please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This is a gastro pub,make no mistake that the food is the paramount concern,the service can be slow.The decor is much better than under the previous management and so is the garden which was used as a dog toilet and not frequently cleared up! On entering you would not expect a beer of excellent quality and you would be wrong! The beer is excellent ,a cider from Lilley's , London Pride and three revolving guest ales from South-East England breweries,triple FFF, Hop Back,Sambrooks, Surrey Hills,Dark Star etc. if you want a pub crawl the nearby Cricketers serves a range of beers Including those from Wimbledon Brewery.
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This pub re-opened on May 22nd after 6 months closed for refurbishment following a change of ownership. The pub has been opened by removing some walls making a larger lounge which leads into another room which is principally a dining area.The new bar takes up far less space than the old one but there are still 5 real ales on the bar but both the beers that I had were rather flat. As the pub had only just re-opened I have put it down to teething troubles. Food was very expensive but the decor is much improved.
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Reopened last weekend. Popped in the a lunchtime drink during the week.
Lots of wrks done. Outside smartened up, old saloon and snug now bar and public is now dinning room, which is a bit formal and severe for my taste. Pleasant paved area at back.
Small lunch menu, but did not try food. Other diners seemed satisfied. About 6 bitters, 3 of which were Fullers. Lots of Fullers brand around.
All looking promising but called in for Sunday evening pint to find everything locked at that 2030hrs. So went to Cricketers. Would have gone to Weatherspoons in the first place if we had known.
Think I will wait a few weeks before another visit. Maybe things will settle down.
Ian
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A much wider selection of real ales of late, Red Squirrel Brewery, Thornbridge, Triple fff etc have been on . Improvements in decor continue to be made in what i'd call the Saloon Bar. the beer quality has always been very god.
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Popped in yesterday, four ales advertised outside ,two actually on both mid-dark ales, on enquiring two more were quickly added both dark ales, as I prefer golden ales I departed to the Assembly Rooms where three golden ales were on at �1.99. I am always looking to support the independent pubs but they in turn have to think about the type of ales they offer. Pubs that charge �3.15 a pint as this one does have to go the extra mile to justify the premium pricing. My generous rating has now been adjusted to an average 5/10.
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Walked past on Saturday afternoon, was looking forward to seeing how good this pub was but looked like it was closed so carried on walking. Will give it another go sometime
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Made to feel very unwelcome. Bar staff did not respond to our hello when entering the pub, no please and thank yous and would not acknowledge our thank yous! Was not a busy time of day so no excuse really.
Such a shame as this pub could be truly fantastic. Only good thing I can mention is their selection of real ales.
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So glad to see Sonia and nathan back at the jolly coopers.
They completly 'screwed up' our old local in st albans (The Spotted Bull) no food to speak of and pissed behind the jump most of the time, certainly not the laugh we used to have, and not what the pub needed. Not a clue!
And then to add insult to injury, 'made off ' with most of the fixtures, fittings and furniture!
anyway alls well that ends well we can start drinking there again now!
Cheers
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Excellent beer, pleasant interior and service. The only letdown was the food but I only had one thing off the menu so hopefully I was unlucky.
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Had a pint of Tillingbourne ale the other day and it was awfull maybe a bad day.
anonymous - 26 Dec 2011 18:23 |
Many pubs (the Shere area is no different) purport to be "a genuine Free House" but have tied agreements to take list only ales.If I was in your shoes I wouls ask for the local Tillingbourne Brewery Ales in my local (Shere area pub), namely Fall's Gold and Bitter Gem. The Jolly must be applauded for being quick off the mark, being a truly genuine Free House and selling ales at a reasonable price.I never give advice and fail to adhere to it myself, i'm asking for the Tillingbourne ales in my area.
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Some of what you say slerpy might be correct but over Shere way there are plenty of pubs that could accommodate a launch of local ales (I could name 6 or 7).
I know a few local landlords ( within say a 5 mile radius of Shere) and I expect they`d be a little put out.
Glad the beer was good and yes I will keep missing it if its in the Epsom area.
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Well The Pilgrim you definetely missed the Tillingbourne ales and missed the fact that it is difficult for new unproven Breweries to get bar space in the pub trade, you have also missed the fact that according to the A.A. it is only 8.3 miles from Brewery to the"Jolly" and also missed that the " Jolly" is an award winning pub..... and missed the fact that the Shere area is very short of GENUINE Free Houses but the biggest miss is that the ale was utterly superb.
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Have I missed something here ?? Tillingbourne brewery based in Shere launch their beer in Epsom why ?
Far more local pubs they could have used and if I were a local landlord I know what i`d say !!!!!!!
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Yesterday saw the launch of Tillingbourne Brewery at the Coopers, I was surprised at how good the beer actually was,a 4.6% ale called Bitter Gem,they will also produce a weaker ale called Fall's Gold. Tillingbourne are brewing at the Scotland Farm site at Shere which was previously the home of Surrey Hills Brewery.
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beer quality good,price reasonable ,friendly locals.
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We were here on Monday night with my mum and uncle. We'd heard there was a new chef so were worried the food might not be so good but it was great. The locals were friendly and we even got to join the pub quiz! With hophead and apa for mum and the boys and stowford for me a good night was had by all. See you next week!
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We came for dinner with my mum and uncle on Monday and I have to say it was lovely. Having heard there was a new chef we were worried the food might not be as good as last time. But I have to say the food was great. The locals were really friendly and made us feel welcome, plus we got to join in the quiz! Hophead was on tap as well as dark stars apa and the lovely stowford press - a good night was had by all. We'll be back soon!
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No StMiguell larger and no stuffed fox, although one could be arranged.
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This pub is uninspiring and to be honest boring. There is no atmosphere, a lack of character and even the staff look bored. At first I wasn't sure to review this pub after my visit because while looking through the reviews every bad comment has been commented back on. Of course having a friend who works in the Jolly coopers she has already let me in on the fact that the manager regularly comments on the pub. The pub is still a step up from the Albion on the plus side at least I don't fear for my life inside. Instead I feel as though I would have been better off staying at home and enjoying a bottle of wine. Try the Cricketers down the road, its a better pub (not the best pub in the world but a massive improvement on the jolly cooper)
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I'm slighty depressed by the Coopers as they seem to have become a Surrey Hills tied house, everytime I venture in during midweek they have two of their ales on. Perhaps the wonderful Dark Star,Hop Back, Downton and Sambrooks go very quickly over the weekend and the Surrey Hills is what is left, a very nondescript Brewery for ales. I thought the idea of a free house was to provide variety and a discerning selection, perhaps the Surrey Hills beers are super cheap to buy in.Still, all ended well as the Timothy Taylor's ales in the Railway Guard were in very fine fettle indeed. 6/10.
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Oh, ages since I wrote my review, and I missed bacardigirl's comment. I saw the area with the marquee for the world cup. That isn't a beer garden. It really isn't!
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Well it was rammed last night for the Pub of the Year presentation, with Dark Star Hophead, Surrey Hills Ranmore and Shere Drop and Weltons Odd Shaped Balls flying over the bar.
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I completely agree with the previous reviewer. We were really looking forward to a nice pint and something to eat, but the kitchen was closed for no apparent reason and the place was like a morgue! This was on a Thursday evening when I would have expected some activity! On the plus side the ale was in good condition (Hopback GFB).
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Very disappointing. An interesting beer selection, mine was OK, nothing more. Three bars. The public has a pool table, darts & juke box. Small Snug looked cosy. The lounge bar was spartan for a lounge bar. It was very empty last night. I was really looking forward to going, hence my perhaps harsh rating as I felt let down.
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This is a pleasant local pub though by no means a 'locals pub for local people'. There was a range of beers incl Surrey Hills Greensand, Jennings Cocky Blonde, Dark Star Hophead, and Triple fff Moondance. Local CAMRA's co-Pub of the Year as a previous poster said.
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REMEMBER THESE LITTLE GEMS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN, APPRECIATE THEM WHILE THEY LAST, THIS IS A LITTLE TRESSURE.
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The main saloon bar has been redecorated with all new furniture since my last visit last summer and it is a vast improvement. They had 4 real ales on the bar when I was there and I tried 3 of them which were very good. Unfortunately the food service was very poor. It took 1.5 hours to get our food! It was a good thing we weren't in a rush. However they were very apologetic and it was a Easter Monday. Still worth coming for a drink but I might think twice about ordering food.
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Kingston & Leatherhead CAMRA, who know a thing or two about pubs and beer, would beg to differ having made The Jolly Coopers their joint Pub of the Year along with Woodies, New Malden.
If it's so terrible, why don't you explain why, instead of expecting people to take your ( not particularly informed by the look of your other reviews) word for it ?
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The posters on here must be taking the proverbial because this pub is absolutely terrible !
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I went shopping in Epsom today and having heard good things about this pub I decided to find it,it is just off of West Hill.Being a Monday just two ales were on and not the usual four, the two were Harvey's BB and Hopback Summer Lightning both ales were in splendid condition and were cheap for the area Hophead is a regular ale selection .Two big dogs were sunbathing outside.The right hand bar is a games room with a couple of quiz machines, a dartboard and a pool table,the other bar would be called the saloon bar two decades ago and has two remarkable clocks one is the melted Salvador Dali and the other is seilf emit a tempus fuegit joke.The landlord was very young and was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his ales.This is the Epsom CAMRA branches Pub of the Year .I haven't visited enough pubs in Epsom to give an honest view but I think this pub has the potential for even greater awards in the future. A pub that is well worth going out of your way for,superb.
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The owners have done a great job re-building (in a social sense) this pub. Popped in for a bevvy last night and there were 4 good ales on. They also do a monthly jam night and the quality was good. Keep it up!
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Unrivaled selection of superb ales well looked after. Good food. Sunday dinner highly recommended. Nicely refurbished restaurant.
We will be back!
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Surrey hills, Harveys, Dark star, Triple F its all good
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Terrible review!
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Terrible pub
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We pop in here very few weeks, and each time there is an improvement to the infrastructure. The lounge bar has been redecorated. Gone are the fixed bench seats. A new floor and informal dining tables make a good atmosphere. Sunday roast now served.
The locals are friendly, and always say hello to strangers. What a nice change. That just about sums up the whole feel of the place.
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Answering the last comment sfocata obviously didnt look very far for the beer garden as there is one out the back with a heated smoking area in fact they even had a marquee and a six foot screen in the back garden for the world cup. It is accessed through the bottom bar which is at present going through a refurb. I cant wait to see what they are going to do with it. So next time go out the back and you can have a nice relaxing drink without having to listen to the thick blokes.
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The range of ales they get here is really impressive. As far as I'm aware, this is the only place in Epsom where you can find Surrey Hills beer (they had Ranmore last time I visited, along with Hopback Summer Lightning).
I just wish there was some money to give the place a lick of paint and create a beer garden out the back... it deserves to be preserved as a borough treasure. There's outdoor seating at the front, but it's a bit grim sitting in the car park surrounded by thick blokes with their thick dogs.
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Went there the other Friday to see the live music from rock act "Firewater". Great standard of playing, lots of rock favourites.
The pub had Old Thumper on draught that night - very well kept and very reasonably priced.
Lovely location by the common - good atmosphere too. I definitely plan to go again.
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We have lived close to the Coopers for 30 years and before Nathan and Sonia only visited a couple of time, but now it's our local. Good to see them getting the place sorted. Beer is good selection, well served. Simple but well prepared food now on offer. Locals are friendly. Garden sorted.
I would like them to get the real cider back on, but otherwise, no criticism. As others have said, not a place to impress your in-laws, but great local to have a pint.
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A generally friendly place, but can seem boisterous at times when the pool table is busy or a match is on the TV. The cosy bar is fine. Beer is very good and have some good guest beers that change.
Prices are OK. Very much a local with an old comfortable feel. Landlords good fun and most staff are too. It's not the place to impress anyone yet, but given time this could be. Nothing like other local pubs in the area as it's real not dressed up.
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This really is a fairytale in so many ways.
Rents put up to make it untenable for prior Landlady to make a living - shut down & then joy, Epsom & Ewell BC refuse consent to turn it into a private house!
Along come Nathan & Sonia - & suddenly everything that was right about 'The Coopers' is back .... & more!
If you want a gastro-pub - go elsewhere - this is a superb ale-house with NO TIE & a changing range of ales expertly kept.
Both of them couldn't be frendlier - honestly cannot commend this little gem on the edge of Epsom Common any higher - wonderful retreat & everything 'The Cricketers' nearby isn't!
Good heavens - they've even opened the garden - didn't know it had one before!
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Has become the best pub in the local area (again). Stonking evening atmosphere and the fact that the staff from the pub nearby drink here tells you a great deal about this one. Good cold Guinness and lagers. Not an ale drinker myself, so don't know.
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no nonsense, no frills pub with a great Guinness
friend of mine drinks the Shere Drop and highly recommends it
pool table, roaring fire, music channel on plasma screen
just the job
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A small traditional pub in a quiet part of Epsom but not far from the town centre. Only recently reopened after being closed for about 2 years. It has 2 separate bars with a small lounge and a pool table in the other bar. Seating is basic but adequate. It serves a fine pint of Surrey Hills Shere Drop as wellas London Pride. The Landlord told us that a Pilgrim beer was to be added soon. It is a nice friendly unpretentious pub which doesn't pretend to be a restaurant or anything else. It is also dog friendly which is a rarity nowadays. It is like pubs used to be.
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Came in tonight to check out the real ale. Pride and Shere Drop as stated below, the Shere Drop was to die for. Such a welcoming pub, could easily become a regular.
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Now here's a thing. Despite the best efforts of the property developer owners a pub that has re-opened as a pub rather than a block of flats. There's still plenty of work to be done after a 21 month closure - the lead off the roof was the first thing to go - but the tenants have done remarkably well to get up and running in such a short time. Surrey Hills Shere Drop and London Pride are now both on and served in lined glasses.
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Actually reopened on 31 October.
Visited tonight and they are still getting things together. No real ale but they are planning on having Pride and Surrey Hills Shere Drop soon. Hopefully will be rotating the beers.
Has certainly got potential, feels like a real pub and the people running it were really friendly and enthusiastic.
No rating from me until they get some real ale in.
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This community pub is opening again on 31st November 2008. Cant wait to see what the new owners are like
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The boards are down and the pub will be re-opening soon!!!
Can't wait for the opening party!!!
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Confirmed. Pub is closed and boarded up. Another excellent community local bites the dust.
What a shame.
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Apparently closing down on 23 January.
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An excellent proper pub, with two bars and a snug.A real friendly local with friendly locals!! Harveys Sussex, and Seven Hills Shere Drop make this a gem of a place for a good ale.,and they put cheese ,bicuits,wallies and pickled onions on the bar Sundays!Thank Heavens that pubs like this still exist as a contrast to the ghastly soleless dross of themed pubs that pubcos continually refurbish
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Friendly backstreet local. Chill out in the bar with the piano or join the banter in the busier public.
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Now in the Good Beer Guide and Brakspears has made way for Surrey Hills Shere Drop. The Harveys is still exceptionally well kept.
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A traditional community local in a quiet residential area with a rural feel. Three distinct drinking areas served off one long bar, lounge to the left popular with dog walkers, cyclists and the sunday lunchtime crowd, a small snug by the door and a public with pool,darts and Sky with the emphasis on football and horse racing. There is outside seating with particularly wobbly tables - beware spillages. Bar staff are friendly and welcoming. Ales are usually Harveys Sussex and Brakspears Bitter, both quite rare in this area and kept on top form. No food except filled rolls.
A very different establishment to the Cricketers, both have their strengths & weaknesses. This is definitely a pub, however, whereas the Cricketers isn't really sure whether it is a pub, a wine bar or a restaurant. 8/10
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I have to disagree with the last comment! This pub is terrible, though it hasn't always been, its just gone down in recent years!
They have always ran out of the drink you would like be it beer, wine or spirit, the pub is dirty and smells of wet dog!
From the outside of the pub you could easily be fooled that is a decent place, but once you step inside you want to step straight back out, which is a shame as it has all the traditional features that you would like to see but its so run down & is in major need of a refurb!
The only nice thing I would have to say about this place was that it looks nice from the outside but as for the beer, the atmosphere the cleanleness etc etc etc it was a definate 0/10. There is a pub down the road from here called the Cricketers which has nice views, good beer and good food, and even an green for the kids to play, though you need to be careful of the swans etc on the pond! If I was visiting this area again I'd stay put at the cricketers and not venture up the road to the Jolly Coopers as it was very disappointing!
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A local pub for local people...!
Despite it's awkward location and unfotunate look, the Coopers offers a clean but rustic alternative to the Cricketers 'Ember clone' on the same road - cheaper too! Small but with 2 distinct bars - one quiet and more traditional, the other with TV, pool, dartboard etc. A limited variety of beers, but that's not what this pub's really all about. Somewhere local to have a couple of an evening.
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