Cheers to Newdigate pub named among Britain’s best

Celebrations are underway at the Surrey Oaks in Parkgate Road after the pub was ranked among the best in the nation by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Pubs are judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, value for money, customer mix, but most importantly – quality of beer.

Roger Protz, editor of the Good Beer Guide, said: “Being named in the top 16 in Britain is something these pubs should be hugely proud of and is testament to how hard each of the pubs work to get this far, winning their local and now regional pub award.

“The next step for all of these pubs is to be judged against each other in the National Pub of the Year competition, which will see one of the 16 crowned as the best pub in the whole country.”

CAMRA said: “The Surrey Oaks is a great supporter of micro-breweries from both near and far. Three guest beers are available and these are constantly changing.

“On average a new beer to the pub comes on sale every day with hoppy ales always popular.

“The building itself dates in part from the 16th century, but only became a pub in 1850 having previously been a wheelwright’s cottage.

“Internally there are a number of distinct drinking areas. The main drinking area is a low-beamed flagstone bar which has a large inglenook fireplace complete with wood burning stove, and low beams covered in pumpclips.

“There is also a piano in this bar which is in tune and may get played during the acoustic music night on Tuesday.

“Another room is to be found near the car park entrance and this contains a genuine 1958 wall mounted Rockola jukebox, still playing original 7’ vinyl records. This room can be curtained off for meetings.

“This bar leads to the Georgian restaurant where excellent food is served.”

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