Horse & Groom, Woking

Micropub that is part of what was a much bigger pub of the same name. The main room at the front has the bar to the rear right-hand side with toilets and a further seating space beyond. Three real ales were on handpull - Thurston's Porter, Dorking Surrey XPA & Crafty Brewing Crafty One. A board listed the real ciders, all from Tutts Clump - Rhubarb Cider, Berkshire Diamond, Traditional Farmhouse & Tutts Clumper, whilst a screen showed the available craft beers - Disruption is Brewing In My Stompabout Haze & Lost Art of the Handshake, Hogs Back Hog IPA & Uprising Sweet Shop Sour. There was also a craft cider called Whistling Piglet, also from Crafty Brewing. 2 or 3 other customers were present on our Saturday afternoon visit, with a barman replaced by a barmaid shortly after we arrived. Neither appeared overly friendly. However, this was the only pub of 11 we visited to have any real cider and the availability of a dark beer was also a real plus point for me. Whilst not a traditional pub, this now appears to be the best pub in Chobham and was our favourite pub during a day's drinking in Surrey.

Still as described by Moby. The two handpumped ales were Thurston Gold and Big Smoke Distant Lands on this occasion. Perhaps doesn't quite fit the absolute technical requirements of a micropub (having radio on, for one), but nonetheless very pleasant and a welcome addition to the two food-based pubs in the village centre.

As described by Moby, below, this fairly standard micro is new. I went in by accident, having intended to go into the Sun, opposite, which turned out to be closed. A serendipitous event meaning I could have a chat with Moby over a pint. Ales on were Thurston Small IPA, Thames-side Egyptian Goose, Hogsback Surrey Nirvana, Hogstar Lager, Hepworth Conquerer Stout, Tutts Clump and the ciders (Berkshire Diamond and some traditional farmhouse cider), and perry (Disruption Battle Royale) already mentioned. As I was driving I just had the one, the Small IPA, which was in excellent condition. The landlord, a former carpenter, was friendly and welcoming, and I wish him every success in this new venture. I for one shall certainly return, and I wonder who else will pop up in there.

Official site of Horse & Groom - horse-and-groom-micropub.business.site