Week Starting 14 June 2010

A Return to Normal...

... for now, anyways. After last week's World Cup-fest, we're going back to basics this week - click here and here for our footy recommendations, but see below for a list that seems to completely ignore that there's any sporting event going on at all this week.

Pubs, Restaurants, Theatre... all neatly sidestepping the football. So read on, and go explore the world outside!

Monday - Shepherd and Flock, Farnham - The Best Food in Farnham?

Dare we say it; Farnham's Shepherd and Flock has some of the finest food of any gastropub in the area (and, indeed, it stands itself up against many of the best restaurants in the vicinity too). A bold claim, but TGTG speaks the truth and we don't think you'll disagree when you've dined here. Even the simplest of dishes are made to a mouth-wateringly good standard.

Don't fancy eating? Shepherd and Flock won't mind, for they offer 7 real ales on tap (the best selection in Farnham), as well as 5 lagers and a selection of wines, so you'll be more than happy to just go there for a drink. It's a pretty place both inside and out as well, and has a big old garden - ideal for the summer months (assuming they arrive).

In sum? Acquaint yourself with Shepherd and Flock, and then be slightly annoyed at yourself for not discovering it sooner!

Tuesday - Vero Cibo, Guildford - Versatile, Authentic, and Tasty...

We at TGTG can't help but feel this place deserves a far bigger audience - Vero Cibo really is a mini revelation, and is very worthy of your time. Tucked away down The Shambles in Guildford town centre, it's very easy to miss, but a wealth of genuine Italian food, wine and coffee awaits within - Vero Cibo source the vast majority of their products from the small producers of Puglia, South-East Italy, their ancestral homeland.

The secret ingredient to Vero Cibo's brilliance is really it's versatility - you can turn up for breakfast, have a pre-work coffee (why, just £1 with your TGTG offer card!), an evening meal at weekends, or even a cocktail should the mood take you.

In a nutshell, then, discover your new favourite venue in Vero Cibo!

Wednesday - The Dog and Pheasant, Brook - Great Food, Beautiful Garden!

A sophisticated village pub that accommodates the casual ale-drinker, the diner, the family and the dog (as they say: "We are dog friendly as long as your dog is pub friendly!") - all in the beautiful surroundings of the magnificent rolling Surrey countryside. Inside, black wood beams and old fashioned fireplaces (hopefully not needed at this time of year) complete the picturesque entity that is The Dog and Pheasant!

But is there substance to go with all this style? Well, would TGTG be championing The Dog and Pheasant if not? First of all, the menu reads more like a michelin starred inner-city restaurant than a country inn - as does the dessert menu - and as well as the afformentioned ale, there's a huge selection of wine to enjoy as well.

To top it all off, order that amazing food between 6 and 7pm during the week and get 25% off with the awesome TGTG offer card. So gasp at these marvellous surroundings, get cosy, and enjoy!

Thursday - The Essence of Love at Haslemere Hall

A production by an Ayckbourn (in this case Philip, son of the great Sir Alan) will always guarantee you laughs, but an oft-overlooked depth and structure to the story means you'll be remiscing of the production long after you've left the auditorium - The Essence of Love will be no different! For those of you unwilling to click on that handy link, here's Haslemere Halls synopsis:

"A mother and her daughter; a father and his son find themselves on adjacent hotel terraces in Marrakech. As they settle in, we find there’s anything but love in the air for the four British holiday makers. But when the gift of a magical elixir finds its way into the water, unlikely passions take root. This promises to be no ordinary spell in the sun!"

Sound like your cup of tea? Well it's on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th June at 8pm - you'll be sure to laugh while your heart is gently warmed! Tickets are between £10 and £12 - click here to book your tickets!

Friday - 2 for 1 Tickets for 'Beyond the Pole' at Farnham Maltings

Winner of the Best Comedy Award at the 2010 London Independent Film Festival, starring the brilliant Stephen Mangan (Green Wing) along with Rhys Thomas and Helen Baxendale; if Beyond the Pole turns out to be anything other than utterly hilarious, we at TGTG will eat our collective hats.

Here's Farnham Maltings summary: "Brian and Mark are setting out on the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, and Organic expedition ever to attempt the North Pole. As a world first they have high hopes of getting into the Guinness Book of Records and, if all goes well, of saving the planet from Global Warming.

Unfortunately they have never done anything like this before. And they hadn’t reckoned on the polar bears, the cocky gay Norwegians, or on Mark’s rapidly loosening grip on reality."

Wanna know whats great about this whole event though? Firstly, there will be two screenings of this film, at 3.30pm and 8pm this Friday 18th, AND director David L Williams will be doing a comprehensive Q&A straight after each showing - all fantastic, BUT best of all, with that awesome offer card of yours, you can get 2 for 1 tickets for either performance - AND they're only a fiver! 01252 745444 is the number you need, and mention your TGTG offer card when booking!

More info? Click here and here!

Saturday - Guildford Shakespeare Company Presents - Love's Labour's Lost

Following last summer's most popular season to date and hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed Romeo and Juliet in February, Guildford Shakespeare Company return this summer with their fifth and longest season so far.

This time around, it's the turn of the dazzlingly witty Love's Labour's Lost, directed by Simon Usher (RSC, Royal Court, National Theatre) and designed by Amy Cook (Limehouse Nights). Shakespeare's celebration of young love is bursting with colour, engrossing wit and glorious word-play. Taking place mostly in the palace gardens of Navarre, Guildford's idyllic Castle Grounds will provide a picture perfect backdrop for this most beautiful and lyrical of comedies.

As part of the Guilford Summer Festival, this will be a hugely enjoyable, beautifully acted and popular event, so don't miss out; and, with a pretty comprehensive run of Thursday 17 June until Saturday 3 July every evening at 7.30pm (Mon 21 June 7pm; no Sunday performances), you have no excuse to! Want tickets? Click here!

Sunday - The Horns, Crondall - A Country Inn of Distinction

Crondall may be a place you've never heard of, but rest assured it's in a rather convenient location; just off the A287, it straddles the borders of Farnham, Fleet and Farnborough, and once located within you'll be pleased to find The Horns, a true country inn of distinction! Food, drink, and a south-west facing patio garden are the hallmarks of a great summer Sunday, don't you agree?

The Horns also boast a rather special Sunday menu, with every ingredient possible coming from locally sourced produce, and there is many an ale, spirit and wine to be enjoyed too. Moreover, Sunday is pub quiz day, so stick around to flex your grey matter!

Oh, and finally, if you're booking a table on 01252 850560, mention your TGTG Offer Card and get yourself 10% off your food when you get there (bring your card with you, of course). So, this Sunday, spread your metaphorical wings and head down to Crondall's finest!

Tip of The Week

Have You Seen Our Guilfest Listing?

It's right here, complete with brooding photo shots of some of the brilliant acts playing. There you'll see some blurb, info and a host of press releases about the acts performing - like the latest one here.

Why all this effort for the local festival, you ask? Well, TGTG is the sponsor of the second stage this year, so you'll see our grinning, orange-themed presence there!

Finally, join this 'ere Facebook Fanpage championing the wonderful TGTG Offer Card to get the latest updates on offers and very exciting Guilfest ticket comps coming soon! Watch this space...