Hogs Back Brewery
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Hogs Back Brewery Tongham

4.6
·447 reviews·Tongham, United Kingdom

A picturesque brewery set amidst hop gardens, offering traditional ales, innovative brews, and engaging tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Perfect for outdoor hop garden

CrowdMedium
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Hogs Back Brewery

Hogs Back Brewery Tongham

Best Time

Sunny afternoons

Perfect for outdoor hop garden

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque brewery set amidst hop gardens, offering traditional ales, innovative brews, and engaging tours.

4.6
(447 reviews)

"The outdoor seating area, surrounded by hops, is the perfect place to relax with a beer."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Grab a Seat Outdoors

On a sunny day, the outdoor hop garden is the place to be! Arrive early for the best spots.

🍺 Sample the Ales

Don't miss trying their traditional ales and innovative ciders. Loads to choose from!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hop Garden

The Hop Garden

Outdoor seating area

Relax amidst blooming hops with a pint of award-winning ale. The ultimate scenic brewery experience.

Tap Room Beer Selection

Tap Room Beer Selection

Tap room

Explore a diverse range of Hogs Back's own beers and ciders, plus local and international brews.

Brewery Tours

Brewery Tours

Brewery tour starting point

Engaging tours led by knowledgeable guides, offering insights into traditional and innovative brewing.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

The outdoor seating area, surrounded by hops, is a major draw, especially on sunny days. Arrive early to snag a prime spot and soak in the scenic views before the crowds build up. It's the perfect setting for enjoying their award-winning beers.

Touring Tips

Brewery tours are highly recommended for beer enthusiasts. Guides like Mel are praised for their knowledge and humor. Book in advance, as tours can fill up quickly, and they offer a fantastic way to learn about the brewing process.

Best Times

When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Perfect for outdoor hop garden
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter brewery tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Grab a Seat Outdoors

On a sunny day, the outdoor hop garden is the place to be! Arrive early for the best spots. Reddit

🍺 Sample the Ales

Don't miss trying their traditional ales and innovative ciders. Loads to choose from! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Book Brewery Tours

Highly recommended! Guides like Mel are brilliant and make the tour fun. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Good short and long-term parking available on site. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Grab a Seat Outdoors

On a sunny day, the outdoor hop garden is the place to be! Arrive early for the best spots. Reddit

🍺 Sample the Ales

Don't miss trying their traditional ales and innovative ciders. Loads to choose from! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Book Brewery Tours

Highly recommended! Guides like Mel are brilliant and make the tour fun. Reddit

🚗 Ample Parking

Good short and long-term parking available on site. Reddit

🛍️ Visit the Brewery Shop

Stock up on your favorite beers, local brews, and international selections. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(447 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the scenic hop gardens and the excellent selection of beers at Hogs Back Brewery, praising the friendly staff and engaging tours. While the drinks and atmosphere are consistently highlighted as positives, some guests have found the food quality to be inconsistent, with burgers and nachos occasionally missing the mark.

"What a great experience at Hogs Back Brewery. The best part is absolutely the outdoor seating. On a sunny day, it's the perfect place to relax with a beer, surrounded by hops and beautiful scenery. We tried a few beers at the bar, and they were all fantastic. The pizza was good and hit the spot, though I do wish the toppings were a bit more plentiful. Still, a wonderful place to hang out and enjoy the day."

Anne Haller

"I live abroad, and every time I’m home I try to visit the Hogs Back Brewery for a few reasons. It keeps alive a traditional style of ale that I really enjoy, but it’s also innovating and producing beers and ciders that can be enjoyed by everyone, not only real ale lovers.

My visit this year was excellent: the hops were in full bloom and the sun was shining. I was also impressed by the quality of the food and the overall friendliness of the staff. However, I think the bar itself could be run a little more efficiently, as people were queuing unnecessarily when there were two sides to the bar. Perhaps they could make this clearer to patrons, as I think we English tend to join queues naturally without questioning why they’re there!

All in all, it’s a wonderful place — and dare I say, a local institution."

Sean Culligan

"Really cool spot with a great selection of their beers — loads to choose from and all really decent. The service was spot on, super friendly and quick. The food, though, kinda missed the mark. We had burgers that were pretty dry with just raw red onion and no cheese, which made them feel a bit sad. The nachos seemed like they’d just been chucked in the microwave. On the plus side, the chips were great. Definitely worth going for the drinks and vibe, just maybe eat beforehand."

Mat Coates

What People Like

Beautiful hop garden setting
Great beer selection
Friendly and knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hogs Back Brewery is located in Tongham, near Farnham. The brewery offers good short and long-term parking on site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit For those using public transport, checking local bus routes to Tongham is advisable, though driving is generally the most straightforward option.

While direct train lines might not stop right at the brewery, you can typically reach Farnham by train and then take a local bus or taxi to Tongham. It's recommended to check current bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The brewery provides ample parking, suitable for both short visits and longer stays. This is a significant plus for visitors who prefer to drive. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option if you're local. The brewery is situated in a scenic area, and there are usually bike racks available. It's a pleasant ride through the Surrey countryside. Reddit

The brewery is accessible via local roads from the A31, which connects to the A3. This makes it relatively easy to find for those coming from London or the surrounding areas. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no booking is required for the tap room itself, especially for casual visits. However, for special events or large groups, it's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead. Reddit

Tour prices can vary, but they are generally considered good value for the experience. It's best to check the official Hogs Back Brewery website for the most current pricing and to book your tour in advance. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally and for specific events. It's recommended to check the official Hogs Back Brewery website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times for the tap room, shop, and tours. Reddit

Yes, the brewery shop is usually open during their operating hours and is a great place to pick up their beers, ciders, and other merchandise. You don't necessarily need to participate in a tour or visit the tap room to access the shop. Reddit

While the tap room and shop are generally open to all ages, alcohol can only be purchased and consumed by individuals of legal drinking age. Brewery tours may also have age recommendations or restrictions, so it's best to confirm when booking. Reddit

🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly, especially in the outdoor hop garden on a sunny day. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a great vibe for enjoying drinks and food. Reddit

Food options include pizzas and burgers, though reviews suggest quality can be inconsistent. While the chips are often praised, some visitors have found burgers dry and nachos underwhelming. It's recommended to manage expectations for the food. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy bringing their dogs, especially to the outdoor seating areas. It's always a good idea to confirm the brewery's specific dog policy upon arrival or by checking their website. Reddit

Hogs Back Brewery occasionally hosts events and live music. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for any upcoming events during your planned visit. Reddit

Hogs Back is known for its traditional ales like 'TEA' (Traditional English Ale) and their IPA's. They also produce ciders and a range of other beers, so exploring the tap list is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The hop garden, especially when the hops are in bloom, offers stunning scenic backdrops. The brewery buildings themselves and the tap room also provide interesting visual elements for photography. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally permitted during brewery tours, allowing you to capture the brewing process and the unique atmosphere. Be mindful of your guide and other guests. TikTok

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' can provide beautiful lighting for the hop gardens and exterior shots. Midday can be good for capturing the bustling tap room atmosphere. Instagram

While generally allowed, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of staff or other patrons. Avoid flash photography in dimly lit areas of the brewery. Reddit

You can capture wide shots of the hop fields, close-ups of the brewing equipment, vibrant pints of beer, and candid moments of people enjoying themselves in the tap room and garden. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hogs Back Brewery can be a fun outing for families, especially on a sunny day. The outdoor seating area provides plenty of space for children to move around, and the scenic hop gardens offer a pleasant environment. While the focus is on beer, the availability of pizzas and the generally relaxed atmosphere make it somewhat family-friendly. Reddit It's advisable to bring snacks or manage expectations regarding the food quality if dining with children. The brewery tours might be more engaging for older children or teenagers interested in how beer is made. Reddit

🍺 Beer Enthusiasts

For serious beer lovers, Hogs Back Brewery is a pilgrimage site. You'll find a fantastic selection of traditional ales like 'TEA' and innovative IPAs, alongside a diverse range of ciders and guest beers. Reddit+1 The brewery tours are highly recommended, offering deep dives into their brewing philosophy and techniques, often led by passionate and knowledgeable guides. Reddit Don't miss the chance to explore the shop for unique finds and to stock up on your favorites. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

Hogs Back Brewery makes for an excellent day trip destination, especially if you're exploring the Surrey countryside. The scenic hop gardens provide a perfect spot to relax with a drink, and the brewery tours offer an engaging activity. Reddit Combine your visit with a walk in the surrounding area or explore nearby Farnham. Ample parking makes it easy to access by car. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hogs Back Brewery Experience

Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham is more than just a place to grab a pint; it's a destination that celebrates traditional brewing while embracing innovation. Visitors consistently praise the friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere, particularly in the expansive outdoor seating area that overlooks their hop gardens. This scenic setting is a major draw, offering a unique backdrop for enjoying their range of beers and ciders. Reddit The brewery is known for keeping alive traditional ale styles, such as their popular 'TEA' (Traditional English Ale), while also producing modern brews that appeal to a wider audience. Reddit

For those interested in the craft, the brewery tours are a must-do. Guides like Mel receive specific commendations for their engaging personalities, humor, and in-depth knowledge of the brewing process. Reddit These tours provide a fascinating glimpse into how Hogs Back creates its distinctive beverages, from the raw ingredients to the final pour. The experience is often described as going by too quickly, leaving visitors eager to sample more of the brewery's offerings. Reddit

While the drinks and the ambiance are consistently lauded, the food offerings have received mixed reviews. Some visitors find the pizzas and burgers to be a bit lacking in execution, with suggestions for more generous toppings or better preparation. Reddit However, the chips often receive positive mentions, and the overall value for money, especially for the beer selection in the tap room, is frequently highlighted. Reddit+1 The brewery also boasts an impressive shop, well-stocked with their own products, local brews, and international beers, making it a great spot to pick up souvenirs or gifts. Reddit

Exploring the Hogs Back Brewery Tap Room and Shop

The tap room at Hogs Back Brewery is the heart of the onsite experience, offering a wide selection of their own beers and ciders, alongside a curated collection of other local and international brews. Reddit Visitors can expect a lively atmosphere, especially during peak times, making it a great place to socialize and sample different beverages. The beer prices are often noted as being very reasonable, adding to the overall appeal. Reddit

The brewery shop is an extension of this experience, providing an opportunity to take home your favorites. It's well-stocked with a variety of Hogs Back products, including seasonal specials, and also features a selection of beers from other breweries, offering a broader taste of the craft beer scene. Reddit This makes it a convenient stop for both enthusiasts looking for specific brews and those wanting to discover something new. The shop's presence ensures that the Hogs Back experience can continue long after you've left the premises. Reddit

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