Live Music — Pubs in Guildford
Discover live music pubs in Guildford. Browse our directory to find the perfect pub.
Found 29 live music pubs in Guildford
Cricketers
Aldershot Road, Guildford GU3 3AA
After a couple of years as the Black Bison, the pub reverted to it's original name of the Cricketers in February 2017. The pub is north-west of Guildford at Rydes Hill, on the main road to Aldershot. It has a main bar area and restaurant to the rear, which has been knocked through into one and serves contemporary food. There is attractive terracotta tiling on the front of the pub as well as a large beer garden and good sized car park. The beer range may vary.
Casino
Corner House, Guildford GU1 4SQ
Formerly a Coral bingo hall before Guildford-born entrepreneur Michel Harper bought the premises in 1991. A night club opened on this site in 1991 owned by Michael Harper. under the name of Harper's, but this was later changed to The Drink. In 2009 that the club received its current name and branding and remains the most popular night club in Guildford. The complex has hosted a number of other bars, operating ancillary to main night club, including Bar Mambo, Players Lounge and Voodoo Lounge; now closed.
Popworld
2/3 Armour Buildings, Guildford GU1 4SB
Previously Edward's bar, then Flares and now reincarnated as Popworld, as the name suggests this night club, focusses on pop music, with live DJs most nights. Open most evenings until late, with free entry until 10 or 11. There are various different theme nights as well as a range of cocktails.
Electric Theatre
Onslow Street, Guildford GU1 4SZ
This is a bar mainly for theatre and event attendees, but everyone is welcome to pop in for a drink if they wish. No cask ale is served here.
Boileroom
13 Stoke Fields, Guildford GU1 4LS
Guildford's main independent music venue, converted from the Elm Tree in 2006. Live music is performed several nights a week, with the bar only open when events are on. Whilst some shows are free, for most you will need a ticket for entry. Food consists primarily of pizzas. No real ale but a good selection of keg beers from Signature Brew and Fierce. Successfully listed as an Asset of Community Value in September 2016.
Five & Lime Bar
3 Leapale Road, Guildford GU1 4JX
Modern bar and party venue decorated in a contemporary style with exposed brickwork. Situated just off the High Street, popular with the young, hip and trendy of Guildford. DJs most night, playing a mixture of house, dance, nu disco, funk, dub-step, hip hop and garage into the early hours. Three interconnecting small rooms. The one to the left boasts upholstered seats, a larger wooden table and exposed brickwork, the middle section contains the bar and to the right is more seating and a planked wall. There is a surprisingly large outdoor terrace.
George Abbot
7-11 High Street, Guildford GU2 4AB
Named after a former Archbishop of Canterbury, who was born in Guildford the George Abbot wa refurbished following flooding in early 2014. The pub retains its open plan, single-roomed layout but with some partitioning off into discreet drinking areas. Coming through the main door you are greeted by a knight in armour, who guards the way in! Or possibly guards the large basket of board games beside the door. The pub is decorated in a modern, traditional style with a slate floor and plenty of non-matching tables, for food which is served all day. Booking recommended for Sunday roast lunch. The marble topped bar, lit by fake oil lamps, sports a bank of six handpumps however since the pandemic only Greene King beers have been available. Quiz night is Thursday. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere in this vibrant town centre venue.
Guildford City Social Club
73 Josephs Road, Guildford GU1 1DN
Sited in a mainly residential area just a few hundred yards from the Spectrum Sports Centre, the club features a quiet, secluded tree lined terrace, with ample seating. There is a pool table, three big screen TVs and a beer terrace with seating for 40. Upstairs the club has another bar and a full size championship size snooker table and two balconies. Sadly real ale has been discontinued as there is currently insufficient demand to ensure quality.
Guildford Jubilee Social Club
Stocton Road, Guildford GU1 1HH
The Jubilee Club is a members only club, but visitors can be signed in. No cask ale is served here.
Guildford Tup
46 Chertsey Street, Guildford GU1 4HD
For many years the Spread Eagle, this pub is just off the High Street and expanded into the former shop next door, hence the split levels. One main bar, but an outbuilding now houses a pool room which can be hired for functions. White painted walls and black chairs lead to a somewhat spartan appearance. Several TV screens show sport, all channels being available. Families are welcome until 7pm. There is no parking on site, but the York Road multi-storey car park is a few minutes walk away.
Holroyd Arms
36 Aldershot Road, Guildford GU2 8AF
Two-roomed pub with a predominantly local trade in the north-west suburbs of Guildford. There is a large garden behind the pub. Parking is provided but you must enter your registration at the bar to avoid a fine. The rear bar hosts live music several nights a week, principally Friday and Saturday evenings, check website for details. This is branded as Suburbs and there is a charge for entry to the rear bar on these nights, but the front bar remains fee for drinkers. Breakfast is available 10-12 Monday to Saturday.
Astolat
9 Old Palace Road, Guildford GU2 7TU
A modern looking pub just a short walk from the back entrance to Guildford station. They have an interesting arrangement with a take away curry provider, you can order from the curry house on site and either eat it on the premises of take it home with you. Always two real ales in good condition and a great welcoming atmosphere.
Cannon
3 Portsmouth Road, Guildford GU2 4BL
Reopening on 26th May 2017. Built in 1844 as the Cannon Inn and served as the tap for the Cannon Brewery. After a number years as Keystone, the pub has reverted to its original name and a refit to make it more of a traditional pub again.
King's Head (Stoke Road)
27 King's Road, Guildford GU1 4JW
Originally built in 1860 as two cottages that soon became a beer house. Located off the edge of the town centre, this well established pub attracts a well mannered mix of discerning locals and office types in the know. The pub is noted for its attractive hanging baskets, is deceptively large after much enlargement and features service from both sides of a central bar. There is plenty of seating including benches along the outside of the building and a covered, heated courtyard used mainly by smokers. The circular floor hatch at the rear covers a well. Full range of Fullers beers including seasonals is available and cider on draught. Dogs welcome. In addition regular events and promotions are held. open mic on Thursday and TV sport in most areas.
Pews Wine Bar
21 Chapel Street, Guildford GU1 3UL
A compact wine bar and courtyard situated on the attractive cobbled Chapel Street, near to Guildford Castle. Walk in the door and you are immediately upon the bar, with some seating to the left. The single room goes back a fair way, up some steps and opens out into a larger drinking and dining area. Sky sports shows live football in the lower area. To the rear is a compact, courtyard, with comfortable sofas, which is a glorious sun trap in the Summer and is heated in the Winter, with a retractable roof! Over 21s only on Friday and Saturday nights, with live music every Friday at 8.30pm. Some where between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019 it stopped selling real ale (Doom Bar).
Row Barge
7 Riverside, Guildford GU1 1LW
Reopened in August 2013, under new management, following a few months of closure. This former Branch Pub of the Year, has retained its commitment to real ale with up to 6 available. Built in 1856 and extended for the post-war Bellfields Estate, this two-bar pub with pool room is 1.5 miles along the River Wey tow-path from the town centre. Day and night moorings for customers. Poker night Thursday, open mic on Tuesday. A roast is served on Sunday. Food until 7pm (5pm Sun).
Royal Oak
Trinity Churchyard, Guildford GU1 3RR
The Royal Oak has been serving real ale for 150 years, since 1870. Built as an extension to the then next door rectory, with a hall upstairs and rooms at ground level. These rooms are now the opened up bar area and show the building’s heavily beamed structure. The ambience is one of a cosy village pub with an airy modern feel. A patio area is to one side of the pub plus a couple of outside tables overlooking Trinity churchyard. Three ever changing guest beers available here. They are planning to introduce real cider in the near future.
Star Inn
2 Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3TY
A well known Guildford institution, taken over by Shepherd Neame and spruced up a bit, after being a bit run down. A pub for more than 400 years and famous for live music and entertainment, with band and performances taking place in the back-room bar, down a corridor displaying photographs of various artists. Performances are as diverse as blues, rock, stand-up comedy and an the 'adult' pantomime that takes place at Christmas. In 1974 the founding members of The Stranglers, then called the Guildford Stranglers, gave their first public performance, an event commemorated on a plaque presented by CAMRA in 2006. In July 2019 the pub won a landmark legal judgement when a noise abatement notice issued by Guildford Council was been overturned by a district judge. The pub itself is an engaging mishmash of inter-connected drinking areas, wooden beams and low ceilings, on a number of different levels. A wood-burning stove, heats the huge sofas and table at one end, whilst the bar itself caters for vertical drinkers towards the rear and an area, popular with diners during the day, occupies the lower level. Throughout the dimly lit pub are photographs associated with pubs and brewing.
Stoke
103 Stoke Road, Guildford GU1 4JN
A large Victorian pub 10 minutes walk from the town centre comprising a central bar with separate areas for relaxing in easy chairs and dining. Food is served all day every day, pizzas from a proper oven are a speciality. Roasts are served on Sunday. Facilities include a quiz machine, a pool table and several TV screens. Quiz night is Thursday. There is a large, spacious garden and a smaller patio for summer eating and drinking. A large function room (capacity up to 180) is available for hire.
Keep
29 Castle Street, Guildford GU1 3UW
Near to the High Street opposite the castle. Comfortable wine bar feel with some deep sofas. The outside area is in the form of a courtyard to the rear with a smoking area. This is one of the few regular outlets in the town for beers from the local Surrey Hills Brewery. The Castle Lounge upstairs has a separate bar and is comfortably furnished. Food is available all day and until mid evening Monday to Friday.
Weyside
Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3XJ
Reverted to its previous name, the Weyside in February 2014. Situated to the south of the town centre on the banks of the River Wey, the building was originally used as a boathouse for canal boats on the river. The key draw now is undoubtedly the extensive terraced seating areas that lead down to the river, a glorious place to sit in the summer. In the winter you can watch the river flow past in the conservatory, warmed by a wood-burning stove. The pub consists of a large open plan bar area, from which lead off a selection of other distinctive drinking and dining areas. These include the conservatory with its wood-burning stove in winter and exposed rafters and a large beamed room with an almost cottagey feel at the far end. Gentle background music plays. The pub was bought by the Youngs pub owning company in late 2013 and the beer range now coming from the Wells and Youngs portfolio.
Wooden Bridge
Woodbridge Hill, Guildford GU2 9AA
A former hotel, built in 1936 and featuring a more recent 50ft-long bar. Its interior blends traditional pub decor with contemporary elements – armchairs mixed with standard and high tables, and carpeted and wooden flooring. There are usually seven TVs showing sport, often with no sound and with music playing throughout the pub. Sunday is quiz night.
King's Head (Quarry Street)
Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3XQ
One of the oldest pubs in Guildford, constructed in the late 16th century in the heart of the town close to the Castle. Inside, there is a broadly open plan layout but with a few nooks and crannies. As befitting a building of its ages there are low ceilings, stone flagged floors, brick walls and exposed oak beams. Pictures of old Guildford adorn the walls and to the left of the main entrance is a full suit of armour. To the rear is a patio area and terrace on several levels which is popular all year round with large umbrellas and heaters that provides a great spot for an alfresco pint. A popular quiz is held on a Monday. Various food offers are available through the week including pizzas on Tuesday, burgers on Wednesday and fish on Friday. The pub features heavily on tours of haunted Guildford. Acquired by Shepherd Neame in June 2016.
Guildford Hospitals' Social Club
Gill Avenue, Guildford GU2 7WW
The social club at the Royal Surrey Hospital, the club is only available to the 900 staff and members of the Hospital Trust and not patients, although CAMRA members are welcome to visit for a drink.The Main room of the club is brightly lit, with a TV and pool table, and there are a couple of snugs off to one side, for a quieter drink. Basic food is available. A wide variety of events are held, including monthly live music, Halloween party, fireworks together with Summer Solstice and Oktoberfest Beer Festivals. Usually closed at weekend, when it is available for hire for private functions.
Britannia
9 Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BE
This attractive high-pitched roof pub is just a stone's throw from the river Wey. The pub is smart and tidy with a selection of family board games and magazines. Rear patio offers sheltered seating with heaters, whilst you can watch the river world unfold in the summer from the front patio tables on an attractive cobbled terrace. Inside the single bar, has a line of bar stools arranged in front of it, with plenty of standing space behind. There are a couple of areas with sofas, one next to the fireplace and a number of alcoves with seating around the pub. There is a selection of photographs depicting brewing and rural scenes throughout the pub. To entertain you is a selection of board games and live music takes place twice a month on Sundays. Food is available all day, until mid-evening.
G Live
London Road, Guildford GU1 2AA
G Live is Guildford's Concert hall, with stylish bars on each level, but only the main bar in the lower foyer sells real ale. The bar is open in the evening prior to performances, typically from 1.5 hours before the show starts, until midway through the second act. Drinks in plastic glasses can be taken into the main auditorium except for classical concerts. A Beer Festival is held in September.
Komo
Millbrook, Guildford GU1 3YA
Late night cocktail bar just to the south of the town centre, with regular live music. An entry fee of £5 is charged on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm.
Alley Bar
3 Milkhouse Gate, Guildford GU1 3EZ
Late night bar, located up a narrow alley off the main High Street. No real ale but a reasonable range of craft beers. Usually quiet until after the pubs have shut, when the small, narrow bar will suddenly spring to life. Comfortable and spacious seating areas spread across two levels from the Lower Terrace to the Loft Bar and Roof Terrace, DJ Friday and Saturday.
Growlers & Cans
24 Chertsey Road, Guildford GU1 4HD
Craft beer bar and bottle shop, in a a former Chinese grocery shop which has a beauty salon above. Near the top of Guildford High Street it opened on 2nd February 2019. There is seating for approx 20 people, the basement is available for overflow and free hire. A single real ale is occasionally served from an independent brewery, but there is always a selection of 6 keg beers available and a wide variety of beers in cans and bottles to sample both on the premises or to take away. The draught keg range varies with Firebird and London breweries well represented. No food served, but you are welcome to bring your own or order a takeaway to wat in the bar. Card payment only; cash not accepted. Beer themed events and live music. Growlers' signage shows a growling bear's head in place of the O.