Whilst promoted as a wine bar for the over 25s, it has quite a pubby feel, especially earlier in the week. This reflects that it is a former pub and Good Beer Guide regular, the Sanford Arms, which closed in 1999. The single bar room has a slate floor and a compact bar in one corner dispensing the two real ales and a wide selection of wines. Passing through to the rear of the bar area, you come to a conservatory which in turn leads you to an attractive large terraced garden, which boasts a covered smoking area with sofas to relax in and sometimes table service. Tuesday is quiz night and is very busy, arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Historic Interest
The Sanford Arms was built 186O/61 by James Smith, a speculative builder, who leased the site for 99 years from Thomas Baker of Shalford and then sold the remainder of the lease upon completion of the house to W.F.Hodgson, the Kingston brewer in 1861. The inn sign was a representation of the ancient arms of the Sanford family of Nynehead Court, Somerset, who were relatives of the Hodgsons. The first occupant of the Sanford Arms was George I; Stokes, and he was succeeded, in 1866, by J.R.Ames, retired Master of the Guildford Union Workhouse (now St. Luke's Hospital). Hodgson's Kingston Brewery was acquired by Messrs. Courage in 1943, although they continued to trade under their own name until 1967. The Sanford Arms originally had a Doric columned porch over the main entrance, but this was removed some years ago. (Source: Charlotteville Jubilee Trust Website)
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Rogues Wine Bar, Guildford