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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.

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