Hog's Back Brewery

The Hog's Back Brewery sits just outside Farnham, a proper working operation where you can actually watch beer being made rather than just drink the results. It's housed in a converted farm building, which feels appropriately rustic without any of the themed-pub fakery. Their ales are genuinely excellent - the TEA (Their Exceptional Ale) is the one that made them famous, and once you've had it you'll understand why locals are evangelical about the place.

Walking groups and ale enthusiasts will find this worth a deliberate evening trip. The tasting room is unpretentious - order a flight and settle in. Staff know their stuff and won't patronise you if you can't tell a porter from a stout. Food-wise, they usually have a kitchen running, though it's worth checking ahead as this isn't guaranteed every session.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Tilford Woods Lodge or Chapel Farm are both within four miles - this makes for a solid evening out without needing to drive far. Wednesday to Friday they open from 6:30pm, Saturday from 10:30am (proper hours if you fancy a daytime visit), and Sunday from 2:30pm. Admission is free, you just buy what you drink. Allow two hours minimum if you're taking the tasting flight seriously.

The brewery's small enough that you won't spend a full day here, but it's the kind of place that rewards lingering. Go when you're not rushing.