A popular and friendly community pub which was formerly a coaching inn where the horses were changed on the London to Hastings coach route. Situated in the picturesque village of Farnborough, this is popular with walkers being on the edge of the countryside as well as being convenient for the main A21. After being closed in 2019, the pub reopened in December of that year under new management having been completely refurbished.
The interior is smart and spacious with a large L-shaped bar, and has also been extended at the back to include a function room/restaurant plus a small conservatory. The décor consists of white walls and dark ceilings with framed prints and hops hanging everywhere, complemented by wooden flooring with large rugs, complete with original fireplaces. A raised area to the left (mind the step) has both a dartboard and chessboard.
The garden is lawn with lots of table sets, plus a patio area with a smokers shelter. This tends to be popular in summer but due to licensing requirements, the garden has to be vacated by 10 pm.
In addition to the two permanent cask beers, seasonal ales are occasionally available. Wines include those from Kent (eg. Chapel Down, Balfour)
The pub is a hub of the local village with a variety of events, including live music usually on Sundays, open mic evenings on the last Wednesday of the month and quiz evenings. There are also coffee mornings on Tuesdays plus brunch on Saturday mornings (see social media links for timings). The pub also operates a book exchange club.
Along with the regular food offerings, there is also a Thai food evening beginning at 6.30pm every Wednesday as well as the popular Sunday roast.
Opening hours may be subject to variation.
Instagram page is @changeofhorses
The London LOOP trail passes nearby providing a convenient stopping point for walkers.
Historic Interest
Originally called the New Inn until 1973, this dates from the 1820s and served both coachmen and travellers. This was owned by the Fleet Brewery until 1865 and then owned by the Dartford Brewery. On 1st September 1973, the New Inn was renamed during the day as the "Golden Nugget Saloon" as part of the Wild West theme for the annual Farnborough Fair, until it was renamed the Change of Horses in the evening: Thus, the only inn to ever have had three names in one day. The revised name is a throwback to the coaching era when passengers stayed at the White Lion in Locksbottom and the coach and team would come to the New Inn in order to change the horses and rest them in the field opposite (the large George & Dragon inn that once stood nearby also offered accommodation to passengers). (From 2005 to 2019, the pub was the focal point for the Orpington Folk Club.)
This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 2 regular beers.
Change of Horses, Farnborough
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