The Europa, East Molesey

This is a three bar pub on the main Walton Road in East Molesey. Notably, the pub sign features a scantily dressed woman riding a bull and the framed potted history of the pub inside tells us what this depicts. A small snug style room – named “The Cabin Room” – to the front appears to be mainly used by regulars. Here we find some interesting old photos of the former racecourse at Hurst Park, nearby, which closed in October 1962. There’s also a photo from the 1920’s showing the pub as a Barclays Ales and Stout pub. Notably, for a room this size, room is found for a sofa, although the locals appear to favour the stools at the bar. A small corridor, which leads to the larger main bar, features a framed potted history of the pub. Here we learn how, in 1856, a certain Mr Roberts applied for a full Innkeepers Licence for the Europa Beerhouse and how this was opposed, on a number of occasions by the licensee of the nearby New Inn. Somewhat ironically, The New Inn, a Greene King pub not so long ago, is now a private residence. This larger main bar is comfortable, carpeted and traditionally furnished. Some paintings of wine bottles led me to initially wonder if this was a food orientated area, but I saw nothing to indicate that food was available at all. In this bar is an old Friary Meux mirror over a fireplace and a skylight with an attractive decorative coloured glass cover. A small TV, tuned to a foreign channel, was showing the Blackpool v Arsenal game, without attracting much interest. A corridor from this bar leads to a basic public bar which is dominated by a large snooker table and a dart board. A pleasant garden, accessed from the main bar, features a smokers shelter ( which appear to be former stables ) , a fish pond and a childrens play area. On my recent Sunday afternoon visit, beers on were Harvey’s Best, Courage Best, London Pride, GK Abbott and Hook Norton Old Hooky. Note that the pumps in the Cabin Bar are supplemented by two additional pumps in the main bar. Beers sampled were in reasonable condition. The Europa appears to be mainly a locals pub, but I quite like it, particularly the way it has retained its multi bar layout. Well worth seeking out when in the vicinity.

Good traditional local with separate rooms. Range of ales is fairly predictable but seem to be in good condition. Occasional music etc; pool and darts in public bar.