The Golden Grove, Chertsey

Official site of The Golden Grove - www.goldengrovestannshill.com

Official site of The Golden Grove - www.goldengrovestannshill.com

A large and handsome pub in a rural setting, handy for St Anne's Hill, which has had various personalities over the years. Currently it seems to be trying to be a posh eating house, with staff who feel like extras from 'Made in Chelsea'. It doesn't quite get there, despite the designer furnishings and twee table lamps, and has a slightly run down feel, especially on the outside. It is however scheduled for a refurb shortly, which also means that cask ale has been temporarily abandoned: it apparently normally has London Pride as a regular plus a (mainstream) guest or two. The interior is quite low-ceilinged in the main part, but with a larger hall-type room behind, while there is a large and heavily-tabled patio at the rear. I can't help feeling it is going down the slippery slope of being more restaurant than pub. The food incidentally is nicely prepared if a little unexciting but is somewhat overpriced.

There is a real country feel to this old coaching inn, despite it being only a short walk out of town. The long interior is divided into separate areas, the main bar area has farmhouse style seating and some old photos plus a nice drawing of the pub. There are low beams where you need to mind your head and timber framing evident in the walls. Beyond the bar, to the rear is an add on which is a restaurant complete with "Please Wait to be Seated" signage. Another front area off the main entrance has some padded bench seating and a soot stained brick fireplace with candelabras, clocks and painted jugs above. Next to this is a small snug-like area where there are various artefacts on a high shelf. Walls are painted a pale green colour. No less than seven handpumps although just four were clipped on Saturday afternoon with a rather ordinary selection of Pride, Doom Bar, Black Sheep Bitter and Tribute. I went for the Tribute but this came up sour and although changed without quibble the clip wasn't turned. There are a few outdoor high tables to the front facing the car park, a nicer garden can be found to the rear where there is also a bit of kids' play equipment. I liked the pub as a building and could settle here for a few but only if they took advantage of the pumps they have and introduce a couple or so more interesting beers and different styles.