Pint-sized success for Surrey and Hampshire pubs as Real Ale 'bible' released

It might be October, but Christmas has come early for real ale fans – and the landlord of a south Farnham pub.

“It’s the one letter I really look forward to getting,” said Kit Mathews, who took over the Bat & Ball in Boundstone with his wife, Rachael, in autumn 2024.

“There’s a lot of pressure to stay in the Good Beer Guide (GBG), so it’s wonderful to keep our place.”

Kit and Rachael are among the many landlords around South West Surrey and East Hampshire who have enjoyed a celebratory pint following the release of the 2027 GBG.

The guide, compiled by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and its members, is something of a bible for fans of the traditional tipple.

Getting included in its hallowed pages is a coup, as pubs that get the nod often welcome pilgrims from afar.

“It’s always an honour to be included,” said Tara Brooks of Borough Beer House, which has been included in every guide since it was eligible to feature.

“We’ve had customers visiting the area who have popped in because we’re in it. We definitely have visitors who come in because we’re in the guide.”

The Farnham area does quite well in this year’s edition with The Hop Blossom, Sandrock and The Alfred featuring.

"I think that pubs like these offer a lot of comfort,” said Martin Groves of The Hop Blossom, which first opened in 1864 and has barely changed since.

“I think that’s part of the appeal. Bars pop up and go all the time but traditional pubs will hopefully weather whatever storms are thrown their way.”

He added: “After Covid, a lot of people found themselves wanting the simple things in life. And an old-fashioned pub like this has that for a lot of people.”

While some pubs are mainstays – The Bat & Ball has featured more than 30 times while “The timeless” Harrow Inn, near Petersfield, is a dead cert every year – some have made the guide for the first time.

Glasses have been raised at The Barley Mow in The Sands as the village local has been included for the first time since its community buy-out nearly three years ago.

“I think it’s a real achievement,” said Peter Lawrence, adding: “A lot of hard work has gone into this pub so getting included is something of a validation.”

There’s plenty of familiar names and very apt descriptions. The Bluebell in Dockenfield is called a “150-year-old hidden gem” while Churt’s watering hole, the Crossways Inn, has a “comfortable saloon” and is described as a traditional family-run inn at the centre of the village.

Another pub enjoying a very good run is The Townhouse with the High Street venue in Petersfield appearing for ten straight years in the guide. The novelty hasn’t worn out for its landlord, Dom Humphries.

He said: “Appearing in the Good Beer Guide is still a big deal to me – every year we’ve been eligible we’ve been in it, and every time we are in it feels fantastic.”

Alton is something of an epicentre for real ale fans with Cassidy’s, the near ever-present Eight bells, Railway Arms and Ten Tun Tap House making the cut along with The White Hart in Holybourne. And drinkers within staggering distance of the A31 have it very lucky indeed, as The Star Bentley and Flower Pots in Cheriton are among Hampshire’s four best pubs according to compilers.

Other East Hampshire entries include Triple FFF’s terrific Off The Rails in Four Marks, the ever-popular Hawkley Inn, and the 150-year-old Arford local, The Crown Inn.