Fox & Finch, Godalming

A totally re-furbed pub, modernised and now more pub and kitchen style place rather than the boozer it once was, knocked through to a single long room all very smart and efficient looking but ultimatley no pub character. Three handpumps offering the house bitter, Goldfinch, Dorking XPA, which was served through a sparkler and very good, along with Lillys Apple and Pears Cider. There is also some 20 keg fonts with a range of commonplace craft beers and upper range Lagers. Ultimately not a bad place but not my thing so unlikely to revisit.

Official site of Fox & Finch - www.foxandfinchgodalming.com

Official site of Fox & Finch - www.foxandfinchgodalming.com

I thought this pub felt familiar, I visited in 2008 when I used another inferior pub site. How the place has improved from a pub where a great dane was allowed free run to bother the customers. A big pub with a two room format, probably a few cottages knocked together. There wasn't anyone in the bar where there is a dartboard set amongst bookshelves, a pinball table and an unusual gallery over the counter which I guess is the stage for the regular live music. I entered the other room which had a small group of chatty customers, Black painted beams and posts, friendly staff, mixed seating including high tables, sofas and the proper type too. Green walls, framed local pics, cigarette cards, antelope head trophies, shields with coats of arms plus a few splendid brewery mirrors from Bass, Charrington's and Guinness. A fireplace looks like it gets some use in colder weather than today, a shelf contained board games and there were the daily papers in a rack by the door. A bar billiards table takes pride of place. Handpumps in each bar but only clipped in the room I sat in, Hog's Back TEA plus In the Limelight, Firebird Heritage XX, Nelson Defiance and Ascot Single Hop which was reversed but being pulled through. Food includes Pieminister pies, with mash and gravy at £9.95, other offerings include F&C for £10.95. Clearly a community pub, apart from the live music there is a book club and a first for me, a canine club where you bring your dog in for some kind of social. I'd probably stay away for that. A lovely pub, good beer, much to see and enjoy, one of the better offerings in this attractive town.