15 of the best pubs in Surrey - cosy winter pub lunches 2009/2010

By Matthew Williams on December 7th 2009

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Originally published in Surrey Life magazine November 2009

Ranging from historic hostelries to Michelin-rated inns, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to great pubs in Surrey. And now, having polled readers online and spoken to our many contributors and industry contacts, we bring you our list of the very best Surrey pubs for a winter pub lunch Compiled by Matthew Williams

Congratulations to the Talbot Inn in Ripley, which was the clear winner of this year's pub poll as Surrey Life online users voted in their thousands for their top Surrey pub for a cosy winter lunch.

The Bat and Ball, Boundstone, Farnham

Believed to be at least 150 years old, this pub harks back to the days when the valley of the River Bourne was dedicated to the growing of hops for the local breweries in Farnham and Alton. These days, a wood burning fire together with a warming glass of mulled wine or cider make it the perfect place to visit and warm up your frostbitten toes.

Drinks and nibbles: Dishes include venison cottage pie; slow roasted belly of pork with cider and wholegrain mustard; and a mushroom and gorgonzola baked tagliatelle. Mulled wine and cider are served through winter.

Unique features: The pub is holding a bonfire night event on Friday November 6.

Another reason to visit: There are stunning walks through the Bourne Woods, which often play host to film crews and stars – Harry Potter and Robin Hood are just two of the blockbusters to visit recently.

The Bat and Ball, Bat and Ball Lane, Boundstone, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4SA Tel: 01252 792108

The Bee, School Road, Windlesham

Despite recent changes, which have seen the Bee converted from a workmen’s pub into a stylish place to eat and drink, they have still retained their loyal customers – one of whom has been visiting since 1940! It’s no surprise, really, as the pub’s fantastic food has seen it selected in the Michelin pub guide, appearing as an Inspectors’ Favourite no less.

Drinks and nibbles: The daily changing menus showcase local seasonal produce and they even rear all their own poultry at nearby Bagshot Park – Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward’s residence. The wine menu is constantly changing, too, to suit the seasons, with everything from affordable house favourites to high-end cellar wines and fine champagnes. They also have a great reputation for their ales.

Unique features: The diversity of entertainment, which sees local artists performing regularly as well as a resident magician, who entertains every Wednesday.

Another reason to visit: The Bee is located within five miles of Virginia Water, which has varied and exotic woodland to explore around the lake. The Savill Garden, which is one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens,
is also nearby, and perfect for a winter stroll.

The Bee, School Road, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PD Tel: 01276 479244

The Crown Inn, The Green, Chiddingfold

Surrey’s only five-star inn to have been awarded highly commended status by the AA, the Crown dates back to the 13th century and even has royal patronage. It is recorded that King Edward VI and some 4,000 men camped on the Green at Chiddingfold on July 21, 1552. While it’s not certain whether the King actually stayed at the Crown, it is inconceivable that he and his officials did not avail themselves of its hospitality…

Drinks and nibbles: Highlights of their seasonal menu include breast of duck and duck leg confit on a bed of lentil du puy; wild mushroom and venison stroganoff; and rack of lamb, turnip dauphinoise and Madeira sauce. Their Goodwood Estate organic lager and ale are ever-popular and the wine list is extensive.

Unique features: The inglenook fireplace in the main bar blazes away during the winter and guests can relax while enjoying a warming tot of a rare malt selection.

Another reason to visit: Just ten minutes down the road is Winkworth Arboretum, which has an amazing array of mature and rare trees to be seen in Surrey. During the winter, their striking silhouettes are stunning.

The Crown Inn, The Green, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey GU8 4TX Tel: 01428 682255

The Dolphin Inn, The Street, Betchworth

Built in about 1680, the Dolphin Inn is home to two massive inglenook fireplaces and a quaint Victorian one, too. Despite scaremongering to the contrary, new managers Angela Peat and Ron Bates have no plans to spoil the winning character of this lovely country pub – it’s a listed building either way. Dogs, and their walkers, have certainly found a welcoming local in the Dolphin. Some days, the front bar and garden resembles a rural Crufts.

Drinks and nibbles: Chef Johnny Del Moral is from Normandy – the French version rather than the one off the A323 – and serves a classic fish soup: dog fish, conger eels and all! Ron is also a trained butcher, so, brace yourself for the pheasants, woodcock, partridge and pigeon that will go into his game pies.

Unique features: A previous landlord so loved this little public house that he stipulated in his will to be buried down at the bottom of the garden. His wish was granted. There’s loyalty
for you!

Another reason to visit: Nip across the road to St Michael’s Church, which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

The Dolphin Inn, The Street, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7DW
Tel: 01737 842288

The Inn @ West End

Surrey’s Dining Pub of the Year, according to the Good Pub Guide, for the second year running, the food here is legendary. Owners Gerry and Ann Price have been at the Woking inn for over six years and in that time they have put the place firmly on the county’s gastronomic map. Plus, changing their wood burner for an open fire means there’s a really cosy atmosphere, too.

Drinks and nibbles: Anything from a really good sandwich to a superb bowl of kedgeree via roast partridge, fresh sea trout or their own saddleback pork – yes, they keep and breed their own pigs! Some of the herbs and vegetables are also grown at the pub.

Unusual features: The owner, Gerry, is a wine merchant, too, so expect a particularly good selection – with Portugal and Spain currently high on the agenda. This year, they have bought a pipe of 2007 vintage port from the House of Niepoort: that’s about 600 litres or 732 bottles!

Another reason to visit: Walk off your dinner on the common next to the pub, where the Dartford warbler, tree pipit and nightjar
all breed.

The Inn @ West End, 42 Guildford Road, West End, near Woking, Surrey
GU24 9PW Tel: 01276 858652

The Jolly Farmers, Buckland

During the war, the Jolly Farmers was home to an anti-aircraft gun emplacement and housed troops to spot German planes. These days, things are far more relaxed, though no less innovative, with an in-house deli! Nothing quite like walking through the door to the smells and sounds of an open log fire, before enjoying a browse around a shop full of local delights as you await your table and friends.

Drinks and nibbles: The winter menu includes home-made suet puddings. Local ales change monthly and are supplied by, among others, the Hogs Back Brewery. Denbies wine features on their list and homemade lemonade and elderflower cordial
are also available.

Unique features: The deli shop situated within the pub sells everything local, including cheese, milk, wine, beers, cakes and vegetables.

Another reason to visit: On Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6 the pub is holding its annual Christmas Food & Craft Market – see you there!

The Jolly Farmers Food Emporium, Reigate Road, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7BG Tel: 01737 221355

The King's Arms, Ockley

Once best known as the favourite haunt of a certain Katie and Peter – you might have seen them in the tabloids – lately it’s been all change at the King’s Arms. There’s a new chef, Anthony Phillips, and manager, Colin Chapman, and given that this was already a good pub, we’re looking forward to great things!

Drinks and nibbles: Look out for their festive menu, which kicks
off in early December and will include roast turkey breast filled with sage & chestnut stuffing, wrapped in smoked bacon with cranberry jus, or for the vegetarians, baked chestnut and parsnip terrine. All veg is sourced from the Village Greens Farm Shop in Ockley and their ice cream is from St Joans Farm in Leigh.

Unique features: The pub offers excellent accommodation for those people looking for a longer taste of life in this idyllic corner of the English countryside.

Another reason to visit: Leith Hill is the perfect place to watch winter creep in on a sunny day. The views are, as you might expect from the highest point in Surrey, incredible.

The King’s Arms, Stane Street, Ockley, Surrey RH5 5TS
Tel: 01306 711224

The Merry Harriers, Hambledon

One of the most intriguing pubs in Surrey, not only are the Surrey Hills Llamas based here but it is featured in a painting hanging at the Tate, is the subject of the earliest known photo of a Surrey inn and was even the setting for a 1975 confessions type sex comedy called The Ups and Downs of a Handyman, starring Bob Todd of The Benny Hill Show fame.

Drinks and nibbles: The homemade steak and kidney puddings go as soon as they write them on the board and they regularly have local game and venison on the menu, while vegetarians rave about the Marrow and Courgette Gratin. The wine list features 34 choices and there are always five real ales on tap, plus mulled wine and hot Lurgashall mead.

Unique features: Although built in 1590, it has very high ceilings. Nobody knows why but it may have originally been a hide drying house for a nearby tannery.

Another reason to visit: Throughout the winter, there are morning llama treks, where you can lead a llama through the surrounding countryside and then return to the pub for a hearty lunch.

The Merry Harriers, Hambledon, Surrey GU8 4DR
Tel: 01428 682883

The Minnow, Weybridge

Situated along a stretch of the river made famous by Henry VIII in the 16th century, when he built Oatlands Palace for his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, The Minnow has been beautifully restored. Set back a few hundred yards from the River Thames, it is the perfect place to stop for a winter warmer when taking a brisk walk along the river.

Drinks and nibbles: The menu is packed full of modern pub classics and there is the award-winning cask ale, Timothy Taylor Landlord, on tap. As you might expect for a Weybridge establishment, a selection of the finest reds, whites, pinks and champagnes are also high on the priority list.

Unique features: Picking up on the area’s heritage, the pub is adorned with historic prints from Brooklands racetrack, which can still be visited just down the road.

Another reason to visit: Brooklands Museum, Elmbridge Museum and RHS Garden Wisley are just a few of the local attractions, and there are, of course, many walks along the river in the area.

The Minnow, 104 Thames Street, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8NG
Tel: 01932 831 672

The Old Bear, Cobham

Now run by the same team as the award-winning Albion in Islington, with head chef Nathan Green formerly of Michelin-starred The Square and Arbutus, big things are expected of the Old Bear. It would seem that it’s not disappointing, either. With parts of the building dating from the late 15th century, a lovely double-side recessed fireplace and comfy Chesterfields, the Old Bear is the perfect mix of all the things that make the quintessential cosy pub.

Drinks and nibbles: A mix of both classic and modern British cooking, their lamb hotpot can really take the edge off a chilly winter’s day. For those looking for a single glass of wine, they also have a particularly fancy preservation device, which allows the serving of wines not normally available by the glass.

Unique features: The pub has a stall at Cobham Farmers’ Market and works with many of the suppliers there to source as much of the menu as possible locally.

Another reason to visit: What better excuse to visit the stunning Painshill Park, and as the festive season approaches, their 18th century crystal Grotto complete with Father Christmas.

The Old Bear, Riverhill, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3DX
Tel: 01932 862 116

The Parrot, Forest Green

Once upon a time, the composer Vaughan Williams was a regular at the Parrot, popping in from his nearby home for a little inspiration and to hear the locals singing their folk songs. Having given up their big city pub empire, owners Charles and Linda Gotto moved to the Surrey Hills to run a livestock farm and, in turn, a pub in which to sell their produce.

Drinks and nibbles: The menu changes roughly every six to eight weeks and is always based on local and seasonal produce. Dishes expected on the winter menu include slow-braised Home Farm mutton shank with pearl barley and kale; and collar of Home Farm bacon with pease pudding and parsley sauce. There are always five real ales on tap including beer from Dorking Brewery – a great pint – and the Parrot’s pigs get the brewer’s grains!

Unique features: The butcher’s shop, which is within the pub, and sells the meat produced on the pub’s farm on Leith Hill.

Another reason to visit: Forest Green is a beautiful village with access on to Leith Hill – the perfect place for a walk at any time of year.

The Parrot, Forest Green House, Forest Green, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5SQ
Tel: 01306 621 339

The Seahorse, Shalford

Steeped in history, the Seahorse is a listed building and still has many features remaining from the old coaching inn. The stable area has been restored back to its former glory and guests can eat in the stable stalls, which allow for a semi-private dining experience. The winter months should be spent relaxing by one of the three roaring open fires and there are many nooks to tuck yourselves up in.

Drinks and nibbles: The menu is packed with tempting options, including recipes with an Italian influence such as their hearty pasta dishes, and classics such as the famous spit roast chicken. On the pumps, you’ll find Hogs Back TEA from the nearby brewery.

Unique features: The old stable area and door, which has been transformed into a lovely feature window. Regardless of how busy the pub is, this area remains perfectly peaceful and relaxed.

Another reason to visit: There are some lovely walks behind the Seahorse, which stretch from Godalming to Guildford along the canal, with some beautiful views.

The Seahorse, 52-54 The Street, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8BU
Tel: 01483 514 351

The Talbot Inn, Ripley

Voted Surrey's best pub for a cosy winter lunch 2009 by Surrey Life online users

Dating back to the 15th century, the historical significance of The Talbot Inn is well-documented. The pub’s most famous customer was Lord Nelson, who regularly stopped there on his way to Portsmouth. It is said that the inn provided the stage for Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton’s love affair to blossom in 1798.

Drinks and nibbles: The winter menu features lots of hearty fare taking particular advantage of game and local produce. Signature dishes always include scallops, game and delicious puddings such as sticky toffee. The famous Bordeaux wine Chateau Talbot also features on the wine list – naturally.

Unique features: Without doubt, the most striking feature is
the juxtaposition of tradition with innovation. The old bar with its roaring log fires contrasts with the stunning dining room, with its copper ceiling, and floor to ceiling glass walls opening up on a landscaped garden.

Another reason to visit: A short drive away from the RHS’s flagship garden Wisley, it would be rude not to pay a visit, really.

The Talbot Inn, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6BB
Tel: 01483 225188

The Three Horseshoes, Thursley

As long-time Surrey Life readers will be no doubt be aware, the history of the Three Horeshoes, which dates back to 1841, is a little different from most. When this charming country pub was to be sold off to a developer, the villagers clubbed together and bought it themselves. Their efforts paid off and these days David Alders and Sandra Proni run the popular pub.

Drinks and nibbles: All food is made on the premises using fresh ingredients and including ice creams and sorbets. Favourites include steak and kidney pie, local pheasant, partridge and rabbit, and fruit crumbles and treacle tarts for dessert.

Unique features: Dogs welcome in the bar, horses welcome at the hitching post!

Another reason to visit: Two walks were produced to celebrate the re-opening back in 2004. The first is four miles long and gives superb views across Thursley Common, while the second is over seven miles long and includes a visit to the Hindhead Tunnel Viewing Platform. Comprehensive maps are available from the pub or can be posted.

The Three Horseshoes, Dye House Road, Thursley, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6QD. Tel: 01252 703268

William IV, Albury

With a name like William IV, you’d expect there to be an intriguing tale of woe and loss attached. Not in this case, however. Before World War Two, it was known as The Garibaldi but nobody appears to know why the name was changed – perhaps the Italian connotations put paid to it during the war years? Either way, this pub has quite a following, with the landlord even suggesting that the customers are the pub’s most unique feature.

Drinks and nibbles: Stand-out dishes include the quality and value of the steaks, homemade steak and kidney pie and pork from the pub’s own free-range rare breed pigs. They have four cask ales from local brewers and a draught scrumpy cider, the usual keg lagers, ciders and stouts, plus a well-stocked cellar and back bar.

Unique features: There are no fruit machines, no music and strictly no mobiles – you have been warned!

Another reason to visit: Located as they are in the heart of the Surrey Hills, the pub is surrounded by miles of wonderful walking and riding country.