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Drummond, Guildford

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user reviews of the Drummond, Guildford

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

£4.30 a pint. I''m not surprised pubs are closing down. Disappointed. Cut it to £3.50 for an ale and I may return.
BigAleDrinkhead - 14 Sep 2017 19:07
I made the mistake of coming here again, full of tossers, especially in the beer garden why cant people have their beer in peace? At £4.40 I wasted time and money and liver space here. Shocking!
BestBeerBoffin - 2 Sep 2017 15:44
Pipe down Rudolph or i''ll wack your red nose mate ;)
BestBeerBoffin - 19 Aug 2017 19:08
Big is entitled to his opinion. Yours - ''some nice ales and it''s clean!''
randolf7 - 19 Aug 2017 11:22
Stop moaning mate. They have some nice ales and it is nice and clean.
BestBeerBoffin - 18 Aug 2017 19:50
What is this pub trying to be? An expensive Gastro pub charging ridiculous amounts of money for good and drink. This isn't London. It is on a horrible busy road in the worse part of Guildford. The only plus point is the nicely sized beer garden. Not many real ales to choose from and at nearly £4.50 a pint it isn't good value. Bland atmosphere.
BigAleDrinkhead - 14 Aug 2017 16:59
I was more than happy to have a drink here, but there was only one member of staff. Very slow going, sorry but you lose customers.
BestBeerBoffin - 1 Aug 2017 16:54
While I have enjoyed going to the Drummond in the past I have now become somewhat bored of this place. The staff are friendly enough, but the place is very expensive. I would not choose a main meal here and spend about £15. The beers are well over £4 a pint. The beer garden is quite nice, but can get crowded. Inside is very plain and boring, I don't think there was any TV's here, didn't even notice music playing! Maybe go here if you want a quiet pub in the daytime, otherwise I wouldn't bother unless you have money to burn. You won't be allowed to come in here without people staring at you EITHER. Beware.
BestBeerBoffin - 7 Jul 2017 18:33
Nice and empty. Food was alright too. Expensive food though. Beer range is alright with Timothy Taylor being the best ale. Service was quick, medium friendly.
HeavyBeerPubDrinker - 8 Jun 2017 19:01
Too busy, I did not stop here on Mad Saturday.
BestBeerBoffin - 3 Jun 2017 18:14
Another visit this Saturday. Excellent staff and friendly service, great food which arrived very fast! Just a few annoying customers, jumping the queue and ordering loads, get some manners! Atmosphere is a bit plain, but is it better to have a TV with Rugby which would mean an extra 30+ customers or have no TV. Its more relaxing than most other local pubs.
BestBeerBoffin - 18 Mar 2017 17:59
Has now Re Opened. Very little has changed in the refurbishment. It looks slightly nicer inside. There is still that awful smell though. Acceptable real ale choice including Timothy Taylor. Spend £17 for a Risotto if you're wealthy.
BestBeerBoffin - 17 Feb 2017 17:57
Closed. Presumably it is being refurbished.
BestBeerBoffin - 2 Feb 2017 18:08
This pub isn't very interesting at all. I don't see what is good about it, the beer range has an acceptable selection I suppose but the pub itself is not interesting. At least it is spacious and reasonably empty.
HeavyBeerPubDrinker - 19 Aug 2016 16:21
Spacious with a collection of eclectic furniture. Very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Pretty good selection of beers, which are well kept and food which is definitely above pub grub standard. Staff are friendly and attentive. Ideal for a leisurely drink or meal and slightly out of the Guildford rat race.
oldgolded - 22 Mar 2016 20:50
Good beer, great food, friendly staff that really care, could not ask for more.
assortedcreams - 23 Apr 2014 22:15
Best pub in this area,good range of lager,cider and wine.Looks better inside than out.
FredCarno - 12 Sep 2013 17:14
Popped in for lunch with a couple of workmates last week. Very good food, a decent pint and friendly staff. Would certainly go back.
GaryB007 - 18 Nov 2012 11:15
Great pub, lovely vibe and the best selection of draught beers in town. Unfortunately the once-excellent menu has of late become embarrassingly pretentious and overlong. What we ordered was nice enough but some of the old staples are missing.
chickenandchips - 12 Aug 2011 15:22
Came in after moving to guildford and i must say this surely has to be one of the best pubs in the town? The food was amazing and the staff were very helpful! We enjoyed every minute!
gu1man33 - 26 May 2011 16:31
Good selection of beers, including lagers....a bit dark and dusky...on the trendy side though, not dirty side....
if low key trendy pubs are your thing, then this is it....if it's more of a local boozer with character, there's other pubs around the area...
d.franks - 28 Apr 2011 19:28
I think this pub is great. I would consider myself a regular. Huge selection of wines, white red or rose. Also some nice champagne should you feel like celebrating. The staff are always happy to help and speedy to serve (providing its not too busy). and now thay have their price fix menu on the food is even better value than before. definately the best pub in Guildford for me.
PubGoer33 - 19 Jan 2011 15:59
Tried it again and happy to say completely different from my last visit in Nov. 2008. Good selection of beers, friendly staff, and good food. Very much a student pub although not in the town centre. Sorry being much older just don't like loud background music, unable to find a table where my party could talk without shouting.
assortedcreams - 22 Aug 2010 22:39
Not certain, but I believe there was a connection with nearby Woking.
The_Final_Arbiter - 13 Aug 2010 22:52
Wikipedia has enlightened me Arbiter. Thank you kindly. Can I ask if there is a local connection?
johnwarkstache - 13 Aug 2010 22:00
Surely you've heard of Bulldog Drummond? If not, Giggle will tell you.
The_Final_Arbiter - 12 Aug 2010 20:00
Forgot to ask if anyone knows why it's called the Drummond and why a bulldog on the pub sign?
johnwarkstache - 12 Aug 2010 19:41
Not too bad. I also popped in whilst attending cricket across the road. Wouldn't call it a "proper" pub but good selection of drinks that you don't see very often, including Aspall's on tap. Young, studenty kind of clientele and busy for the Sunday night quiz. One complaint in that they served me a pint in an unstamped glass. Barmaid seemed to think I was being awkward when I questioned it but when it was poured into a genuine pint glass, it was well short. Didn't eat but menu looked good. Minus one point for the glass
johnwarkstache - 12 Aug 2010 19:40
An excellent pub. Loads of choice of drinks (including consistently well kept ales) and fast and friendly service. Also a choice of two outside seating areas. Recommended!
ace1973 - 12 Aug 2010 07:31
Went there today for the first time since it has been done up during the lunch break at cricket over the road. Excellent pint of Doom Bar. Unusual sandwich fillings, but tasted good, very efficient bar staff and friendly landlord. Recommended, and I will definitely return.
oldgolded - 11 Aug 2010 23:09
Still great staff, but for some reason M&B gor bless'm have taken the (apparently very popular) Meantime LPA off and there's no gammon & eggs on the menu any more. I can get most of the draft ales (although not the Sierra Nevada) So I may have to try somewhere else ... very sad. Wetherspoons I think...:-(
thirstybob - 2 Jan 2010 20:16
Pretty impressive drinks range here. All sorts of lagers, and some pretty good ones at that, including Sierra Nevada lager. A few ales, and the price of the lagers makes the choice of buying ale instead pretty easy. Not really a pub for great atmosphere as it is gastro orientated these days. But it has to be better than the rough dump it used to be. Decent menu for eating out so i'd give this pub around an 8 out of 10. But the price is off-putting. If I remember correctly a pint of Budvar is �3.50.
PubWithTheGrub - 27 Nov 2009 13:57
Bit posh but decent range of beer n food.
running_around_pubs - 28 Sep 2009 12:05
Best pub in town and beats some stiff competition and has the most choice of beers around also does the quiz on a sunday.
Desperate4Beer - 22 Aug 2009 17:26
Not the most rural location (unlike the Drummond Arms in Albury) but when I'm down the cricket ground end of Guildford and thirsting for a lunchtime pint of something different, the fact that it's the only nearby outlet for Meantime beers draws me in (�3.30 for LPA). The staff are friendly, the sofa's are comfy and in hot weather the yard is OK. The ham egg and chips is just the job.
thirstybob - 10 Aug 2009 18:19
Great - apart from pricing being so expensive. I mean if you want cheap you kind of have to go somewhere worse. Lots of different beer to choose from and decent pub food.
BestBeerBoffin - 15 Jul 2009 18:32
Amazing choice of beer - I can't remember the exact prices, a little heavy but I don't think a pint or Pride was over 3 pounds. Good food too.
proper_beer_eating_chap - 21 Apr 2009 13:45
I thought this was a pretty good place, they've done a good job on the interior, and no problems with the speed of service on a busy Friday evening.

But it's very definitely not in a "beautiful village setting great for walkers"! However, you can walk there from Guildford station in about 10-15 mins along the busy road.
Bronxrichie - 1 Mar 2009 01:38
This pub has now transmogrified from the above photo into what I think is one of M&B's attempts at a trendy gastropub. These can sometimes work quite nicely when there's a decent beer range and good service but none of these was in evidence at the Drummond when I visited. Two tremendously overworked barmaids, one of them clearly new to the job, were unequal to the task when I was there and it took 15 minutes or so to get served - not good enough. Four pumps but only two ales being served - Pride being one of them. Due to Christmas surfeit, I ordered a diet coke, so can't comment on beer quality. Quite a young and well-heeled-looking crowd. The bright spot was quite a well-presented Sunday night quiz, albeit from the Redtooth stable. But the music played between questions was top notch.
grecian - 29 Dec 2008 11:45
average town pub.
FAB1 - 17 Dec 2008 07:56
This is my nearest pub, I visited it twice last week. If you want a pub with a pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff forget it. The place has the atmosphere of a turkey farm on boxing day.
assortedcreams - 26 Nov 2008 09:59
Surreydinks what village setting ? its on a main road on the outskirts of Guildford !!!
Beersupper - 9 Nov 2008 16:07
Lovely pub with good food in beautiful village setting - great for walkers and access to the Surrey Hills. New landlord recently started on a very positive note!
surreydinks - 6 Oct 2008 18:38
I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere in here. My fellow drinkers seem decent enough chaps in this pub. I've only been in quite briefly for a swift one or two though so I don't have much more to add.
Doyenne - 9 Sep 2008 23:25
This place is really cool at the moment. The meals look like they would be nice. On the beer front, there is a massive range to choose from. The Pint of Erdinger I had came in a special glass, it was �3.55 however.
TheSensiblePubReviewer - 29 Jun 2008 11:02
Sorry i ment to ask what the hell a H File is as you dont ever seam to find any are they like Dodo`s non extinct?
Beersupper - 20 Apr 2008 14:38
As i have said before i do like this pub but the picture above does it alot of credit as it looks nothing like that now, not that i want to diss.goths but the outside decor.makes you feel the place could be full of out of work ones.Its a chocolate brown col.that is peeling and looks very tired the curtains (dirty red)are falling down all in all puts people off going in.
Shame as the inside is good you can have a very chilled out time here.

Beersupper - 20 Apr 2008 10:18
Time waits for no one and I frantically dash pass this pub on route to work weekdays mornings when usually running late. However I finally made my first visit here last night (25 March) around 8.30ish with a lady friend. There is a prominent sign on the entrance door depicting that people wearing either baseball caps or tracksuit bottoms will not be allowed in. The place was not busy and we were served promptly at the bar. They did not sell Magners, so I opted for a bottle of Budweiser Budvar while my lady friend had half a pint of diet Coke. The drinks came to �4.80 so make what you want from that if anything about the prices of drinks in here!

I found the d�cor fairly stylish and the cozy surroundings are aided by no main light but instead numerous dimly lit lamps covered with different coloured lampshades. I felt this helped to create a relaxing and even soporific atmosphere. There are plenty of comfy sofas and chairs akin to a restaurant layout, which made the place feel ideal for couples or groups eating out given food is also served (though we glanced at the menu on leaving and it seemed a wee bit expensive). I think there was background music, but it was being played so low that it hardly mattered. The sparse crowd in here appeared aged 23 and upwards as opposed to the Guildford College brigade found in either Bar Med/Time Nightclub on a Thursday night. There was a mixture of couples and the odd male/female group.

On first impressions this is an excellent place to come for a �quiet� midweek drink. I imagine when the weather is warmer the numerous seating outside the pub is also handy, providing you can tolerate the incessant flow of traffic from the Woodbridge Road. Not sure if I would start here on a Friday/Saturday night though despite this boozer being close to where I live. A bit like the Lloyds bar in town, the layout of this place indirectly creates a cliquey environment when busy, which would make it difficult to search for H-File victims. In short, the Drummond is more a place to take my H-File victims rather than to search for them, lol!

Searching_for_H_Files - 26 Mar 2008 14:46
Time waits for no one and I frantically dash past this pub on route to work weekdays mornings when usually running late. However I finally made my first visit here last night (25 March) around 8.30ish with a lady friend. There is a prominent sign on the entrance door depicting that people wearing either baseball caps or tracksuit bottoms will not be allowed in. The place was not busy and we were served promptly at the bar. They did not sell Magners, so I opted for a bottle of Budweiser Budvar while my lady friend had half a pint of diet Coke. The drinks came to �4.80 so make what you want from that if anything about the prices of drinks in here!

I found the d�cor fairly stylish and the cozy surroundings are aided by no main light but instead numerous dimly lit lamps covered with different coloured lampshades. I felt this helped to create a relaxing and even soporific atmosphere. There are plenty of comfy sofas and chairs akin to a restaurant layout, which made the place feel ideal for couples or groups eating out given food is also served (though we glanced at the menu on leaving and it seemed a wee bit expensive). I think there was background music, but it was being played so low that it hardly mattered. The sparse crowd in here appeared aged 23 and upwards as opposed to the Guildford College brigade found in either Bar Med/Time Nightclub on a Thursday night. There was a mixture of couples and the odd male/female group.

On first impressions this is an excellent place to come for a �quiet� midweek drink. I imagine when the weather is warmer the numerous seating outside the pub is also handy, providing you can tolerate the incessant flow of traffic from the Woodbridge Road. Not sure if I would start here on a Friday/Saturday night though despite this boozer being close to where I live. A bit like the Lloyds bar in town, the layout of this place indirectly creates a cliquey environment when busy, which would make it difficult to search for H-File victims. In short, the Drummond is more a place to take my H-File victims rather than to search for them, lol!

Searching_for_H_Files - 26 Mar 2008 11:45
This pub was refurbed in 2007 and changed dramatically.
Pool table and darts board have gone.
The food is very good and it has a great selection of beers, ciders and wine.
The garden has been made over too and now has a covered area and heating.
All in all a very nice pub for dinner and/or drinks.
Jennette - 24 Mar 2008 07:46
Large selection of beers, including a few unusuals. I liked it and it wasn't packed like some of the other pubs in Guildford, perhaps because it is slightly out of the centre of the town centre (if you know what I mean)
beergibbon - 28 Jan 2008 16:08
Have to say i do like this pub,but it`s already looking very shabby from the outside the dull col.does not help.
Beersupper - 28 Oct 2007 16:26
It wants to be a gastro pub trouble is the food ain't great. Not much of it seems to be home cooked although they do a good job at pretending that it is. Have to say that my pint in here has been shy of the pint mark on the glass by quite some way and when I've asked for it to be topped up I have been told that the are not allowed too! Whats that all about surely a pint is a pint....!!!
makethat2please - 21 Sep 2007 13:24
Wow, what a change. The last time I came in here it was a bit spit, stella and sawdust, the place was heaving with ruddy faced old rogues. A mate said it had changed so I gave it a go. Fantastic selection of draught beers, Burts crisps, vast selection of food on the menu, albeit rather pricey, plenty of comfy sofas/cushions and a great atmosphere. Quite a bit of room outside too if the sun decides to shine. To boot, not a piss stained tramp in sight.
markaj - 21 Jul 2007 15:04
ROCKS ROCKS ROCKS ROCKS ROCKS ROCKS
Callum251 - 20 Jul 2007 23:42
Drummond refub is beautiful, but the food is overpriced for the cooking tecnique. Since you can see into the kitchen, i watched the chef spoon out premade risotto from a vat and microwave it. I can do that at home. The drink selection however is excellent! comfortable chairs, sofas, and tables. Fun games in the non-smoking section, but gets too busy, so get there early for any chance at a table.
pubcrawl25 - 16 Mar 2007 13:20
The refurbishment has dramatically changed this pub, but its hard to say if its for the better. It has another become rather like yet another Gastro Pub.

The quiz machines and dart boards have gone. And here is also no TV so you could be hard pressed for entertainment in this pub.

However there is a wide choice of meals and a good choice of drinks, including the likes of Spitfire, London Pride, Leffe, Strapoman, Hoegaarden, Becks Vier, Marstons, Belle Vue and more!

The price of drinks seems about average while the price of meals is a tad expensive. Also quite strict about who goes here with rules about tracksuits and baseball caps.

Go here for a good drinks range but The nearby Stoke and Kings head shall be more entertaining
aleman - 10 Mar 2007 17:21
Re my comment on 24hJAN. It was not The Boiler Room i was on about as being up themselves it was another pub that had just reopened up the other end of town used to be The Rats Castle i will say no more.
Beersupper - 13 Feb 2007 18:55
i'm with you beersupper !
out of the two new pubs that have opened in the area this one takes first place !
good food and good beer !
anonymous - 12 Feb 2007 18:29
I called in to see the revamp and must say it is impressive.The beer and lager range stocked is good.What i also liked alot was the staff are friendly and not up themselves like another establishment (which will remain nameless)which has just opened nearby.This is a well chilled out pub.
Beersupper - 24 Jan 2007 18:42
was very intrested to try the NEW drummond as heard mostly good things !!!
sunday was not the day to try it !!
over half the menu not availble !!
went some where else !!
if your going to serve food please order in the stock, and avoid disapointment ! !
ITS NOT HARD TO KEEP STOCK IN THE THE FRIDGE !!!!
anonymous - 22 Jan 2007 16:25
As below, this place is nothing like it used to be which is a good thing! A great range of beers and wines. Friendly bar staff and a no smoking area. There is no seperate restaurant but the food is great and good value. I had a sirloin steak and chips which was perfectly cooked and under �9.
The decor is stylish and comfortable. Secondhand furniture re-upholstered in trendy fabrics with standard lamps and mirrors dotted around!
All in all a good evening out!
oska - 22 Jan 2007 16:07
Forget all the below reviews & the photo above, The Drummond as was is no more!

The pub has recently re-opened after a massive facelift and my goodness, it is far the better for it.

Gone are the suspicious looking chavs in tracksuits, gone is the tired decor and gone are the teen friendly cheap drinks offers.

This pub is wonderful to just chill out & relax, great decor & good selection of well kept beers and wines. Food is delicious, although a touch on the expensive side. Service is cheery & plentiful, and they have a great range of board games for cold wintry nights.

If you've been (sensibly) avoiding this pub for years, it's definitely time to come back!
mangotoes - 28 Dec 2006 12:54
Very cheap to drink in here, �1.50 a pint! Food is also very cheap and very nice, although a little annoying as they stop serving at 7pm. I guess the chef must want a social life or something, but it is a shame!
There are a few 'shady' characters in here, however they keep themselves to themselves and as a regular I have never heard or seen any trouble from them.
All in all a good pub, friendly bar service and cheap food!
anonymous - 19 Jun 2006 15:33
Prob. the dearest game of pool i have ever had .Also not a relaxed place to drink
anonymous - 29 May 2006 09:28
This place was supposed to have a pub quiz. But it doesnt appear to be running anymore.
anonymous - 13 Jan 2006 14:06
This is now the cheapest pub in Guildford at �1.50 per pint for lager! Unfortunately this has also attracted all the scum of Guildford so don't expect too many quiet pints. This place is also like a graveyard for bar managers - 2 gone in disgrace within the past year. I haven't met the new one so no comment there. On the plus side the bar staff are far more pleasant & efficient than they used to be. The pool table is extortionate at �1.30 per game.
gjm - 20 Dec 2005 12:45
Nowhere near as good since the manageress Ali left. She was amazing, always a friendly face behind the bar, and I miss her mad dog Andy! The food used to be really good but is now hit and miss, they don't seem to be bothered and the kitchen isn't always open. Some of the old staff are still there which is good. Come Back Ali!!
anonymous - 23 Mar 2005 02:08
Good for tv screens here, there seems to be quite decent entertainment. They are currently advertising people to join the Guildford Albion football team. The winner takes home the Prince Albert cup - not sure many people want to have their name associated with the Prince Albert
aleman - 1 Feb 2005 12:38
Some very interesting people in here. Games machine is worth a go. The darts game is simple but fun, however the film quiz is a bit obscure. Sport on the telly. Also passes the Guinness test (if a pub has a good Guinness, that means the rest of the beer is ok. If it doesn't, then don't touch the beer, thouh I have yet to come across a pub that does a bad Guinness)


Will - 14 Aug 2004 22:32
awesome little pub, friendly regulars, funny barstaff and cheap prices all round. a fair few very strange lookin people quite often but they're harmless. lots of nice totty and more and more people seem to be visiting every week.
matt - 20 Feb 2004 18:24
This pub is like a local boozer, the people are really friendly and the prices aren't too high. If you are bored of all the branded pub names then its definitely worth checking this place out
Sarah - 18 Jan 2004 14:00
no where near as good since the old assistant left and the DJS nik and mat stopped playing at the weekend.
Greg - 18 Jan 2004 01:52
Rank decor but at least not pretentious. Beats a lot in Guildford.
Gareth - 27 Nov 2003 18:01
it was great when it was the firkin. and the table footy was the best. and that long haired canadian guy was the master of the table!!
not the long haired canadian guy - 1 Oct 2003 23:38
My new local - Good place to go for a drink, nice inside and it surprised me how nice the staff are.
anonymous - 2 Sep 2003 23:34
its great we get pissed all the time and there nice people
todd - 9 Jul 2003 15:22
actually called The Drummond.
It used to be called the drummond arms before it became a firkin
so not actually called the drummond arms
Richard - 5 Mar 2003 15:50
Not as good as when it was the firkin, but it still seems a fairly decent place. Plenty of TVs so not everyone has to crowd around the big screen.
anne - 4 Nov 2002 13:32

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