Lemongrass, Guildford

A traditional red brick, tile hung pub in a pretty village just off the A3, close to Guildford. We visited on a bone numbingly cold February mid week lunchtime: the pub was pleasantly busy with groups of business people and pensioners. Entering through a door to the side of the building you come across an L shaped room-bar opposite, with rooms off. Most tables were laid up for dining,with a number boasting “reserved” signs. We sat in a smaller room, down a step from the main bar, though not out on a limb.The decoration was rather odd, not particularily pubby-the walls painted in a selection of colours in the lavender or mauve spectrum. However, a sign announced that the pub would be closed for several days later this month for refurbishment. The beers on offer were safely mainstream:Sharps’Doombar, St Austell Tribute and Hog’s Back TEA from just up the road at Tongham. I didn’t try the Cornish interlopers-the TEA, a decent honest best bitter, was on reasonable form. We called in for a lightish lunch-at £7.95 my ham ‘n’ eggs was good value for Surrey, marred only by that bane of my life, the architectural chip. The landlady and her assistant were pleasant and welcoming, though given the number of punters, were probably short handed. I noticed various leaflets and fliers promoting village events: I hope “the village” as well as passing trade, support this pub. Outside,a decent car park and what could, in sunnier months, be a pleasant beer garden.Today, however was too damn cold to stand and find out.

Official site of the Harrow Inn, contains menu - www.theharrowcompton.com