A fresh look for a much-loved village venue.
OUR VERDICT
Guildford certainly has its fair share of eateries, but if you head just a few hundred metres out of town to the pretty village of Shalford, then you will be in for a real treat.
The Seahorse has had something of a makeover, reopening in June 2026 after an almost four-week refurbishment.
For a pub with such a long history in the village, the challenge was always going to be striking the right balance between giving the place a new lease of life and retaining the character that has made it a local favourite.
First impressions
On first impressions, the refurbishment certainly gives the Seahorse a more polished and contemporary feel.
The changes are most noticeable in the interior, where the layout has been reworked and the bar given a stylish restoration.
There is plenty of plush seating, while outside the sizeable garden has received attention too, with outdoor sofas and festoon lighting making it considerably more appealing for summer drinks or a leisurely lunch - and after the heatwave we have had, it must surely feel like a good investment.
Heading out for an early Friday night dinner, my son and I opted for an inside seat to take in the fresh new look.
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Jane McGowan
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Jane McGowan
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Jane McGowan
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Jane McGowan
The food
The menu is pretty extensive, blending traditional pub fare (burgers and pizza) with some interesting twists such as the ‘Signature Duo of Pork & Scallops’ from the main course menu and a ‘Beetroot Carpaccio’ from the starters.
There is also a ‘Nibbles’ menu and several sharing platters should you fancy something lighter.
I actually opted for the Carpaccio and would highly recommend it. The blend of crisp and sweet flavours, combined with the sharpness of the goat’s cheese, was ideal for a summer evening, and while substantial, it still left plenty of room for the following courses.
My son went for the Sea Salt & Black Pepper Squid. A popular choice for many pub menus, I was assured this did not disappoint, and the garlic aioli was the perfect complement.
On to the mains, where I chose the Pan-Roasted Salmon, which was accompanied by balsamic tomatoes, crispy capers, harissa lemon butter, green beans and pearl potatoes. This was an absolute delight, with the salmon flaking perfectly and the butter blending excellently with the other flavours. It was also a really substantial amount of food, offering good value for money.
However, when it came to substantial, the British Half Rotisserie Chicken certainly didn’t disappoint. Served with smoked garlic aioli, skin-on fries and rich chicken gravy, you can specify if you want it finished with BBQ or hot honey.
The chicken, I was reliably informed, was well cooked and oozing with flavour.
After requesting a little rest to fully digest the first two courses, we moved on to dessert.
Again, there was a very good choice, but the traditional offerings of Sticky Toffee & Rum Pudding and Timperley Rhubarb and Apple Crumble - both with custard - caught our eye. Both were tasty, and the portions were again generous.
What we liked
One of the standout features was the attentiveness of the waiting staff and how well informed they were about the dishes and drinks.
The bill please
Main courses start from around £20, with starters from £9 and desserts at £7.95.
Final thoughts
The refurbishment has managed to retain many of the pub’s nooks and crannies, while providing some light and spacious areas for bigger parties. Its lovely location and atmosphere should also ensure it remains a popular spot for autumn and winter walks and get-togethers.
