Friday, 31 August 2012

The Cock Inn, Headley 8/10

The Cock Inn in Headley is a traditional old pub which has been modernised.  It has a cosy feel, yet with plenty of space and light areas.  There are plenty of tables by the window, where the afternoon sun shines in allowing you to soak up the warmth while admiring the views over the North Downs.

There is a large carpark, and no garden as such, although there are outdoor seating areas boasting superb views over Box Hill.

The food is reasonable and averagely priced.

This is one of my favourite pubs in Surrey for lunch.

Friday, 27 July 2012

The Home Cottage, Redhill - 7/10

This Surrey pub has been recently refurbished, and it's been completely transformed.  If you haven't been there for a couple of years, it's worth a visit just to see how well it's been updated.

The Home Cottage in Redhill is a Young's pub situated two minutes from Redhill train station. Inside it's stylish and modern, with varied seating styles, from high stools to hidden alcoves to comfy sofas.  It caters well for large groups as well as intimate couples.

There's some outside decking perfect for summer lunchtimes and warm evenings after work.

There's a restaurant which is separate to the pub, and the food is average.  It's best really for drinks, and while prices are steeper than average, you're paying for the location and the stylish interiour.

The Home Cottage doesn't have a car park, and sometimes you have to drive down the road a bit to get a space, which isn't normally much of a problem.

This is one of the best pubs in Redhill for an evening drink with a lively atmosphere.

Saturday, 7 July 2012

The King's Arms, Ockham - 7/10

The King's Arms compares well against most pubs in Surrey.  Apparently it used to be a favourite of Katie Price when she was with Peter Andre.  Whether this is a selling point or bad publicity, you decide!  

While neither modern nor particularly traditional, it's welcoming inside, with a couple of large tables for big groups near the bar, and a few smaller tables at the back boasting plenty of light.  It's not hugely busy like the Parrot in Forest Green, but I found it a welcome change from the regular haunts.

There's a small garden at the back, which overlooks the car park, but is pleasant, and gets the sun until late afternoon.

The Sunday roast is second to no other I've found in Surrey.   Tender meat (I recommend the duck) and out-of-this-world-delicious potatoes.   All served on a hot plate to prevent it going cold - spot on.

On the downside, the pub was understaffed and it took a long time to get served.  Also the beer was cloudy, it may have been a one-off bad barrel.  The staff were too busy to change it and didn't offer  a discount; neverthereless we would come here again.

http://www.thekingsarmsockley.co.uk/index.html

This Surrey pub is a good place to start and finish a country walk.  The garden gets the sun during the day, so if you want to sit out in it, don't leave it until the evening.

The Dolphin, Betchworth - 8.5/10

The Dolphin is a great country pub in Surrey, tucked away in a delightful location, making it feel like a hidden treasure.  It's a traditional pub, which has been recently refurbished, and has a good pub garden which gets the sun.

You'll find The Dolphin located in the perfect spot for walkers and cyclists.  It's one of my favourites for sitting outside on a summer's day, or inside on a dreary day or quiet evening.

Inside The Dolphin it's dark, cosy and traditional, with fires burning in the fireplace in winter.  There are two drinking rooms and a restaurant.  At times the pub is over-crowded with walking groups or locals, but I've often been lucky enough to clinch my preferred spot, which is the table by the window in the back room.

The food is acceptable, and my source recommends the selection of beer.

http://www.dolphinbetchworth.com/home.php

The Dolphin is arguably one of the best pubs in Surrey, and in terms of location for country walks, certainly one of the best country pubs in Surrey.

The Parrot, Forest Green - 8.5/10

Great garden - gets evening sun and overlooks the green
Country pub
Traditional with low ceilings
Menu of roast dinners with meat produced from own farm
Good choice of beer

This pub makes a great day out on a sunny day, for those wanting a hearty meal in the sunshine, combined with a walk.  It's near Leith Hill, but there are other walks in the immediate vacinity.  Also a cosy retreat for a rainy Sunday, the pub has a lovely atmosphere.

http://www.theparrot.co.uk/index.htm

The Black Swan, Ockham - 9/10

Country pub
Large pub garden - ample seating
Recently refurbished
Modern inside

This pub is a real favourite.  It's not quite in south east Surrey, it's nearer to Woking than Reigate, but worth the drive for a day out at the weeeknd if you're looking for a good pub garden.  The garden is also child friendly.

http://www.blackswanockham.com/

The Inn on the Pond, Nutfield - 7/10

Best for a drink outside on a summer's evening - gets the sun until late evening
Overlooks a cricket ground

This pub is very small inside, with only a couple of tables and bar stools for drinkers.  At the back there's a more substantial restaurant.  Most people seem to come here for the garden - it's popular with dog owners.

The food is reasonable but falls short of spectacular.  For economical reasons I often end up eating the fishcakes - well presented if not a little bland. 

This is my favourite haunt for a balmy summer evening because it's close to Reigate, and the sun stays on the garden until it sets.