Latest reviews in Guildford, United Kingdom

The Kings Head - The best Kings Head in Guildford by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:34:35 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 5.00

Tags: relaxed, beer garden, friendly

While the Kings Head in Quarry Street may have the history, most people in Guildford agree that this Kings Head, just across from Stoke Park is one of the best pubs in Guildford.
Opening into a small(ish) bar area to the front, there's a huge area to the rear and side where you can enjoy another great selection of Fuller's beers, all beautifully kept.
To the side is a small garden where they often have barbecues in summer.
It's just a good, genuine example of a boozer where, despite there being a significant crowd of locals among its customers, you're made to feel welcome.
Very good for watching sporting events on the big screen - it can get lively, but without the 'edge' of some of its neighbours.While the Kings Head in Quarry Street may have the history, most people in Guildford agree that this Kings Head, just across from Stoke Park is one of the best pubs in Guildford.
Opening into a small(ish) bar area to the front, there's a huge area to the rear and side where you can enjoy another great selection of Fuller's beers, all beautifully kept.
To the side is a small garden where they often have barbecues in summer.
It's just a good, genuine example of a boozer where, despite there being a significant crowd of locals among its customers, you're made to feel welcome.
Very good for watching sporting events on the big screen - it can get lively, but without the 'edge' of some of its neighbours.

The White House - Good honest Fullers Pub by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:18:30 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 302006

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

This two-story pub on the banks of the Wey is a great option for summer drinking due to the large number of bench tables outside - just don't expect much of a view through the weeping willows.
The (fairly) recently upgraded interior makes the pub itself a decent proposition - with one large ground floor bar and a series of smaller upstairs rooms.
There's a good selection of Fullers beers - try the 5%Honeydew (Organic) or 3.8% Discovery on a warm summers day/evening, and progressing to the award winning London Pride or if your head can take it ESB as the night progresses.
Slighly to the edge of the main town centre (even if it is just 30 metres from the bottom of the High Street) means that you get more of a young professional and slightly older crowd, along with students from the College of Law up the road. It all goes to give it a very good atmosphere.
While the bar staff are good, there simply aren't enough of them at busy times - hence 4 stars rather than 5.This two-story pub on the banks of the Wey is a great option for summer drinking due to the large number of bench tables outside - just don't expect much of a view through the weeping willows.
The (fairly) recently upgraded interior makes the pub itself a decent proposition - with one large ground floor bar and a series of smaller upstairs rooms.
There's a good selection of Fullers beers - try the 5%Honeydew (Organic) or 3.8% Discovery on a warm summers day/evening, and progressing to the award winning London Pride or if your head can take it ESB as the night progresses.
Slighly to the edge of the main town centre (even if it is just 30 metres from the bottom of the High Street) means that you get more of a young professional and slightly older crowd, along with students from the College of Law up the road. It all goes to give it a very good atmosphere.
While the bar staff are good, there simply aren't enough of them at busy times - hence 4 stars rather than 5.

The Electric Theatre - Don't forget the films! by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:05:35 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 444789

Just visited the Electric Theatre twice in as many weeks picking up a couple of films from the Summmer 08 Film Festival (Part II). It's also home to a film club that meets once a month.
So for the positives. It seems really well run - everyone from the people at the ticket office to staff on hand at the events seem really well organised, and, full of smiles.
The bar/restaurant is very good. When ordering food just make sure to get your order in a good 45mins before showtime, as the kitchen can get very popular. The menu has a good selection of quick bites and more substantial eats all that look to be very good value for money.
The theatre itself is good. Seats are fairly small and certainly not luxurious, but they are at least padded!
The two films I saw were shown on a screen that I would have hoped would be slightly bigger, but due to the great films themselves (The Lives of Others and Into the Wild), this was soon forgotten about. And the sound quality was very good.

The only downside is down to the fact that while the Electric Theatre produce very good leaflets and programmes about forthcoming events, this doesn't really translate to the website very well. Maybe this is due to the fact that they are at the mercy of the Borough Council's site - but getting good information online is not easy to obtain (but you do eventually get there in the end).Just visited the Electric Theatre twice in as many weeks picking up a couple of films from the Summmer 08 Film Festival (Part II). It's also home to a film club that meets once a month.
So for the positives. It seems really well run - everyone from the people at the ticket office to staff on hand at the events seem really well organised, and, full of smiles.
The bar/restaurant is very good. When ordering food just make sure to get your order in a good 45mins before showtime, as the kitchen can get very popular. The menu has a good selection of quick bites and more substantial eats all that look to be very good value for money.
The theatre itself is good. Seats are fairly small and certainly not luxurious, but they are at least padded!
The two films I saw were shown on a screen that I would have hoped would be slightly bigger, but due to the great films themselves (The Lives of Others and Into the Wild), this was soon forgotten about. And the sound quality was very good.

The only downside is down to the fact that while the Electric Theatre produce very good leaflets and programmes about forthcoming events, this doesn't really translate to the website very well. Maybe this is due to the fact that they are at the mercy of the Borough Council's site - but getting good information online is not easy to obtain (but you do eventually get there in the end).

Rogues - R Bar - back with original management by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:52:11 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 5.00

Tags: relaxed, sexy, friendly

To avoid any confusion - this pub/bar on the corner of Epsom Road and Harvey Road is now called the R Bar.

Upon moving back to Guildford after living away for a number of years, I'd heard that this pub had faced a few problems - the clue being the 'under (not so) new management' board outside.
But those problems seem a world away from my experience - a wonderfully welcoming bar, that unfolds deep into the building and out into the large converted conservatory into an extensive decking area and gardens beyond.
A lot of thought and effort have gone into the styling - think contemporary New England with subtle use of colour palettes and comfortable furniture, giving the bar a feel of a relaxed colonial villa.

With a slightly older crowd than you'd find in the centre of Guildford, the place has a relaxed and informal air, but you can feel the quality - from the great selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass or bottle, through to the draft and bottled beers - Hoegarden and Deuchars IPA as well as (I think San Miguel). Nothing is too much trouble for the landlord, his wife and the staff. A Pimms is a work of art, while children are allowed into the garden at early doors (where they'll find a swing right at the back).
I really can't recommend it highly enough. In fact in some respects it's a well kept secret, as from the front, it looks just like a fairly small affair. But once you're inside, really, you won't want to leave.

(Older heads in Guildford may remember the original Rogues - a small bar on the Upper High Street next to the Odeon a site that was redeveloped a number of years ago.)To avoid any confusion - this pub/bar on the corner of Epsom Road and Harvey Road is now called the R Bar.

Upon moving back to Guildford after living away for a number of years, I'd heard that this pub had faced a few problems - the clue being the 'under (not so) new management' board outside.
But those problems seem a world away from my experience - a wonderfully welcoming bar, that unfolds deep into the building and out into the large converted conservatory into an extensive decking area and gardens beyond.
A lot of thought and effort have gone into the styling - think contemporary New England with subtle use of colour palettes and comfortable furniture, giving the bar a feel of a relaxed colonial villa.

With a slightly older crowd than you'd find in the centre of Guildford, the place has a relaxed and informal air, but you can feel the quality - from the great selection of reasonably priced wines by the glass or bottle, through to the draft and bottled beers - Hoegarden and Deuchars IPA as well as (I think San Miguel). Nothing is too much trouble for the landlord, his wife and the staff. A Pimms is a work of art, while children are allowed into the garden at early doors (where they'll find a swing right at the back).
I really can't recommend it highly enough. In fact in some respects it's a well kept secret, as from the front, it looks just like a fairly small affair. But once you're inside, really, you won't want to leave.

(Older heads in Guildford may remember the original Rogues - a small bar on the Upper High Street next to the Odeon a site that was redeveloped a number of years ago.)

PizzaExpress - by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:36:32 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 300133

Website: http://www.pizzaexpress.co.uk

Tags: italian, crowded, pizzeria

When you compare Pizza Express to Zizzi over the road, for me there is no competion, this place is hands down winner.
Some reviews mention that the menu is tired. I disagree. While there is much that has remained consistent over the years, the new range of larger thin pizzas are pretty amazing. Anyone who likes something spicy has to try an Etna - with a chilli tomato base, spicy meats, parma ham and little red chillis, it's a real flavour explosion. And the new gellato deserts and packed with creamy dreaminess - give the pisachio, coffee and chocolate served with caramelised nuts a go and you'll see what I mean.
And yes, it's great for kids - for a fiver they get some dough balls, small salad, pizza or pasta from a choice (kids sized), an ice cream dessert and some frothy warm milk in the style of a cappucino.
I've always found the staff very attentive. I'll give it four and a half stars.When you compare Pizza Express to Zizzi over the road, for me there is no competion, this place is hands down winner.
Some reviews mention that the menu is tired. I disagree. While there is much that has remained consistent over the years, the new range of larger thin pizzas are pretty amazing. Anyone who likes something spicy has to try an Etna - with a chilli tomato base, spicy meats, parma ham and little red chillis, it's a real flavour explosion. And the new gellato deserts and packed with creamy dreaminess - give the pisachio, coffee and chocolate served with caramelised nuts a go and you'll see what I mean.
And yes, it's great for kids - for a fiver they get some dough balls, small salad, pizza or pasta from a choice (kids sized), an ice cream dessert and some frothy warm milk in the style of a cappucino.
I've always found the staff very attentive. I'll give it four and a half stars.

Guildford Castle and Grounds - Perfect for a picnic by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:21:59 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01483 444750

Website: http://www.guildford.gov.uk/GuildfordWeb/Tourism/Groups/Guildford+Castle+and+Grounds.htm

Firstly, you have to congratulate Guildford Borough Council and their parks team for keeping the castle grounds not only immaculately clean, but for ensuring that the seasonal planting schemes give perpetual and dramatic colour throughout the seasons.
Based around the Norman keep, which now is a visitors centre in its own right, a series of paths and smaller green spaces are lined by numerous benches providing a great spot for a quick picnic with the kids. Some of the paths are at quite a gradient, but there's enough on the level to be able to avoid these if need be.
Don't forget that there is also lots of space around the adjacent bowling green, and a little walk further there's the peace and tranquility of Racks Close.
It's a must see for visitors, and a great spot of anyone who wants a tranquil break from Guildford's great shopping.Firstly, you have to congratulate Guildford Borough Council and their parks team for keeping the castle grounds not only immaculately clean, but for ensuring that the seasonal planting schemes give perpetual and dramatic colour throughout the seasons.
Based around the Norman keep, which now is a visitors centre in its own right, a series of paths and smaller green spaces are lined by numerous benches providing a great spot for a quick picnic with the kids. Some of the paths are at quite a gradient, but there's enough on the level to be able to avoid these if need be.
Don't forget that there is also lots of space around the adjacent bowling green, and a little walk further there's the peace and tranquility of Racks Close.
It's a must see for visitors, and a great spot of anyone who wants a tranquil break from Guildford's great shopping.

Caffe Nero - by phelim

phelim — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:22:37 +0000

Review by phelim

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7520 5150

Website: http://www.caffenero.com

Tags: quick bite, cramped, takeaway

I could not disagree more with the previous comment. Caffe Nero is a vibrant and diverse brand, their coffee is vastly superior to any other I have had in the country. I must admit that I have never tried the decaf but.... if you want that, why go to a cafe?

I was in both this Caffe Nero and a nearby Costa today; while Costa's coffee is good (and a lot better than Starbucks) I still prefer Nero's. As for the price difference... a small cappuccino at Costa costs Â£2.05 while it costs less than Â£1.80 in Nero's. Costa also fail to offer any food other than paninis and pastries (which are vastly overpriced).

This shop is always full to bursting with people, has incredibly friendly and courteous staff and in my opinion its only fault is that they don't take cards (however the Neros just up the road does).I could not disagree more with the previous comment. Caffe Nero is a vibrant and diverse brand, their coffee is vastly superior to any other I have had in the country. I must admit that I have never tried the decaf but.... if you want that, why go to a cafe?

I was in both this Caffe Nero and a nearby Costa today; while Costa's coffee is good (and a lot better than Starbucks) I still prefer Nero's. As for the price difference... a small cappuccino at Costa costs Â£2.05 while it costs less than Â£1.80 in Nero's. Costa also fail to offer any food other than paninis and pastries (which are vastly overpriced).

This shop is always full to bursting with people, has incredibly friendly and courteous staff and in my opinion its only fault is that they don't take cards (however the Neros just up the road does).

The Royal Oak - by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:22:16 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 5.00On the outskirts of Guildford at the crest of the hill opposite the Church in the village of Wood Street, is where you'll find the best pint and selection of real ale in Guildford.
Always in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, this friendly local may not be up to much in the style stakes, but leads the way with beer that tastes like it should. With a knowledgable and friendly landlord, the Royal Oak is a great place to spend an evening sampling the array of ales on offer. And there's a large beer garden out back. Shere Drop from the Surrey Hills brewery is always on tap, and there's always a mild on the hand pumps. Super strong cider is also available.On the outskirts of Guildford at the crest of the hill opposite the Church in the village of Wood Street, is where you'll find the best pint and selection of real ale in Guildford.
Always in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, this friendly local may not be up to much in the style stakes, but leads the way with beer that tastes like it should. With a knowledgable and friendly landlord, the Royal Oak is a great place to spend an evening sampling the array of ales on offer. And there's a large beer garden out back. Shere Drop from the Surrey Hills brewery is always on tap, and there's always a mild on the hand pumps. Super strong cider is also available.

The Drummond - Huge beer selection by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:19:37 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

I can remember at least another few versions of this pub before Mitchell and Butler took it over and reverted back to the original name. And a good job they've done too. It has a bit of a bohemian feel to it with lots of low lighting, good selection of reclaimed furniture, heavy drapes and lots of nooks and crannies.
Come on a Friday and Saturday night however and you probably won't pick up on this as the place will be jammed and the bar at least three deep. But the choice of beer will more than make up for it. With a selection of quality German and Belgian largers (try Pauliner) as well as some great bottled beers (Duvel always hits the spot), you're also spoiled to at least two hand pumped real ales as well as beers from the Meantime brewery.
Pick a quieter day and the food is pretty good value. The home made burgers really are worth a trip for. But they run out quickly so get your order in early!I can remember at least another few versions of this pub before Mitchell and Butler took it over and reverted back to the original name. And a good job they've done too. It has a bit of a bohemian feel to it with lots of low lighting, good selection of reclaimed furniture, heavy drapes and lots of nooks and crannies.
Come on a Friday and Saturday night however and you probably won't pick up on this as the place will be jammed and the bar at least three deep. But the choice of beer will more than make up for it. With a selection of quality German and Belgian largers (try Pauliner) as well as some great bottled beers (Duvel always hits the spot), you're also spoiled to at least two hand pumped real ales as well as beers from the Meantime brewery.
Pick a quieter day and the food is pretty good value. The home made burgers really are worth a trip for. But they run out quickly so get your order in early!

Guildford Kebab House - Don't Judge a book by it's cover by Alwilliams26

Alwilliams26 — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:12:13 +0000

Review by Alwilliams26

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01483 534780

Tags: helpful staff; bargain; turkish; grill

A treat is in store for those can see beyond the fairly tacky exterior of what the passer by would presume to be just another late night pit stop for a donner.
Sitting beyond the take away is a small, simply furnished Turkish style restaurant, that in my opinion produces some of the best value grill in the area.

With a whole variety of starters, and an an extensive combination of different main dishes (all pretty much based around or a variation on barbecued meats), you can easily pass an hour or two here and still have change from Â£10 per head. Highly recommended was a mixed meze starter - taziki, taramasalata, humous, bean salad, picked chili, olives, stuffed vine leaves, all served with a big basket of pittas. But even if you want to bypass the starters, every table is treated to a bowl of olives, pickled chilli and bread that will get you off to a good start. Recommended mains (all served with a big salad, lightly pickled crunchy cabbage and yet more bread) include chicken shish (skewers) marinated in a slightly piquant dressing - which is cooked to perfection with all the flavour of the charcoal grill yet with read tenderness of meat. Both the lamb shish and lamb kofte were similarly cooked to perfection.
And with a choice of Turkish wine (it is very good) and Effes bear to wash it all down you can't go wrong. Great friendly service too - there are lots of families, especially in the early evening and my two little ones love it.
Highly recommended. But don't tell everyone.A treat is in store for those can see beyond the fairly tacky exterior of what the passer by would presume to be just another late night pit stop for a donner.
Sitting beyond the take away is a small, simply furnished Turkish style restaurant, that in my opinion produces some of the best value grill in the area.

With a whole variety of starters, and an an extensive combination of different main dishes (all pretty much based around or a variation on barbecued meats), you can easily pass an hour or two here and still have change from Â£10 per head. Highly recommended was a mixed meze starter - taziki, taramasalata, humous, bean salad, picked chili, olives, stuffed vine leaves, all served with a big basket of pittas. But even if you want to bypass the starters, every table is treated to a bowl of olives, pickled chilli and bread that will get you off to a good start. Recommended mains (all served with a big salad, lightly pickled crunchy cabbage and yet more bread) include chicken shish (skewers) marinated in a slightly piquant dressing - which is cooked to perfection with all the flavour of the charcoal grill yet with read tenderness of meat. Both the lamb shish and lamb kofte were similarly cooked to perfection.
And with a choice of Turkish wine (it is very good) and Effes bear to wash it all down you can't go wrong. Great friendly service too - there are lots of families, especially in the early evening and my two little ones love it.
Highly recommended. But don't tell everyone.

Anchor & Horseshoes - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:28:42 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 3.00

Tags: beer garden, standard pub food, pub chain

Haven't been here for a while as used to hate being indoors when hey allowed smoking as it has low ceilings and was rather stuffy even in the winter. \husband goes regularly with the boys but he aleays avoids the quiz night apparently!Haven't been here for a while as used to hate being indoors when hey allowed smoking as it has low ceilings and was rather stuffy even in the winter. \husband goes regularly with the boys but he aleays avoids the quiz night apparently!

Horse & Groom - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:26:52 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 3.00A regular drinking hole with some of the girls!! Only don't plan to eat there as they stop serving food fairly earlyso they lost out on a big order one night! However it has a great atmosphere as fires, sofas and the seating arrangements allow a group to have their own area and a sense of privacy.A regular drinking hole with some of the girls!! Only don't plan to eat there as they stop serving food fairly earlyso they lost out on a big order one night! However it has a great atmosphere as fires, sofas and the seating arrangements allow a group to have their own area and a sense of privacy.

The Rajdoot - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:25:01 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 5.00Our local Indian restaurant and a brilliant one! I have eaten in and have had numerous take aways often buying in for friends coming for dinner. The only disappointment is they don't deliver but it's worth collecting the food asit really is very good.Our local Indian restaurant and a brilliant one! I have eaten in and have had numerous take aways often buying in for friends coming for dinner. The only disappointment is they don't deliver but it's worth collecting the food asit really is very good.

Costa - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:23:18 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 449545

Website: http://www.costa.co.uk

Tags: quick bite, good brew, takeaway

I have always managed to get a seat in this coffee shop and they do a very good decaf' cappachino (sp??)I have always managed to get a seat in this coffee shop and they do a very good decaf' cappachino (sp??)

Sunburst - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:21:51 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 454970

Best place IMHO to buy authentic tasty pizzas of the thin variety can highly recommend the quattro formaggio!Best place IMHO to buy authentic tasty pizzas of the thin variety can highly recommend the quattro formaggio!

The Mandolay - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:16:49 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 303030

Website: http://www.guildford.com

Tags: laundry service

I went to the Mandolay for an evening meeting and used one of their conference rooms. It was well set out and the hot buffet food was excellent and I would recommend it for a similar event. I found parking difficult but apparently there is parking at the back which I did not realise!I went to the Mandolay for an evening meeting and used one of their conference rooms. It was well set out and the hot buffet food was excellent and I would recommend it for a similar event. I found parking difficult but apparently there is parking at the back which I did not realise!

Shangri La - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:14:38 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01483 502778

This is for takeaway only but they offer a good menu and the food is of a high standard although not that cheap.This is for takeaway only but they offer a good menu and the food is of a high standard although not that cheap.

Odeon Multiplex - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:11:54 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0871 224 4007

Website: http://www.odeon.co.uk

Tags: air conditioning, auto ticket machines

Â£25 for a family of four but go to the kids films on a Saturday/Sunday morning and it's Â£2.50 per child with a free adult per child! Much better value if you don't need to see the latest filmÂ£25 for a family of four but go to the kids films on a Saturday/Sunday morning and it's Â£2.50 per child with a free adult per child! Much better value if you don't need to see the latest film

Loch Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar - by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:09:38 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 230550

Website: http://www.lochfyne.com

Tags: seafood, expensive, air conditioning

During the summer they have a dine for Â£11 offer which is good value for 2 courses and a glass of wine. I agree with the other reviews that it's really a fish lovers place but they always offeran alternative and I have had some fab duck dishes. Also serve good quality childrens food and not the usual nuggets and chips!During the summer they have a dine for Â£11 offer which is good value for 2 courses and a glass of wine. I agree with the other reviews that it's really a fish lovers place but they always offeran alternative and I have had some fab duck dishes. Also serve good quality childrens food and not the usual nuggets and chips!

River Wey & Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf - Dapdune wharf by furrypig

furrypig — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:06:14 +0000

Review by furrypig

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01483 561389

A great place to go on a sunny day and often there are special children's activites on so for example my children made bat boxes for Â£2 each! You can pay extra and take a guided trip on the small boat but it quickly gets booked up.A great place to go on a sunny day and often there are special children's activites on so for example my children made bat boxes for Â£2 each! You can pay extra and take a guided trip on the small boat but it quickly gets booked up.