The Old Manor Inn, Walton-on-Thames

This is more like a real neighbourhood regulars’ pub than its two near neighbours down the end of the road by the river. Clearly it was a Courage pub previously, judging by the trademark cockerel, and the lamps outside on the wall. Inside it’s one fairly small room, although I’m sure that at one time it would have been two even smaller rooms. It’s carpeted, and furnished traditionally with some banquettes and norm tables and chairs. There’s a large black-painted false beam running across the left hand part of the room, attractively hung and decorated with horse brasses, brass ornaments and the like. The walls are mainly adorned with old black and white photographs of the surrounding area, and there was a TV on one of the walls showing Sky Sports, but with the volume very low. The absence of pop music was a welcome change from most pubs. I missed the handpumps at first because they were hidden behind those hideous faux lager style font contraptions, but I eventually realised that they did in fact have Courage Best, and both Young’s Special and Bitter on. I saw no sign of any food during my Monday lunchtime visit. The other thing that struck me was the dog friendliness of this pub – I saw three well-behave dogs either lounging or wandering about, as they do, and a water bowl had been provided for them. There’s a smallish outside area at the back, utilised by smokers during my visit. This is a well kept, clean and friendly local, and I would be delighted to visit again.

Small traditional local overshadowed by its neighbours closer to the river. Pleasant enough.