Surrey Pub Reviews
Introduction
Here are some reviews of the pubs that I've visited in Surrey. I've included a short description of what I thought of each pub. Alongside each review I've made a note of when I last visited the pub so you know how up-to-date the descriptions are.
Some of the pubs below have links to pages with larger photos.
As with all the sections on my site, the views expressed here are totally my own.
Areas Covered By This Page
View a Google Map of my favourite pubs and restaurants in the Woking and Guildford areas.Woking & Horsell Pubs
Sovereigns
Guildford Road, Woking GU22 7QQ - 01483 751426
I've lived in Woking for seven years as I write this but I know people who have lived in the town for a lot longer. When I told one of them that I was planning to visit Sovereigns for their beer festival they looked a little shocked. Apparently this pub has had a bad reputation in the past and has been burnt down more than once. However I have to say that I think it's one of the best pubs in Woking and I have been back a few times since.
The pub is located on the south side of the railway near the Victoria Way bridge. It's quite large inside with many different seating areas. Their is a small 'garden' area outside too. The atmosphere feels really friendly and relaxed, although it is not a 'children friendly' pub. There is a regular pub quiz on Wednesday nights too.
Food is available and the couple of meals I've had have been tasty. Other review sites have commented that it can take a while to get served here but that has not been my experience. The beer festival was excellent and I drunk far too much. On other visits the beer selection has been interesting and they've all tasted well-kept. See you there!
Last visited: September 2009
Wetherspoons (Woking)
51 Chertsey Road, Woking - 01483 722818
Officially known as the Herbert George Wells the Wetherspoons in Woking is a large busy pub situated in the centre close to the station. I think the building used to be the Woolworth's. The centre of Woking suffers from a lack of traditional style pubs, but ironically, you probably get closest to it in here.
The food and drink is much as you'd expect from the Wetherspoon's chain - generally good quality and very reasonably priced. There are mid-week deals on 2 meals and curry specials on certain nights. However, unlike some other pubs in the chain, there is good selection of real ales including a large choice of guest beers as well as T.E.A. from the local Hogs Back Brewery.
In recognition of the quality and choice of real ale the Woking Wetherspoons is the local CAMRA group's 'Surrey Pub of the Year' in 2008.
Last visited: September 2009
The Bridge Barn
Bridge Barn Lane, Woking - 01483 763642
This pub has been converted to a Beefeater - a brand I thought had disappeared years ago. In reality it doesn't really seem to have made a huge amount of difference.
The last time I visited the staff seemed fairly efficient but in the summer they appeared to struggle to cope with the number of outside drinkers, so empty glasses and plates can pile up. Hopefully they'll have that sorted ready for next spring and summer.
A playground for your kids is available too.
Last visited: October 2007
The Cricketers
Horsell Birch, Horsell - 01483 762363
Large rambling traditional-ish pub on the north side of Horsell village on the edge of the common. Friendly atmosphere and the staff seem to know what they are doing. The pub changed hands recently and the separate restaurant area has gone but food is still available - it was pretty good on the last visit.
There is a climbing frame for the kids too.
Usually a couple of well-kept real ales are present.
Last visited: July 2006
The Jolly Farmer
Burdenshot Road, Worplesdon - 01483 234658
Excellent pub and restaurant in the country near Worplesdon station. On a Sunday visit the pub was very full and booking a table is advisable if you want to eat - although there is a large garden for the warmer days. The menu is not extensive but the food is very good.
This has been a Fuller's pub for a couple of years now and the beer is generally good. The usual guest beer slot was occupied by a Gales beer on my last visit - not really a guest beer for a Fullers pub, although it was tasty. Children are allowed but apart from high chairs there are no special provisons for them.
Last visited: May 2008
The Castle
Brox Road, Ottershaw - 01932 872373
Traditional-style country pub in Ottershaw village with cosy bars and friendly staff. Tasty food is available and it's well presented with large portions when we've been there. A rotating selection of well kept beers are available.
Last visited: Summer 2004
The Plough
Cheapside, Horsell - 01483 714105
I used to go here a bit when I first lived in Woking and it was really good. Then it changed hands and in my view went downhill rapidly so I stopped going. Heard that it had improved and so I dragged my wife and daughter here on a warm evening to check it out.
The pub is on the south side of Horsell common and can be quite hard to find if you don't know it's there. This probably accounts for the noticeable 'locals' feel to the pub - but in the friendly sense. The bar staff were quick and efficient but with a human touch too. If you're eating look out for the extensive specials menu featuring many homemade dishes - although judging by the insistent pinging of the microwave I don't think the dishes are cooked to order. That said the food was OK.
The garden is a pleasant sun trap and there are some bits of play equipment for your younger kids in the shade. They have a good selection of beers - some constants, some rotating - and the two I had tasted pretty good.
Last visited: June 2009
The Rowbarge
39 St Johns Road, St Johns, Woking - 01483 761618
Recently refurbished pub near the canal in St Johns village. The original pub was obviously quite small but it's been extended at some point and there is also a hotel behind the pub now.
Food is available at lunch times and evenings. Well-kept real ales are available - but the drinks prices might make you gasp a little. Large garden (with children's play area) for summer days.
Last visited: Summer 2005
And if you're hungry in Woking...
Tuu
1 St Johns Road, St Johns, Woking - 01483 726290
Large two-floor restaurant serving Chinese and Thai food by the canal bridge in St Johns.
The menu here is extensive and the food is excellent. Bookings can be a good idea later in the week and at weekends. The fixed-price Sunday buffet offers good value and a chance to try things you've not had before.
The staff are really friendly and we always get a good reception when we go. They have high-chairs available too and a welcoming attitude to children.
Last visited: September 2009
Guildford Pubs
The White House
8 High Street, Guildford - 01483 302006
After a hard hour's shopping in Guildford what better way to relax than with a pint and a sandwich by the river. This modern Fullers pub is at the bottom of the High Street by the bridge and amazingly for Guildford is not surrounded by endless traffic jams.
There is plenty of room inside and a patio area by the river outside. Food is available lunchtimes and evenings and the pub seems to be popular with offices nearby.
Last visited: 2004
The Keep
29 Castle Street, Guildford, GU1 3UW - T. 01483 450600
A small and oft-overlooked pub situated slightly away from the main streets of Guildford, but right opposite Guildford Castle - hence the name.
For real-ale fans the main attraction is that they stock one or two beers from the nearby Surrey Hills brewery - Shere Drop was on during my last visit.
Last visited: September 2009
The Royal Oak
Trinity Churchyard (Sydenham Road really), Guildford, GU1 3RR - 01483 566637
This former Gales pub (now Fullers) is a friendly locals establishment. It's quite small inside but has a good atmosphere.
There are a couple of Fullers beers available and usually Gales HSB too - which tasted very good on my last visit.
I popped in during an evening and only a couple of sandwiches were available, but I believe a larger menu is available at lunchtimes.
Last visited: Summer 2008
Richmond Pubs
White Cross
Riverside, Richmond, Surrey
Situated on the river quite close to Richmond Bridge this pub is a popular, lively Young's house. As well as a couple of bars inside, there is a walled area outside with it's own bar. Food available. Don't park your car outside when the tides are high though!
Last visited: Autumn 2003