Stoke Mill, formerly the offices of the Surrey Advertiser.

By Emily Dalton

local democracy reporter

Plans have been submitted for a new pub in Guildford.

The building on Woking Road could be transformed into a destination pub. McMullen and Sons, a Hertfordshire brewery and pub company, has revealed its vision to regenerate the iconic Stoke Mill in Guildford, built in 1879, into a new flagship development.

The former Surrey Advertiser offices are owned by news publishing company Reach Plc. The former newspaper offices have recently been bought by McMullen and Sons. Staff have not worked in the Surrey Advertiser office since the pandemic hit in 2020.

The Surrey Advertiser offices were, from 1937 until 1999, in an iconic Art Noveau building in Martyr Road. Before that they were in Market Street.

The Surrey Advertiser’s previous office and print works in Martyr Road.

Plans put forward include building a single-storey extension at the front and back of the building. Documents show the single storey extension will take up around 30 per cent of the original front garden, with the remaining 70 per cent revamped into a “vibrant and destination beer garden”.

Jenny Strathern, property director for McMullen and Sons, said the acquisition “marks a significant milestone” for the company of unique and historic properties. She added: “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.”

Stoke Mill has been used for various purposes since it was built in 1879.

Historically, Stoke Mill has had various functions from a paper mill, a paint & varnish factory, a corn mill, and offices. But now, the Victorian building could be brought back into public use as a restaurant and pub, complete with parking and staff accommodation with investment in the premises of over £4.5 million.

Guildford Borough Council will have the power to approve or reject the proposal to change the vacant office block into a new pub just off the A3. Opening times could range between 11.30am-11pm, but McMullen’s will still have to get licensing permission from the council.

Part of the scheme includes staff accommodation. Located on the fourth floor, McMullen envisions a three-bedroom manager flat, as well as another flat with three ensuite bedrooms and a shared kitchen.

The Hertfordshire brewery and pub company claims the new “good-quality family pub” would employ around 25 full time staff and 40 part-time staff. McMullen’s hopes to “aid the next generation of hospitality workers in their journeys” and offer various training and promotional schemes.

An outbuilding on the north-west corner of the site will be demolished to make way for more car parking spaces. Currently the office block has 60 spaces but, if permission is granted, the 69 parking bays will be provided with three disabled parking spaces.