Brave New World, Berrylands, Surbiton

CAMRA WhatPub - whatpub.com

CAMRA WhatPub - whatpub.com

Brave New World official site with event details - bravebar.co.uk

Despite being a bit tucked away on the periphery of Surbiton, there has been a pub here for several centuries although the current building is Victorian. It initially doubled up as a bakery hence it’s original name of the Bun Shop but was renamed the Brave New World in the mid-90’s although it seems to just get by these days just being called the Brave. The pub has for many years revolved around live music, initially as a jazz stronghold but latterly hosting an assortment of gigs, jams open mic nights and comedy. The interior is quite spacious with a rough, basic feel thanks to exposed brickwork and stripped back furnishings. The main bar is split into 2 by part of a dividing wall and has a darts area in the right hand section whilst to the left of the entrance is a separate games room containing a pool table and a few chesterfield sofas. At the rear is the appropriately named “back bar” which is used for the music / comedy evenings. There is also a small courtyard beer garden out the back. The beer selection is quite generic and of the 6 hand pumps, just Doom Bar was available although the quality was better than I would have expected and prices reasonable. The place was quiet on my early Saturday evening visit although live football ws being shown and it was difficult to gauge what the ambiance would be like or what sort of crowds it generally attracts. It was a decent enough place for what it is but I can’t see it being particularly enticing to anyone beyond the entertainment side and other than that, there isn't really much here to warrant going out of the way for.

Brave New World official site with event details - bravebar.co.uk