Holly Tree, Addlestone

Looked shut from the outside with the blinds down but it was open via a side entrance. Inside is a vaulted ceiling room geared solidly to music with guitars, band tees and old 78’s mounted on the walls, plus Kerrang on the telly. Off to the side is a spur with a pool table and semi castle-esque decor. Live music advertised. Three pumps with nothing on; two Dark Star kegs were also off due, apparently, to the Fullers sale. Ended-up with a half a Guinness which was pretty decent. Three effers and jeffers for company, one of which was a disembodied female voice (the source of which was never revealed) that occasionally piped up from behind an alcove, and a small child who appeared unfazed by the subjects of conversation and the Anglo Saxon terms used within; she applied herself diligently to her colouring book. I learned all about the trials and tribulations of one local character who sounded too weird for Shameless, but just right for Addlestone. I guess it serves a local niche, the sort of niche I moved away from this area to avoid.

Large pub at edge of centre which doesn't reach its full potential. Not unpleasant but could be much better.