Guildford pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Guildford - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The William Bray , Shere Guildford Surrey

picture of The William Bray , Shere Guildford Surrey

Address: Shere Lane, Shere, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 9HS [map]
Phone: 01483 20 20 44
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Nearest train stations: Gomshall (1.2 miles), Chilworth (3.1 miles), Clandon (3.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I went to the wine dinner they put on last week and it was so good I went back again with friends this week. I must say I thought the food was really great. A monkfish wellington starter on the first visit was as good as anything I have ever tasted anywhere in the world. Will give Sunday lunch a go next based on the comments below.
11 Feb 2010 17:22
Having been to this pub again, I have to change my mind about what I said previously, I must have been on a good night last time. Completely different standard of service and food. Perhaps they have become complacent.
3 Feb 2010 12:47
Came here on a Sunday as refugees from the White horse Inn down the road. Food a bit pretentious and quite expensive. Risotto was fine but could have done with a bigger helping or maybe two helpings. They have a different bar-type menu for weekdays/Saturdays. Had Doombar on which was OK, not great. Also had Shere drop & Ranmore ale on from Surrey hills brewery.
24 Jan 2010 19:20

The Royal Oak, Guildford

picture of The Royal Oak, Guildford

Address: 15 Trinity Churchyard, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3RR [map]
Phone: 01483301988‎
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Nearest train stations: London Road - Guildford (0.4 miles), Guildford (0.5 miles), Shalford (1.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Popped in for a quick one as the icy conditions continued to trouble the town.

Quick service which was to my surprise then again it was hardly packed, indeed very empty for a late afternoon.

On tap were three ales - Pride, HSB and Jack Frost. The Jack Frost was excellent.

Also this pub has a warm and homely feel and there is said to be live music at weekends, while the jukebox adds to the atmosphere.

In general a great pub, if a little small for when it gets busy and thus I shall give it a 9/10.
7 Jan 2010 17:57
If the staff could cheer up this would be a great pub. It has everything required such as a fine ale selection, as well as being situated on a graveyard and selling good food. Darts board as well which is rare these days.
23 Dec 2009 14:10
This is a great pub and the Jukebox is cool. The currys are tasty.
18 Oct 2009 13:56

The Keep, Guildford

picture of The Keep, Guildford

Address: 29-30, Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3UW [map]
Phone: 01483 450600
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.4 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.5 miles), Shalford (1.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Shere Drop and Surrey Hills on decent form. Good for a while before moving on.
13 Mar 2010 16:21
I really like the Keep, although its secret may be out as it was very busy on Saturday night. The reason I usually go there is that it is tucked away and serves two local ales...
2 Mar 2010 16:48
Took the short walk away from the town centre on the strength of the entry in the Good Beer Guide which states that the pub offers Surrey Hills beers plus a guest ale from a local micro. The only beer on offer on Saturday was the ubiquitous Doombar. Disappointing.
4 Jan 2010 10:56

The Jolly Farmer, Bramley

picture of The Jolly Farmer, Bramley

Address: High St, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey, GU5 0HB [map]
Phone: 01483 893355
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Nearest train stations: Shalford (1.5 miles), Chilworth (2 miles), Farncombe (2.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

....... speechless !! ... I am a happy chappy and will also give that gas fire some considerable thought.
13 Jan 2010 13:53
Still a great (continuously changing) range of ales including draught Belgians, and excellent cellermanship. What can I say? It rings my bell when the thirst is upon me.
9 Jan 2010 20:14
Very traditional atmosphere with two drinking areas either side of the front door with a real fire making it a cosy place to sup ale .L shaped bar has at least six real ales available ,generally from small micros including the close by Hogs Back Brewery.Ale quality is high.Beyond the bar is a spacious restaurant area in what looks like an old barn and the food is very well cooked,authentic pub grub and worth the slight premium pricing.My only small gripe is that the gas effect fire in the restaurant seems out of place but otherwise this is a top establishment with great service and remarkably clean loos.A must visit.
4 Jan 2010 11:29

Britannia, Guildford

picture of Britannia, Guildford

Address: 9 Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BE [map]
Phone: 01483 572160
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.3 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.7 miles), Shalford (1.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

All change here since my last visit (and review) in March 2009. What was an unbranded Pubco pub is now a Shepherd Neame pub. SN have also bought the Star in Guildford, so that makes a slightly worrying trend: the Kent pub scene is (in my view) the poorer for the dominance of SN; let's hope Surrey doesn't go that way too. What has improved here is the look of the pub: I visited after the refurb and it's looking a lot smarter than it used to. I suspect SN are trying to move this to being more of a foodie's pub, as most of the pub looked liked it was aimed at a dining crowd. This should be a decent pub given the location, and I wish SN well with it.
30 Dec 2009 14:26
Good to see this pub open again,its had a mixed few years (up and down) I do hope your right Trev and its on the way up again, as this used to be one of the better pubs in Guildford. Will be in to sup its finest shortly.
I wish the new guys all the best.
ps coolbreeze go take a dip in the Wey.
17 Dec 2009 16:01
Yes it's reopened. They've kept the best features: cheaply priced home cooked food available all day, good range of ales, friendly staff. And they've improved things that needed improving, like it's brighter and smarter without being modern or less pub-like. Evidently the reason for all this was a change of ownership; well I'd say the new owners have got off to a good start.
16 Dec 2009 19:33

Rodboro Buildings, Guildford

picture of Rodboro Buildings, Guildford

Address: Rodboro Building 1-10, Bridge St, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RY [map]
Phone: 01483 306366
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.1 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.6 miles), Shalford (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Large pub, with plenty of corners in which to hide if you wish.
A pint of Greene King Flanners Tackle yesterday was just fine.
28 Feb 2010 16:17
"Wireless internet access (provided by The Cloud)"

And does the cloud also provide the real ale? Going by the pint of cloudy honey beer today i think so. Shall avoid for ale in future.
20 Feb 2010 19:27
Gone downhill. Scrappy service. Ordering real ale was a hassle. Avoid unless alternatives.
6 Feb 2010 16:39

The Albany, Guildford

picture of The Albany, Guildford

Address: 80 Sydenham Rd, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3SA [map]
Phone: 01483 572410
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Nearest train stations: London Road - Guildford (0.3 miles), Guildford (0.6 miles), Shalford (1.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Full of people who mummy n daddy spoilt from an early age, was far more fun when it was the rats castle !
8 Dec 2009 17:18
Its alright here, I dont mind some of these more modern places and I think I saw it says live music every Tuesday.
18 Oct 2009 13:54
Contunies to ofeer good bee r at affordable prcs this is a gr8 pubb
3 Oct 2009 01:10

The Keystone, Guildford

picture of The Keystone, Guildford

Address: 3 Portsmouth Rd, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BL [map]
Phone: 01483 575089
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.2 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.7 miles), Shalford (1.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Great 'town pub' tucked away from the main drag. Beer is excellent, the Black Sheep and most recently the very delicious Exmoor Gold. Perfect condition.
22 Dec 2009 20:41
Came in here because the White House did not look inviting! Perhaps it was a one-off but this certainly made up for that. There appeared to be some real ales on, although just a couple. 6X was one of them. Decided on a bottle of Becks which was £3. Quite expensive, but that is probably the case everywhere. Serves me right for not drinking real ale! Plenty of space, although quite noisy as it was a Friday night.
19 Dec 2009 14:36
Good little pub, worth that extra few minutes walk from town!

Jonny
8 Dec 2009 17:24

The Royal Oak, Wood Street

picture of The Royal Oak, Wood Street

Address: 89 Oak Hill, Wood Street Village, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 3DA [map]
Phone: 01483 235137
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Nearest train stations: Wanborough (2 miles), Guildford (2.3 miles), London Road - Guildford (2.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Another pub visited on a beer tour around Surrey. Surrey Hills beers plus others. Decent pub and the sausage rolls went down well.
1 Mar 2010 18:54
Many CAMRA awards around the bar. Noticed Surrey Hills Hammer Mild, Hogs Back Winter Ale (dark) plus two others one of which I had (need to write this stuff down...). Not a fan of the darker style, but nearby drinkers were clearly enjoying it. Traditional beef or pork roasts this Sunday, both rated highly. Looking forward to seeing what is on the pumps next time in this great freehouse. Surprisingly good coffee with an After Eight on the side!
22 Feb 2010 22:49
Just to let people know this pub doesn't serve food on Sundays, didn't stay to taste the beer as a result
13 Oct 2009 12:05

The Percy Arms, Chilworth

picture of The Percy Arms, Chilworth

Address: 75 Dorking Road, Chilworth, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8NP [map]
Phone: 01483 561765
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Nearest train stations: Chilworth (0.2 miles), Shalford (1.9 miles), London Road - Guildford (2.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Im not sure what the last poster had been smoking, but this place has recently undergone a massive refurb!!

Ate in the restaurant on Friday night - I had the Boboti, with a pint of Abbott Ale. Amazing food, good service and the pint was crystal clear. For anyone who has had a bad experience in there before - give it another go now, and I reckon you will see a massive difference.
9 Feb 2010 15:52
Used to be great for food but now it's like a Berni Inn. Needs a good lick of paint too. 5/10 is generous.
26 Jan 2010 12:41
Visited 12/12/09. Food up to usual high standard. Service slow to start, but improved until a change of staff. It may have been her first night on the job or the last, but she needs (re)training in the art of food service. Had a pint of Rocking Rudolph which was shocking.

10/10 for food. 7/10 for service. 3/10 for Rocking Rudolph.
14 Dec 2009 20:28

The Five and Lime, Guildford

picture of The Five and Lime, Guildford

Address: 3, Leapale Rd, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4JX [map]
Phone: 01483 568979
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.3 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.4 miles), Shalford (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

It is far from my choice of a pub I have to say, but I suppose I should have realised with the greens lights. This is definitely a younger persons place to visit. No real ale whatsoever but that was hardly a surprise I must say. Given the limited choice I stuck with Becks Vier - which was tasteless and poor. The Guinness may have been better. I feel this is actually a Bar and not a Pub and will rate it low.
23 Dec 2009 13:25
Cramped and cliquey on Wednesday nights. Popped in here yesterday (18 Nov) when looking for some one amongst the youngish crowd present (mainly 25 and under I say). If you are, however, looking for lively atmosphere in Guildford town centre on a Wednesday night – a rarity in itself – then this is the probably the only place to go. I understand that selected drinks are relatively cheaper here as well.
19 Nov 2009 11:53
Hardly a drinkers paradise, more of a young persons place it must be said. If you wanna spend well over 3 quid for just a regular beer then i''d recomment this estabilishemtn but generally this pub is a bit of an over rated place and its not exactly cool on the music front either.. go 2 royal oak instead.
13 Nov 2009 01:17

The Kings Head, Guildford

picture of The Kings Head, Guildford

Address: Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3XQ [map]
Phone: 01483 575004
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.5 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.7 miles), Shalford (1.4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Almost totally dead on a Friday afternoon!! After 5pm...

4 Real Ales on: Wychwood, Courage Best, Hogs Back TEA and Deuchars IPA.

Lacking in atmosphere but the quietness was good in a way..

Jukebox is good.
5 Feb 2010 19:23
This pub looks great and serves some decent beer. The outdoor area is good enough for summer but it can get very busy.

I've had a couple of dodgy Hobgoblins in here before - cloudy and overly bitter - but generally it's ok. Bar staff are a mixed bag but generally ok. The food isn't bad either.

I remember some really great nights testing the bar staff with their internet jukebox - they routinely censored what could be played and you had to really battle it out to get your quid back. I don't know if it's still there, but try Sleep's "Jerusalem" and count the seconds. They must have some pretty strict rules in there. Either that or they don't like Sleep, I guess...

Very studenty, but all in all you get a wide mix of people and it's a decent pub. Much better than some other local alternatives, and it's close to the station, taxis, restaurants, etc.
25 Jan 2010 16:43
Terrific Guildfordian pub situated in a great spot hidden away from town centre.

I frequented this pub having thought about entering The Star, however was put off by a group of youngsters!

This place had a cosy and comfortable feel and the people at the bar seemed friendly.

Only one real ale on, which being the Hobgoblin, however it was on form which suggests this is a pub which cares about real ale.

Worthy of a visit any time. 10/10.
5 Jan 2010 18:11

The Stoke, Guildford

picture of The Stoke, Guildford

Address: 103 Stoke Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4JN [map]
Phone: 01483 504296
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Nearest train stations: London Road - Guildford (0.3 miles), Guildford (0.6 miles), Shalford (2.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Nicely run place. Food is good and also excelent value. Pizza I had was top-notch and ale was well kept and (something of a rarity) was a good temperature aswell. Good place to watch the match and there are a couple of pool tables I noticed. Haven't seen the comedy night but heard really positive reviews. Previous comments true though..men's toilet needs a bit of sparkle. 8/10
17 Dec 2009 18:40
This happens to be one of the best pubs in town. There is something going on most nights of the week at the Stoke.

On Monday nights there is a 2 for 1 pizza offer. While once a month on Wednesdays some of the best comedians shall be performing.

Beer on offer tends to be London Pride and Old Speckled Hen, with guest ales also frequently available.

Only gripe would be the gentlemen's room which has seen better days. Used to be a pub quiz on a Tuesday but not running anymore.
11 Oct 2009 16:09
Does a rather disappointing pub quiz on the Tuesday but a good pub for Real Ale and a Game of Pool nontheless.
18 Sep 2009 17:06

The Three Pigeons, Guildford

picture of The Three Pigeons, Guildford

Address: 169 High St, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3AJ [map]
Phone: 01483 574310
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Nearest train stations: London Road - Guildford (0.4 miles), Guildford (0.4 miles), Shalford (1.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Service has been sloppy lately but they have apoligised when there has been any probs... so still worth a visit and good real ales...
31 Jan 2010 17:50
Not too much to add since last visit but the food was good and the beer was even better - that being the Timothy Taylor landlord. My rating of 9/10 still stands.
23 Jan 2010 16:00
Dont know why it says this pub is closed it was not when I went there.
Had a lovely pint of black sheep when i went in, which went down a treat, decent veggie burger too.
11 Jan 2010 15:25

The Kings Head, Guildford

picture of The Kings Head, Guildford

Address: Kings Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4JW [map]
Phone: 01483 568957
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Nearest train stations: London Road - Guildford (0.3 miles), Guildford (0.6 miles), Shalford (2.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

This is in very man ways an excellent and warm pub. Excellent place to go for the winter as it does feel pretty comfortable. The Pride was on fine form during a recent visit and the place did seem fairly popular with the locals. Staff were efficent, apart from one member! But it is nearly Christmas.
21 Dec 2009 10:34
Good old fashioned boozer with cosy atmosphere. As a habit I always make my first pint Pride in Fuller's pubs, because if they can't get that right....happy to say fine pint, didn't eat but all in all nice visit. Smoking area heated if that's your thing and car-park aswell so rather tempting to leave the car and have another pint! Definately recommend, and will go back to try food. Loads of locals/regulars who were all welcoming not intimidating which was nice. Telly aswell though don't know if they show sport. 8/10
17 Dec 2009 18:49
visited today - ate here and also sampled some of Fullers' finest! Really nice warm atmosphere - the coal fires had been stoked up and made it look and feel even better than it was! Outside area looked great - even in the rain - and the Xmas decs were subtle and non too imposing. Good mixed crowd - and very helpful, polite and friendly team. Want to visit again soon to see how the Quiz Night is and maybe Gavin with his guitar on Dec 19th too!
3 Dec 2009 21:13

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