DIVISION ONE SOUTH

Ashford - Banstead Ath- Bognor Regis - Bracknell - Bromley - Carshalton Ath - ChertseyTown - Corinthian Casuals - Croydon - CroydonAthletic - Dulwich Hamlet - EghamTown - Epsom & Ewell - Horsham - Leatherhead - Lewes - Metropolitan Police - Molesey - StainesTown - Tooting & Mitcham - Walton & Hersham - Whyteleafe - Windsor&Eton - Worthing

Still a few gaps i'm afraid- keep coming back- will try to get them updated asap!

ASHFORD This former enclave of Middlesex now in Surrey is close to Heathrow Airport; the ground itself is in West Bedfont (see the helpful maps on the Ashford Town FC site) and the best drinking option is probably the RISING SUN in Stanwell nearby. Just off the High St in Oaks Rd, London Pride and Greene King Abbot are available, along with food. Close to the centre of Ashford itself, but further from the ground, is the Ash Tree*, Convent Rd, the B378. This is a modern Fullers two bar pub with good value food and well kept beers. Of course, Staines is nearby to the west on the A30, and here both the old ANGEL* hotel in the High St (Adnams, Courage and Hogs back beers), and the BELLS in Church St, close to the Thames path and with its attractive garden (Youngs beers) can be recommended. Both serve food.

BANSTEAD Banstead's ground lies in a swathe of boring upmarket suburbia with nothing of interest for some considerable distance. Best bet is (if comimg from the north) seeing the Sutton or
Carshalton pages as these places are within 15 minutes by car. From the south, try the SPORTSMAN at Mogador (Grid ref 532239) off the A217, pleasantly situated on the edge of Banstead Heath, a characterful Courage house with food available. less than 2 miles from Jct 8 of the M25

B0GNOR REGIS Not much of interest in this seaside town, so best to arm yourselves en route. If you are coming by train, you may well have to change at or pass though Ford. The pub right by the station can be recommended despite its silly name. The SHAKY DOO (maybe it will revert to the 'Arundel Arms' again soon..) offers guests from microbreweries alongside Youngs bitter. The pub also does food lunch and evenings so if you are limited for time this is the best option.
If you come via Arundel that town is awash with pubs, many serving good ale (about a ten minute walk into town from the station). The *SWAN in the High St serves the very decent local Arundel brewery beers along with London Pride and guests, and the food is reputedly very good. A short step away in Tarrant St is the *KING'S ARMS, a nice traditional pub offering London Pride, Youngs, and guests which often include something from the Hop Back range. The best HARVEYS ales are to be had in the *WHITE HART, Queen St, close to the river bridge. For a map of Arundel showing these streets click here> .
Coming by car and having more flexibility, the vilage of Yapton (take the A259 Littlehampton to Bognor Rd and turn north onto the B2132) boasts a couple of good options:- you'll come to the *LAMB first, which has a garden to leave the kids, a good restaurant, a public bar, and Harveys beer (plus guests). Follow the B2132 through and out the village and off this road on Maypole Lane just before you get to the railway bridge is the *MAYPOLE, (Grid ref 978041) another excellent choice with up to five guest beers on, with Rigwood bitter a fixture. Again a public bar, food always available, and a skittle alley if you want to let out some aggression

BRACKNELL
Firstly, the Robins' Larges Lane ground is well hidden like any good Robins' nest, and we recommend you take a good map. Here is a local map>. Second, as with most new towns, (i) there are too many roundabouts, and (ii) too few decent boozers. There really isnt much to recommend that Beerhound has managed to sniff out. Your best bet could be the interesting Wetherspoons in the High St, called the Old Manor*. As the name implies there is a lot of history in the building, As usual, a range of JW's standard beers and some guests are available, and food is obtainable.
On the northern outskirts of town at Binfield,(on the B3018), the Victoria Arms* is a reliable split level Fullers house with food available. If you have more time to kill, a good out of town option is the Green Man* at Hurst, just off the A321 and close to Jct 10 of the M4, with a nice garden and (for Berkshire at least) a rural ambience. Its serves Brakspears excellent beers, but with the pending sale of the brewery, the beer quality isnt assured for the future...

 

BROMLEY
The ground lies half a mile south of Bromley south station, while Bromley North is half a mile in the other direction. if you arrive at the latter, you are well placed for what is surely the best pub in town, the excellent *RED LION on North Road,(n.b. NOT North Street), see town centre map here> a friendly backstreet pub, with Harveys and Beards beer from Lewes, alongside Green King Abbot and guests. Food is available lunchtimes, and evenings until 7. Near the South station on the main A21 (here called Mason's Hill) is the *BRICKLAYERS ARMS, a Shepherd Neame house with a full range of their Kentish ales and a good lunchtime food menu.

Those with independent transport are again favoured since arguably the best pubs within striking distance are in Keston, a couple of miles out of town south on the A21:- however the 320 bus from Bromley goes there too! The *TWO DOVES lies on the A233 Oakley Rd, a right turn:- A good choice of guest beers complements the Courage and Youngs. the pub does lunchtime food and has a friendly atmosphere. nearby on Gravel Rd lies the equally enticing *BIRD IN HAND, agian with Courage and guests, plus lunchtime food. map here> Going back to the ground from Keston take the first main road left off the A21, which is Hayes Lane; the ground is about another half mile.

CARSHALTON map

Several good options in this pleasanter-than-average suburb which still retains its village feel in the centre.
The nearest pub to the station and the ground is the RAILWAY TAVERN* (1), a small well kept one bar Fullers house on the corner of North St and Camden Rd, just north of the rail station. There is a beer garden. Snacks available.
The WINDSOR CASTLE* (4), is the best bet for beers from the micro-breweries. Sometimes a very good range is available, although it is not as consistent as formerly.-A large pub, also noted for its serious food. Note short cut walking route back to ground via Shorts Rd (<10mins).
Carshalton's best-known pub is the old GREYHOUND INN* (2), picturesquely sited overlooking the pond, a Young's house with full range of Young's beers served in excellent condition (CAMRA local pub of the year 2001) and extensive food menu. At the other end of the High Street is the FOX & HOUNDS (6), an old building much refurbished, now a Tetley Festival Ale House with (usually) four to six ales on tap. Full menu available. If you're feeling adventurous, or its a nice day, the DUKE'S HEAD* (7) at Wallington Green, another Young's house, sits by the green with some outside tables.
Finally, actually just over the border in Sutton but an easy 5 mins in the car or 15 mins walk away is the LORD NELSON, a Young's house on the Lower Road (more or less a continuation east of Colston Avenue, where the ground is). A well run house with the emphasis on the beer.

CHERTSEY

C-CASUALS

CROYDON map & CROYDON ATH map Both Croydon grounds lies to the north of the town centre, Croydon at South Norwood (alight at Arena on the new Tramlink system), and Croydon Athletic at Thornton Heath.Central Croydon remains the best option for beer.Traditionalists might opt for the old DOG & BULL* in Surrey St (1), in the centre of the lively street market, an attractive Young's house, sensitively extended and sporting a courtyard garden. No frills food is available as well as a range of Young's beers.
Another good choice is the popular ROYAL STANDARD* (2), (Sheldon St), a traditional Fuller's house where beer quality is always good and a limited range of food is available. The setting, adjacent the flyover and a huge multi car park, is redolent of Croydon's sixties past but the pub is a firm beerhound favourite.
Worth a visit is the Wetherspoons opposite West Croydon station, the SHIP OF FOOLS (4); Although your scribe is no fan of chain pubs, this is by far the best Wetherspoons I know of for guest beers of quality and variety, very well kept. Can get a bit full of kiddies in the evenings though, and the service is often dire.If you're coming by train to the Croydon ground direct, get off at Norwood Junction (map B). The rather gruesome looking PORTMANOR* in Portland Rd nearby (5) has some interesting guest beers, well kept. You could try the ALLIANCE* (6) in the High St with Courage, plus two guests, often Youngs and Pedigree, on tap.

If you are off to Croydon Athletic, its not far to the *PRINCESS ROYAL, Longley Rd, off Sumner Rd , a former local CAMRA pub of the year. Greene king IPA and Mild. You will need your A-Z to find it!

DULWICH HAMLET map
Although the Dulwich ground (now a pale imitation of the impressive old Champion Hill) is adjacent East Dulwich station, beerhound recommends alighting at Denmark Hill (from Victoria or London Bridge), where the old station building has been converted into a pub. Sadly, it is now in the throes of conversion to a tacky Irish theme joint (will they never learn?), so can no longer be recommended here. However, round the corner on Denmark Hill itself (No 194) is the FOX ON THE HILL* (1), an enormous pub with the usual Wetherspoon decor and fare.
From Denmark Hill it is but a 10-15 minute walk downhill to the stadium. Another possibility is the CRYSTAL PALACE TAVERN* (193 Crystal Palce Rd) (2), a Good Beer Guide regular; a victorian pub with two bars, offering Tetleys, Pedigree, Burton Ale and a guest. Food is as far as we could ascertain not available.
If you're in Dulwich village itself, a picturesque and semi-rural atmosphere prevails; and here the best bet is probably the CROWN & GREYHOUND (3), a large spacious building in the Allied chain. Food available. From here its one stop on the train or the best part of a mile back to the ground.

EGHAM (and for the time being, STAINES). Not a great destination for the real ale fan, Egham. Staines is very close and offers the best options in the area, notably the *ANGEL in the High St, an hotel with a long history and some good ales from Adnams and Hogs back, along with courage, and good value food. The *BELLS, in Church lane is a good Youngs house close to the old church with a pleasant garden. For those of you who like the safety of corporate consistency, the George, a Wetherspoons, on the High St, is reliable.

EPSOMCurrently, Epsom & Ewell are ground sharing at Banstead (see above) so don't expect a fat lot in the vicinity. if you have time, you could try a little enclave in Epsom , not too far away. where you will find some better options: The RISING SUN in Heathcote Rd is the only tied house of the Reigate-based Pilgrim brewery, and althopugh there is no food the place is welcoming and well worth a visit. Nearby, the BARLEY MOW*, Pikes Hill, a nice Fullers' house with food available, a Good Beer Guide regular, and a stone's throw from the Barley Mow, the *RAILWAY GUARD, a free house (lunchtime food). the map here shows all these roads close to the central square.

HORSHAM

LEATHERHEAD growing Surrey town close to the motorway junction but also with good rail links from London, the ground is close to the centre. Few of Leatherhead's pubs could be recomended here but closest to the ground is the old RUNNING HORSE at the foot of the High St by the river bridge- saved from an attempt to turn it into a firkin clone, it offers food and real ale of variable quality- you may be kucky. in the town centre the PENNY BLACK, a Hogshead, on North St, gets full of kiddies much of the time but the beer range is interesting and usually in fairly good condition.

 

LEWES Probably the nicest day out for visiting fans, and being the home of the excellent Harvey's brewery, good ale is pretty much guaranteed. Best in Lewes is the GARDNER'S ARMS on the High St near just over on the Cliffe side of the river, where a good range of beers are available. Further on in Cliffe, the *SNOWDROP on South St, named for a nasty avalanche which claimed several lives, is a Harvey's house selling good food. The *BLACK HORSE on the Western Rd retains a public bar, offers Greene King and harvey's beers, and lunchtime food. The *LEWES ARMS, near the castle, is a nice backstreet boozer but the beer range and quality is not what it was, according to some reports.
If travelling by train, be sure to return via nearby Brighton, and call at the excellent *EVENING STAR, Surrey St., a minute from the station forecourt, a real ale institution and home of the Dark Star brewery - the sort of place for a long session!

 

METROPOLITAN POLICE

 

MOLESEY

 

STAINES (see Egham until further notice)

 

TOOTING This formerly great club has now moved its new home on the Mitcham/Carshalton border some two miles south west of Tooting itself, and its not an area with much real ale choice. Best in Mitcham is perhaps the BULL, a Victorian Young's house in Church Rd retaining its public bar and altogether unspolit, becoming more of a rarity for Young's these days now the new breed seem to have taken over. Otherwise in Mitcham town centre try the KINGS HEAD, Upper Green, a large Young's house marooned in the messy new pedestrianisation/one way system. Opposite is a newish Wetherspoon's, the WHITE LION OF MORTIMER. All the pubs around the Cricket green, a pleasant spot if you could wish away the trraffic , have seen better days.
Coming by car: from the Wandsworth side, recommended is the *PRINCE OF WALES, 646 Garrett Lane, Summerstown, another Young's pub, still with three rooms and sporting a nice tiled exterior. Lunchtime food. From the south ,best bet is probably the Windsor castle, Carshalton, with a wide range of ever-changing beers and good food (see Carshalton page)

 

WALTON

 

WHYTELEAFE Is Whyteleafe a place or the figment of some property developers none-too-fertile imagination?. Something to think about whilst contemplating the game in a local boozer, if you find one. Its not prime beerhunter's territory, although not far from better options like Croydon or Carshalton. The ground at least is easy to find, being close to the main road between Purley and Caterham.
If you are using the train there are several local stations- the directions here courtesy of Whyteleafe's site may be useful!
In fact there's really very little of interest in Whyteleafe itselfapart from The WHYLELEAFE TAVERN. Under new management by a guv'nor with a long pedigree in keeping good real ale at Carshalton's railway tavern in the nineties, it is the closest pub to the ground and easily within walking distance (left out of Whyteleafe station instead of right for the ground); Bass and London Pride with guests.
Otherwise nearby places offer more attractions, and in Caterham-on-the-Hill (nearly two miles away on the B2030 (O.S. ref 334558) is the *KING & QUEEN, probably the best real ale option around. A Fullers house with the full range of their award winning ales. The building is very old, formerly three cottages; it has been altered but retains a number of separate drinking areas. Food available (oriental stuff a speciality)
Also in Caterham, on the B2031, GR 328556, is the *CLIFTON ARMS , Chaldon Rd, with Bass, London Pride and a guest beer. Food.
In the other direction to the NW is the WATTENDEN ARMS, Old Lodge Lane, Kenley (GR 324582) is up on the hill beyond Kenley Common; a 20 minute walk from Whyteleafe and close to the historic WWII fighter base of Kenley Aerodrome. Awkward to get to by road from Whyteleafe. Much altered but still retaining some character, the usual beers are London Pride, Hancocks HB, and Bass. Recommended by the Whyteleafe webmaster!
Whyteleafe does have one important claim to immortality however: we can recommend the world's only neo-plasticist pub guide, to be found on the very good club website at http://www.theleafe.co.uk/pubs/mondrian.htm

 

WINDSOR & ETON
Pick of the bunch in this well known royal town is arguaby the VANSITTART ARMS*, in raod of the same name near the central station and the A308. A Fullers' house and good beer guide regular with a patio garden and home cooked food available at most sessions. If you're staying on the Windsor side of the river, try also the MITRE, just about the only pub left on the Oxford Rd, with Fuller's and , for the time being anyway, Brakspears. Across the Windsor bridge and into Eton, however, are some other options: the WATERMAN'S ARMS close to the bridge in Brocas St is a good free house with a decent and changing range of ales and a good menu. Not too far away in New St is the NEW COLLEGE, which these days is a Hall & Woodhouse pub, again with plenty to eat.

 

WORTHING
Arguably the most interesting from a beer viewpoint is the *SELDEN ARMS, Lyndhurst Rd, within walking distance of the station and of the ground, a genuine Free house with several rotating guest beers, the emphasis on microbreweries. Food is available and the pub welcomes children.
Another good town centre option close by is the *SWAN in the High St, (opposite Safeways)- again a range of beers,usually Harveys & Shephed Neame as regulars,not such an interesting guest list as the Selden but worth checking out. Good food,lunchtimes and some evenings. Another town centre venue worth a punt is *O'CONNOR'S BAR- not an Irish theme joint, and purveyor of traditional Cider as well as Harveys, Hop Back and interesting guest beers and a good bottled beer list.
The *RICHARD COBDEN in Cobden Rd is worth a visit too, a more traditional corner local with a changing beer list and lunchtime food, again within walking distance of station and ground. Fans of public bars might try the *ALEXANDRA, Lyndhurst Rd , offering Harveys, Bass, Boddingtons (if you must) and a guest. Near the east station.
Also recommended to beerhound are the *VINE and the *GEORGE & DRAGON,both in Tarring High Street, close to West Worthing station- more reports of these welcome; the G & D often has Summer Lightning along with guests, (lunchtime food),the Vine is Badger house..