The Flintgate, Oatlands, Weybridge

Facebook page of The Flintgate - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Flintgate - www.facebook.com

Came here with high hopes being familiar with the nearby Big Smoke sister pubs ,The Antelope in Surbiton and Albion in Kingston.The pub is set out a little more food minded than the afore-mentioned siblings, two thirds set for dining with the final third a drinking area. It didn't appear too busy during my stay of about forty minutes or so and in that time three different ales went off ,joining two already vacant handles, there was no apparent plan to replace any of them anytime soon despite my counting up to five bar staff around the place. Despite this lacklustre approach the beers I did have were fine, Big Smoke Cosmic Dawn on cask and Abbeydale Unbeliever on keg. Although this pub definitely enhances Weybridge's pub scene , on my one experience so far the jury is out.

Official site of The Flintgate - www.theflintgate.co.uk

Official site of The Flintgate - www.theflintgate.co.uk

A pub with a somewhat chequered history including several changes of identity but now smartly refurbished by the Big Smoke Brewing Company and reverted to its original name. Knocked through into one long reverse J-shaped room with a light wooden floor and walls and panelling in shades of gastro-grey with a comfortable if slightly upmarket feel. The long side is more of a dining area but drinkers are welcome throughout and there is a large tabled patio to the rear. The main attraction now however is the impressive range of beers, with no fewer than 18 craft keg taps, 10 ale pumps and 4 cider pumps, and with no trace of such mundane offerings as Stella, Heineken or even Doom Bar. As well as beers from Big Smoke (sadly mainly on keg), breweries represented include the likes of Thornbridge, Hawkshead, Oakham, Wimbledon, Langham, Swan and Arbor. Those sampled were in excellent condition, although that number will take some managing. Prices were not unreasonable for the area and there is a '10th pint free' loyalty scheme, shared with the other Big Smoke pubs. Food not sampled but sounded good. Definitely worth a visit.

Good News! The Big Smoke brewery is taking it over and it is going back to being the The Flintgate and hopefully a proper pub from 1 November 2018. New review to follow.