Ashley Park Hotel, Walton Town, Walton-on-Thames

New page of Ashley Park Hotel on Ember Inns website - www.emberinns.co.uk

New page of Ashley Park Hotel on Ember Inns website - www.emberinns.co.uk

This is an Ember Inn so expect the usual hotel lounge feel although in this case that is exactly what it is, being attached and affiliated to the Travelodge next door. The usual Ember Inns interior with lots of styles of armchairs, semi-connected areas, three or four see-through fireplaces with a couple on the go. There always seems to be a laid back vibe to their pubs, good or not so, depending upon your daily mood, anyway I felt comfortable in here, three banks of handpumps offered Pride, Tribute, Thwaites Nutty Black, Brakspear's Bitter, Doom Bar, McEwan's Signature and Hop Back Winter Lightning, very good value I thought for a 5.5%er at £3.55 then less a 20p CAMRA card discount. Food clearly matters a lot and deals are advertised, a rear room looks to be more for formal dining and no doubt is the breakfast area for the adjoining hotel. Nevertheless, papers in a rack and low level music make the place feel relaxed, The location opposite Walton station make it a no brainer if you have to wait for a train. At the time the pub was scaffolded so no update photo taken.

Following the Ember Inn changes, the hotel part is now a Travelodge and the pub part has been thoroughly refurbished. External branding is now 'Ember Pub & Dining at the Ashley Park', which is a bit of a mouthful. Internally, the bar area has ben extended through to the rear and all redecorated in a bright modern style. Changing range of well-kept beers remains and the food is recommended. Perhaps lacks that bit of individual qurkiness that makes a great pub, but otherwise very good.