Guildford’s Al Fresco Eating & Drinking Roundup
‘Freedom Monday’ – or Monday, April 12th – the second step in Boris’s road map to Covid recovery, and a date we’ve all been eagerly anticipating. The opening of non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms, and outdoor areas for our hospitality businesses.
I’m sure, like us, you’re hugely excited for this step back into normal life, so we’ve put together a roundup of some of the best places around town for you to grab a bite to eat, a pint or a glass of wine, freshly brewed coffee or important picnic suppliers.
Whether it’s a pub garden, parasolled patio or a simple picnic in the park, Guildford is blessed with ample places and green spaces for you to get on board with our new al fresco way of living, and support the town’s local businesses at the same time. But before we dive into taking those first orders, here’s a quick reminder of the new rules in place.
– Outdoor gatherings must be limited either by the rule of 6, which also includes children, or to only 2 households, with a support bubble counting towards one household.
– Masks don’t need to be worn outdoors, but should you need to enter the building (and loos will be open!), you’ll need to pop one on.
– Most venues that serve alcohol will need you to order and be served at your table and not via the bar or counter.
– Where possible, and when requested, please pay by electronic means.
– Track and Trace – it’s back, and venues are legally bound to ensure every member of the party logs in. Please help them out and assist here in meeting these guidelines, it’s an essential safety method to help us all get to the other side of this pandemic quickly and as safely as possible.
– Say goodbye to the ‘substantial meal’ and the 10pm curfew, you can now visit venues for just a drink, and will no longer be asked to leave at 10!
– Takeaway drinks are also back on the menu… growlers at the ready!
– Social distancing still remains for the safety of everyone, so keep ‘one metre plus’ in mind at all times.
– Where venues are accepting bookings, if you do make a reservation please stick to your expected arrival time and don’t be a ‘no show’!
Well, that’s the formalities over, now where shall we go…
Pub Gardens
The Guildford Tup
44 – 46 Chertsey Street
The Guildford Tup serves a delicious range of white and red wines, beers and cocktails. They also serve traditional British pub food.
The Tup team have been busy over lockdown 3, working on their new and improved outdoor area. Expect to find electric heaters, a new covered seating area and upgraded screens for sport when you pay them a visit!
They won’t be taking bookings so make sure you swing by early to guarantee a seat. Orders and payment made via the Round app; download it before you go.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12pm – 11pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 12am and Sunday 12pm – 10pm
https://www.theguildfordtup.com/index
The Cannon
3 Portsmouth Road
The Cannon is a family run pub, proud to serve fresh home-made food and delicious ales.
The Cannon have 9 tables on their terrace with large parasols and heaters. They will be serving up traditional pub grub with favourites like; burgers, steak and cottage pie on the menu.
You must book a table in advance by phone: 01483 575089.
Opening hours: Monday CLOSED, Tuesday – Thursday 3pm – 11:30pm and Friday – Saturday 12pm – 12am and Sunday 12pm – 10:30pm.
https://www.thecannonguildford.co.uk/
The Royal Oak
15 Trinity Churchyard
The Royal Oak, located next to the Trinity Churchyard in Guildford, offers welcoming and friendly service.
Small but perfectly formed, there are only a few tables available on a first come, first served basis.
If you don’t manage to bag a spot, the Oak Off-licence will be in full swing throughout, with a fantastic array of craft cans, bottle and draft available to takeaway. Peruse and pre-order on their website: www.beertakeaway.co.uk.
Opening hours: Monday – Tuesday 12pm – 8pm, Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 12pm – 8pm.
https://www.royaloakguildford.co.uk/
The Albany
80 Sydenham Road
Great independent gastropub serving a locally sourced menu. As well as a fantastic array of food, The Albany also prides itself on its newly awarded Cask Marque, with a guest ale changed every month. Moreover, they have a gorgeous and sizeable sun trap garden which is perfect for al fresco dining.
Not taking any more bookings at this time, just turn up and they’ll do their best to accommodate you. Order and pay via the Swifty app; download it before you go.
Opening hours: Monday CLOSED, Tuesday – Thursday 3pm – 11pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 12am and Sunday CLOSED.
https://thealbanyguildford.com/
The King’s Head
Quarry Street
The King’s Head is a great town centre pub offering delicious home cooked food, a diverse range of drinks, outside seating and a happy warm welcome.
The King’s Head have ample outdoor seating spread across a large two level heated courtyard. Book a table in advance via email: reservations@thekingsheadpub.co.uk.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 12.00pm – 12.00am.
http://www.thekingsheadpub.co.uk/
Pews Bar & Courtyard
21 Chapel Street
Pews is a central sports bar and beer garden offering a projection screen outside for sports fans, in a courtyard with its own outside bar. The team are continuing to serve delicious food supplied by ‘Meat The Greek’.
Note they are not taking bookings, tables on their patio will be granted on a first come first served basis. The venue is also operating as an over 21 bar, so don’t forget to bring your ID!
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 3pm – 11pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 12pm and Sunday 12pm – 7pm.
The Britannia
9 Millmead
A beautiful riverside pub, offering award winning ales and home cooked Sunday roasts. The Britannia are not taking bookings, simply pop along and they’ll do their best to seat you.
Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday 12pm – 10pm, Thursday – Saturday 12pm – 11pm and Sunday 12pm – 10pm.
https://www.britanniaguildford.co.uk/
The White House
8 High Street
The White House provides stunning views over the River Wey from the terraces.
Outside ground floor seating area looking out to the river as well as an upper terrace. Book your space online.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 10pm and Sunday 12pm – 8pm.
https://www.whitehouseguildford.co.uk/
Coffee Shops
Amor Amora
176 High Street
Amor Amora’s secret rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy one of their speciality coffees and cakes or something yummy from the brunch or lunch menu.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday 9:30am – 6:30pm and Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Coffee Culture
An award winning Independent Coffee shop situated just off the High Street. They serve great coffee (& tea!), with delicious local foods & have free WiFi.
With their socially distanced outside seating, they have 40+ outdoor seats available which will finally be available to sit down and enjoy a proper coffee….no more home brew at last!
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm, Saturday 8am – 6pm and Sunday 9am – 5pm.
http://www.mycoffeeculture.co.uk/
Fresco Delikafessen
1a Friary Street (Phoenix Court)
Fresco DeliKafessen is an independent coffee shop and deli owned by two graduates of University of Surrey. Offering the best Italian coffee together with Mediterranean Greek pastries and British ice-cream made with 100% organic milk.
As a welcome back gift, enjoy one of their tasty paninis on the house for each panini you order for takeaway or for all orders for home delivery and click and collect!
They have tables and chairs available outside for you to sit back, relax and enjoy their Greek delights.
Opening hours: Monday 10.30am – 6.30pm, Tuesday (CLOSED), Wednesday – Saturday 10.30am – 6.30pm and Sunday 11am – 6pm.
https://frescodelikafessen.com/
KOJA by Surrey Hills Coffee
12 Jeffries Passage
Tucked away down Jeffries Passage, you can find independent coffee shop Koja Coffee. In partnership with local roastery Surrey Hills Coffee, you’ll find shelves stocked full with freshly roasted coffee beans, fresh pastries, cakes and sourdough bread plus a Scandinavian Mini Market. They have stools available outside, the perfect place to meet a friend for a flat white and a cinnamon bun.
Opening hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED, Wednesday – Friday 8am – 2pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm and Sunday: 10am – 2pm.
Visit them on Instagram for more info @kojacoffee.
Krema
4 Tunsgate
Krema is open everyday for takeaway or eating on one of their trademark orange tables right outside their cafe. You’ll be spoilt for choice on what to opt for, as they offer; breakfast, coffee, lunch, smoothies, milkshakes and all sorts of delicious sweet treats!
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 8:30am – 5pm and Sunday 9:30am – 5pm.
Sicool
1 The Shambles
If you’re after a continental feeling, catch up over coffee (maybe a cannoli too?) head to Sicool in The Shambles; a hidden gem in Guildford, serving up delicious, authentic Sicilian food & drink.
If it does happen to be ‘typical British weather’ on the day of your visit they have plenty of covered outdoor space with heaters.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9:30am – 5pm, Friday – Saturday 9:30am – 6pm, Sunday 10:30am – 5pm.
The Hideaway
Allen House Pavilion
A new social enterprise café has opened in Guildford!
An initiative of The Matrix Trust, a local youth work charity, The Hideaway is located in Allen House Grounds and hopes to become a unique community hub, connecting the skills and experience of local residents with the needs of local young people.
From tomorrow they’ll be serving tea, coffee and delicious sweet & savoury goodies to enjoy outside on their decking or the green. Profits from every coffee brewed and slice of cake served are fed back into Matrix youth projects across the Borough.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 3pm and Saturday 9am – 6pm
Restaurants and Casual Dining
Hungry Buddha
6 Friary Street
Tuck in to some tasty Thai fusion food whilst soaking up the spring sunshine in the outside seating area at Hungry Buddha on Friary Street.
Round off your lunch with one of their barista style coffees, available to have outside the venue or to go.
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm and Sunday 11am – 7pm.
Jeita
50-52 Chertsey Street
Jeita offers authentic Lebanese cuisine, prepared using fresh ingredients in the heart of Guildford.
You’ll enjoy chilled al fresco dining on their newly refurbished heated terrace or of course you can still order for takeaway.
Reservations are advisable, as outdoor space is limited. To book your table, please visit their website or call on: 01483 567813.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11am – 11pm.
https://www.jeitarestaurant.co.uk/
Meat the Greek
15 Chapel Street
Meat the Greek offers a true Greek experience, importing all their ingredients from Greece and offering; Souvlaki, succulent pork or chicken skewers marinated with Greek herbs, as well as Gyros, tender ribbons of sliced pork and chicken that puts anything that comes out of a common kebab house to shame. Served on platters or in wraps with their cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce and freshly cut, handmade fries you’re talking fast food that’s on a whole new level!
All available to eat on their tables outside or for takeaway.
Opening hours: 7 days a week 12pm – 10:30pm.
Oishii
Oishii are so excited to be bringing their fluffy pancakes to Guildford! They serve fresh and authentic desserts to food lovers of all ages. Their options range from their signature Strawberries and Cream, to their dreamy Oreo Delight! Hold tight, Japanese pancakes are hitting Guildford with a bang!
Available to takeaway or to eat outside the venue.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12pm – 6pm and Friday – Sunday 11pm – 7pm
Visit them on Instagram for more info @oishiiuk
Olivo
53 Quarry Street
Independent authentic Italian Restaurant in the heart of Guildford offering traditional Italian cuisine by their passionate chefs with only the finest and freshest ingredients.
The restaurant has a unique charm and everything you need to enjoy an authentic dining experience.
Enjoy your meal on their terrace al fresco or to takeaway.
To book a table please phone 01483 303535.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 12pm – 4:30pm & 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Friday – Saturday 12pm – 10:30pm and Sunday 12pm – 9:30pm.
Positano
Just off Guildford’s historic High Street, Positano source the best fresh ingredients and use traditional recipes. The result? Dishes that you will want to try more than once and want to share with friends and family.
Their covered outdoor area, complete with decking, heaters and festoon lighting, will be open every day 11:30am – 9pm. Buon appetito!
To book please phone 01483 563277 or email info@positano-restaurant.com
https://positano-restaurant.co.uk/
Shardana
188 High Street
Shardana is a warmly relaxed, modern Italian pizzeria hidden in the heart of Guildford. Suitable for families, shoppers, students as well as business meeting, their menus offer a wide variety of pizzas and pastas with a choice of a vegetarian dishes available too.
The team are very excited to welcome you again on their lovely terrace. Book a table by calling 01483 560752 or email info@shardanarestaurant.com to finally get the eating out experience we’ve all been waiting for!
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 12pm – 9:30pm and Sunday 12pm – 3:30pm.
https://www.shardanarestaurant.com/
Thai Terrace
7th Floor Castle Car Park
Visit for delicious Thai food and great alfresco dining. Reserve your table on their namesake terrace now or opt for one of their exclusive private pods!
You can also find them on Deliveroo or pickup directly from their restaurant (direct takeaway deliveries from the restaurant will no longer be available).
To book please phone 01483503350
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 3pm and 5.30pm – 10.30pm and Sunday CLOSED.
Picnic with a Kick
Growlers & Cans
Growlers & Cans is a specialist craft beer taproom & bottle shop in the town centre.
Back in businesses selling craft beer (and locally roasted Redber coffee) to takeaway, they are open from 2.00pm – 6.00pm, Sunday – Friday and open from 12.00pm – 6.00pm on Saturdays.
The online shop is also still up and running.
https://www.growlersandcans.com/
Corkage
60 Quarry Street
A local independent wine retailer right in the heart of Guildford with a fabulous selection available from all around the world.
Be sure to bring a corkscrew and your fanciest cups if you’re headed for a picnic – Corkage have reopened for vino to go from 12.00pm – 5.00pm Wednesday – Saturday.
Don’t hesitate to call them on: 01483 576107 or check the website for local delivery, opening hours and re-booking tables for when they reopen the bar on Thursday 20th May and will be open Thursday – Saturday evenings (bookings via the website).
Komo
Komo believe in natural ingredients, paired with the finest spirits, which is why they’re a firm Guildford favourite for cocktails.
KOMO will be open on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays throughout April & May for takeaway Iced Coffees & Cocktails. Why not spice up your daily walk along the River Wey with a cocktail or even a boozy coffee? Made by their expert bartenders to enjoy in the spring sunshine.
Opening hours: Friday – Sunday 12pm – 6pm.
This is just a summary of some of the places that will be back open from April 12th. As opening hours may be changing on a regular basis please contact individual venues to confirm.
We, for one, can’t wait to raise a glass to all those mentioned and wish them every success with their re-opening. Please join us in showing them your support too, but also, please remember to be cautious, be calm and be kind.