North Surrey

News

  • Happy Man Closed … Oh no it’s not! Thursday 1 October 2026

    BAD NEWS

    At short notice, this wonderful community local closed on Sunday 16th August 2026. A huge loss, as it was our North Surrey 2026 Pub of the Year. It always had a great range of ales, and ran several beer festivals a year. We hope that landlord James, manager Frankie and staff including Carmen all the very best in whatever they do next.

    GOOD NEWS

    The Morgan Pub Collective, who also run the Crown in Egham, have taken over, and reopened pub on 1st October. On a recent visit it had four real ales on the bar, and an extensive menu with special deals during week.

  • Launch of Good Beer Guide 2027 Thursday 24 September 2026

    We gathered at the award winning Thames Side Brewery in Staines on 24th September, to launch the GBG 2027, the 54th edition of the definitive guide to pubs and pints across the UK. Our thanks to Head Brewer Andy Hayward (pictured) for hosting. The Good Beer Guide is completely independent, with listings based entirely on evaluation by CAMRA members, visiting pubs and breweries, and scoring cask beers. Locally we have purchased a limited number of the printed edition available at a heavy discount, even cheaper than a certain online discount retailer. If you are interested, please Contact Branch.

  • Reading Research Tour Saturday 18 July 2026

    On Saturday 18th July, a few thirsty souls gathered at Reading Station for a tour of several local pubs. First stop the Alehouse, had Sherfield Village Twig, Good Chemistry Whippet Gold, Elusive Shadow of the Beast, Fell Ghyll, Moonraker Crafty One, Sherfield Village Pioneer Stout, Steam Town Journey IPA and Wantsum Yellow Tail, phew! Moving on to Siren Craft Brew they had Siren Momento and Breakfast Stout on cask, and 26 craft keg with prices to match, a good place to stop for a photo. L-R Simon from BSE CAMRA, Irene, Steve, Tim, Andy and yours truly. Another short walk led us to the Allied Arms, where we supped Loddon Hullabaloo, Theakston/Rooster Colab Peculier Assassin, and Thornbridge Melba. Having raided a local pie shop, next stop the Castle Tap had Orkney Brewery Tidal Bay, Elgood's Golden Newt and Big Smoke Legacy. I headed for the hills at this point, but our intrepid group went on to the Nag's Head which had 12 beers on cask, 14 on keg and 15 ciders! Final planned stop was the Greyfriar back near Reading Station, but did they make it? Spike

  • Stonegate under Investigation Thursday 16 July 2026

    The Pubs Code Adjudicator is investigating the massive Stonegate Pubs & Bar group. It is believed to involve rents, costs, and information given to tied tenants amongst other concerns. For more info see newspaper article Investigation into Stonegate Pubs & Bars chain . Let's hope this improves the desperate financial situation faced by many pub tenants, often leading to pub closures.

  • Latest News & Ale available online Tuesday 23 June 2026

    The Spring/Summer edition of News & Ale will be hitting local pubs when it is delivered to us. If you just can't wait, News & Ale Issue 158 will take you to the online version. Several of our pubs get a mention, and article by our own Bob Inman about Egham Beer Festival.

  • Thames Side taking CAMRA Vouchers Tuesday 9 June 2026

    Thames Side Brewery have always been community orientated, and have recognised these are difficult times for people. In a bid to help, CAMRA members as well as general local beer drinkers, from Saturday 12th June Thames Side Brewery will be accepting CAMRA Vouchers, plus they will always have one beer available at £4 per pint. The beer will change regularly and will often include special small batch brews. This means that CAMRA members with their vouchers can buy a pint any day for £3.50. What's not to like? Let's give Andy at Thames Side our support! Picture features Andy being presented with his 2026 Branch Cider Pub of the Year Award from our very own Cider Sue.

  • New Beer Scoring System Monday 1 June 2026

    Following research, feedback and trials, we have revised our Beer Scoring System. To find out the why's and wherefore's, see Score Your Beer - Help save Pubs.

  • New Branch Secretary Tuesday 19 May 2026

    We have been operating without a Branch Secretary for a couple of years which could not continue. Fortunately local member Andy Davies has kindly stepped into the breach. He is a busy man with heavy involvement in other volunteer led organisations. I am VERY grateful that Andy has stepped forward, and look forward to a no doubt much needed word in my shell-like from time to time!

    Spike Branch Chair