The Old House, Dorking

The Old House is one of Dorking's better pubs and benefits from probably the widest real ale range in town. There is a house beer from Laine's simply called Old House and 3 other ales. These were Dorking DB One, Hardy & Hanson's Rockin' Rudolph & Weetwood Cheshire Cat. This appears to be a fairly popular place for drinkers. Although food is also served at times. The barmaid appeared to be quite jolly when speaking to most of the regulars, but not quite as friendly when dealing with a stranger such as myself. Dogs are welcomed. As the previous review states, there are wooden floors, which don't always appeal on cold winter's days like yesterday. Whilst the temperature inside was good, I didn't quite feel as comfortable in here as in other pubs in the town. Still worthy of a visit though.

The bar featured 2 ales by Dorking, 1 from Sly Beast and also "Old House" (brewed by Laine's). £5.10 got me a good quality Pacific Pale from Dorking, though sadly not quite the full pint. There's a good menu too, with prices pretty reasonable. As for the interior (outside not sampled), it's all wood flooring plus wooden tables giving a traditional feel. All in all, a relaxing venue for a pint or two.

Official site of The Old House - www.oldhousedorking.co.uk

Official site of The Old House - www.oldhousedorking.co.uk

Obviously a fairly old building, inside I found a pleasant mix of old and new,flagstone and wooden flooring, wooden panelling on the walls,decor-wise ,a few upright dark stained timber columns but the main theme is a kind of distressed antique Ivory,it works well,I would say the general feel of the pub is half pub half bistro,I quite took to it. However beer-wise it doesn't hit the spot for me, a Young's pub, and only related beers on offer on my visit, I initially only spotted two hand pumps upon my entrance, sporting Youngs Bitter and Wells Eagle IPA badges so opted for a half of the former, oddly dispensed into an Estrella glass,not that the drinking vessel affects the taste in anyway but I suspected if the glass had the actual liquid intended for it in situ it may have had more taste than the ale I chose, Youngs ordinary is not the beer it once was. I later discovered another brace of pumps further around the curved bar,these offering Young's Special and Wells Humming Bird, had I noticed these earlier I would have opted for the Humming Bird,one of the less poor beers from the Wells stable,as a pub I liked it,add some interesting beer into the equation and it wood make a very good pub.

A nearly L-shaped place with a small shape spoiling bit in a front corner, low white painted beamed ceiling, distressed wood panelled walls. Mostly boarded flooring but one end is flagged where there is a wood burner and a pair of sofas. Otherwise, mostly regular seating although much of it was apparently "reserved", something I routinely ignore unless bothered, I rarely have been. Décor follows the Dorking model of lots of chicken stuff, pictures and models plus a few horse pulling dray pictures and porcelain figures. I reckon the pub is quite nice however on my call the place was holding a massive family party and was full of kids, crying babies and people clearly not used to pubs. One middle aged woman was sporting a proper black eye, many of her mates looked as rough as. Despite this, the pub was ok, clearly can be better, Young's Bitter, Special, Tribute, and something from Wells.

Youngs pub with a modern 'distressed' style of decor which to be fair works rather well, though the boards and wall panelling would probably be nicer if left untinkered with. Clearly been knocked through at some point though evidence of the previous layout remains and there are number of quiet alcove areas. A number of dray pics on the walls and a nice old glass fronted cabinet containing a plethora of Youngs breweriana are of interest, along with a selection of board games. Clientele more upmarket than in some other nearby outlets (and so is the food offering) though notably vaping is allowed inside at the bar which was unexpected. Irritatingly bland muzak played throughout my stay. Rear garden is a bit of star - a nicely done two-tier patio with stylised beach hut seating/smoking shelters to the rear. Good selection on the pumps with Purity Gold (good shape) Robinsons Trooper and Adnams Ghostship on alongside Youngs Bitter. Have to admit that despite my initial misgivings this was a pleasant stop. I think things have moved on since Mr Bonser’s visit a couple of years ago – no sticky floorboards here now and I’d prioritise this one next time.