The Good Intent, Guildford

I’d been wanting to visit this pub for some years, but freezing pipes and sundry excitements had got in the way.It’s a nice , old fashioned coaching-inn style building in a rural village, a few moments from the main drag on the Hog’s Back. A tight covered way takes you through to the carpark and garden at the back of the pub. Inside, one gets the impression of a long narrow drinking area surrounding the bar.At one end a slightly lower area laid up for dining.Open fire, hops above the bar, a smattering of oak panelling and venerable beams.The old revolutionary in me was secretly pleased to learn that the historical bod on the innsign was none other than Oliver Cromwell. Perhaps we struck it on an “off” night, but I was not overly impressed by the beer range- no Harveys (that is surprising) and Greene King IPA as a guest beer! On the other hand, the Otter bitter was a very pleasant session beer.Jennings ‘Cocker Hoop’ was well kept,and I managed to resist the allure of Sharp’s ‘Doom Bar’.Unfortunately, my son’s pint of Timothy Taylor’s ‘Landlord’was on the bland side, though this echoes my recent experience of this beer.There seemed to be a goodly offering of fizz, for lovers of such things. Given this pub’s location, I was a bit disappointed not to see some of the wonderful ales brewed in this corner of the southeast, but what was sampled was on top form. I’m a great fan of whitebait, so was glad to see them on the menu. I followed these with a steak and ale pie-a decent helping, but alas over cooked. I think it would be fair to say that none of us were particularly struck with our meals, but at least the pub is not afflicted by the Surrey fashion for London i.e. small helpings. Service was pleasant, and the locals made space for you to get to the bar,but I failed to identify the landlord, which I always consider a pity.Some particularily fine dogs were wandering about, including a soppy chocolate lab and a rather smart Ridgeback. We’d like to come back, as it is in some good walking country. Perhaps we will: I’ll pray for adventurous ale.

One of the best! Called in for a break on a what is a regular run and wondered why we'd never stopped here before. Will certainly factor it into the itinerary for a longer break next time we're passing. If only it were our local.

Great village pub close to good walking country, with a real dedication to serving a range of good ales. A real log fire burns in the grate, and a hum of conversation dominates, rather than music. Genuinely welcoming and friendly. The house beers are Ringwood Best Bitter, Harvey's Sussex, and TT Landlord; guests were Triple fff Alton's Pride, Hammerpot Red Hunter and Ballard's Nyewood Gold. Well worth seeking out.