The Railway Guard, Epsom

This pub seemed a bit more downmarket and basic than the nearby Barley Mow, but there was a fair number of punters in on a Sunday lunchtime, although it was by no means crowded. This is essentially a one-room pub, carpeted, and with red-upholstered banquette seating, small stools and normal tables. False beams on the ceiling gave it a sort of 70s look. That’s all very traditional in a funny way. In the middle of the room is a “through” fireplace that would probably at one time have been in a wall separating two rooms. The place seemed to be a bit TV dominated – there’s a small one on a pillar by the bar, a few feet away there is a larger one on the wall above one of the banquettes, and between the two in an alcove that looks as if it doubles as a darts area is a large pull down projection screen. All the TVs were on showing the F1 race, with sound coming from speakers on the wall, competing with some pop music being played. A bit of an overkill I think. There were two ales on – Doom Bar and London Pride. The Doom Bar wasn’t particularly good, being too warm. I suspect that I probably had the first one of the day. I didn’t spot any menus or see anyone eating a meal, but there were nibbles (cheese, onions, etc) on the bar. However as a non-regular I didn’t feel it appropriate to partake. This is not a bad pub, but I did find the faux vuvuzela incessant drone of the motor race, competing with the pop music, a bit offputting. Without that racket, and with a good pint, I think it would be a decent pub to while away an hour or two.