The Britannia or ‘Brit’ pub holds an ideal location right on the banks of the River Wey and near the canal loch in central Guildford, just the other side of the river to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. This means that on a sunny day customers can take full advantage of the large patio area to the front of the pub and enjoy the weather as well as the glorious scenery. Watch local residents feed the ducks by the beautiful willow trees, or pop in for one whilst talking a walk or bike ride along the river.
When the British weather is not being so kind, there is also a substantial terraced area at the back of the pub which hosts a multitude of large benches, with huge parasols covering the entire area from the elements. With enough heaters to keep everyone outside warm, it is a cosy area to sit in the winter months if there is a big group of you.
Inside, the pub has a modern finish with wooden floors, pale walls and a nice mixture of leather sofas/benches, chairs, candles, chandeliers, ornaments and pictures. Its intimacy often resembles a suave hotel lobby, but is certainly a great place to sit and enjoy an ale in front of a roaring log fire or catch some live local music at one of the many events they hold all year round.
On the menu you have a classic combination of pub grub in the evening with ham & eggs, pies, steaks, fish & chips, casserole and burgers; all at a reasonable modern day prices with generous portion sizes. Lighter bites are served during the day, Monday-Saturday until 6pm with a roast dinner served on a Sunday as all self-respecting British pubs do. There are daily specials that make the most of locally sourced, fresh, seasonal produce and of course, something for the vegetarians out there.
The Brit is a great place to go enjoy one drink a glass of wine or a beer from their fine selection of draft and bottles whether it be on a sunny day or a chilled winters eve. However, with its central location and a car park outside it is a great place to go if you are visiting one of Guildford town centre’s many attractions.
James Martin