Week Starting 10 May 2010

Read Me to Unlock the Fun Side of the Week Ahead!

Well TGTG subscribers, the election is over. Don't let those papers that give you inky fingers worry you about the outcome - this is The Good Time Guide, and by gosh we're going to keep up our tradition of, well, guiding you to good times!

But you're probably sick of hearing about the election, so we'll shut up. Instead, go forth and enjoy all there is to do this week - there's a really good mix out there. Don't forget to check out our site, Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with all the happenings!And without further ado, here it is...

Monday - The Spotted Dog, Dorking - Enjoy a Traditional Pub and Get a Free Meal!

Dorking's Spotted Dog is what TGTG likes to call a 'real' pub; cosy seats, traditional interior, great choice of drinks and delicious pub grub. What's more, there's a big ol' beer garden to enjoy when the sun shines down on South Street!

On top of all this loveliness, flashing your TGTG Offer Card during the week sees you get 2 for 1 on main meals! A bargain if ever there was one. Anything else you want to know? About their live music nights perhaps, or to enquire about The Spotted Dog's real ales? Call 01306 885218!

Tuesday - Halong Bay, West Byfleet - Totally Authentic Vietnamese Food

True authentic Vietnamese food is extremely hard to come by in these parts, so let us introduce you, ladies and gentleman, to Halong Bay (NB: not the world heritage site, for TGTG is many things but not a travel agents). Family run in West Byfleet and totally authentic, Halong Bay's menu is enough to make the driest mouth salivate. Sticky honey and soy chicken?? Yes. Please.

Even if such delicacies don't tickle your fancy, or you're a vegetarian, don't sweat - there's many a veggie option, and those wonderful people at Halong Bay will endeavour to accommodate you if there's a Vietnamese option you can't see on the menu (note: this link is a different menu to the one above). Coupled with the beautiful decor and excellent service, guaranteed you'll go once and return! Call 01932 356399 to book now!

Wednesday - Free Screening of 'The Cove' at PATS Dance Studio, University of Surrey

It's not about the latest summer blockbusters, sticky floors, noisy kids (seriously... watch the blasted film!) and overpriced synthetic food stuffs at PATS Dance Studio. From 12th May, every other Wednesday will see them hosting a free screening of a selection of documentary films addressing environmental issues, starting with the Oscar-winning The Cove at 7.30pm. Hard-hitting and wonderfully shot, The Cove is the story of a team of divers and filmmakers who join lifelong campaigner and one-time dolphin trainer Rick O'Barry in a plot to gain access to 'the cove' on the coast of Japan, where it is known that dolphins are captured and slaughtered en masse as they pass through.

Following this will be 'The End of the Line' and 'Encounters at the End of the World' on 26th May and the 16th June respectively, all shown in high definition projection. A fantastic opportunity to see some wonderful films that you may have missed first time around, and it's free! Click here for more info.

Thursday - Ha Ha Bar & Grill, Guildford - Cosmo Club & Bargain Food!

Ah ha ha (not an evil laugh, an expression of content acknowledgement followed by the name of the venue). TGTG Offer Card holders are totally spoiled when coming to Guildford's venue, because not only do they have incredibly good value set menus, should you fancy pickin' and choosin' the food you get 25% off! So whatever you fancy, you're gonna save a packet of money!

Anyway, this is Thursday's slot, and many of you will fancy going for a cheeky drink or two as, you know, it's only another day 'til the weekend. So be safe in the knowledge that every day except Saturday is Cosmo Club, meaning select drinks are £3! And clicking on that ever-so-handy link above will show you that there's pretty much a beverage for everyones tastes! Ah ha ha indeed.

Friday - The Lightbox, Woking - Museum at Night

A fantastic outing for all the family. This weekend sees nation-wide project Museums at Night, and in turn this is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quality time with your nearest and dearest in the nocturnal surroundings of The Lightbox.

So what to expect this Friday 14th? Well, you and the little 'uns will make a lantern, have a fantastic meal at TGTG stalwarts Palette Bistro and see the exhibitions under the cover of darkness! £20 will get you all this, with 3 course meal included, but you'll need to book. So pick up the old bakelite and call 01483 737800 to do just that!

Saturday - Celebration of Culture at Woking Town Square

This Saturday, Woking Town Square will be buzzing with vibrant live music and dance performances on Saturday 15 May as the town plays host to the Celebration of Culture organised by Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership to kick off Adult Learners' Week. The free show runs from 11.45am to 4.45pm featuring a wide range of internationally-themed music and dance acts and colourful displays. There will also be informative stalls where people can find out more about opportunities to learn in Surrey and a range of free taster workshops where they can learn to Bollywood dance or try out various art activities.

The event has been funded by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) and SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) to celebrate Cultural Diversity Weekend as part of the national Adult Learners' Week Campaign 2010. A great opportunity to do something a bit different of a weekend we feel, and anything that broadens the mind and lifts the spirit is good with TGTG!

Sunday - Summer Show at Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon

A brilliant day out for potential agricultural students, animal lovers and families alike. There's so much to do here it's frankly unbelievable that entry is a paltry £6 for adults and £3 for kids. A quick low-down, you cry? Well, regular readers should know by now that The Good Time Guide newsletters are more about self-indulgent ramblings with occasional references to the event, but in the case of Merrist Wood's Summer Show, it appears to be apt to give you a list.

So, how about a Music Festival with ACM, Rocking Horse Equestrian Stunt Team, Custom and Classic Car Show, Wall of Death, Plant Sales and Floristry Displays, Tree Climbing, Dog Agility Show, Falconry Displays, Children's Activities and Animals, Helicopter Pleasure Flights, Craft Market and Hungry Hog Food Village. And breathe in! Throw in some good weather and this is the perfect Sunday trip. Click here for more info!

Tip of The Week

Dad's Day Out at Dunsfold Park, Near Cranleigh

A great day out for Dad and one that helps The Children's Trust. The home of BBC2's 'Top Gear' will, on Sunday, 16th May 2010, take visitors for the ride of their life in an incredible Supercar!

There is so much more to on this fantastic day out that we recommend you click here to see it all. Dad will love it, and the whole family will have plenty to occupy themselves while he behaves like a child for an afternoon!