Red Cross Inn, Reigate

An edge of town centre pub, you enter to the main bar area off which there are two side areas up or down a few steps effectively forming an elongated U shape. Beamed ceiling, one end has a large inglenook fireplace, it is clearly a rather old building even if not immediately evident from outside. Boarded in the bar area, carpeted in the wings, screens divide some of the tables. Rugby seems to be big here as it does in many Reigate pubs, the pub was packed with people watching England v NZ on Saturday and the décor includes framed rugby shirts. Another smaller fireplace was not in use, being filled decoratively with chopped logs, other features included the usual old prints of town. Four handpumps, one not clipped, Hobgoblin, Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale plus the very local Pilgrim Progress. There is apparently a garden to the rear but I didn't look on what was a wet and squally day. It was hard to judge this place with the live rugby on as the pub was truly packed and it was difficult to find anywhere to perch with my pint but the ale was top notch even if it took a while to get it.

The Red Cross Inn is found on a corner at the end of Reigate high street. During my visit last Monday evening Monday night football was being aired on the two plasma screens, one of which is quite imposing as it overhangs the bar. BT sport is also advertised so this pub seems to be the area’s one stop shop for sports fans. The interior consists of the aforementioned bar that faces the entrance and a raised seating area to the left where the toilets are also found. To the right are some more steps that lead to a larger seating area where I imagine the advertised Friday and Saturday night live music is held. There is also an open mic session and quiz on Sundays with the latter starting at 19:30. The bar is stocked with standard draught alongside San Miguel and four hand pumps. Two of these were unused leaving Sharps’ Cornish Coaster and T.E.A. as the ale options. I didn’t see any food advertised. A beer garden is advertised, but I did not visit on this occasion. This pub is perfectly fine for watching football, but I’m not sure I would be rushing back at other times.