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The Garland (Harvey's Brewery)
| Beer (sort) | Average Score (sort) | No. Samples (sort) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Kiss |  | 1 |
| Harvey's - Christmas Ale | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Sussex XX Mild (or Sussex Dark Mild) | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | | 2 |
| Harvey's - Garland Light Ale - Light Bitter | | 1 |
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | | 3 |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter |  | 4 |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | | 2 |
| Harvey's - IPA | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Lewes Castle Brown Ale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Wild Hop | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest Ale | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Star of Eastbourne | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Sisters Table Beer | Not Tried | 0 |
| Harvey's - Pells Pale | Not Tried | 0 |
Visits Details
31 Oct 2026 (Hogan Sampling)
Third visit of the outing: A return visit early evening and from earlier in the day and nicely ticking over with what looked like hardened and mature regulars on stools around the bar and seated comfortably at a good few tables in this old Victorian pub. A very attractively carved wooden bar still in place and behind it, prompt friendly service as indeed was the case earlier in the day. A stack of home-made cling-filmed rolls on a tray on the bar containing cheese and pickle and corned beef and tomato. Toby jugs adorning the shelving and old photographs of Redhill from bygone days on the walls.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | 5.80 | | 2nd beer of this visit: Still exhibiting a very good head and lasting lacing on this Sussex seasonal brew. A dry but fruited first hit. A dark fruited maltiness rising. A dry bitterness joining in. Sweet caramel favours abounding on the shunt downwards but not sickly. Still served in very good nick following my earlier lunchtime tasting. For my full tasting notes for it, see my first visit to The Garland on Saturday 31st October 2026. |
| Harvey's - Garland Light Ale - Light Bitter | 3.40 | | 1st beer of this visit: A dry bitter first hit on this Sussex-brewed ordinary bitter from Lewes. Its Maris Otter barley behind its sweet, bready biscuit base. Its kiss of lightly kilned pale malts lending a crisp cracker touch. A porridge-and-honey flavouring prevailing for me. An earthy dry hoppiness rising from three locally grown British whole-cone varieties, Fuggles offering an earthy, damp-wood herbal depth, Progress behind its fruity mint spice, and Goldings exuding a floral wildflower sweetness. A hedgerow-and-wildflower aroma wafting over my snout and upon passing my tonsils, a gentle but crisp bitterness leaving my palate refreshed and eager for another before the gas lamps flicker out. Served in very good nick. |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Sussex XX Mild (or Sussex Dark Mild) | 3.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Pells Pale | 3.70 | Not Tried |
31 Oct 2026 (Hogan Sampling)
First visit of the outing: Just a little after one in the afternoon and a good few in watching the football on the tv. Eight real ales on in this Harvey’s house and of the three tried, all in first-class condition. Prompt, friendly service. A tray of freshly made rolls appeared shortly after placing my order but alas I had just come from a hearty cooked breakfast down the road.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | 5.80 |  | 2nd beer of this visit: Served with a superb head and lacing lasting all the way on this Bonfire Boy amber ale, and where the brewers first boiled the copper for it in July 1996. Originally baptised as 'Firecracker' to salute the gallant fire brigade lads who saved the brewery from a massive blaze, it returns every autumn to fuel the world-famous, torch-lit November 5th processions in Lewes. A sweet toffee-infused first hit. A malty bitterness rising from its Crystal Malt aiding its sticky-sweet brown sugary toffee base and highly roasted Black Malt injecting a distinct charred, toast-like essence on my taste buds resembling burnt bread crust. A dark fruited note climbing. A smokiness joining in from its toffee and molasses leading to caramelised flavours that provide a suggestion of autumn smoke without mimicking a soot-choked chimney. A hint of honey-infused fruitiness from its British trinity of local Sussex hops, namely Fuggles behind its leafy, damp-earthy herbal hints, and Goldings lending a delicate floral spice and zesty, marmalade-like citrus fruit. A moreishly dry-roasted bitterness sliding down my hatch with stewed apricot preserves and jammy stone fruits lingering for me. Served in the very best of condition. |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | | 3rd beer of this visit: A very creamy head and lasting lacing on this dark mahogany-red old ale. A dry bitter first bite. A fruited maltiness rising from its Maris Otter barley providing a bready, biscuity foundation, Crystal malt behind its sticky caramelized sugary flavours and black brewing sugars throwing in a roasted, nutty touch alongside a hint of molasses and milk chocolate landing on my taste buddies. A hoppy bitterness joining in with dark dried fruits pervading for me such as dark plums, rich raisins and festive dried currants. Its whole-cone British aroma hops, Fuggles aiding a damp, woody, and mossy earthiness and Goldings exuding a delicate spice and a soft, flowery hint reminiscent of jasmine. A sharp, tongue-biting slap emanating from its herbal bitterness. A hint of dates also for me while on their downward passage. A fruity maltiness sailing out with a hoppy wave. Served in top dick condition with plentiful conditioning. |
| Harvey's - Sussex XX Mild (or Sussex Dark Mild) | 3.00 | | 1st beer of this visit: Presented with very good head and lasting lacing on this mahogany hued mild from brewing set up in 1790. Now the oldest independent family-run brewery in the whole of Sussex, it launched on the banks of the River Ouse in Lewes. It then dropped anchors at the Bridge Wharf site in 1838 where today the Gothic Victorian tower stands proud against the town skyline, with the eighth generation of the family still holding the reins. A dry bitter first bite on this Dark Mild which became the staple in the public bars after the Second World War when it single-handedly made up three-quarters of the brewery's total output. A dry hoppiness rising from its traditional local English whole-cone hops, predominantly Fuggles exuding woody and damp-earth herbal flavours, and Goldings behind its honeyed sweetness and delicate spice for me. A subtle maltiness joining in from its Mild Malt exuding a sugary, biscuit-like breadiness, Dark Crystal lending burnt caramel and sticky toffee hints, and roasted Chocolate malt behind the merest touch for me of freshly ground coffee beans. A slightly biscuity bready flavouring lingering among toasted hazelnuts aiding this liquid bread concoction. A pleasantly dry finish that outweighs its sugary sugars and which nearly coaxed me to have another. Served in very good nick. |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Pells Pale | 3.70 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Garland Light Ale - Light Bitter | 3.40 | Not Tried |
25 Jan 2025 (Hogan Sampling)
Quiet footfall for our early afternoon visit but this permitted me a good view of all 8 Harvey's cask ales on. Joined by 2 fellow CAMRA members from south-east London and it was their first visit and for me, now my third since early November 2024. A warm welcome from the governor and prompt service and two of us took up a bread roll each that was on display and with various fillings such as beef with pickle and cheese with onion for a very reasonable £2.50 per roll.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Kiss | 4.80 | | Came with very good head and lacing and kept it throughout my half. My first sampling of this Sussex seasonal ale. With the name Kiss, Harvey's call it a Valentine beer and golden in colour. Kiss was first brewed in 1999. The first hit was of ginger. A very hoppy and slightly fruited mouthfeel. It had a very pleasantly dry bitter aftertaste lingering and very moreish. It is the only beer that Harvey's produces using oats in the mash according to their tasting notes. |
| Harvey's - Christmas Ale | 7.50 | | With a name like this I expected something very sweet and sickly but not in the least and so pleasantly surprised. Good head and lacing on this dark barley wine with just a hint of sweetness alongside the spices in the first hit. A dryish and fruity mouthfeel with just a gently sweet spiciness lingering. |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Sisters Table Beer | 3.40 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Pells Pale | 3.70 | Not Tried |
30 Nov 2024 (Hogan Sampling)
Busy for early afternoon but prompt, friendly service and 8 different Harvey's on. Only some 5 minutes' walk from the centre of town. My 2nd visit having first visited 3 weeks before. For the two on the outing with me, it was their first visit.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | | Good head and lacing. A sweet and dry first hit and oozing with hoppiness. It had a dry, moreish finish to it. |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest Ale | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Star of Eastbourne | 5.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Sisters Table Beer | 3.40 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Pells Pale | 3.70 | Not Tried |
09 Nov 2024 (Hogan Sampling)
Not busy for my early afternoon visit when first arrived but soon started to fill up. Superb range of 8 Harvey's on. My first visit and was recommended to this fine old pub. I was not disappointed with a half of the seasonal ale, Bonfire Boy. Friendly and prompt service.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Bonfire Boy | 5.80 | | Superb long-lasting head and lacing in this powerfully strong, dark and smokey ale. A malty and slightly sweet mouthfeel with a lingeringly dry, smokey aftertaste. |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest Ale | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Star of Eastbourne | 5.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Forward's Choice | 3.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Sisters Table Beer | 3.40 | Not Tried |
11 Jun 2021 (Magnus Greel)
Despite the former superb atmosphere of this pub now consigned to the history books the beer quality was very good on a late afternoon fairly busy visit. I didn't make a note of the other beers on offer.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | |
20 Oct 2019 (Magnus Greel)
Late afternoon and busy around the bar area and seating, we found a free table unfortunately by a noisy gaming machine with a chap using it. My last visit here was over 15 years ago at least, alas it's lost its homely comfortable atmosphere with said games machines dotted about plus the loss of the two divided bar areas.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 |  | As expected flavours however served far too cold and lacking body and condition |
| Harvey's - Southdown Harvest Ale | 5.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - IPA | 3.50 | Not Tried |
25 Aug 2018 (Philip Pirrip)
Mid evening visit. I wondered if there was a new regime running the pub since my last visit.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | | I had seen the Guv pulling this line through just before I ordered so suspect a new cask was on |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | | Past its best or first out for a while |
| Harvey's - Lewes Castle Brown Ale | 4.80 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Wild Hop | 3.70 | Not Tried |
22 Feb 2018 (ChrisE)
Early afternoon visit, the pub was fairly quiet and welcoming. Just time for one pint between trains.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | | |
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - IPA | 3.50 | Not Tried |
24 Feb 2015 (ChrisE)
A crowd of twelve of us rushed here after a long flight from Marrakech to Gatwick, Harveys as good as usual.
| Beer | ABV | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey's - Sussex Best Bitter | 4.00 | | |
| Harvey's - Armada Ale | 4.50 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Kiss | 4.80 | Not Tried | |
| Harvey's - Old Ale (or Sussex XXXX Old Ale) | 4.30 | Not Tried |
About The Garland
Summary of Beer Scores
| Total | |
|---|---|
| 2 |
| 26 |
| 6 |
| 3 |
 | 1 |
The pub is found in Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6PP.
Street corner local in Brighton Road, just over 5 minutes walk from the railway station along a sort of ring road. Central bar with a couple of drinking areas. 8 handpumps can dispense from the full range of Harvey's permanent and seasonal ales although, these days, it is less likely they will always all be available.
We have visited this pub 22 times, seen 24 different beers and tried 14 of them.
Postcode: RH1 6PP