The Rose & Thistle, Camberley

A large pub, facing the village green, which many years ago was a bustling local. It has now been tarted up in a not-quite-gastro sort of way, all very smart and tidy but totally soulless. And very empty. The large L-shaped room extends its expanse of once-polished floorboards round to a conservatory, with all tables afflicted with clipboard menus. At least the bank of 4 handpumps were all in use, with TT Landlord and Proper Job alongside Doom Bar and a cider. The place has the right ingredients but doesn't work somehow.

A 20 minute or so walk away from The Prince of Wales In Farnborough ( from where I had just come ) is The Rose and Thistle in Frimley Green. Notably, on the walk we cross over the boundary from Hampshire into Surrey. We also cross over 2 sets of railway lines ( no pedestrian footbridges, so take care !). Incidentally, I think this is probably the first pub crawl that I’ve done that has taken in pubs from adjoining counties. As we approach the pub, on the edge of the green, we see a pub that looks at first glance like a typical family pub / restaurant type of place. Inside we find a single bare boarded bar with two adjoining rooms and, on the far left, a conservatory extension which, based on my visit, is used as a family dining room. The far room principally caters for drinkers and has the usual mixture of traditional and modern furniture. A wall showcases the pump clips of beers that have featured – “Bills Beers”. In this area of the pub is a dartboard and a bar gantry decorated with hops. A television was showing a Six Nations Rugby game, but did not dominate. The pub has been in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the last 2 years, reportedly following the arrival of new enthusiastic management, who seemed notably absent on my visit. Beers on were Sharps Doom Bar, London Pride and White Shield. The Sharps Doom Bar - £ 2.95p – was reasonable. Saltaire Chocoholic came on whilst I was present. 2 ciders were also on. I didn’t dislike the pub particularly, but, in all honesty, it’s not worth leaving The Prince of Wales for.