Surrey's best winter pub lunches
Above: The Stephan Langton
During the dull days of winter, what nicer way to spend a lunchtime than tucked away in the corner of a traditional English pub, enjoying good food and drink, in front of an open log fire? Here are a few of the best places in Surrey to do just that
The Barley Mow, Tandridge
Located somewhat off the beaten track, The Barley Mow appears fairly conventional from its facade, but the interior has an unexpected warmth and traditional atmosphere with a medium-sized bar area, larger lounge with log fire and separate dining room.
The bar snack menu has everything from an all day breakfast to hot crusty baguettes, while the main menu includes some interesting dishes such as wild mushroom, six onion lasagne and ladies rump! Fish features predominantly with ‘specials’ that change monthly and typically include sea bass and monk fish.
The pub has Hall and Woodhouse beers available on tap – Badger, Sussex and Tanglefoot – and altogether it’s a lovely winter pub lunch experience.
Handy Hint: Ideally located as a stop-off point halfway round a delightful circular walk starting at the village pond in Godstone and taking in the location of an Elizabethan gunpowder factory, a graveyard with skull and crossbones on a tombstone, spectacular hilltops views and Godstone Farm.
Whilst there you must: Try one of the more unusual dishes on the varied menu.
- The Barley Mow, Tandridge Lane, Tandridge, Surrey, RH8 9NJ. Tel: 01883 713770.
The Bell, Outwood
Recently named Fuller’s Country/Village Pub of the Year for the second year in a row, The Bell at Outwood is renowned for its cosy atmosphere, outstanding quality of ales, delicious homemade food and great wines.
Surrounded on all sides by beautiful National Trust countryside, it is sandwiched between Outwood Woods on one side and the Harewood Estate on the other, so it’s the ideal place to collapse after a long winter walk – plus, dogs are welcome in the bar area.
On a point of interest, don’t forget to look out for nearby Outwood Mill – Britain’s oldest working windmill. Boasting two log fires, plenty of warming winter fare – including an all-year round fish menu – and a guest winter ale, this place definitely ticks all the boxes when it comes to a wonderful winter pub lunch.
Handy hint: Get there early and sink into their deep, cosy sofa – the most popular spot in the pub.
Whilst there you must: Try something off the specials board. The pub specialises in traditional winter fare such as pheasant, guinea fowl and game pie (for vegetarians, the Vegetable Bellington comes highly recommended), though specials do change daily.
- The Bell, Outwood Lane, Outwood, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5PN. Tel: 01342 842989.
www.fullers.co.uk (and follow the links)
The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold
One of the four oldest coaching inns in Great Britain, according to the Daily Telegraph, the 12th-century Crown Inn is full of character and charm.
Its history is a particularly royal one. In 1552, Edward VI stayed at the inn, while his 4,000-strong retinue camped on the green. It is also thought Elizabeth I may have dropped in at one time – there are few others at the time who could have afforded a 250 gallon barrel of wine…
Serving locally brewed real ales, a cider on tap and all the lagers you’d expect, they also serve food from the humblest of pub meals to the best Dover Sole. Their Sunday roast is apparently fit for a king.
Handy Hint: If you enjoy a game of pool, the table is tucked away in the downstairs bar, which keeps the noise down.
Whilst there you must: Check out the artefacts and paintings that date back through the long history of the pub – it almost doubles as a museum of sorts.
- The Crown Inn, The Green, Chiddingfold, Godalming, GU8 4TX. Tel: 01428 682255.
The Dog & Pheasant, Brook
New Zealand born landlord Buzz Cousins has made a point of retaining the original features of this centuries-old inn, and that is part of the pub’s charm. You’ll find roaring fires, old beams and a warm welcome, along with guest ales and a fabulous range of New World wines.
Whilst locals pop in for a pint and a chat, travellers from further afield make for the Dog & Pheasant for the food – all prepared fresh by Buzz and his team.
Favourites include fish and chips served in newspaper, incredible Kiwi burgers, lamb shank and some of the biggest steaks you are likely to find anywhere.
Buzz’s infectious enthusiasm for cooking has won him plaudits from none other than the godfather of celebrity chefs, Marco Pierre White, and the Dog & Pheasant is known as a haunt for the many celebrities who live in the area.
Handy Hint: There are many great walks around the area and dogs are welcome. Another diversion is the fantastic Secretts farm shop just up the road in Milford.
Whilst there you must: Try food from the barbeque – even in winter! Buzz regularly cooks on an open fire in the massive inglenook fireplace.
The Jolly Farmer, Bramley
Both friendly and welcoming, this traditional country inn is a family owned and run free house providing high quality food, drink and accommodation.
Where possible, they deal direct with independent and family suppliers meaning fresh food is always on the menu and great real ale is on tap. The owners are used to the muddy boots that naturally step through the door from countryside walkers on occasion. They’ve ‘got a Hoover and aren’t afraid to use it!’, though a little consideration is always welcome.
They also have accommodation for those family gatherings or nights where you just fancy a break away without being responsible or calling a post-dinner cab.
Handy Hint: The pub has a unique air removal system that allows you to buy a bottle of wine, and then keep it behind the bar (free of charge) for as long as three weeks.
Whilst there you must: Check out the ‘Laundrymaid’ print on the front bar wall… Is the figure in bed a man or a woman?!
The King’s Arms, Ockley
Can there be anything more appealing in the cold, bleak winter months than a roaring log fire and good old fashioned sized portions? That’s what you’ll find at the King’s Arms in Ockley, plus all the other trappings of a traditional English village inn such as oak beams, low ceilings and warm, friendly service.
The menu is comprehensive and there’s something for everyone. If you fancy an egg and bacon sandwich or bangers and mash and a beer, it’s there alongside coq au riesling and hand-cut Scottish steaks.
Equally, there are plenty of draught ales available (Bass, Flowers IPA, Marston’s Pedigree) and a superb selection of wines by the glass as well as a full wine list.
They pride themselves at the King’s Arms on their affordable prices; and rightly so. The pub also offers excellent accommodation for those people looking for a longer taste of life in the English countryside.
Handy Hint: Don’t look at the dessert menu – you’ll want them all and regret it for as long as you live.
Whilst there you must: Tuck into the huge portions of freshly cooked food – a 16oz rump steak is always on the specials board!
The Running Horse, Mickleham
This delightful 16th century inn is perfectly situated for those in need of sustenance after a strenuous morning hike up Box Hill and back. It has all that you’d expect from a country pub – a roaring fire in an inglenook fireplace, a cosy bar plus excellent food, wines and ales.
The bar menu ranges from a selection of chunky sandwiches on granary or farmhouse white to devilled kidneys in a puff pastry basket and shank of lamb slow braised with balsamic and burgundy.
There’s also a restaurant here with a superb a la carte menu, and excellent accommodation as well. The horsey theme permeates throughout – in fact the two bars, Cadland and Colonel, are named after the joint winners of the only dead heat in the Epsom Derby in 1828. When it comes to a winter pub lunch, this is undoubtedly one of the best in Surrey.
Handy Hint: Leave those muddy boots at the door – stockinged feet are welcome.
Whilst there you must: Check out the wall in the Colonel bar, to the right of the fireplace, where you’ll find a self-portrait by Sir Harry Secombe no less!
The Seven Stars, Leigh
The Seven Stars is an absolute gem of a pub right in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Dating back to the 16th century, the warm welcome and friendly service are as renowned as the cosy bars, low ceilings and wooden beams. The perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle, the pub has a no music policy so you’ll find genuine peace and quiet.
In terms of lunch, you can choose to eat either in the traditional bar area or in the restaurant. The same excellent home cooked food is served in both with a wide choice of dishes, although on Sundays only roasts are available. If you’re planning on enjoying a walk in the surrounding countryside, dogs are welcome in the bar area.
Family run and it shows, this is many people’s idea of the perfect pub.
Handy hint: One of only 17 pubs in Surrey with a main entry in the Good Pub Guide 2008, booking is absolutely essential.
Whilst there you must: Soak up the historic surroundings. The building dates back to the early 1600’s and an original inscription on the wall reads:- “Gentlemen, you are Wellcome to sit down for your ease, pay what you call for and drink what you please” – William Eades,1637.
- The Seven Stars, Bunce Common Road, Dawes Green, Leigh, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8NP. Tel: 01306 611254.
Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common
If you haven’t been to Friday Street for a while, you’ll find that the Stephan Langton Inn has changed a bit. Whilst it still has that traditional village feel, it’s now brighter and more contemporary in style.
Food is probably the main attraction with a dynamic young chef, Simon Adams, previously with TV chef Tony Tobin at his Post restaurant in Banstead, in charge of the kitchen. Renowned for creating and developing new dishes “without being a slave to fashion”, the menu changes daily.
Not all convention has been swept aside, however; real ale drinkers will be pleased to know that local brews Ranmore Ale and Hogs Back TEA (Traditional English Ale) are served here.
The location is idyllic at any time of year; the Friday Street pond has a serene beauty about it as has the surrounding woodland of the Wotton Estate.
Handy Hint: Situated in a rather remote part of the Surrey Hills, it is advisable to print out the map from the pub’s website, as the pub itself is not yet shown on either Satellite Navigation or Google Maps.
Whilst there you must: Enjoy one of the gorgeous winter walks in all directions before snuggling up in front of one of the pub’s open fires.
The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate
Dating back to the 16th century, and featuring stone flagged floors and a large inglenook fireplace, the Surrey Oaks is the archetypal rural English pub.
A real ale drinker’s paradise, it is a regular winner of CAMRA awards and one of CAMRA’s top 16 pubs in the country. They do much to promote micro-breweries and always have two guest beers at any time, and they change with every cask. Since 2004, the Surrey Oaks has served more than 1,000 different varieties!
But it’s not only the beer that’s great – the food is as well, with a regular menu plus tantalising and well-priced blackboard specials. Among the most popular dishes are steak & ale pie, their speciality sausages with mash and onion gravy, and Sunday roasts. Surrounded by lovely countryside, why not take a bracing winter walk before tucking in?
Handy hint: The Surrey Oaks has a small library of specialist pub related books – Classic Country Pubs, A Dictionary of Beer etc – great reading whilst you wait for your home cooked lunch to be prepared.
Whilst there you must: Try one of the excellent guest ales.
- The Surrey Oaks, Parkgate Road, Newdigate, Dorking, RH5 5DZ. Tel: 01306 631200. www.surreyoaks.co.uk
The Three Horseshoes, Thursley
The story behind The Three Horseshoes would be good enough for a film script. When this charming country pub was going to be sold off to a developer, following a five-year period of closure, the villagers clubbed together and bought it themselves. It is now one of the most popular pubs in this quiet corner of Surrey.
Surrounded by glorious countryside – including the nearby Thursley Common and the fine views of the impressive Devil’s Punchbowl – the building dates back partly from the 16th century, with Georgian and Victorian alterations.
Mentioned in the Good Pub Guide, the writer states: “The congenial beamed front bar has well kept Fuller’s London Pride, Hogs Back TEA and a constantly changing guest on handpump, a roaring log fire, and warm welcoming service.”
All their food is made on the premises using fresh ingredients, with favourites including steak & kidney pie, toad-in-the-hole, rabbit stew and treacle tart.
Handy hint: Booking is definitely recommended. This popular hostelry gets very busy at peak times.
Whilst there you must: Enjoy a bracing walk through the surrounding countryside before tucking into their homemade fare and collapsing in front of the log fire.
- The Three Horseshoes, Dye House Road, Thursley, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 6QD. Tel: 01252 703268.
Woodies, New Malden
Located in a converted cricket pavilion, every square inch of this unique pub is covered in football programmes and sporting memorabilia.
New Malden’s best kept secret, Woodies is a privately owned free house. Its unique decoration and wide range of drinks, including seven real ales and an extensive range of lagers, make it an appealing place for anyone who can find it!
It has won the Kingston and Leatherhead CAMRA Pub of the Year two years running, meaning that you can
choose from an award-winning selection of ales whilst cosying up in front of the open log fire during the winter months.
They serve a traditional lunchtime pub menu seven days a week, and on Sundays offer a carvery. Children are welcomed at Woodies within designated areas, and dogs too as long as they are kept on their leads.
Handy Hint: Taste some of the ale that led them to being named CAMRA Pub of the Year 2007.
Whilst there you must: Check out the walls, or lack of them, plastered in sporting memorabilia from local, national and international teams and fixtures.
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