The Robin Hood, Guildford

We didn't know this pub was there, until we found that it was next to the nearest car park to Mount Alvernia hospital. Excellent wine - excellent beer (or so he said) - excellent food, and handy for Argos and the High Street for shopping. Not so excellent to be thrown out after lunch, as they don't do all-day drinking. Music was loud but, because it was via a good sound system, it was acceptable, even at lunch time. A great place to go after a hospital appointment - or probably even before!

15 Mar 2005 16:39

The Inn On The Lake, Godalming

It's undergoing a massive refurb. Have heard two versions - does anybody know who and what? I liked it when it was owned by Martin back in the late 80s/early 90s (he left to buy and run Amberley Castle, and left his son in charge, and it was eventually sold to Bass. I liked it as it had: a real pub-like bar where locals met, a cocktail bar, open fires, a restaurant with excellent ambiance and a waterfall and pond in the middle. Sitting outside, or by the lake after a hard day's work was excellent, and there were barbecues. Restaurant food wasn't that good, and we had a problem trying to order cheese on a Sunday (don't ask), but he service usually was, and it was an excellent place to entertain clients, or whatever. News please!

15 Mar 2005 13:33

The Kings Arms Royal Hotel, Godalming

This used to be a great meeting place when it was run by Mick and Maggie. When they left, it deteriorated. The lighting was lowered so that it was almost impossible to read the newspaper at lunchtime, so the older people left, and then I heard that the builders who met there late afternoon, and spent a lot, left. I heard complaints from men about the lack of 'proper' beer, and then I was told that the house wine was to be changed to Chardonnay (yuk!). The place has always had great potential, and it is a hotel as well, but needed a good clean and cosmetic decoration, and a lot of TLC. I went in there last Friday lunchtime, and was appalled. The very smokey atmosphere hit as soon as I entered the dismal vestibule where it once was a pleasure to sit, the pool table is in what used to be the smoking room, and there was very loud music. The smoke extractors are so loud, and don;t seem to work, and there was a used nappy left by the basins in the ladies' loos. The white wine ran out, the fridge was empty, and I understand that there was a paucity of beer. All the nice little touches had gone. I have been told by Spirit that the new owner is Globe, and that the phone number is (01604) 669300. However, they have only recently taken over, so they appear to have bought this with their eyes open. Let's hope that they will restore the business and this beautiful building, with such great potential. I will phone, so perhaps all you erstwhile KA people will do so too.

15 Mar 2005 13:13