant, go ahead and try it. Since it was the Robin Hood, the place has been completely refurbished and is now clean, airy, spacious, inviting and very comfortable. My children are grown up now but they would have loved the indoor kids area when they were little. You don't have to sit near the kids area if you don't want to of course, as there is plenty of room elsewhere. There are lots of seats outside too for when the weather's good. I come to Liphook every fortnight to see my parents and frequently take them to lunch at Whiteley's. They always enjoy it there. It is often quiet on a weekday lunchtime - something I can't understand - but we still feel comfortable there even when there are not many other customers. I hope Whiteley's gets a growing support from the locals as it's a great asset to the area. Sally

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Tony (12th Nov 2014 - 20:54:43) Well, finally Whiteleys has been consigned to the dustbin of history. This was never going to work, just read the reviews, bad service and unappetizing food at high prices are not a recipe for success in this day and age. We used to use the Robin Hood which was a great pub/restaurant, not "run down" as Mr Whiteley claims. It had been refurbished and extended in 2006 and was a great place, good food and great value. Peter "Muppet" Whiteley took it on and announced that it was no longer a pub and you couldn't just go in for a drink! How to win friends and influence people..... RIP Robin Hood.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Curly (12th Nov 2014 - 21:32:49) It does not take a scientist to work out that Whiteleys was proved to be a non profit business in order for the pub to close down. How long will it be before it (a) gets knocked down and new houses re appear (b) turns into an Indian resteraunt or (c) old peoples home

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - S (12th Nov 2014 - 21:43:43) Curly, Peter Whiteley already stated that the building would be redeveloped, and seemingly the place is due to be knocked down. It is such a shame. Obvious bad management from the beginning. The Robin Hood has so much potential and I can't believe Peter Whiteley has let this happen... I wish I had the chance to run a business like that, and there he is wasting it!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Suzanne (12th Nov 2014 - 21:45:20) Well said Tony. I am so sad to see the Robin Hood close for good. I said so on the last Whiteleys thread. I don't believe that anything other than mismanagement closed this pub. The Rising Sun in Milland is proof that despite smoking bans etc, if a pub is run well people will come. Last Christmas around 16 work colleagues and I went there for lunch. We were told that the only place we could sit was tucked around the corner where the children play. Only there were no children and only another couple of people in the pub. It was uncomfortable and we certainly weren't made to feel important or festive. The food was not worth mentioning. When it was the Robin Hood pub we would often go for lunch or drop in after work and we were always greeted with a welcoming smile whether you ate or just had a drink. Still I am sure that redevelopment was a great option for Mr Whiteley.

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Janet (13th Nov 2014 - 01:42:10) Maybe that was the plan all along, Suzanne. There's probably a lot more profit to be made from selling the land for redevelopment than in running a restaurant. It will be a shame if it does get redeveloped. No Passfield Oak and now, it appears, no Robin Hood either. :-(

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Suzanne (13th Nov 2014 - 09:00:10) Just what I said on the other thread Janet. I called it a Master Plan!

Re: Whiteley's Restaurant - Katherine (13th Nov 2014 - 12:07:20) After working in the Robin Hood for four years, with two different owner. It's just a sad thing to see it go down this way :( RIP Robin Hood.

Reply to THIS thread
Talkback Home