“The UK's smallest pub” in a vibrant community-led village in Surrey (Image: Brightwater Brewery)
In the lush woods you will find Claygate, a stone throw from the stunning National Trust Park. It is a charming village filled with independent shops, nature walks and cozy pubs with crackling logs.
This idyllic spot boasts a variety of independent shops conveniently located near the train station. It offers quick 29 minutes service to London Waterloo.
On paper, the appeal of Claygate is clear. A convenient blend, with all the essentials out of reach, its aesthetic appeal marked by the trajectory of the period and quaint coffee shop lines.
Claygate also earned its name by providing clay at Hampton Court Palace and is also famous for these Claygate polar apples, first discovered in 1822 by John Bradick, who grew up in hedges.
The village hosts the Claygate Flower and Village Show, one of the UK's oldest flower festivals, every summer.
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The event will showcase activities of all ages, including dog shows, tag of war, and kids games.
The village stands out with a series of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, all surrounded by close-knit communities. The parade of shops leading to the station features an eclectic mix featuring fish shops, butchers, green grocery, flower shops, gift stores and bakeries.
Matt Clift, who has been at the helm of award-winning fishmongers Williams and Banquell for 28 years, is the village's familiar face.
He told Surreylive:
Matt, who currently lives in Horserell, still prefers Claygate and enjoys working there, claiming it is truly unique. He states: “There's no place like Claygate. It's surrounded by Woodlands and is very traditional.”
Matt began his career with the Fishmongers when he was only 15 years old, and took over the business in 2009.
Stone Throw, located far from Williams and Banquell, is a highly acclaimed cafe known for its delicious dishes. Parade and Albany have earned rave reviews of baked goods, coffee and friendly staff in Google reviews.
Claygate is a stone throw from Claremont Garden (Image: Getty Images)
A satisfied customer wrote: “Going” for the future!
Alan Jenkins, owner of Parade and Albany, has been at the helm for seven years since returning to the UK from Spain to run the restaurant before. As an independent business owner, Alan faces challenges, especially during and after the pandemic.
He states: “It's been a very test, and since then, along with the war, it has affected a lot of things in terms of price, such as butter, flour, and more.”
During times of hardship, it was community support that helped Alan endure. “It was really amazing. The spending per head was rising, people were buying and ordering a lot,” Alan said.
Another local company, Claygate Interiors, has enjoyed the benefits of a solid reputation within the village, allowing it to significantly reduce its marketing costs. With a belt of 25 years, this establishment owes its lifespan to its loyal patrons.
Not only are they masters of interior design, they also run as quaint gift shops. This is the aspect that distinguishes them in the community.
The village also houses the home of Halle and Hound, a dog-friendly pub with warm fires and a children's garden playground. The pub created their own names with quizzes, live music and sporting events.
Frequent visitors to the station are sure to notice the quaint microbrewery platform 3, which is welcomed as the UK's smallest pub. This charming spot serves authentic ale straight from the cask, along with cider, wine, prosecco and soft drinks.
Brightwater Brewery's flagship Golden Ale, Daisy Gold, is the highlight of the breweries available, allowing customers to enjoy it on-site or take it with containers from the Claygate brewery. Masu.
Despite its small size, Platform 3 has attracted impressive acclaim and exercised a 4.8 star rating on Google.
“There's an incredibly unique mini brewer just outside Claygate station. I think there were three beers with beautiful dark ales. If you're at Claygate, give it a try.
Another enthusiast said, “Amazing little place. Nice beer and friendly people. It's located at Claygate station and there is no interior area so the weather determines this place, but it's possible to build a gazebo if necessary. You can. Landlord Alex is a lovely chap. I'll definitely be back.”
Claygate's charm is the National Trust gem, featuring Claremont's landscape gardens, calm lakes (hand-rowers are hired during the summer), and hills offering breathtaking scenic views. It is strengthened by its proximity to the mid-side amphitheater.
A stunning location for country views where dogs and horses are often seen enjoying a walk, Telegraph Hill is located east of Claygate. To the south of the village is Claygate Common, a calm forested area with fields, providing the ideal space for dogs to play freely.
