A small, friendly and welcoming pub which is a focal point for the local community. Located south-west of the town centre, the Garden Gate is also within easy walking distance of the railway station. It has a small single bar serving two distinct drinking areas. There is a separate back room leading to a small partially covered patio and smoking area to the side. Two regular and one guest beer are generally on tap at the start of the week, including a rebranded house beer Wobbly Gate, whose origin is a closely guarded secret. Surrey Hills Ranmore, a rare sight locally, is the best seller. These are supplemented by a second guest later in the week depending on demand. Major free to air sports events are shown. The well attended Thursday night quiz funds provision of the pub’s community defibrillator, a Hi-Tech CPR training dolly called “Brad” and training in both CPR and the use of the defibrillator. Training can be arranged at short notice and 220+ people of all ages have already been trained. This outstanding contribution to the community was recognised with a CAMRA Community Pub Award in 2023 and many local pubs and businesses now also provide defibrillators with the Garden Gate keen to provide training in their use. Note that final entry time is 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
Historic Interest
Built in 1857 the pub was originally named the Peal of Bells and the pub sign was an iron frame containing six bells. A year later the pub was renamed the Garden Gate, possibly in recognition of a market garden behind the building. The new sign bore a gate and the message “This gate hangs high and hinders none: Refresh and pay and travel on.” Widely claimed to have been built for Prussian mercenaries based nearby, though this is historically dubious. One of the older pubs in Aldershot, but much extended.
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This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 1 regular beer.
Garden Gate, Aldershot
Changing beers typically include: Dark Star - Hophead , Hogs Back - Surrey Nirvana , St Austell - Proper Job
Source: Regional