For a lot of people up and down the country, there might be too many cafés on our high street and the number of betting shops is a problem, but there can never be too many pubs. As a result, there are unlikely to be too many complaints coming from the residents of Guildford at the idea that the Stoke Mill is going to be turned into a pub at the side of the River Wey. When you then consider the fact that the mill has been standing empty since 2021, it becomes even more of a positive news story at the idea of new life being breathed into it courtesy of a new owner.
About Stoke Mill
If you were to have a look at the Domesday Book, you would see a mill listed on the King’s land at Stochae. In around 1635, Sir Richard Weston built the first paper mill on the site, which was the first such paper mill anywhere in Surrey. A little over one hundred years later and it was being used for grinding corn, eventually seeing the building in place there replaced by a single-storey mill thanks to a fire destroying the original in 1863. Six years later and paper making ceased, then a decade after that, a five-storey brick mill for corn was built, turning the old mill into a store.
The new mill underwent a conversion in 1894 to add metal rollers for the purpose of grinding the corn, whilst a water turbine was put in place instead of the waterwheel by around the outbreak of the First World War. In 1957, the mill ceased operation, spending a few years as a commercial enterprise that saw it used as both a store and a boatyard before being converted into offices in 1989. Initially, the offices were used by the Crown Prosecution Service, then the Surrey Advertiser Group moved in, but they left during the COVID-19 pandemic and it stood open for the years that followed.
The Conversion into a Pub
Early in the May of this year, McMullen and Sons bought the former offices with the idea of turning the building into a destination pub. Plans have been put forward to see a single-storey extension being added at both the front and back of the building. The extension that has been planned would take up in the region of 30% of the original garden at the front, with the rest of it being converted into a ‘vibrant and destination beer garden’. Whilst some of those working in the offices previously might have had a drink, it is the first time in its history that the old mill would be a pub.
There is currently an outbuilding at the north-west corner of the property that would be demolished in order to make room for car parking. There are currently enough spaces for 60 cars, but the demolition would mean that there would be enough room for 69 parking bays, including three disabled spaces. The company plans to invest nearly £5 million into the conversion. The Property Director for McMullen and Sons, Jenny Strathern, said,
Stoke Mill, previously used as offices by Reach Plc, is situated on a picturesque riverside plot, has a rich history and offers a prime location for our latest venture.
Jobs for the Local Area
McMullen and Sons officially got the go-ahead from Guildford Borough Council after the planning committee had a meeting on the fifth of November, with members praising the chance to turn what has been a vacant building for several years into a vibrant pub that would offer benefits to the local community. Part of that includes the likelihood of around 25 full-time positions being opened up, as well as about 40 part-time staff also being required. By transforming it into a family-friendly public house and restaurant, the brewing company will breathe new life into the venue.
The fact that it is close to the River Wey obviously offers plenty of appeal in a picturesque sense, whilst the new owners will be hoping to add outdoor seating that takes advantage of the location. Much of the riverside in the Guildford area is inaccessible to people, with numerous places having been converted into car parks. In the words of local Councillor Howard Smith, “To have something where people can enjoy the riverside is absolutely fantastic…It’s hard for me to conceal my enthusiasm for this.” That is an enthusiasm that is reflected by many.
Some Objections to the Plan
Whilst Councillor Smith and others might be delighted by the idea of seeing the old mill turned into something new, not everyone has been delighted by the news. The knocking down of the small building close to Woking Road led residents as well as The Guildford Society to say that it would damage the ‘look and history of the conservation area’, whilst others are concerned about the possibility of noise from those sat outside affecting neighbours. There were more than 20 people who objected to the plans, saying that the building is historic and should be locally listed.
For the Council, though, the benefits of the change outweigh the negatives. Even the Campaign for Real Ale were quick to back the plans, saying that a new pub would be more likely to complement the nearby Row Barge, rather than act as competition. That helped to count against those who were concerned that other pubs locally would suffer as a result of a new one opening. Although their hope was that Stoke Mill should be used as a heritage or arts centre instead, planning officers felt that objections had been met. Councillor Joss Bigmore said,
There is harm to the Wey navigation but there is also harm in leaving a building derelict.