The Bulls Head, Dorking

My final pub in Dorking was the third Fuller's pub of my visit. This one was probably the most disappointing of the three. It has a central location, but doesn't open until 3pm on weekdays, which surprises me a little considering its prime location. The L-shaped room is wood-panelled but fairly bland and uninspiring. So is the beer range of Pride & Hophead. The London Pride was in a good condition though.

A fairly straightforward Fullers boozer. Staple shaped with a pool table to the left and some nice squared wood wall panelling. Two different rugby matches showing on three screens so we know it likes its sport. To the right is a dart board. Plenty of pumps but only two ales on; ESB and a cold and oddly sweetcorn tasting Pride. Incredibly sticky tables gives a clue as to the cleanliness levels. Not one I’d bother with next time - with three Fullers pubs within 5 minutes of each other this one doesn’t do anything to stand out.

At the top end of South Street is The Bulls Head, a 17th century brick tiled building. A former Gales pub, it’s now one of three Fullers pubs within close proximity to each other. It’s a single L shaped bare boarded bar, but with much wood panelling helping to give a reasonably traditional feel to the place. Furniture is mainly traditional tables and chairs, but with a couple of sofas in one corner. There’s flowers in vases on the tables and what seems to be a rather half hearted attempt to get some food trade, but, on my Saturday lunchtime visit, there weren’t any takers. Some photographs and prints on the walls would suggest that the landlord is a Chelsea supporter, which didn’t help me warm to the pub, although, in fairness, it’s reasonably restrained and not OTT in any way. A big screen was showing the Arsenal v Spurs North London derby, with no sound, as it was a foreign TV channel, which contributed to an unusually subdued atmosphere amongst those locals watching. There’s 5 pumps, but only Pride and Chiswick were on with, notably, for a former Gales house, no Gales branded beers on. The Chiswick - £ 2.95p – wasn’t up to much and it quickly became apparent that there wasn’t much beer trade. A fairly average pub, at best – but I seem to recall it was rather better when it was a Gales pub

Nice-looking Fullers pub, with a partially tile-hung facade and mostly traditional traditional furniture and decor in the 'L'-shaped bar (apart from a small side area which has some distinctly modern sofas). Disappointed to find that only two of the five handpumps were operational, offering a very unimaginative choice of Chiswick and Pride (£3.50). There were also uncleared glasses on several tables, and the bar staff were not particularly attentive. Perhaps I caught it on a bad day, but you feel that this could be rather better than it surrently seems to be...