The Plough, Leatherhead

Another very changed pub, moving up market with the area across the front going for the cocktail bar effect with black woodwork and glitzy lighting. The bar groaned under a row of shiny high keg taps, but luckily there was still a solitary Surrey Hills Shere Drop pump hiding at the end. Apparently London Pride was also available. The larger rear area is mainly given over to swish restaurant, with the Thai food being the one constant from the earlier review. The car park has numerous warning signs about paying but apparently they only worry overnight - check at the bar though. I wouldn't bother returning unless looking for a Thai meal.

Official site of The Plough - www.theploughleatherhead.co.uk

Official site of The Plough - www.theploughleatherhead.co.uk

This is a 1930s roadhouse with a classic Brewer's Tudor exterior, nowadays situated on a busy roundabout on the edge of town. The two bar format is retained, requiring separate entrance, the front area being the saloon bar with the rear section being called the lounge. The saloon as it is called is the main drinking area, the rear portion of the pub being more suited for diners, this area has a pool table to one side and a working dartboard to the other. I imagine looking at the doors once further split to include a genuine public bar. Carpeted in front of the bar, tiled around the pool table and lino around the dartboard. There is also a TV in this room. Décor includes a few of the usual B&W framed photos of yesteryear but also interestingly a map of North Surrey showing the main road routes and hostelries from some years ago, many of which are now just a distant memory for the older locals. There are a few horse brasses fixed to the bar uprights, the original remaining windows are leaded. Lower walls are panelled, most likely the original stuff although unfortunately some has been thoughtlessly painted over in a grim grey colour. I only looked briefly into the rear room, being busy with people eating, the food is mostly authentic Thai but there is a basic bar menu too. This room has at some time been extended to the rear. Some terrace seating to the front facing the roundabout with a better option of the grassy garden with picnic benches to the rear. Three handpumps in each room, doubled with a rather mundane and safe selection of Pride, Youngs Bitter and GK IPA. The service was nice and friendly and I quite liked the pub, chuck in a local Surrey beer instead of one of the mainstreams and it would be worth seeking out.