please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
My family celebrated my nans 80th. Food was excellent. Nice polite boys behind the bar. However, I was absolutely shocked to hear the racist conversation and filthy language coming out of a 'drinkers' mouth. My Nan was most upset. Really put a dampener on our celebration. :( a real shame for such a cute country pub.
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I hadn't been here for a couple of years at least (country walks just hadn't happened to pass through Holmbury at the right time for a pint) so it's a shame to see things went wrong under recent management.
I've been visiting recently, though, having expanded my list of favourite cycling routes, and I've been very impressed. It's still quite quiet, but I'm only seeing it on weekday lunchtimes. The landlady is very friendly and food service is quick. I haven't tried the full meals, but the baguettes (while rather expensive) are excellent; tasty and nicely garnished. The beer range doesn't seem to be as broad as I remember it, but there's usually three good ales on, and they're well kept. We're often spoiled these days with vast ranges of niche craft ales, but still... a good pint of Hophead takes some beating (especially when you've just cycled up Holmbury HIll).
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Dropped in lunch on Sunday, friendly welcome by the landlady and landlord, they have only recently taken over the Pub.
Hophead and Otter on the pumps, my Hophead was in excellent condition.
Had the daily special: Roast marinated lamb rump, which was well cooked and tender, steamed veg's were fresh crisp and fluffy Yorkshire pud.
Overall very good,
I wish them every success in their new venture and anyone who has previously been put off should definitely take the time to revisit.
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Went in the other day and at last they have gone not before running the pub in to the ground and loosing 90%of the trade this lovely pub had prior to the binyons arrival.
True to form the arrogant belligerent mr Binyon and his drink laden wife posted a childish final rant in the local parish magazine! The last hooray of a failed publican!
The good news is the new tenants Debbie and John hit the ground running and it is packed in there again the have a great job in such a short time it will take awhile to repair the damage done from the previous tenants but they are progressing well , thankfully!
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I have visited this lovely little pub several times. It isn't a local by a long way. About 30 miles! Always been warmly welcomed, good food and good beer. Great!
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Went for dinner there tonight! A COMPLETE DISASTER! VERY VERY VERY VERY RUDE landlady. FOOD INADEQUATE! There are far nicer pubs around with nice helpful staff and good quality food.
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Awful pub. Service very very slow, muddy mountain bikers everywhere and rude locals. Food very average, outside toilet that was not clean! Stuffed owl outside the toilets, why!!!!
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Visited this pub several times and have not been disappointed once. Good selection of bitters including their own 'Quaffers' (I think it's spelled) which is a 3.4 bitter, so not too strong for those facing a session - and the taste is fine!
Have also tried the food which is fresh, good quality, well cooked and served promptly.
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Very good pub.
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Fantastic little rambling gem of a pub away from the main road, it has a little for everyone. The beer garden has plenty of space and some shade for those occasional hot summer days. Inside the pub is equal parts cheer & charm with open fires for the winter walkers.
The new owners (Mike and Jane) are as relaxed and cheerful as the pub itself, and really hitting their stride. Behind the bar you can find a truly excellent selection of ales and, when we were there, a wonderful draft cider that completed a sunny Saturday's walk.
We had visited this pub while it was managed by the previous owners and had and enjoyed an excellent winters meal. But I think the new chief is even better. Initially tempted by the tradition pub servings of Lasagne and Fish&Chips being joyfully devoured at the table next to us. The hot day had saw us choosing the Cajun Gumbo (think kedgeree if it was made in New Orleans) and spicy chickpea cakes. Two fresh/delicious meals that had us scraping the plates and me begging Jane for the recipe (no luck, there I'm afraid).
So if you're looking for character, good ale and better food in the Surrey Hills put the Kings Head on the top of you list.
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Whats with all the comments about appearance? The dude behind the bar was wearing shorts and a loud shirt so what! Went there on a Sunday with a mate on the bikes didnt try the food because it took so long to get served a pint. The guy behind the bar seemed to be serving food and pouring drinks, could have been let down by staff I guess. Pub did seem very traditional, outside toilets, cheap cheerful menu it also had bike hoops + but could do with a hose as it seemed real popular with other mountain bikers too. Will try again to see if service gets better!
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Great local pub with friendly & welcoming staff. Good range of beers which changes very regularly. In my opinion, probably could use an anchor beer to be augmented by guests but to be fair generally the avialable beers are in good condition so it is easy to find a decent pint.
Wide range of customers - villlgers, plenty of walkers / bikers and quite a few dogs with misfortune to look like their owners.
We eat here regularly as a family, and the food is generally wholesome and tasty. I think the Iceland comment below is pretty unfair as the recipes are often tagged as own recipe and are very far removed from the ususal re-heated fodder that often passes for pub grub.
Nice touches with recent avaialability of board games and live music / free wifi / beer festival coming up and the guys are out making a noise to make this pub work - all in all someone here is trying hard.
I reckon we willl enjoy life a bit more if we do not judge people on how they look but recognise that if they are polite & friendly & clearly passionate about their pub, then they are probably one of the good guys
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Charming rural pub just off the main road, this one is definitely worth seeking out if you're in the area. For the beer fans there's a good selection of the more interesting beers around and the landlord (who knows his beer and how to keep it) was cheerful and helpful. Nice to see a landlord who really takes an interest in a pub's key asset... the beer! As to the food, there's an interesting and varied menu that's good value. On my first visit I had pork belly with all the trimmings that was thoroughly enjoyable. My second trip found me having the Sunday roast and it was lovely to be in a pub where they can cook beef properly (and not cremate it like so many so-called gastro pubs do these days).
Decor is nice and welcoming with an open fire between the pub and dining area and the whole pub has a friendly feel to it where you can relax. Owing to it's location, the pub is popular with walkers and cyclists (no bad thing as there's a good atmosphere and customers of all ages). I will certainly be returning here in the future - good honest pub that has earned my support, even if it is an hour's drive from my house!
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Interesting series of comments from the last 5 'people'. All of whom seem to have joined BITE on the day they made their comments and have said nothing else about anywhere else in the mean time.
What do you need to know about the pub?
* You will find a new beer there that you probably haven't heard of before every time you go unless you go there more than once a week
* I've never had a bad pint there since the new lot took over. Bad pints is why I stopped going there before, but that was a looong time ago, probably before the previous lot had it.
* The food I've tried has been fine, but I haven't tried much of it.
* There's live music, themed food evenings, a beer festival coming up, the occasional outing. They seem to be trying.
* One of the big advantages is that people who judge by appearance apparently don't want to come back. Is the landlord's choice of trousers the most important factor when you go for a pint? (Obviously if the options are 'yes' and 'no' then it *is* a concern.) And how many times have you left a pub at chucking out time muttering 'Well the beer was crap, but at least the barman wasn't wearing an earring'?
* On the down side, I have to admit it can be cold in there.
I urge you to check (anywhere on this site) how many reviews have been posted be a reviewer before you judge how seriously you take them (I don't know why BITE doesn't put it next to the reviewer's name) - is it from a rival - is it from the owner - and how long ago they were posted - is the review about the current manager/landlord?
And I have to admit I'm biased - I like the place. It's a real pub. I live quite a way away and still call in when I can, but I have no other connection to the pub other than that.
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I was in here a couple of days ago and find that I cant agree with the last couple of comments. It seems they want a gastropub not a traditional pub like this one.
It shouldnt matter if someone has piercings or what they wear, as the beer was in top condition. It's always good to see Hophead and there were 3 others I'd not heard of and they were all very good.
And the food is difinitely not from Iceland as suggested - I ate from the light menu and it was very tasty and clearly homemade and good value.
I find it a relief to be served by someone who clearly cares about beer and offers such a choice. The landlord was at his laptop when I was there and it turned out he was researching beer for a beer festival they want to hold.
All in all I liked it and would definitely re-visit...Am giving it 7/10.
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Oh dear! What a shame a lovely village pub has been ruined! Had to wait ages to be served as the landlord seemed more interested in his computer than his customers! Weird attire for bar staff too, go there if you want to see serious bad taste. The atmosphere used to be lively and fun, not so now! Can't comment on the food but as there was no one eating I can only assume that too has gone down hill! Sad!
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It has been about a year since we last came here and what was a busy traditional country pub run by a friendly French chap and his English wife, serving good food and beer has now changed hands and become a bit of a Marie Celeste affair... Gone are the colourful locals, there were only a couple of walkers/cyclists present, the Barman/manager came across as rather gruff and despite it being february he was dressed in the rhter odd apparel comprising shorts, bumper boots and leary Hawaiian type shirt topped off with some facial piercings... Perhaps he was a surfer or a rock band groupee in a previous life whilst the poor barmaid appeared disinterested or as though she was wishing she was somewhere else.... "Square pegs in round holes" is hte phrase that springs to mind.... The food was average-ish - Perhaps Chef had been to Iceland? All in all, what was a charming back street watering hole has now become a bit of a sad affair.... the good news is that there are several other country pubs that offer good country fare and a traditional and warm welcome within 2 or 3 miles of here... Oh and to end on a positive, the beer was still O.K but that's probably down to what the old owners attributed to the unique(?) cellar...It can only get better (here's hoping!!).
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on entering the pub i was unsure due to the lack of atmosphere , possible caused by the lack of heating- one open (nice) fire but nothing else, yet the barman that i later learnt was one of the owners not a back packer - SHORTS and multi coloured cat skirt in January. Whilst he was welcoming it took time to get served which myself and three friends found strange as the pub was quite.
The food was not home made but brake brothers and tasted fine but not what we had expected. We will not hurry back it is a shame could be a lovely pub .
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Update from my last review a year ago - took some marvellous luncheon here last Friday. Slow-cooked large lamb shank served with wonderful gravy and soft veggies! It even persuaded my usually-veggie-but-now-infrequenly-carnivorous chum to embrace the meat... No "oooers" there please.
All menu options were appealing and represented fish and veg as well as meat. Get in here fast - and make sure you do fast beforehand!!
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Thinking about it, I should have said 'We came, we saw, we concurred.'
Bloody hindsight.
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Been back a couple of times in the last week, and Jane and Mike seem to have got the placed nailed down. Locals, walkers, and 'furriners' (like me) came and saw and liked it and keep coming back.
I know this sounds like an advert, but... they have live music on, a quiz, things like a 'Spice Night' and a very eclectic menu - you can see it on their web site - with a good veggie selection (nothing actually tagged as such, though, so you can't be sure a salad doesn't have bacon bits on it), but if you're not veggie, who cares :-)
Never seen mash and gravy as a menu item before, but what a great idea!
Whatever you think, I'm not staff - just someone who is pleased to see an old favourite pub which went downhill back to how it ought to be.
Upgrading from a 7 to an 8. Turn the heating up and you will get a 9. No-one gets a 10.
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I visited this pub last Friday 31/12/2011 and would thoroughly recommend it for many, many reasons. The staff were friendly and helpful and the food had a lovely choice for vegetarians too!. Also I was pleasantly surprised that they had Gluten Free rolls which as a wheat Intolerant individual was another nice bonus. They have local beers and ciders and had a particular local from my own village in Rudgwick, Sussex which was another positive thing about it !.
We had a very pleasant afternoon so please go to this pub as its lovely.
Parking can be an issue though as it is a real country pub and the lane outside tiny but a pub in this location you should expect a bit of a walk anyway as what else would you be doing there if not participating in some kind of healthy activity!! If you do go please park sensibly as I wouldn't want people visiting to cause conflict with the locals.
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They have finally got everything in the place fixed (not their fault, I understand, but what they inherited).
Very well-kept beer and, though it was quiet when I was there yesterday (5.pm on a Sunday) I was told the food has really taken off now that people are coming to see what it's like under the new management (10 weeks now) and coming back.
Closed on a Monday all day, and closed 3-5pm Tuesday-Thursday 'just for the winter', but more likely until they can justify the expense of employing staff.
Good beer, friendly, reasonable prices (can't actually remember what I paid for a pint of hophead so it wasn't cheap and it wasn't expensive either), I can't say about the food yet, but it's nice to see it back to being a pub you want to visit again, again. If you see what I mean.
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Like the new people here but they have to sort a few things. Need some better beers and also wine. have got confidence they will sort it, but only time will tell. Meanwhile will visit occassionally and see how things are going. Hope it does well and improves.
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Called in yesterday (4th), it was shut but was told they were opening today at 12.00
InSearchOfTheBestPint got there before me, damn him!
But yes, seem like a nice couple, 16 years in the business and 10 at their last pub down Swindon way.
I asked about their plans - a pub that does food rather than a restaurant that does beer. Going to try for a regular quiz night, and monthly live music. And stuff.
I has a pint of dark star and it was very welcome though I was desperate for a pint!
I hope they make it work, they seem to have the enthusiasm and experience. It's been a good pub in the past and �3.30 a pint is not bad at all. The other pub in the village (The Oak) charged me �4.10 for a pint of lager. But the Abinger Arms does Counting Sheep for �2.90 so they're up against it. and the Abinger Hatch has a local ale at �2;50
7/10 - more hope than experience, but I have high hopes for the place. I will update the score after they settle in and the place settles down.
OK, off to review the Abinger Arms...
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Dropped by to find new licensees and wish them good luck. Let's hope that they restore the choice of ales...especially, please, any Pilgrim beer...I missed the Surrey!
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Had a couple of pints in here on the afternoon a few saturdays ago. I didn't have a lot of cash on me so was fairly shocked by the beer prices. Selection was good enough, but the beer was a touch too warm for my taste. The beer garden could also do with a serious prune, and though it's no fault of the pub's, the afternoon was further marred by two people failling to keep control of their desperately unruly hounds while I was trying to have a quiet drink.
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Having checked my bill from Friday, I should have said yesterday that the fish (BONES!) and McDonald's style fries was �13.95 and the peppered steak and fries was �14.95.
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Spent a morning walking in the Surrey Hills and decided to try out the Kings Head. Pub was empty when we arrived at 12.10 on a Friday lunch time. Tolerated a selection of weaker ales at inflated prices and ordered two meals. Combined price of over �25.00 for peppered steak and chips plus fish and chips. Chips were a birds nest of "fries", glued together by the fryer as small as McDonalds. My "beer battered cod" was full of bones, so much that I had to suck every mouth full. At no time were we asked "How is your meal" and when I did comment about the fish was told "well what do you expect?" So over �45.00 for 5 beers plus food and a day in the countryside far from expectations! Tired beer garden and an outside toilet for the men.
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**The comment by assortedcreams on 2 July 2010 has been copied and pasted to other pubs in this area to. Not sure what he's up to but I wouldn't pay attention to it as this is a lovely pub**
That's a bit unfair. I posted accidentally to the wrong pub and my next post apologised. Please check all my posts you will see I have only done it the once and have tried to be very fair when commenting. I have asked for both posts to be removed but get no response. I can only repeat my experience when the wife and I sat in the pub with 3 locals. We were the first to arrive and it started off very friendly sitting at the bar with one other but the atmosphere changed when the others arrived.
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The comment by assortedcreams on 2 July 2010 has been copied and pasted to other pubs in this area to. Not sure what he's up to but I wouldn't pay attention to it as this is a lovely pub
I discovered this place on a mid-week bike ride and found it by far the most friendly pub in the area. I brought my girlfriend the following evening and she was impressed to. Lovely food, the burgers are just awesome. Gorgeous little old building to. Dogs welcome to. I can't fault it
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This is a beautiful village, an ideal place where I would love to spend the final days of my retirement. Visited this pub on a midweek lunch time. Good selection of local beers, the food quality was good but we considered expensive. Only 3 locals in that lunch time but it was made very clear by them and the staff we were not welcome. We could have stayed, enjoyed the beers and caught the 4.10 bus home but opted for the 1.30. Will not be going back.
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Great pub which we happened upon after visiting the Volunteer nearby but found that to lack atmosphere.
This pub was lively but friendly and the staff were efficient. Lots of real ales on tap which went down very well and the food was great!!
I had a burger which was absolutely HUGE! Freshly made, delicious, piping hot and extremely good value.
We will definitely be revisitng this pub again even though we live in Brighton and would recommend it without hesitation.
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love it def the best pub in the area by far
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Popped in here for lunch today. Six real ales on pump. I chose one from the Pilgrim brewery in Reigate which was one of the nicest pints I've had for a long time. Food was good and surprisingly cheap. They also had a proper log fire going to warm us up on a cold day. Pretty much everything you want in a country pub.
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This placec has come so far since I last went, just before the current incumbent took over. Six handpumps, serving a range of local ales? Check. Beer sampled on crisp and clean form? Check. Efficient and pleasant service? Check. Friendly local punters? Check. Traditional and very cosy interior? Check. Charming exterior and location? Check. There is little that this pub could do now to improve on its obvious advantages; the licensees have really made the most of the King's Head's fairytale position buried at the foot of the Surrey Hills in a forested area surrounded by picturesque and I'm sure equally cosy cottages. There is outside seating for when the Winter finally recedes, and all this can be appreciated more fully. For now, just enjoy the fire! Don't know about food - but I daresay that's covered nicely too.
Notwithstanding the inevitable need for a motor for most of us who don't dwell in said cottages, a few fine ones will surely be supped here in coming months. Well done folks.
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Love this pub, so friendly and the ales kept well. Never eaten there. I just so love the welcome from the staff and locals
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I agree wholeheartedly with jcwinetaster. Nice fires on the go at the beginning of Dec09. Large food choice on blackboard menus and although I cannot remember what I drank, I think there were either 4 or 6 via hand pump.
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Have visited the Kings Head several times over the past month on Sundays whilst walking in the Surrey Hills, and have been very impressed. This small pub has a very genuine feel to it, and is clearly popular with walkers, mountain bikers and locals. The surroundings are very convivial, with 3 separate areas (public bar with flat screen TV and billiards, small lounge bar, and larger restaurant area towards the rear), and the team behind the bar are always attentive and working hard to ensure smooth service. The food seems to be cooked to a high standard, with quality local ingredients - I enjoyed some excellent sausages supplied by a butcher in Loxwood - and the beer is always in great condition (Pilgrims, Shere Drop). This is such a great find that I have been planning routes all around the area just so that I can enjoy a lunch stop here. We shoud treasure pubs like this in Surrey, they are seldom found.
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Visited lunchtime Tuesday. Ranmore's Shere Drop was off but after complaining was offered no replacement. Suspect landlord knew but as we were not regulars he was not bothered. I won't return.
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Visited at end of walk with group of walkers few w/ends back. Same great beers still on,Dark Star et al. Very hot day,and welcomed the large beer garden and friendly staff. Tried,The Volunteer day before, bit dull, a 'chain pub' with your old bookson shelves etc. take a few mins more walk off the main road and find this great local.
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Have eaten here on Sundays a few times now, and has always been of the highest standard. Beers always in good condition. Even turned up a few weeks ago with some friends on motorbikes, and was made to feel just as welcome as when I visit on a Sunday with my wife and mother.
One of the best pubs in Surrey, but please don't go there or I shall never get a table again.
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Visited on a walk yesterday, wasn't intending to but seeing as I was passing I thought a quick half was in order and am glad I did.
Dorking Brewery DB One and Dry Hop Gold, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Dark Star Hophead, Hammerpot White Wing and Palmers Dorset Gold. Had the Dry Hop Gold which was well kept.
Large beer garden out the back, bare brick walls and wooden tables inside. Seemed a friendly place.
Recommended.
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Nice little proper boozer this. A warm welcome in this tucked-away pub in the rolling Surrey Hills. 4 real ales on offer (GK-IPA, Horsham Best, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, Hepworth Pullman). Log fire. Bar Billiards. Good stuff!
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This is not a bad little pub, I haven't tried the food yet the drink seems ok. only downside that gets me is the gents toilet which is outside and is a bit grotty.
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Visited here in 2008, my pint was off (end of barrel), and my offered Young's came free. Slightly puzzled that the barman sought a local's view to taste my bad pint. All very friendly. Would re-visit.
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This is a truly excellent village pub. The young couple who appear to be running it know what they are doing and are friendly. The varied selection of beers are excellent, personally I have not tried the food but friends tell me it is very good. It is also dog friendly.
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This is indeed a cracking little country pub. Nice people behind the bar. Nice locals in front of the bar. A great place to sit in front of the fire and read the Sunday papers on a Sunday afternoon.
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Lunch stop on a hike: Good old original non-chain pub tucked away in the back street of the village. Open all day. The beer is well kept and they even featured a barrel of Itchen Valley - Godfather real ale on gravity. Excellent variety quality food. Let's keep these disappearing independent local gems!
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Go to this pub once a month after shooting clays and always have a great time. Really friendly atmosphere. A real country pub selling local beers served by great staff. Highly recommended
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Popped in over the weekend. Nice local country pub. Good selection of drinks and wholesome pub food. Well worth a visit!
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Always visit this delightful pub when walking the dog in the Surrey Hills. Its a proper little English Country Pub with a dog and a fire. The helpful bar owner is always welcoming and having eaten there once I would certainly do it again. It is dog and walker friendly. Well worth a visit.
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Cracking local,on a backstreet heading south past the church. Surrey Hills Shere Drop and Triple FFF Stairway to Heaven were on offer. Was looking forward to lunch, but got caught out by the kitchen closing at 2. Another time.
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Superb, unspoilt cosy country pub. Very friendly welcome and excellent range of beer, makes me want to return soon, even though I live 40 miles away.
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Excellent country pub,very friendly staff,food very good & reasonably priced,lovely atmosphere. would definatly return.
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Fabulous food in a proper country inn. Others mention high prices, but for the quality, they are not at all high. Beer is good as well, with the local Surrey Hills brew Shere Drop on sale along with three others.
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Have popped in a few times now. Well tucked away in Holmbury St Mary but well worth finding. Although appears to be a locals pub, the locals are nonetheless friendly as are the management. Good range of ales including Surrey Hills Shere Drop. Food was good based on my experience. One for my 'longlist' of pubs to return to.
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Brilliant pub with good, well kept ales. The friendly managers Vinnie & Hannah remembered us after a couple of visits and have always given us a very warm welcome. Food seems a bit pricy but looks delicous. Definately worth a visit!
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Not the easiest pub to find and don't even think about parking anywhere near at busy times. Largely given over to food but there remains a proper drinking area with an excellent selection of mainly local brews. Not the best pub in the area but then again there is some cracking competition round here. Worth seeking out.
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A very nice country Pub.
Food is very good,a little on the high side in price but plenty of it.
The atmosphere could not be better.
One nice touch is the closing time for food, all the times end with, ie: 9,30ish
Gavin W Newman - 3 Oct 2005 19:06 |
