The Plough, Lower Beeding

I echo the comments from the previous poster - this is a fantastic 'normal' pub, that has not been 'wankified' like so many others round here (nudge, nudge Red Lion, The Crabtree etc).

At least 2 ales on tap at all times and well-kept too.

29 May 2013 14:35

The Arbitrager, Bank

Now closed

10 Jan 2013 17:33

The Royal Oak, Handcross

Arghh - This place closed down for a couple of weeks for a refurb. It's now opened again, but for some reason they have got rid of the pool table and dart board and replaced them with more dining tables.

I have only rarely seen people eating in here and never to the point that there are no available tables. It just beggars belief that they'd take out two of the only differentiating factors they have from the other locals nearby (Red Lion, Wheatsheaf, Half Moon). Crazy decision.

16 Nov 2012 17:18

The Royal Oak, Handcross

Good local pub - the Harvey's always seems well kept and they usually another one or two ales available too. A steady number of folk in on an evening, but could always be more full.

Pool table is in a reasonably good state, but the use of the darts board has been somewhat hindered by the placing of tables pretty much all around it - I would definitely frequent here more often if they sorted that out.

Can't comment on the food as have never eaten there, but seems to be honest pub grub.

11 Jun 2012 16:13

The Fountain Inn, Handcross

Not just closed down - completely leveled now, save for a bit of the beer cellar. Destined for housing, I'm afraid

11 Jun 2012 16:06

The Arbitrager, Bank

Now on the face of it, this pub is not anything special; quite the opposite in fact. Its been under renovation for many years now and yet they haven't quite managed to finish anything off (if indeed anything was started in the first place).

Only Guinness is served draught upstairs - I believe lager may be on tap downstairs, but I have never seen a pint being pulled down there, so this is supposition only. That said, the Guinness is still very well kept and poured. Rarely will you have to wait to get served, as more often than not you will be the only paying customers in the place. Though there will no doubt be an assortment of gentleman hanging around that would not look out of place in Guy Ritchies next flick (I'm assuming this will be something to do with London gangsters. If it turns out to be a a big screen version of My Little Pony, please ignore my last statement).

In the bowels of the place there is a reasonably good pool table and, most crucially, a dart board. It could do with a fixed oche, as the rubber mat does tend to creep forward. Manys a time that I have started off from 7' 9"1/4 and ended up placing the darts into the board before I notice that the mat has moved. Strangely I still manage to score 26 or 41 from the shorter distance.

I'm hoping that, much like an episode of Grand Designs, that it will all come together right at the last minute and we'll end up with a sparkly new pub that retains all its original charm. I will not be holding my breath though. For now, why not pop in and sample a very good Guinness and imagine what the place could be like.

23 Apr 2012 14:31