45 Dene Street, Dorking

Formerly the curiously-named Arty P's (and JB's / the Jolly Butchers before that), the rather austere 1930's brick exterior now houses a surprisingly bright modernised interior. However, this gives the 'L'shaped bar a rather cool feel on a winter's day and the gas 'coal effect' fire offered little in the way of warmth. Decked area to one side. On the beer front, two of the three handpumps were on - offering Harveys and a decent pint of Dark Star Hophead (£3.15). Overall, the place has quite a relaxed feel and is worth looking for a short distance up a side road leading from the High Street if passing.

Situated down a turning off the High St, this is an inter wars pub that has been opened out internally to more or less a single space and has been given a modern makeover. The bar is central, walls are light coloured, wooden flooring, trendy artwork on the walls and the furniture is new look with a few sofas and the odd high table. There are a couple of flat screens on the walls, one on at the time showing the Royal nuptials. To the rear, behind the bar is a semi-separated snug like space containing a couple of sofas and a table of magazines. To the LHS is a large decked garden area with wicker furniture and two large jumberallas. Three handpumps on the bar, Dark Star Hophead (£3.10), Hogs Back TEA and one reversed from Milestone which I probably would have gone for had it been on. As a pub it isn't one for the traditionalists but to me the feel is ok plus there is clearly a positive attitude to providing decent ale. Worth a look in on any Dorking visit.