The ‘UK’s smallest pub’ in a lively, community driven village in Surrey (Image: Brightwater Brewery)
Amidst lush woodlands and a stone’s throw from a stunning National Trust park, lies Claygate — a charming village brimming with independent shops, nature walks, and a cosy pub complete with a crackling log fire.
This idyllic spot boasts a variety of independent stores conveniently located near the train station, which offers swift 29-minute services to London Waterloo.
On paper, Claygate’s allure is evident — a blend of convenience, with all necessities within easy reach, and its aesthetic charm, marked by rows of terraced period properties and quaint coffee shops.
Claygate earned its name by providing the clay for Hampton Court Palace and is also renowned for these Claygate Pearmain apples, first discovered by John Braddick growing on a hedge in 1822, and these apple trees can still be spotted around the village today
The village hosts one of the UK’s oldest flower festivals, the Claygate Flower and Village Show, every summer.
The event features activities for all ages, including a dog show, tug of war, and children’s games.
The village stands out for its array of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, all nestled within a close-knit community. A parade of shops leading to the train station presents an eclectic mix, featuring a fishmonger, butcher, greengrocer, flower shop, gift stores, and a bakery.
Matt Clift, who has been at the helm of Williams and Bunkell, the award-winning fishmongers, for 28 years, is a familiar face in the village.
He told SurreyLive: “Claygate hasn’t really changed. It’s a nice place to work, and the people are lovely.”
Now residing in Horsell, Matt still holds a fondness for Claygate and enjoys working there, asserting that it’s truly unique. He stated: “There’s nowhere like Claygate, it’s surrounded by woodlands and it’s very traditional.”
Starting his career at the fishmongers when he was just 15, Matt took over the business in 2009. His hard work paid off when he won Elmbridge’s Best Independent Retailer of the Year award in 2013, and also received three stars from the Great Taste Awards.
Just a stone’s throw away from Williams and Bunkell is a highly-rated café known for its delicious food. The Parade and Albany has earned rave reviews for its baked goods, coffee, and friendly staff on Google reviews.
Claygate is just a stone’s throw from Claremont Gardens (Image: Getty Images)
One satisfied customer wrote: “What a great place! ! Lovely staff, good quality food (Cornish Pasty and the Apple Crumble cake) YUM! And the Coffee was excellent! Travelling from London every week so the wife can ride, It will be my ‘go-to place’ from now on! Thank you PandA!”
Alan Jenkins, the owner of Parade and Albany, has been at the helm for seven years after relocating back to the UK from Spain, where he previously ran a restaurant. As an independent business owner, Alan has faced challenges, particularly during and after the pandemic.
He noted: “It was very testing coming out of Covid, and ever since with the war and it’s affected a lot of things in terms of prices of things like butter, flour, everything has gone up.”
In times of hardship, it was the community backing that helped Alan persevere. Alan revealed: “It was amazing really, the spend per head was going up and people were bulk buying and ordering take away.”
Another local business, Claygate Interiors, has reaped the benefits of a solid reputation within the village, enabling them to cut back significantly on marketing expenses. With 25 years under its belt, the establishment owes its longevity to loyal patrons.
Not just masters of interior design, they also operate as a quaint gift shop, an aspect that distinguishes them in the community.
The village is also home to the Hare and Hounds, a dog-friendly pub complete with a warm fire and a garden play area for kids. The pub has made a name for itself with quizzes, live music, and sports events.
Frequent visitors to the train station have surely noticed the quaint microbrewery Platform 3, hailed as the UK’s tiniest pub. This charming spot offers real ales straight from the cask, alongside ciders, wines, prosecco, and soft drinks.
Brightwater Brewery’s flagship golden ale, Daisy Gold, is a highlight among the brews available, and customers can enjoy it on-site or take it away in a container from its brewing home in Claygate.
Despite its diminutive size, Platform 3 has garnered impressive acclaim, wielding a stellar 4.8-star rating on Google.
It’s a treasure amongst regulars, with one sharing: “A wonderfully unique mini brewer just outside the Claygate station. I think there was 3 beers on when we were there including a beautiful dark ale. The beers we had were lovely but sadly no notes were taken. If you’re in Claygate, give it a go.”
Another enthusiast expressed: “Great little place. Nice beer and friendly people. The weather determines this place as it’s on Claygate Station and doesn’t have an inside area but a gazebo can be erected if necessary. The landlord Alex is a nice chap. Will definitely be back.”
Claygate’s charm is enhanced by its proximity to Claremont Landscape Garden, a National Trust gem featuring a serene lake (with rowboats for hire during summer) and a hillside amphitheatre offering breathtaking scenic views.
Telegraph Hill, a splendid spot for countryside views where dogs and horses are often seen enjoying walks, is located to the east of Claygate. To the south of the village lies Claygate Common, a serene woodland area complete with fields, providing an ideal space for dogs to frolic freely.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk