The Beer Stalker - Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site, Near Redhill, Surrey
Spring made a fleetingly brief appearance this year but the all too short glimpse of daffodils and buds on the trees was enough for the Beer Stalker to wash off the winter grime from the trusty caravan and to embark on some more beery adventures.
Alderstead Heath Caravan Club Site is a big site and is open all year. It is perched quite high up on the outskirts of Caterham and for all its size it is pretty quiet and is not disturbed by traffic noise. In fact I'd go as far as saying that, at times, it can seem almost remote. It is not a site that is to everyone's taste though. It is a useful location to visit London though and is close to the good transport links that are accessible from Croydon.
Although a car is necessary, it is less than a 15 drive from Alderstead Heath to Caterham. It is perhaps stretching it a little to call it a village as it more like a small town, but I gather locals call it a village and it does have that “villagey” feel about it.
The King and Queen is a pleasant looking pub and is situated 34 High Street, Caterham, CR3 5UA. It was originally three cottages dating from 17th century. The cosy interior reflects the historical past by providing three distinct drinking areas. There is a log fire for chilly days which adds to the “country pub” feel of the place. Put simply, it is nice place to while away a few hours with friends or family.
This pub has featured in nearly 20 editions of the celebrated Good Beer Guide and the landlady is justifiably proud of her Fullers Beers which are all served in excellent condition.
Fuller, Smith and Turner is known more popularly as simply, “Fuller's” and their pubs are easily recognised by their “Griffin” trademark. Their fine beers have been brewed at their wisteria covered brewery beside the Thames in Chiswick, West London for more than 350 years.
Whilst whiling away the time in the King and Queen you reflect on the passing of time whilst enjoying Chiswick Bitter (OG 1034) a refreshing pale bitter with a delicate biscuit maltiness or perhaps the legendary London Pride (OG 1040) with its rich moreish malty and luscious toffee flavours or maybe the strong ESB (OG 1054) a many faceted beer where malt, toffee, raisins and bitter orange combine in a sort of beer heaven. If you have more than one pint of this just make sure you are not the driver though!
The King and Queen in Caterham also serves lunchtime and evening meals. Refreshingly, we are not talking gastro pub food with prices to match. Instead, we are talking about good, wholesome and reasonably priced traditional pub fare that means a meal and a few pints of an evening are an affordable treat.
The next time you are camping at Alderstead Heath give the King and Queen pub in Caterham High Street a try. I don't think you will be disappointed!