The White House - Guildford

I met up with some friends for drinks at this restaurant. We were able to hang out for a while without feeling obligated to order food, but some of us ended up trying the menu. The prices were on par with a gastropub, but the food was quite good and they had a nice selection of non-alcoholic beers. The restaurant is conveniently located not too far from the town center, making it easy to visit after a shopping trip.

To begin, I would like to acknowledge the pleasant and competent service provided by our server. Unfortunately, this is the only positive aspect of our experience at this restaurant. I decided to try their signature dish, the Buffalo sauce glazed roast half chicken with a mixed salad and house chips. The dish looked appetizing in a photo on Google, but what was served to me was a disappointment. The chicken was drowning in sauce, making the chips soggy and unappetizing. The Buffalo sauce, while having the expected vinegar and chili flavors, was overly sweet. The mixed salad was also drowned in a heavy, bottled dressing. Overall, it was one of the worst meals I have ever been served at a bar or restaurant. Despite being hungry, I could only manage to eat half of it. My companions also did not enjoy their meals. Although our server was courteous and receptive to our feedback, no adjustments were made to the bill. We decided to skip dessert and coffee and paid the full bill before leaving. I am still puzzled by how such a disappointing dish could be served by any chef. I would advise avoiding this restaurant for food.

The lunch was lovely. I imagine it would be even better in the summer, when you can sit outside on the terrace by the river. However, even on a very cold November day, it was nice inside.

First visit today won't be the last Lovely warm friendly pub. Huge portions of lovely food and excellent service

I booked a table for 2 for a 2pm Sunday lunch following a shopping trip to Guildford. I have researched the best places for a Sunday lunch in Guildford before booing and the White House came up as one option. We had a table in the conservatory, overlooking the river. My wife ordered the Roast Chicken lunch and I had the Roast Beef, along with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. The lunch was exceptional, one of our best ever. The roast potatoes were herby (Thyme? and crisp, the Cauliflower cheese was delicious and VERY cheesy, and the accompanying buttered mixed green veg was also very good. My beef was tender and tasty but the star was my wife's Chicken, which was perfectly cooked and not at all dry and SO tasty, like the chickens we used to eat in the 1960s! Service was polite and rapid and all together, we really enjoyed the meal and will return to Guildford just to enjoy a repeat experience before Xmas. Compliments to the chef and serving staff!