Surrey’s pub scene has it all. From ancient coaching inns tucked into cobbled courtyards, to refined gastro establishments that are all about championing locally sourced produce for a more haute dining experience, the county’s watering holes still honour traditions of old while embracing a more holistic pub culture.
The resulting collection of premises where oak beams and hop garlands meet miso-glazed cod and craft beer leaves one salivating at the mere thought of taking a trip to a glorious Surrey pub, and wondering when the next chance to visit shall come about. Among the following selections are some of the most memorable places to drink and dine in Surrey, all carefully selected for their character, culinary chops, and undeniable appeal.
The White Horse
Nestled in the cute and quaint village of Hascombe, The White Horse is a 16th-century pub that retains its Tudor-beamed ceilings and roaring fireplace. Under its current ownership, the aesthetic has shifted toward a more fine-dining approach, with refined interiors that blend the aforementioned oak beams with stone floors and leather-seated booths. During the warmer months, diners spill out onto a lush, vine-covered terrace to enjoy the fruits of the kitchen al fresco under the glorious Surrey sunshine.
Seasonal menus showcase dishes that break the mould when it comes to traditional pub cuisine. Pan-seared duck breast with sour cherry jus, saffron risotto with confit fennel and toasted pine nuts, fresh caught fish that arrives daily from the shores of Sussex and meats that are sourced from Goodwood Estate complete the offering. The wine list is extensive, but traditionalists may prefer a pint of a local favourite like Tillingbourne’s Hop Troll on draught. With multiple walking trails in the area to meander around either before or after lunch, The White Horse is a brilliant pitstop for a weekend out in Surrey.
The Stag on the River
This peaceful riverside setting sits just outside Godalming, tucked into a sleepy bend of the River Wey. With its ivy-covered exterior, exposed beams and fireplaces and a herb-lined garden overlooking the water, The Stag on The River perfectly encapsulates the timeless charm of pub gardens in summertime.
The menu leans toward modern British comfort food, such as the slow-cooked lamb shoulder served with wild garlic mash and rosemary jus, while the vegetarian pumpkin and truffle ravioli is delicate, yet satisfying. Locally brewed Hog’s Back beer features heavily on tap, alongside an eclectic wine list that includes English sparkling options from nearby Albury. With rooms available upstairs, The Stag also doubles as a cosy weekend retreat for walkers and food-lovers alike, which is perfect for any visitors wanting to extend their weekend at this idyllic Surrey pub.
The King William IV
Perched dramatically on Button Hill above Mickleham, stopping off at The King William IV is a reward in itself, especially after a long walk on the circuit around Box Hill. Its tiered outdoor terraces offer sweeping views across the Mole Valley, while the warren of intimate rooms with exposed beams, wood-burning stoves and antique furniture makes for a cosy place to retreat during the colder months of the year.
There’s a distinctively laid-back, countryside charm, with dried hops across the bar and a hand-written blackboard menu that changes regularly. Diners might find butterflied guinea fowl with wild mushrooms, or skate wing with brown butter and capers, whilst classic pub staples such as fish and chips, and sausage and mash still take pride of place. A fine selection of local ales, including those from Dorking and Pilgrim Brewery, is the perfect tonic to relieve the ache of tired muscles from exploring the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
The Queen’s Head
A classic village pub in a welcoming spot in the heart of East Clandon, The Queen’s Head is a 16th-century building full of heritage charm with latticed windows, stone fireplaces and antique tables. But the refurbishment has added brighter tones, curated artwork, and a conservatory-style dining room overlooking an immaculate garden. It’s as pleasant as small town pubs get in this corner of the country.
The menu is big on hearty, yet elevated pub fare, with dishes like slow-braised beef bourguignon accompanied with horseradish mash or wild mushroom, tarragon and crème fraîche linguine. The Sunday roast is a local favourite serving generous portions with perfectly puffed Yorkshire puddings. An impressive drinks list features Surrey and Sussex wine producers and there are always four to five well-kept ales on the pump sourced from local breweries.
The Anchor
Located in the village of Ripley, famous throughout the centuries for its coaching house hospitality, The Anchor is a destination in its own right. The building dates back to the 16th century and still wears its past well: exposed Tudor timbering, wonky doorways and low hanging ceilings that patrons still struggle to resist the urge to crouch under, even after years of custom.
Chef-proprietor Mike Wall-Palmer has a background in fine dining, and it shows in a menu that elevates traditional British plates with subtle European influences. Their cider-braised pork cheek with smoked potato purée is a standout, as is the monkfish tail wrapped in prosciutto with roast celeriac. Despite its culinary ambitions, which have seen the establishment recognised by the Michelin guidebook, the pub never loses sight of offering comfort food and serving the local community in the same manner as other properties in the area have over the centuries.
The Victoria
Having undergone a confident relaunch under the Rare Restaurants group (the team behind Gaucho and M), The Victoria in Oxshott has reinvented itself as a modern village pub that blends classical charm with upmarket dining. The building retains its red-brick exterior and bay windows but now houses a beautifully curated interior that broadens its timeless appeal. Recognised by Michelin for offering exceptional cuisine, it is only the second pub in Surrey deemed worthy of such status.
On the plate, the kitchen offers refined British fare with Argentine and European influences. Dry-aged steaks cooked over hot coals, seasonal small plates like burrata with confit heritage tomatoes, or roasted cod with smoked aubergine purée and saffron potatoes are some of the favourites here. Sunday lunch is a popular event for the locals, with truffle cauliflower cheese and house Yorkshire puddings accompanying beautifully roasted meats, whilst the bar offers an expansive selection of wines and cocktails to enjoy either with a meal or in the manicured pub garden.
