The Garland, Redhill

The Garland misses out on CamRA Good Beer Guide listing for 2020, but rest assured that this judgement wasn't based on the conditions of either the Best or seasonal offering, both of which tend to turn over far more frequently and so are still well-worth sampling. It's true that the pub under its interim management company regime is less beer-focused, and nothing like the old range of Harvey's can be supported with current customer preferences. Nevertheless, custom is brisk, and there is an atmosphere of earthy authenticity here - definitely no pretensions and what one sees is what one gets.

Most encouragingly, the brewery have apparently shown some ongoing commitment to the pub despite the lack of long-term suitable tenant willing to stump-up the ludicrous annual rent being levied. The exterior has been fully-redecorated and to smart effect with the recent Harvey's livery incorporated into the scheme. Some interior upgrading was completed earlier in 2019, without detracting from the core Victorian character. Although personally I think the all-bare wood carpetless option doesn't work. Minor matter though.

1 Sep 2019 18:56

The Garibaldi, Redhill

As if anyone will read this, but on the slimmest offchance, this is to confirm The Garibaldi now has its own house cask beer - a rebadged Titsey brew - and a fifth handpump is set to be installed. Otherwise, after two years of trading, thanks to the continuing strong support of the local community and Tim the bar manager plus our committee, the pub is proving very successful. Profits can now be witnessed in the shape of the upgraded and beautifully-tended garden; a real triumph of hard graft and commitment.

1 Sep 2019 18:47

Three Horseshoes Inn, Sidlow Bridge

Rumour has it locally that the excellent 3H is to close as of today, Monday 31st December 2018. I'm outside now and can't see any sign of life, but then it wouldn't normally be open on a Monday lunchtime. It'll be a very sad loss if it shuts permanently; it's one of the last rural pubs still focused on local drinkers, albeit that it offers perfectly respectable food. I'm assured Pam the owner has her reasons, but it won't be picked-up as a going concern unless it's available at the right price, and even then there needs to be a decent dollop of luck in the right person with the right money emerging at the right time with the right ideas. Could be the end of an era.

31 Dec 2018 12:29