skip nav  
 


George Abbot, Guildford

back to pub details

user reviews of the George Abbot, Guildford

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Went in on a Saturday afternoon to watch the footie and found a slightly different vibe to the pub. Change of management perhaps? Prices up, shifted the tables around etc. Still a good pub but my advice to the manager is to increase the staffing levels. You had 2 very good bar staff but they were run ragged and struggled to keep up, and then I noticed they had to double up as waiters! On my next visit I wont be quite so patient and will take my money elsewhere.
beernotfood - 23 Feb 2020 10:18
I like the pub and the overall feel of the pub. The food however was a little disappointing. Only 4 of the real ales on as well, so it could be better.
BestBeerBoffin - 2 Mar 2017 18:51
Right so yeah I popped into the George Abbot for a spot of lunch today as I wasn't being served at Wetherspoons! The Fish and Chips was good, much better than Wetherspoons itself! Only i'm not sure it should be served with pickles? It maybe better to be traditional with some peas. The tartar sauce was served in a modern looking glass container, but it didn't contain enough and even though the fish was well made and tasty it could have done with some extra sauce. Minor criticism though on a friendly pub with friendly bar staff and some excellent real ale!
BestBeerBoffin - 20 Dec 2016 15:52
To be fair this is reasonably interesting, but only if you're drunk and enjoying the atmosphere. Otherwise it isn't interesting. Greene King pubs struggle to be interesting.
HeavyBeerPubDrinker - 19 Aug 2016 16:25
Yes a nice pub with nicer beer. Better than basically all the other town pubs.
NoDisgrace - 26 Jul 2016 18:18
Went in here when the Britannia was too full to find a seat at a Sunday lunchtime. In fairness this was pretty packed too, but staff were extremely helpful in finding a couple of tables away from the TVs where sport was on. As a result: a quiet corner, delicious food, friendly and pleasant service, and a fabulous range of 'Plain' Ales from Salisbury Plain - much better selection than you'd expect in a Greene King pub. Excellent - and on a quieter day it would be even better.
Trev - 5 Mar 2015 08:49
Popped in here for a ale on the way back to the station. A good range of ales seemingly on offer, but the first two we asked for were "off" despite appearing to be "on". Eventually I settled for the TEA, as having discovered it was available, did not want to prolong the wait. Young lass behind the bar appeared to be experienced at making excuses for this - shades of Reggie Perrin !

Sparsely decorated, wooden floors, etc, but if it has suffered from flooding this is understandable. Slightly incongruously, the pub was blasting out reggae music and at a quite substantial volume, and this was quite intrusive. It's a long time since I heard "Monkey Man" by The Maytals, and I'm quite happy to listen to it again, but not with the volume turned up to 11.
ramblethenlunch - 10 May 2014 12:00
Fe opened looking good.
ThePilgrim - 12 Apr 2014 17:13
Closed due to flooding.
croydonpeer - 14 Feb 2014 09:29
A few years back the George Abbott went downhill and did not have a good reputation. The TVs were removed and gradually it returned to being a pub again. Now the TVs are back and you can watch the decline all over again. The TV commentary is so loud that it is not possible to have a chat with friends over a meal and a drink what is more, you are not welcome either.
Gnomeclencher - 21 Nov 2013 19:49
Although that one pint of Abbot Ale left a hangover! This pub must run its beer bad or Greene King has gone downhill.
JabbingJubbly - 1 Feb 2013 19:42
Wow - no comments for over a year, perhaps there is not enough to say about the George Abbot! It was my first visit for nearly a year as well, little had changed regarding the pub as a whole. The bar area was blocked up with people who I assume were locals, but they did seem a little funny nontheless. The only beer I could make out from the handpump was the Abbot Ale so i Plumped for that one. The seating area was quite relaxing and the place seemed like a Gastro Pub. No TV screens, then again they only show Sky news dont they? No big deal and a reasonably relaxing pub for a pint of real ale.
JabbingJubbly - 31 Jan 2013 18:16
Situated by a car park and a busy road so 0 points for location. However the inside of the pub is much nicer and the pub itself has a more spacious and warm feel to it than the White House over the road. The beer itself is mainly Greene King ales. The London Glory ale was on recently and tasted good.
EyeOfTheTigerBeer - 14 May 2012 19:30
Another decent central Guildford pub. Clean and comfortable inside. Staff friendly and helpful. Not too busy on a weekday evening. Food is very good quality at a reasonable price. Beer is the usual Greene King range plus the 6.5% special at present, with Wadworth 6X as the alternative.
PhilR - 4 Jan 2012 15:02
Had a change of hands I think, as no longer has the TVs everywhere! Good selections of beers n Lagers, and a very good place to eat good solid food at a sensible price! Staff always have been very good as well!
Jonny1967 - 7 Jul 2011 14:02
Good selection of ales....more of an old fashioned boozer....good pub grub, and shows the rugby (internationals)...
d.franks - 28 Apr 2011 19:36
My first visit since it was a Hogshead, popping in on Thursday afternoon provided a much needed breather from the sales up Guildford High St and the Friary Centre. The pub was suprisingly quiet and nicely relaxed.

The interior is spacious without being echoey, the varied seating comfortable and the place is nicely decorated and clean. I particularly like the Christmas decorations, which were plentiful but tasteful.

Unfortunatly six hand pumps were split three Abbot and three Hog's Back TEA, so no great choice! The TEA was ok. There was a handwritten sign in the doorway apologsising that staff shortages meant that the kitchen was closed. The blackboard menu seemed small but, with the kitchen closed there were no table menus left out.

A pub worth trying if you are in the vicinity, especially as the TEA was a reasonably priced �2.55 a pint.
flashharry1965 - 31 Dec 2010 10:58
Definitely one of the best pubs in Guildford. Recently closed for refurbishment although in my opinion it didn't need it, thankfully they've kept the place looking much as it was before. Interesting and reasonable menu with a good selection of beer. Staff always seem friendly enough and food arrives quickly. Can't ask for more really.
Castiche - 19 Nov 2010 10:33
The George Abbot has reopened after a refurb looks really good. Lots of comfy furniture now, new areas, new menus - will certainly give surrounding pubs a run for their money now!!
womble77 - 11 Nov 2010 17:37
The barman got quite aggro when I asked for coffee. Was generally unfriendly.
mint_julip - 24 Oct 2010 19:31
Nice Sunday Roast. Proper roast potatoes and apple sauce with the pork. Abbot Ale to a good standard.
AndrewW - 14 Oct 2010 13:53
Went on Friday night. Thankfully it was not too busy unlike some of the other places in town, so was a relief to escape the crowd. My pint of Stella was on the money and I found a relaxing spot to down it. There was plenty of groups in here which made it a bit noisy. Next time i'll be happy to down a pint of the many ales on offer. On a final note, I did not see the pub quiz advertised? Perhaps it is no longer running. Good pub nontheless.
JohnOcean - 19 Dec 2009 14:34
Beer`s still very good but the food over the last few weeks has gone really downhill.
stroller - 4 Dec 2009 19:02
Called in the other day for the first time in a while not a bad town pub, Abbot ale in fine form,food reasonable same as the price.
As been said good for watching sport.
One of Guildfords better pubs.
giveusabeer - 17 Nov 2009 12:54
Greene King pub so make what you like of that but this pub actually has some pretty good real ale with the usual suspects of IPA, Abbot Ale and also Hogs Back T.E.A.

The good here is excellent and it is best to get here early to eat because it will get crowded and noisy especially on a Friday or Saturday.

Meanwhile if quizzing is your thing they have a regular quiz night every Thursday.
PubWithTheGrub - 11 Oct 2009 16:11
A little on the dark and gloomy side.

Even so worth a few beers as there is a great range.

Notable beers include Greene King IPA, Abbot and T.E.A.

Other beers include Hoegaarden and Leffe.
best_pub_in_city - 21 Jun 2009 19:47
Super Pub for watching Sports on the Box. Good range of Pizza to eat or take away and plenty of Ale on the go. As you would expect the range is basically Greene King ales. However feel free to tempt yourself with a Leffe or Hoegaarden. Plenty of seats tucked away to hide away from the sometimes busy crowd.
somewhere2drink - 29 Apr 2009 16:37
Stopped here for a meal on a Saturday, food was good and prices were reasonable, yes can be loud but thats what a pub is in a town centre. Good choice of Ales.
shineon - 1 Mar 2009 09:53
This is a well kept town pub,the beer is always good.
You would never know that half this place used to be a "sports shop" run by and called Harry Hughes i think.
Beersupper - 4 Feb 2009 14:02
I like this pub, well run by helpfull staff and with a great selection of well kept ales.
A rare gem in a town where most pubs have lost there identity.
happyheating - 20 Jan 2009 20:48
Great lunchtime experience after a morning shopping. Good food, excellent beer and very attentive landlord and bar staff. Definitely go back when in the area.
localaledrinker - 17 Dec 2008 13:38
FANTASTIC! On a night when every other pub in central Guildford seemed to have run out of beer and be absolutely dead, this place had atmosphere, plenty of well-kept ales on offer and fine food (try the roast beef wrapped in a huge yorkshire pudding) offerings on 2-for-�9 deals (plus a wider menu). It features sport quite heavily, hence much of the trade tonight, but God - at least there's a pub in Guildford that takes pleasure in what it does, does it well, and will still be standing at the other end of the recession!
matthewb - 26 Nov 2008 23:29
Polite enough service. Pretty ordinary Stella. Clean. Lots of TV screens.
onslowresident - 2 Nov 2008 22:33
Visited recently. A traditional pub located by the river. A nice location, despite it being right next to a big car park. You shall find yourself plenty of beers to choose from. Hogs Back TEA being an obvious choice being in Surrey. Personally i'd recommend the Abbot Ale or the Greene King IPA. Also a good pub for food and sports.
BigAleDrinkhead - 26 Oct 2008 12:03
Visited on a Saturday afteroon for a footie match. Certainly a lot better than it used to be. Efficient barstaff and a good range of beers/lagers. Not bad at all.
paullyp - 27 Sep 2008 17:35
Like the previous guy, i'd recommend Greene King IPA. Think the beer range could be better here. On that note i'll leave it a 5/10 for nice enough pub and decent service. Also shows Sentanta Sports which is neat.
BestBeerBoffin - 3 Sep 2008 14:07
This has been one of Guildford's benchmark pubs for a long time now. The drinks range is solid, I recommend the Greene King IPA to any drinker. Close enough to the river, yet cheaper than The White House. Please visit for Drinks, Food and Sports on TV.
PubMessenger - 24 Aug 2008 11:00
Slightly annoying staff ruined the day for this drinker.
TheSensiblePubReviewer - 23 Aug 2008 23:14
Top notch!
TheSensiblePubReviewer - 27 Jun 2008 23:04
One of the Guildford town centre pubs, this is a reasonable little place which at the moment does a very good drop of Hogsback TEA (Traditional English Ale). Handy for a half after shopping at $nearby_department_store.
rainlight - 21 Jun 2008 16:47
P.S. - does anyone know what Jonathan Sewell (14th May'07) is on about...! ? ? ? ? Or should i lay off the doubles...!?!?
TeeJay - 7 May 2008 16:22
The 'George Abbott', a great bar to watch the football live. It gets pretty crowded on match days tho', so get in early if you want a seat. Bar service was good, polite & efficient despite the crowded bar area. I haven't eaten here, so can't comment on the grub, apart from it looked like standard pub-chain fair, and smelt ok to me..! (But then Mrs TJ says i'll eat anything anyway...!)
The above site photo carefully avoids the usual array of wheely-bins and recycling bins, and the car park at weekends is usually full of cars (pay & display). Although i think that's changed recently, i think its now 'permit holders only', which is a bummer for us plebs who don't live locally! (I'll get the train next time..) Nice pub, but if you want a quiet pub, try the 'White House' opposite (you have to pay extra for the 'quiet' tho')..! TJ
TeeJay - 7 May 2008 16:15
Feels like one of the better class of chain pubs, has nothing out of the ordinary and a miserable outlook across a car park. Decent beer, but disappointing food.
SheffieldMickey - 2 Mar 2008 22:29
Went there on a Friday night and would recommend it. Friendly service, good atmosphere and a lovely pint of TEA. 5 minutes walk from the station.
The_Prof - 12 Feb 2008 13:18
Had a pint of Tongham TEA that was a bit dodgy. Pub is quite dark and gloomy inside, unlike the White House opposite.
Ale_Argonaut - 13 Dec 2007 09:43
This is one of those town pubs that takes a while to get to know. Luckily, with train cancellations, the proximity to the station provides opportunities to know it better. Forget the Greene King logos all over the outside: this is where to find a pint of Hog's Back Brewery TEA. Unlike the White House across the road, the food is well cooked, reasonably priced, and the portions don't leave you running to MacDonalds afterwards...
Rabbitfoole - 15 Nov 2007 23:26
Great burger menu.
AceyFace - 12 Oct 2007 10:36
this really where and free fasters questions and but a
getting pub had has came but was seen here there has come they please came free that they you like had but
has came that you like only had camera seen send free there has came free syles and an but your has but has
has came really you here away have ok place in here a
has had seen that only you put here and free here that your away but here and freeand free style here that away you like had has came put had has come that
thank you
Jonathan Sewell
Contact Number 07863580840

anonymous - 14 May 2007 21:49
Yes the tv screens are better but the place hasnt changed much. But good pub for sports and good food menu as well, for a reasonable price
aleman - 14 Mar 2007 15:22
Been going here for ages and have always liked it. They have just had a refurb, looks good, bigger screens, show all sports and has a great atmosphere
anonymous - 9 Mar 2007 16:55
Think the place has become a bit tired looking. But the service is still very good 8/10
aleman - 4 Jan 2007 23:36
Quiz Night has now moved to the Thursday, shall pop in for that before too long
anonymous - 18 Nov 2006 12:14
I like this pub and have had many a good evening in there. Much better than the drivel on Bridge Street, which should be avoided unless you are wearing Burberry and have a penchant for fisticuffs.
beergibbon - 5 Oct 2006 13:42
This pub is getting better and better. Must be the best place to watch ALL football games on SKY in guildford - no other pub appears to have SKY anymore. They have a good food menu PLUS a seperate burger menu with 18 different burgers AND a pizza menu with take away option! LOVE IT!!
womble77 - 29 Sep 2006 15:39
What a waste of time, went in there early doors on a Saturday night and you could almost hear the echoes...staff were havin their own party.
barber123 - 22 Aug 2006 13:42
Been in here briefly a couple of times now. The TEA is great. Food is OK ISTR. They wouldn't show the cricket when the wendyball final was on though.
therivierakid - 31 May 2006 17:37
Nice pub with a good atmosphere, can get rather smokey. Main advantage is they serve the lengendary T.E.A. all year round.
anonymous - 18 Apr 2006 14:27
Very nice pub with good atmosphere. It's worth visiting just to try the Hogs Back Traditional English Ale (TEA) or some of the Belgium beers too. Haven't tried the food but the toilets are clean and well kept. As chain pubs go this is quite a good one.
wezmiester - 6 Mar 2006 18:44
Lively pub with well kept beer but I no longer frequent it after hearing the Manager telling one of the bar staff not to top up a pint too full, in front of the punter!!
addlened - 24 Feb 2006 12:17
Cracking pub. Was here a couple of years back but things have improved! Great staff, good food, lovely atmosphere
womble77 - 18 Nov 2005 16:05
Used to be my favourite pub/bar in Guildford, but it seemed to go down hill abit when they changed management a couple of years back. The pub is generally nice and well located, fond memories.
mattclapham - 25 Oct 2005 20:17
GREAT PUB WITH THAT TRADITIONAL ATMOSPHERE WHICH SEEMS TO BE LOST ON SOME PUBS.GREAT RANGE OF ALES.AT LAST A DIFFERENT FOOD MENU WHICH FOR GUILDFORD IS VERY REASONABLY PRICED.
LARGE SREENS WHICH THE MANAGER IS MORE THAN HAPPY TO PUT ON ANY SPORTING REQUESTS YOU HAVE IF THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE WATCHING.
donkey64 - 20 Aug 2005 14:03
Nice pub with friendly staff. Can get busy at the weekend, but not so much that the service suffers.
anonymous - 17 Apr 2005 18:51
The pub quiz is good unless you call yourself Bruce Forsyth's tiny erection. They tend to not forgive you for that
aleman - 6 Jan 2005 12:34
ps. The quiz starts at 9pm on a Wednesday almost every week and costs �1 per person - get there about 8.30 to get a seat.
fivepints - 6 Jan 2005 09:20
Lots of room, plenty of corners to get lost in. Food is indeed always late and the quality varies but it is always value for money. Eat early, the last serving time tends to change between 8 and 9 depending on how busy it is.

The quiz is excellent, prizes are good (the entry fee from the contestants for first and a bucket load of chocolate for second) but there are only 4 rounds and it takes two hours. Can seem to take a long time but as 6 times previous winners we can't complain! Viva Team Bob!
fivepints - 6 Jan 2005 09:18
The pub quiz is indeed great fun. The questions are aimed at people 30+ it seems. Big sitting space
aleman - 3 Aug 2004 11:14
Average
Doug - 9 May 2004 21:37
Really like this place. Not outrageously priced, and the staff are usually pretty friendly, which makes for an aggro-free atmosphere. Nice and spacious inside, but with nooks and crannies where you can gather in modest numbers if you so desire. Toilets are upstairs, which is a pain in the bladder when it's busy. But that's pretty much the only bad thing I can remember about it, and the White House across the road suffers from the same problem, without being nearly as inviting a pub.

They had a quiz night on Wednesday, two weeks ago, which might be worth knowing if you're a quiz addict or avoider. Questions were a bit random, though...

Anonymous is right about waiting for food, but it's good when it arrives.
Norn_Iron_Dave - 22 Jan 2004 18:39
Average pub style, not bar style place. Good prices. Wouldn't go if it weren't for friends liking it.
OpheliaImmortal - 23 Dec 2003 14:24
Average pub, no pretentions, good for a few stellas, food's pretty good at the cheap prices.
Gareth - 26 Nov 2003 10:55
cheap & cheerful, foods ok, but always late.
anonymous - 17 Oct 2003 14:00
Decent pub, decent prices. Not nearly as packed as certain other pubs in the evening.
anonymous - 2 Sep 2003 20:00
Well priced and an inviting atmosphere. Can get a bit funny when it comes to last orders...
James - 4 Aug 2003 00:47
Nice pub. Go there occasionaly
Gizmo - 23 Jun 2003 19:23
Been a regular there for about 5 years, brilliant pub, brilliant staff, and brilliant company, the Green King IPA is sublime. Would not go anywhere else!
Clint - 24 Apr 2003 16:53
Very good AND very reasonably priced given that it's a Hogshead. Had pleasure of eating and drinking with friends there last Tuesday week. A good range of guest beers, and staff were found to be very friendly. It is, in my opinion, one of Guildford's better pubs!
lad_newton - 21 Feb 2003 18:27
Good for a Hogshed. Typical array of beers. Dingy.
moopet - 13 May 2002 16:39

got anything to say about this pub?

Please read our reviews policy before posting.
Only registered users can post reviews. Please log in. If you don't have an account yet, register here.