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Top 5 Local Eats in Guildford by Susana Guri

For us students, living on our own for the first time is one of the best parts about the university experience. We get to do whatever we want, whenever we want and… eat whatever we want. For most of us this means takeaways. A lot of takeaways... But Guildford is an amazing town for food lovers - even broke ones - and it’s not the place to just be getting the same old Dominoes you used to get at home every night (Pizza Man after a Rubix is a different story, worthy of its own article). So, if you are a fresher just getting to know Guildford, keep these five restaurants in mind next time you’re going into town for something to eat, because the best memories are made around good meals with good friends.

On a late night: Meat the Greek on Chapel Street:

Meat the Greek is little more than a hole in the wall, but you’ll often find it overflowing with students going for an evening bite. Not only is it the best place for authentic and cheap Greek food, it’s also where you’re most likely to have unexpected run-ins with friends and where you’ll find yourself hanging about and chatting for hours. And if you have any doubts that the food is legit, just ask any Greek student on campus - they’ll probably agree that it’s a little slice of home, right here in Guildford. The menu covers everything from Souvlaki to Baklava, and The Stag team especially recommend the French fries with feta cheese.

For veggies and vegans: The Beano Restaurant at the Guildford Institute:

The Beano Restaurant is probably the most hidden gem on this list. Few people know about it, but those who do agree that it’s a secret worth sharing. Beano is the only totally vegetarian restaurant in Guildford, and they serve morning coffee and canteen-style lunches. The whole operation is run by three local ladies who love plant foods and know how to do it well. The menu changes seasonally, but you’re likely to find something along the lines of veggie lasagnes and sticky toffee pudding. Routine Beano-visitors always try to get a seat by the window and eat their lunch with a view over Ward Street. We recommend you do the same.

Going to lunch with friends: The Weyside on Millbrook:

The Weyside probably has the most instgrammable location in town. On the terrace you’re sitting right on the river Wey enjoying fabulous pub food and great drinks. It’s a spot made for long lunches and chats on afternoons off. While amazing in spring and summer, the Weyside indoor pub and conservatory are just as charming on a rainy or cold day. Menus are seasonal, but on Sunday’s you’ll always find a roast on offer. Also, if you happen to time your visit well, you might stumble upon events like a quiz night or cocktail party. If it’s one thing we’ve learned about eating out in Guildford, its that it lends itself to spontaneity.

For a one-of-a-kind meal: The Robin Hood on Sydenham Road:

You really need to see The Robin Hood to know what we’re talking about here. You might say it is the love child of an English gastropub and an Italian osteria. You really won’t find a menu like this one anywhere else, and everything is homemade. The Robin Hood is a family-run place, where you want to bring a bunch of mates for a big carb-y dinner and a couple of beers and have the best laughs. Fair warning, the place is small – but incredibly cosy. You’ll feel right at home. Don’t come here if you’re in a rush though, because Veru, the chef, does it all on her own. The food is so much better for it, and I’m sure you’ll agree.

When the parents are in town: The March Hare on South Hill by Guildford Castle:

The March Hare is the perfect place to impress your parents with how grown up and sophisticated you’ve become since moving away from home. It’s a pub, but it’s a very Guildford kind of pub – quaint, wholesome and charming. It’s a pretty popular place, so you might want to book ahead. The menu is a little bit English, a little bit French, and a little bit on the pricier side (another good reason to go with mum and dad). It’s also one of our favourites because of the location. The March Hare is sat just by Guildford castle and its beautiful gardens – perfect to take out-of-town visitors on a tour now that you’re basically a local.

Credits:

With pictures by Joe Corr (Cranleigh Camera Club) - 'Guildford Town Center at Dawn', and Paul Drummond - 'The Weyside, Guildford' - With additional photos from www.meatthegreek.co.uk

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