Post Restaurant, Brasserie, Bar & Deli, The Reviews

After all the hype we booked for the gourmet dining and were amazed to be asked for a deposit by credit card that would be non refundable, if you cancelled at short notice so we didn't book. We went for lunch a few weeks later, whilst the food was nice it wasn't something that wowed us. My risotto came very fast and hubby’s lamb shank was a bit anaemic looking but tasted fine. The place was abuzz, lively and filled with ladies who lunch. The fine dining may have suited us better but we changed our mind because of the booking deposit.

I can't speak highly enough of the Post. I finally visited it in December, after months of planning to go. I had heard numerous varied opinions, and to be honest, my expectations weren't that high. So, it was a pleasant surprise when I eventually visited it. We entered through the olive trees outside, to the huge Christmas tree inside. The decorations gave us a festive mood and we were glad that we chose the restaurant for our pre-Christmas, girly get together. The staff are impeccable. Though I can't stand it when the staff hover round you, but our waitress struck the perfect balance, between giving us space and providing efficient and friendly service. We all ordered differently and everyone was happy with their food. I had the steak and ale pie, which I have not stopped thinking about since! All in all, I feel it was really reasonable, given the quality of the produce. I've already been back twice, both, to the brassiere and the coffee shop; and I am even planning to celebrate my anniversary at the first floor restaurant. At last there is some restaurant worth writing about in Banstead.

It’s a very nice restaurant, but the service is slow. Fish and chips were excellent, fish cakes very good, sausage and mash lovely but too big a portion and the pizza was not very nice at all.

We ate there on Valentines Day this year. It was great to be able to choose the a la carte menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal but my husband was not quite impressed, but would return. The atmosphere was intimate on the night, but we were a bit rushed as they had a second sitting. Just had another look at the menu though and wondered where all the vegetarian dishes had gone? Unless I go for the fine dining menu there doesn't seem to be any options for me anymore! And, if they have them if requested, why aren't they on the menu in the first place?

It was too noisy, and the service was very slow, and it seemed like once we were seated we were forgotten about. We then had to ask twice for wine, wrong starters had been brought to us, and even after we had informed the manager / waiter, nothing was changed. Although we had left after having three courses (and spending over £120) we were still hungry. After hearing only bad comments I wondered how much longer the post would last! I shall not be returning in a hurry! Toby Tonin is no Gordon Ramsay.

It was our first visit to the Brasserie on a Saturday evening. The booking staff were helpful and courteous, bar staff attentive and got drinks orders right! Head waiter and staff very alert, could not fault the service. The choice of menu at this level was good and all dishes were presented well. It was refreshing to note that one could 'tailor make' courses from those on menu, i.e. you could substitute for example potato with an alternative green vegetable at the suggestion of waiter. Excellent wine list - better value than 'The Depot' at Mort Lake! We will definitely re-visit but perhaps screening of surrounding 'noisy loud mouthed' diners would be an asset - they spoilt the evening! Besides, it had a very pleasing ambience.

The review above is a little unfair. Banstead is meant to be an up-and-coming area but until POST it has lacked a really classy restaurant. Yes it is a bit more expensive, but god we needed something like this. Chains are all very well but anyone can eat at Pizza Express anywhere and no-one going to be attracted to an area because it has one. With POST the building is stunning and the whole place is run by a celebrity Chef, Tony Tobin, who is on the TV virtually every week. I am happy to pay a little more to eat there and the food has been excellent on both occasions. The brasserie is wonderfully light and airy, and I think Tony has assembled a great mixture of dishes - I have had the Tuna and the Penne with chorizo... both were fantastic. I also love the fact that this is one of the only restaurants I know where they do a tiny fillet steak for children at a very reasonable £5.95. Both times I've eaten there, Tony Tobin has been there and the staff - although some are younger - are really enthusiastic. If people want big cheap dishes, they can get them at McDonalds! I want somewhere with a bit of class and style which is what POST serves up in my humble opinion.

We dined in the downstairs restaurant and although the ambience and decor at the Post are lovely unfortunately the food is less exciting. The portions are very small and while they are not expensive we were disappointed. We then went in for coffee one morning and were amazed that the coffee price had been put up to £3.50 for a cappuccino this is a bit much after all this is not The Ivy.