Royal Marine, Chertsey

In the village of Lyne, the other side of the M25 motorway from Chertsey, is The Royal Marine, a small cosy, comfortable free house. The pub dates back to 1847 and was originally 2 separate cottages. It's name is in recognition of the fact that Queen Victoria paid a visit to see the marines stationed down the road at nearby Chobham Common. A comfortable, carpeted traditional interior features a number of items of marine memorabilia and a collection of jugs hanging from the ceiling beams to the left of the entrance. Unusually, for such a small pub, room is found in one corner for a dartboard. I don't recollect seeing any TV's. Leather bound menus on each table would appear at first glance to indicate a strong food emphasis, but, based on my recent Saturday lunchtime visit, this is first and foremost a pub, with a seemingly loyal band of regulars. A rather scruffy well worn sign on a fence directs customers to the "Patrons Car Park" - a car park behind the pub which is notably large for a pub this size. On street parking is also available. Past the car park is a garden. There's seating on the pavement at the front where you can watch the locals speed past in their Chelsea Tractors ( 4x4's ) or, occasionally, a farmer transporting bales of hay on a more conventional tractor. The pub appears to be very much part of the local community and puts on occasional Hog Roasts, BBQ's etc. An "RSPCA Fun Day" is planned for 18 September. It is therefore somewhat surprising that the pub normally closes at 2.30pm ( even on a Saturday ) and doesn't open at all on Sunday evening ( 3pm close on Sundays ). The Royal Marine is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular and the yearly stickers are displayed behind the bar. There's several CAMRA branch certificates on show, including one for local CAMRA Branch Pub of the Year for 2006. There's 4 handpumps which were serving Ruddles County, Ruddles Best, Greene King Sun Dance and Sharps Doom Bar, a selection which might best be described as uninteresting. The existence of Courage Best posters in the gents would appear to suggest that that beer is often on. Both the Ruddles County and the GK Sun Dance were in good condition, but they're not particularly inspiring beers at the best of times and the emphasis on Greene King brewed beers ( 3 out of 4 ) was a disappointment. I'd happily revisit, but I'd be hoping for a better beer selection if I do.