William Bray, Guildford

Some say this pub is owned by Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, others that it’s Julian Bailey, erstwhile racing driver also known as The Stig. Formerly the Prince of Wales, signage around the place informs us that it’s now named after a famous 18th century man of letters, whose writings prove that baseball was actually invented in England before the USA existed, and was played by women as well as men. It consists of two main rooms, the set ‘Bray Restaurant’ on the left, and the smaller ‘Shere Bar’ on the right, and feels well run and friendly. Four hand pumps as of yesterday offered Shere Drop (twice), Ranmore Ale (on pretty good form) and Doombar The menu was priced towards the higher end of gastropub catering (cheapest mains at £11.95); however, we ate here and thought the food was extremely good. Outside there is both a seating area with modern, black outdoor furniture, and behind it a traditional pub garden, perhaps indicative of the way the pub tries to have a broad appeal. Yes, it’s primarily a gastropub, but on the other hand not everyone in the bar was eating, and I for one would feel comfortable coming here just for a drink. Yes, it’s expensive, but it does its thing very well, and if your wallet is feeling heavy this would be an agreeable place to come and lighten it.

Renamed to the Boatman

This is a very large open plan u-shaped pub with a high ceiling so there needs to be quite a crowd in to generate any sort of atmosphere. It was busy enough though on my recent week night visit and I am reliably informed that it does get very busy at weekends with a twenty something crowd that would like you to think they have more money than sense. Whilst I was waiting to be served I spotted a couple of real ales lurking at the other end of the bar and there was also a good premium draught selection. I was a little shocked by acrimonious attitude of the barmaid when I was finally served, but I did get a nice pint of Guinness to sup whilst listening to some decent background music. Whilst searching for the poorly signed toilets I came across a downstairs function room with its own bar. There were a good few people bopping away in there, but I’m not sure if it was a private party or a night organized by the pub. I would have no problem revisiting this pub if it wasn’t for the attitude of the barmaid as manners are something that I hold in high regard.

Now called the William Bray and is owned by Richard Hammond from BBC's Top Gear [admin note: Updated name 26/01/10]