The Three Horseshoes, Cranleigh

I was very pleasantly surprised to encounter this bustling drinkers pub in the self-styled "largest village in England". The pub was doing great business on a Friday afternoon with all tables seemingly occupied. There were 6 ales on the bar, with both Twickenham Naked Ladies and Dorking Pilcrow Pale in excellent condition, respectively slightly more and slightly less than £5. Very much better than I could have anticipated and well worth the trip.

Easily driven past but a surprisingly large pub inside, with a heavy red colour scheme in the front bar, liberally decorated with pictures. The back room has bare floorboards and more of a dining area feel, while the right hand room seems to be more of a locals bar, but the indoor access is labelled 'do not use' - one of a number of such 'do not' notices around the pub which is something of an irritation. There is a large outdoor area at the rear, heavily tabled and including a children's play section. A good selection of beers included a dark one: Dorking DB One and Black Noise, Dartmoor Legend, Harvey's Best, Mad Goose Purity and Hophead.

Official site of The Three Horseshoes - threehorseshoescranleigh.co.uk

Official site of The Three Horseshoes - threehorseshoescranleigh.co.uk

A 17th century two bar pub,I didn't have time to investigate the back bar but could hear a pool table in operation,there is apparently also a pinball machine. in the front bar the floor is bare boards,a white ceiling with black beams, various seating and a TV screen show F1 practice on my visit. On the bar,three hand pumps, Doombar, Harveys Sussex Bitter and a Locale offering in Firebird Pacific Gem,which was a good pint.A decent pub.