The village of Cobham in the heart of Surrey has a unique charm that is quintessentially English. A close-knit community supported by modern amenities has made it a firm favourite for families, with independent retail, leisure and entertainment options finding their homes on the cobbled streets in a wonderful mix of elegance and convenience.
With such close proximity to London, there has always been a large commuter contingency that live here while taking care of their business responsibilities in the capital.
The tranquil and calming scenery in Cobham represents a perfect retreat for when the emails and calls are put on silent for the evening and it’s time to relax with family and friends. Of course, this often means taking the opportunity to spend some time in the most English of institutions – the pub. Fortunately for Cobham residents and visitors, this village has more than its fair share of wonderful public houses to while away the night with a drink and perhaps something to eat.
Here is our guide to the very best pubs in Cobham.
The Bear
The Bear has been delighting the good people of Cobham for over 200 years with a warm and welcoming atmosphere that offers a refined drinking experience while being unafraid to have some fun. The cask ales and craft beers that are a necessity for the thinking drinker of the 21st century are joined by some thrilling seasonal cocktail creations such as the warming Picante Margarita and non-alcoholic choices like the Virgin Mary and the Amalfi Spritz. With a rustic and cosy décor, The Bear is everything you want from an English pub. There are also some hearty dining options, and their famous Sunday roast remains a classic with an air of added refinement.
The Old Plough
The Old Plough has the vital ingredient that makes an English pub truly remarkable – a good story. This is a community-owned pub that was brought back to life in 2011 to serve the people of Cobham with great drinks, fresh food and a natural charm, all housed in a 300-year-old listed building. What was once a courthouse that appeared in a Sherlock Holmes story now provides the perfect backdrop that is cool in summer and welcoming in winter. With the RHS Wisley Gardens and the incredible Painshill Park just a stone’s throw away too, it provides the perfect journey’s end for a serene day of sightseeing, with a toast to all Cobham has to offer.
The Cricketers
The Cricketers could confidently claim to be the prettiest pub in Cobham, and maybe even Surrey. This place is all beautiful beams, lavish log fires and comfortable cushions in a stunning location that overlooks the picturesque Downside Common of Cobham. A seasonal a la carte menu can accommodate a hearty appetite while the scenery provides a feast for the eyes, through seasonal dishes such as the 8-hour slow cooked shoulder of Highland venison, served with Grand Veneur sauce, blackberries and mash. Engaging and attentive staff are always on hand to make sure you have all you need, and all in all it becomes rather difficult to leave once you have taken a seat.
The Running Mare
The Running Mare adds another vital ingredient to the perfect pub – a family business with long-running connections to the area. Adrian Bailey has held the licence here for well over 30 years and is now joined by his son, Oliver, as they keep the reins on this iconic Cobham landmark. Real ale enthusiasts are well catered for with classics such as Timothy Taylor’s Landlord and Fuller's range of Cask Ales permanently on tap, with seasonal guest ales ensuring a few surprises for regular patrons. BBQs on the patio make this pub garden the envy of the Home Counties and with Chelsea FC’s training ground just around the corner you may even chance upon a star striker or two.
The Black Swan
With so many establishments understandably trading on the rustic and Old England charm of a traditional pub, The Black Swan in Cobham offers a pleasingly cosmopolitan change of pace. The history of this place has been through a number of evolutions from a real ale pub to a biker-friendly watering hole and now a wonderful mix of inventive English cuisine and modern twists, with the Vegan Wellington available on the Sunday Roast menu as a particular standout. The décor is brighter than most in Cobham with a covered outdoor terrace available to enjoy the fresh air with a modicum of protection from the famously unpredictable English weather. Contemporary and accommodating, The Black Swan is a calling card for 21st Century Cobham.
The Fairmile
The Fairmile on Portsmouth Road in Cobham provides an enchanting glimpse into the history and traditions of English Inns. It takes its name from the level, smooth and roughly mile long piece of road that would welcome coaches and travellers throughout the 17th and 18th centuries as they took a break from journeys to and from London. Today, a similar philosophy remains here with immeasurably more sophisticated fare available for any weary visitor that approaches its doors. These days you can expect to find Lamb Shank Shepherd’s Pie with a delightful Barber’s of Somerset Cheddar crust to enjoy alongside a pint of Shere Drop pale ale from the revered Surrey Hills local brewery. As a rest stop for a little refreshment, it certainly takes some beating.
The pubs of Cobham all connect to serve a community that is built on spending time together in some incredible surroundings with food and drink created from local produce. It offers the chance to raise your glass, or your cutlery, to the fine tradition of socialising in England that relies on the warmth of atmosphere, the embrace of friends & family and an opportunity to really unwind and relax.
