The Harrow, Caterham

Perfectly functional country pub, handily place 150m from the North Downs Way. 3 reals on and I went safe with an excellent £4 pint of London Pride. Nice pub. Photos at my blog - http://bit.ly/2JWqtdP

This is apparently the second highest pub in the County of Surrey situated on the ridge of the North Downs and close to the Pilgrims' Way. I can probably vouch for that having visited during my walk around the Caterham area which seemed to be relentlessly uphill. It is a country pub, situated in the small but widespread village of Chaldon, there are black ceiling beams, a wood burner, brick, quarry tiled and wooden floors. Some exposed brickwork and in the rear restaurant, a former outhouse added on with exposed painted stonework. Various artefacts around, especially on the window cills such as kettles, stone jars, clocks, pewter vessels etc. Daily papers were available on a wall mounted rack, decor included old local maps, one of which showed that the pub was a base for the Home Guard in WWII. Isolated to a degree as the pub is, there were many in on Saturday afternoon, most having seemingly driven out for the rather upmarket meals. I arrived in search of a pint of good beer and a rest from my walk, of six handpumps there were three on, Tribute, Pride and Ringwood Best Bitter (£3.70). The pub is clearly dog friendly, a few were in, walker and biking friendly too, not snooty at all, there is a large outside garden with a big cover for bad weather. A welcome stop on my walk, I appreciated it and a good pint too, just a nagging feeling that the place is now really a destination for weekend meals, not that you can blame them.