The Harrow, Shepperton

I don't think it quite delivers what it promises on the tin. The facade is a lovely thatched country inn but the bar area is more cramped than expected and the table layout suggests that diners hold priority over drinkers. I waited, alone at the bar, for a few minutes before someone arrived to pull me a pint of OSH (which was fine), the other 2 pumps were Abbot & IPA. The look of the bar area is old timber & beams, these sit a little incongruously with the strong smell of curry as you enter. The aroma, however, made me recognise my hunger and led me to find the indian menu displayed on a wall but, having chosen a couple of tasty-sounding appetisers, I was told that this was the evening-only menu. The lunch menu on the chalkboard was varied and good value (£5-£8) but too different from my initial choice to be of interest. A loud telephone was left ringing unattended behind the empty bar & this drove me back outside to the decent garden area with tables and natural tree shade. Could have been better, but now a GK pub and no more than 6/10 in my book.

You don't find too many thatched buildings this close to London. less more so on the M3 corridor, inside there is a very low beamed ceiling with much needed "Mind Your Head" signs, a carpeted main bar room with regular seating. The brick faced bar front has a few inset bottles, exposed brickwork elsewhere, a log fire was heating the pub from an end wall, so much so I had to take my coat off. There is a small side room off this area, this had a whispering couple in so I steered clear only to end up sat next to two blokes seriously discussing the merits of various tyres. Not all pub days are the same thankfully. The TV had a bid for items show on. Looking for respite I tried a side room with a latched door, this lead to a darkened room which looked like it might be a restaurant. Food is served, both pub stuff plus the place specialises in authentic Indian curries. A GK pub, IPA, OSH on plus thankfully guest Brain's Rev James. Outdoor seating to the front and side. A nice old style country pub very close to town, I sadly didn't warm to it too much but this may have been more to do with the clientele and the lack of somewhere quiet to sit as anything so I won't penalise the place for that. On another day, at the right time, I may try a curry.

"The Harrow" boasts being the oldest pub in Surrey! And that is probably currently true, as its an old thatched farm house, converted in more recent times into a proper pub. I luvvit. Watch out for the low wood beams! (You've been warned)! If you like curry, and I mean a really decent Indian curry, this is definately THE pub to go to. The Indian staff will serve you one of the best curry's you've ever tasted..!! I can guarantee that, I'm a curry connoisseur...!! Lovely pub. Quiet location, off the beaten track (if you can find it)! We love 'The Harrow' :o) TJ

Decent local pub, thatched roof, old beams inside. First time I've been in here for many years. The IPA was decent and everyone in our group enjoyed the various curries on offer. One of our group had the vegetarian lasagne and said it was good. A very enjoyable evening.

A lovely old thatched cottage, with the interior retaining a few of the old timber and beam fittings. Sadly the furniture looks like it has come water-damaged from the Pheonix Club, which spoils the atmosphere somewhat. Don't necessarily expect rural-style ambience either - the footy was on during my visit on Sunday and the place smelt of curry. Beer is Greene King, OSH, IPA and Abbot which are usually in good condition. Worth a look.