The Garibaldi, Redhill

I made the Garibaldi my last stop on a Wednesday visit to Redhill, as it doesn't open until 3pm on a Monday to Wednesday. Situated on a hill overlooking the rest of Redhill, I did arrive before its opening time. But my arrival was noted by the young barman as he opened up to take delivery from the Iron Pier brewery. Ironically, I'd already peered through the windows and had decided I would order the Iron Pier Wealdway IPA. Other ales on were Surrey Hills Shere Drop & Wadworth 6X. Once inside, the barman struggled to get a half pint of the IPA out and the cask ended up being taken away by the delivery men. Despite being the last out and very much on the hazy side (I don't think it was supposed to be like this), the taste was fine and indeed I would go as far as to say it was one of the best beers I sampled during the day. The interior is kept fairly simple, with one long bar and seating alongside it. But it has quite a traditional feel. Just 2 other customers came in. They were surprised to see it so quiet, with the barman explaining to them that they had only just opened at 3. He was kept particularly busy by a second beer delivery, but nevertheless, he had managed to get another beer (Parkway Session IPA) on to replace the Wealdway IPA.

A proper community local with plenty of folk coming and going on a Saturday afternoon. A couple of screens were unobtrusively showing different sports on each. £4 got me a pint of Burning Sky Plateau, although it could have done with being a degree or two cooler as well as a few millilitres nearer the top of the glass. Other cask options came from Whitstable, Cronx & High Weald; there was nothing of note on the keg taps (unless Aspall cider and Sharps Offshore lager count). Worth seeking out.

Official site of The Garibaldi - www.thegaribaldiredhill.co.uk

Official site of The Garibaldi - www.thegaribaldiredhill.co.uk

Proper community pub, located up the hill and by the common on the southwestern side of the station but proving well worth the walk. Staple-shaped bar with a tidy semi-traditional interior and a couple of wooden tables out front. Four real ales on handpump: Neanderthal and Neo from Caveman, the Collaboration between Surrey Hills and Cobbett's and Lister's Special Ale (£4.00, from a new brewery to me, but in fine shape).