Fox & Finch, Godalming

Judging by my old Surrey beer guide this would seem to have been a Courage pub in the past. It is a genuine two bar pub, the one I was in was once the public bar I imagine and was fairly small and narrow with the bar at the far end and behind that what looked like a much larger room. There was a very prominent bar billiard table. On the bar were six pumps with Doom Bore, St Austell's Tribute, Ballard's Best, Arundel Wild Heaven IPA, Firebird Heritage XX and Anchor Springs Mild. I went for the Firebird brew (£3.70) which wasn't entirely clear and seemed a bit steep for a 4.0% ABV beer but it tasted OK. This seemed a decent enough pub with a reasonably interesting beer selection.

Newly taken-on by the people behind the Pelton Arms in London, a haunt of the esteemed reviewer RogerB who tipped me off. Clearly been a lick of paint here but plenty of character inside (a load of knocked-through properties). Some black painted beams, framed pics of old Godalming, plus some nice old brewery mirrors. Traditional seating alongside a couple of button back cherry red sofas. Eclectic modern indie and electronica through the speakers, maybe a smidge loud for an early Thursday evening. Punter entertainment was well-catered for, including bar billiards, board games and - like the Pelton - live music. A book club and knit night were also advertised. A good selection of ales here, five in total. National stagers on pumps to the right, with more interesting brews off on the left, including Ascot Off The Rails and a dark beer from Langhams which was in excellent shape. A friendly barman positively promoting the place once I mentioned why I was popping in, he was a True Believer and good luck to him. So positive first impressions and another good reason to alight at Godalming for a few hours.