Guildford is a town where the right pub depends on the occasion. Some sit on the river, some are tucked behind the castle, and a few are built for a big screen and a crowd. Here is a short list, sorted by what you want from the evening.
For a pint by the river
The Weyside, Millbrook. South of the town centre, this riverside pub has terraced seating down to the River Wey, a conservatory and real ale. CAMRA notes that the building began life as a boathouse for canal boats, and that it is a Young's pub, so the beer comes from the Wells and Young's range. Inside there is a large open-plan bar, a conservatory with a wood-burning stove in winter, and a beamed room at the far end with a cottagey feel. It is dog-friendly, and Surrey Live describes it as sitting on the river at Millmead lock. It suits a post-walk drink on the towpath.
For history on the High Street
Three Pigeons, 169 High Street. At the eastern end of the cobbled High Street, this is an historic old pub that Surrey Live calls a gem, one that looks like something from the early 19th century. It was once part of the Nicholson's chain, and Surrey Live recommends it for craft beer. Go for a drink after a walk along the High Street.
The Kings Head, Quarry Street. Surrey Live says it claims to be Guildford's oldest and most haunted pub, dating to the 1500s. Morro mentions an intimate terrace and garden, with open mic nights, quizzes and curry nights. Check you have the Quarry Street pub, as there is another Kings Head elsewhere in town.
The Star Inn, Quarry Street. Surrey Live says it has been entertaining the town for more than 400 years, and has a music function room with acts from blues to stand-up comedy. It also won Best Pub (National) at the Guildford Best Bar None awards. Choose it when you want live music or comedy with your pint.
For real ale and a local feel
The Royal Oak, Sydenham Road. Good Beer Good Pubs describes a former Gales pub, now Fuller's, that is small inside with a good atmosphere and a friendly locals' crowd. Morro adds a hilltop position with views and a garden, plus real ales, comfort food and live music. Dogs are welcome.
The Keep, 29 Castle Street. A single-room pub near Guildford Castle, which Good Beer Good Pubs calls a bit of an overlooked gem and rates 4 out of 5. Morro lists ales, a gin menu, pub grub, a courtyard garden and live music at weekends. It suits a quiet, characterful pint after the castle grounds.
For the match
The Wooden Bridge, Woodbridge Hill, Stoughton. Now run by Greene King, it reopened after a refurbishment and hosted the Rolling Stones and Status Quo in the 1960s, according to Surrey Live. It is one of the town's larger pubs, with eight TV screens, three pool tables and dartboards, so it works for big-screen sport and a game of pool.
The Guildford Tup, Chertsey Street. Describes itself as "Guildford's foremost live rugby & sports pub", and won Best Pub (Independent) at the 2022 Best Bar None awards. Go for live rugby.
The Astolat, Old Palace Road. A pub-restaurant with large TV screens. Surrey Live praises the Indian restaurant inside, Anaj, for its chicken tikka masala and peshwari naan, which makes it a sound choice for curry and sport together.
For the Surrey Hills
The Drummond, Albury. A short drive from Guildford, this riverside gastropub in the Surrey Hills is listed by Stay in a Pub as award-winning and dog-friendly, with log fires, landscaped riverside gardens and 11 bedrooms. Morro mentions a large riverside beer garden and big portions. It is not the same as The Drummond on Woodbridge Road in town.
A local beer to look for
Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, about six miles west, makes Tongham Traditional English Ale (TEA), a 4.2% ale brewed with English malted barley, Surrey-grown hops and chalk-aquifer water. Surrey Live reports it won a bronze award in the International Cask Conditioned Beer category. It is sold in pubs across Surrey and the south-east, so it is worth asking for at the bar.
Menus and opening hours change, so check with a pub before you set out, especially for food or a big match. Sources: CAMRA on the Weyside, Surrey Live's Guildford pub guide and Good Beer Good Pubs.
