A small, friendly and welcoming local community pub just south-west of the town centre, the Garden Gate is based within easy walking distance of the train and bus stations. Widely claimed to have been built for Prussian mercenaries based nearby, though this is historically dubious, the Garden Gate is now a focal point for the local community. It has a small single bar serving two distinct drinking areas, both have been tastefully refurbished, freshly painted and with new pictures. There is a separate back room leading to a small patio and smoking area to the rear. At least 3 and often 4 beers are on tap which could include Surrey Hills Ranmore (the pub's most popular ale) and Shere Drop, Twickenham Grandstand, St Austell Tribute or Black Sheep Best. Lots of events such as regular live music includes rock, folk and jazz and a quiz on Thursday. 'The Friends of the Garden Gate' the pub won Asset of Community Value status for the pub in April 2014 at a time when its future was in grave doubt. Its subsequent renaissance means the threat is no longer real.