The Rodboro Buildings (Lloyds No 1), Guildford

This place is vast, even by JDW standards, it is a Lloyds No1, situated in what looks from the outside like a converted mill but which is actually a former specialist truck factory for Dennis, makers of fire engines, dustcarts etc. There are a few radiator grills and vehicle logos on the walls here and there. The pub is split level and also has an upper mezzanine with its own bar albeit with a nominal selection. Lots of exposed brickwork, probably the original metal framed windows, large ceiling ducts on view. The ground floor area with the main bar has a few changes in level, I spotted a pair of rather intimate booths, being a Lloyds there is a dance floor, thankfully it was too early in the evening for that nonsense to begin. The bar is pretty long, running along two sides, there were 6 guest ales by my reckoning plus three proper ciders, a pretty decent selection. Handy for a first or last pint near the station if visiting Guildford. One of the better 'spoons.

The usual paint-by-numbers ‘Spoons but this time housed in a fine building of Industrial heritage and over several levels. Utilised it for an early lunch and pint when arriving in Guildford and for this it was perfectly fine. We utilised the top level, which has the advantage of being close to the kitchen, so at least the staff can find you before your food goes cold, but the bar on this floor is much smaller and seems to suffer from the disappearing staff problem others have reported. So you have to time your move for when someone shows and hope not too many get in front of you. Not an overwhelming beer offering but it did include Jennings Bitter, Hammerpot Shooting Star, and a rather fine pint of Ascot Ales Penguin Porter, which was available on both bars.

Staff seem a bit unsure of themselves and it can seem awkawrd ordering food. However the Chilli was nice here.

The battered fish and chips here tasted disappointing, I would recommened eating something else from the vast menu.

It has not got any worse than previously, probably a bit better than it used to be, food arrives fairly promply after ordering, the food is basic but generally reasonable, the real ale range is normally very good, some of the staff can seem like they don't want to be working here and a little off-hand.