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Links tavern - zola (21st Feb 2013 - 07:24:08) The Links is due to reopen next week lets hope Fullers keep the prices down offer good value and it becomes a great pub again when you used to get 150 people there on a friday nite and people used to travel to get there lets hope as were down to one pub in village at momment come on Fullers give the locals a chance

Re: Links tavern - Paul (22nd Feb 2013 - 23:14:21) Hi, Yes a great asset to Liphook in the future. Fullers are a company that have put money into pubs. It will live or die on it's sword. Support it or lose it, for our local future. Liphook is a good place to be.

Re: Links tavern - The Links (23rd Feb 2013 - 12:13:05) We open next weekend! And we've uncovered some beautiful old features. We look forward to opening our doors as the perfect country pub with high quality local food, real ales & hand picked wines. See you there! Drinkers, diners, muddy boots & dogs welcome..

Re: Links tavern - Andy (23rd Feb 2013 - 16:42:15) Will there be any local beers though?

Re: Links tavern - Karen Feeney (23rd Feb 2013 - 17:16:28) Hello Links Team! You mention muddy boots and dogs but not children?! Are children still welcome too? Good luck with the re opening. Hope you are successful! We look forward to having our next Carnival Committee meeting in the pub! Best wishes Karen

Re: Links tavern - Links Tavern (24th Feb 2013 - 10:24:56) Children very welcome, always. We have a new kids menu too with organic meats from Laverstoke park farm. Re local beer - yes, we have worked with Ballards to produce a beer unique to the Links.. its being conditioned as we speak. We're quite excited about it.. As always, appreciate all feedback once we open our doors.

Re: Links tavern - Finchie (24th Feb 2013 - 11:00:58) "Still welcome" implies they were once welcome ! Interested to see the reply. Happy Weekend (hunting for a kid friendly pub happy to house some well behaved kids - oh that'll be the Riser - with games provided too). Cheers, Finchie

Re: Links tavern - steve wilson (24th Feb 2013 - 21:26:41) Hi the links looks great & Finchie u just sound like yr trying to put the links down think you need to get a life !!!!

Re: Links tavern - Peanut. (24th Feb 2013 - 21:37:41) I'm very excited about the Links. I used to take my kids in all the time before it shut for the refurb, I'm planning to take them back again when it re-opens. The food is delightful and the staff are also! The chocolate brownie is devine! Everyone is welcome at the Links and it's quite clear to see that, always get a smile and a friendly hello from the staff as I walk in and they always make time to have some cheeky banter with the kids. I don't understand why the gentlemen saying he would rather go to the rising sun because it has games... Who needs games when the staff are as entertaining as any game. Looking forward to the new menu ( I assume there will be one!) and the new kids menu!

Re: Links tavern - Tom (24th Feb 2013 - 21:49:32) @Finchie As someone who worked at the links for many years I am confused by what you mean by children havent been welcome. The entire time I worked there, which was up until about 4/5 months ago children had always been welcome, as long as they were well behaved... I do agree that games can be a nice touch, however there were childrens activities provided, including colouring books with crayons and other simple pleasures to keep the children happy. If memory serves the only time that children would not have been welcome is if they were running amok, screaming and shouting and generally making other customers drinking/dining experiences unpleasant, same as you would expect for a group of adults shouting and swearing. So would Finchie care to elaborate on his earlier comment or shall we just put it down to needless slander against the Links, which has actually been a warm and welcoming pub for many years, by someone who is either jealous of another pub they don't work at or is being tribal about their local (which is ironic because the Links and the Rising Sun have always had a good natured and healthy competition between the two Fullers pubs!!!)

Re: Links tavern - zola25 (25th Feb 2013 - 06:43:40) well glad to see the pub hopefully springs back to life and the kids are welcome me and my partner will see you friday nite went to deers when it opened but a liitle dissapointed with that but you cant please everyone

Re: Links tavern - liz (25th Feb 2013 - 08:31:36) I have always found the Links very child friendly. Interested to see what the refurb looks like. Although let's hope they don't do what the Deers Hut did and whack up the wine prices!

Re: Links tavern - Jane Ives (25th Feb 2013 - 09:33:09) Tom, I have to agree with Finchie in that there was a time, a few years back, when children were not allowed at The Links. I can't remember exactly when it was but a friend of mine posted on here about it. I think it was before Fullers took over so may be some time back. However, I also am aware that children have been welcome there again for quite a while.

Re: Links tavern - Helen (25th Feb 2013 - 10:23:23) Looking forward to the re-opening & hope to be able to enjoy the Links with my children occasionally as I was told on the phone while trying to book a meal out at The Deer's Hut that they don't allow children in the restaurant and only 'well behaved' children allowed in the rest of the pub!...they've instantly lost my vote I'm afraid so will be more than happy to spend my cash with the Links instead. A 'public' house should be just that and however beautiful the Deer's hut is they've missed the marked by a LONG way with their London prices and aversion to little people.

Re: Links tavern - Rosie sharratt (25th Feb 2013 - 14:27:47) Good luck to the new Links Tavern ! Can't wait to see it ,will be great to have our local back again ..Happy Days !!

Re: Links tavern - Sue (25th Feb 2013 - 19:30:52) Children were definitely not welcome in the links when Debbie ran it, one can only assume this is why children are not welcome in the restaurant of the deers hut now. Yet they have a children's menu, confusing... Personally, if I am going to a pub with my children it is to eat in the restaurant not sit in the bar. This is why I shall welcome the new look links tavern and avoid the deers hut!

Re: Links tavern - lily (26th Feb 2013 - 00:33:29) I have heard say that the management of the Deers Hut are picking and choosing who face fits and whos doesnt.I have heard that a respectable local tradesman was turned away with his workforce over christmas, on the guise that they had thier work boots on. The place is an overpriced, yuppish establishment comfortble in the 80s, To expect a service charge, when frankly you would get better service at mcdonalds is astonishing! I dined at Deers Hut and advised the waitress that I would not pay the discretionary service charge. Her response was to battle with the till, then slam my money in front of me. I tipped the waiters the same money returned to me, but I will not be dictated that I must pay a charge for a service I most certainly did not receive. I am looking forward to the revamped Links, I wish it every success.

Re: Links tavern - Finchie (26th Feb 2013 - 00:45:16) Tom, very happy to elaborate (you might wish you never asked !) ... Back in about 2004/2005 I recollect, a clear sign on the front door saying no children under 14 allowed without prior arrangement. We had 3 under 14 so I took my business elsewhere, when going out with the kids. If that sign was taken down in the last few years, I didn\'t notice. However, on the positive, I always know where I can get a good beer and good food without tripping over youngsters (but potentially dogs - and to be clear, I don\'t have a problems with well behaved dogs). I\'ve had some great times in the Links over the recent years. Most memorable was watching the Lions rugby series in South Africa. Plus always a great pace to take my folks for lunch - my Mum loved seeing who George Best would turn up with. I\'ve probably been in there 3 times in the last month, ask Troy ! Even tho wi-fi is free, I always order food if I use it - otherwise it just seems wrong. So while not a regular, I\'d count myself as a patron with a not insignificant contribution to Fullers profits. I\'m certainly not tribal, quite the opposite. I\'d say I pretty much spread my business pretty evenly across the locals. The youngest loves the Anchor, because of the play area. And I have to say I seem to be able feed the 5000 and get a few beers all for under 40 quid, so I like it too. I used to like nothing more than catching up with Kevin over a beer at the Dragon as I waited for eldest sons Pizza to be cooked over the road. Very sad situation there, as Kevin has made a a real difference, and hope that is up and running again soon. I love going to the Riser with my mates and their chilli beef is fab. They\'re lucky enough to be next to a playground and have a field or the kids to play in. Plus it\'s good to have the reliability of Courtesy cabs to always get us home - at whatever time ! Pubs aren\'t like kids, you can have a favourite, but still appreciate all others !!! Strangely, I\'ve spent way more money in other pubs this year than my favourite. The Deers Hut has been done really nicely, is now a healthy walk, so I can now go there and have a few pints, and feel like I\'ve lost weight ! A big thank you Alan in the Black Fox for hosting 20 folk for my birthday - just a month ago. Great food and the skittles alley is just brilliant. Highly recommended. It\'s been far too long since we cycled as a family to the wotsit pub in Hammer, but would recommend that to anyone as a good excursion and fun thing to do. Re- reading my post, it was a blunt, for that I apologise, but still feel it is harsh, but fair ! Unless anyone posts who has a young family and has had a terrific and welcoming experience ? Liz, I\'m prepared to be persuaded !! To be clear, I\'ve not had a bad experience, just aways avoided the situation with kids given the very clear signals back in the day. I\'d like nothing more than a good family friendly pub that is walkable and I reckon the Links has the opportunity to nail that, so look forward to the new look and giving it a go. But I\'d also have no issue if the Links is very clear about the market they want to target and it doesn\'t involve kids ! I\'d still go there regularly - just not for a long leisurely lunch / dinner with the kids. Finally, Mr Wilson, I\'d be more than happy to buy you a few beers and bore you silly about the life I have got ! I\'d even bet you a meal that we could have quite a reasonable evening. How about the opening night ? Blimey the weekend\'s a long way off, Finchie

Re: Links tavern - liz (26th Feb 2013 - 08:41:55) Finchie The sign was there to stop certain unruly families if I remember correctly. We took young children in and it was no problem if they were reasonally well behaved - perhaps more than I can say for the adults!!

Re: Links tavern - Finchie (2nd Mar 2013 - 00:49:17) Bump - as this important event getting onto page 2 is outrageous ! So, opening night. what can I say. Ran out of budget to complete the walls ? Not enough money to put have wood to replace the woodwormed oak ? Where are the capets man ? ... ..... just kidding. What a really great job and very impressed wth everything. Fullers and the local management clearly have done a great job. Two critisisms though - not enough kids - I'm going to have to bin all of my red and white chequed shirts. Had a great evening exploring every nook and cranny in the Links. Sadly had to bore my mates with the life I have (sadly for them), although didn't have to buy many drinks ! So I can see my weekends unfolding - early finish to the week at Old Thorns with a hard workout in the "worldclass" gym (maybe) - back home via the Deers Hut - Saturday late afternoon catching up with the results in the Dragon (fingers crossed. I will have to bail early as I'm not as young as I used to be) - then to the Links Tavern (rebranding not lost on me) to see the Saturday out (please Links Boss Person, one day ring the bell at 10:46 not 10:45) - Sunday a lazy lunch at the Riser (ssh can't mention that as I alledgedly work there). Kids, "eat the walkers sensations and be grateful" - Then to the Anchor Sunday evening to feed the 5,000 Pick your day/evening for the most amazing steak at the Black Fox You have to admit - we are spoit for choice ! Only one more thing to sort out in Liphook. Those cars on the Headly Road ,,,,,,, A very Happy Weekend, Finchie PS - Alan please feel free to ban all of my posts between the hours of midnight and 2 am !!! Early night tonight !

Re: Links tavern - Finchie (2nd Mar 2013 - 09:45:03) Ouch my head hurts. It really hurts. Apologies to the Links Tavern, the above comment about "not enough kids" was a joke. It was 9pm for heavens sake. What was I thinking. Notes to self - must not post when trollied - must not reply to my own posts as that is a bit weird - I must not document the conversations that go in my head on the walk home Steve, you are right. Have a great weekend all and hope to bump into you in one of the many pubs we are spoilt for choice with ! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Links tavern - oscar (2nd Mar 2013 - 14:35:59) What i disappointment !! Thought great the links is going for a new look. Was it the same designer that just refurbished the Deers Hut ??? Or was it someone thinking, if they can do it we can?? Even down to the Stuffed animals , beams and Menu . All i can say is someone wants to be the Deers Hut on a budget.And is a Cheap imitation . Why could you not have been different ???? Never mind, been rubbish since Fullers took over... Oscar....

Re: Links tavern - Mrs (4th Mar 2013 - 18:20:56) Brilliant and well done, and no service charge for good service. We will all be back. Thank you

Re: Links tavern - Peter Williamson (6th Mar 2013 - 09:33:18) To paraphrase the song "What a difference a wall makes!" Just love the new areas and features that the refurb has done. Well done Fullers. We at last have a pub that you can sit down and have few drinks with friends without having to fight to be heard. Obviously a few gremlins to eradicate but overall I think a good job and wish the Links and staff the best of luck for the future. Mines a pint Matt!

Re: Links tavern - Dave (6th Mar 2013 - 20:40:01) Had a Birthday Lunch with my wife and son today. Food was excellent and the service first class - rlaxed and pleasant. I'd go as far as to say the steak was the best I have had for years. We will be back.

Re: Links tavern - Pauline Meek (7th Mar 2013 - 10:27:33) Tried the new Links for lunch this week. Very lovely refurb...except the vile pigs head and poor stuffed owl (why??). But is there any checking done before food leaves the kitchen? My wrap came as a huge sandwich so had to go back to be changed and the chips were translucent white, cold, chewy. Had to be sent back too and returned golden and crispy but still not tasting freshly cooked. The waiter cannot have missed the fact that the chips were not cooked so why did he bring them to us and seem a little surprised that we rejected them? Staff were mostly friendly and asked many times if everything was ok but no apology for the 2 errors let alone a free coffee to make amends. Usual problem of good plans but lack of training and initiative. What a shame.

Re: Links tavern - Karina (7th Mar 2013 - 13:53:25) Yesterday I visited both the Links and the Deer\\\'s Hut, stopping for a drink in each while on a long walk around Liphook with a group of friends. We very much liked the recent refurbishment of the Links Tavern, which is very tastefully done with the space divided into various smaller areas giving each one an intimate cosy character. The staff behind the bar were friendly. We equally enjoyed our visit to the Deer\\\'s Hut, admired the new character garden furniture. The interior is very impressive and the staff are friendly. The Manager came outside for a chat and told us about the pub and her plans for the future, which made us feel welcome. Both pubs are very pleasant and welcoming with attractive outside spaces and I am sure they will both have their circle of fans, as well as people like me who will be happy to visit both. I do not see the point in trying to set one off against the other as some of the comments seem to do. There is room in the village for both these modern yet traditional customer/child/dog friendly pubs. We had a meal at the Deer\\\'s Hut in the past, which was both tasty and well presented. However, I do agree that service charge should be voluntary depending on how the guest appreciates the service provided. That way the staff will try harder to please all the guests at all times. Also, is there a guarantee that the mandatory gratuity actually goes to the staff and not in the owners\\\' pocket?

Re: Links tavern - Jo (8th Mar 2013 - 16:31:29) Had a very lovely lunch in the Links today, shame it took over an hour for a cup of tea to arrive, had to ask for it three times, seems like there was some problem and they were having to boil water in a saucepan. That aside it was lovely, and packed!!

Re: Links tavern - Heather L (10th Mar 2013 - 20:49:10) Didn\'t expect this thread. Just thought I\'d do a simple post saying had a fab lunch time in The Links today. Love the refurb (except for the boars head, I nearly wrote \"Sid\" but that makes it worse!) Top plus for me (and this is a little sad) is that it has lots of comfy corners (there was a time when this would not be on my list...). Great addition to Liphook! (Please can we put Sid to rest somewhere else though, please?)

Re: Links tavern - Rosie sharratt (11th Mar 2013 - 13:46:15) We had a lovely meal yesterday for Mother's Day ,mum enjoyed it too ,freshly cooked food ,great service and happy atmosphere ! Would highly recommend the Links Tavern

Re: Links tavern - zola25 (15th Mar 2013 - 06:23:06) we love sid keep him there

Re: Links tavern - Tina (15th Mar 2013 - 18:18:05) Went last night for a drink to the links, first thing I noticed was how similar it was to the deers hut now. It was very busy and most tables reserved so a bit of a pain if you just want a drink , chat and sit in comfort. One table was reserved at 7.30 but wasn't actually sat at until gone nine. Bar staff were very helpful but no crisps and one pack of peanuts! Toilets considering have just been refurbished were not the best. I think the cleanliness of toilets is very important. Had a good evening though

Re: Links tavern - H (15th Mar 2013 - 21:06:44) Well Tina, It's just a blessing there are no crumbs in those toilets!!! I have seen some disgraceful toilets where people obviously go and secretly eat!!! How unhygienic!

Re: Links tavern - B (17th Mar 2013 - 06:45:52) Both Links and the Deers Hut have much to offer at different ends of Liphook and looking at the refurbs different ends of the quality spectrum. Deers Hut no expense spared with the Links seemingly using Changing rooms!!! Come on the Dragon, we need a real pub back for genuine people. Oh ps, why are the drinks so expensive in The Links its a village pub not the Savoy - cheaper in London,,,,,

Re: Links tavern - Simon (18th Mar 2013 - 09:33:03) I think the Links Tavern is a friendly welcoming pub and the restoration work is superb. I have not seen 'changing rooms' but assume it's on just after the Jeremy Kyle show or location location? Anyway, as a pub The Links has a lovely atmosphere and the work they have done has exposed some original features which give the country pub feel. Yes the drinks are a bit pricey but not more so than other similar pubs in the area. The food is good, the staff friendly and I know they take customer feedback seriously as they provide little cards to fill out should you wish. I wouldn't compare it's prices to the Savoy and it has one advantage over that famous hotel... You can wear muddy wellies and bring your dog.

Re: Links tavern - Nadine Gilbert (18th Mar 2013 - 19:17:17) re the design at the the Links...as an interior designer, I think they have done a superb job. Not done on the cheap at all...

Re: Links tavern - clint (18th Mar 2013 - 19:53:50) +1 for Simon & Nadine's comments. I cant think of anything less like changing rooms and I think they've done a cracking job in there. We had a really good meal in there on Saturday too we just turned up and the staff were only to happy to fit us in even though they were fully booked. The food was awesome by the way.

Re: Links tavern - rachael (19th Mar 2013 - 21:39:10) We went for lunch last week, and it was very good all round. Quality refurbishment and decor, lovely staff. Our steak was excellent. We'll be back!

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