Surrey pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Surrey - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

picture of The Ball and Wicket, Heath End

Address: 104, Upper Hale Rd, Heath End, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 0PB
Phone: 01252 735278
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Nearest train stations: Farnham (1.6 miles), Aldershot (1.9 miles), Ash (4.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

the ale in The B&W is perfect. I prefer it to national ales. Well done Gary!
30 Oct 2011 01:31
Gary, I'm happy to let it go, which is why I came to see you, I'm not sure what you're referring to about not being able to trust yourself, and as for sorrow, arrogance and petulance, that is definitely not me, but sometimes everyone says things out of turn when provoked.. and sometimes should apologise

As for the villagers, I assume that you're referring to some of your regulars?
Well, I've seen one or two of them around recently and said hello to them as I have no axe to grind with them what so ever. I have many friends around the village who see me a lot differently to the way that you do... like you, I have strong opinions as do quite a few others on this site.. and as I said, I'm more than happy to let it go
29 Oct 2011 13:05
Vic, I didn’t come to the door for two reasons one I had just got out of the bath and two I couldn’t trust myself. Your sorrow stems from the fact that I exposed you and now all the villagers know what you truly feel about them. I had known for months who scorpiondragon was, I didn’t want to expose you I even threatened to do so if you didn’t calm it down but you are like a petulant child and won’t let it go, you forced my hand to expose you and now you sorry for your actions and the consequences.
As to the matter of the alleged hacking of this site, dream on, the reason I knew it was you was the style of your rants, the arrogance of your views and comments made to other customers that mirrored the comments made here.
Just let it go.
29 Oct 2011 11:52

The George, Croydon

picture of The George, Croydon

Address: 17-21 George St, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1LA
Phone: 020 8649 9077
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Nearest train stations: East Croydon (0.3 miles), West Croydon (0.4 miles), Waddon (0.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

N.B. the Imperial Russian Stout 10.5% is usually found in bottles only, on Friday 9th December 2011 it will be on hanpump, I have seen it on gravity at the odd Festival so this is a very rare event indeed. It will ONLY be served in HALF PINT glasses, common sense really! Mark the head brewer at Dark Star drank the original Courage I.R.S. as a student and a few years ago decided to recreate the hangovers of former years, his version is better to my mind.
4 Dec 2011 08:58
Beers on for the next 2 weeks:
Thornbridge - Jaipur, Kipling, Sequoia, Wild Swan, Brother Rabbit, Lord Marples
Darkstar - Hophead, APA, Festival, Winter Meltdown, Smoked Porter, Imperial Russian Stout @ 10.5% - (IRS will be on sale Friday 9th ONLY)
Surrey Hills - Albury Ruby, Ranmore Ale, Shere Drop
Sambrooke - Powerhouse Porter, Junction Ale
Twickenham - Winter Warmer, Naked Ladies, Sundancer, Winter Cheer
Oakham - JHB
Kelham Island - Pale Rider
Greene King - Abbot Reserve
Plus many Christmas special ales too
2 Dec 2011 09:24
Thornbride beers range from Summer Ale with ginger and sage, Raven, Lord Marples, Kipling, Jaipur, Wild Swan, Chiron, Seaforth.
Oakham beer range from Black Hole Porter, Inferno, Tranquility, Bishops Farewell, JHB, CITRA
Darkstar beers range from Hophead, APA, Festival, Hylder Blonde, IPA

All on Saturday 24th Sept
24 Sep 2011 01:10

The Dolphin, Betchworth

picture of The Dolphin, Betchworth

Address: The Street, Betchworth, Surrey, RH3 7DW
Phone: 01737 842288
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Nearest train stations: Betchworth (1.1 miles), Dorking Deepdene (2.7 miles), Dorking (2.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Avoid the lunchtime sandwiches. They have a nerve charging £4.50 for a couple of meagre slices of cheap supermarket bread.

Incidentally, no sign of the brawling drunken louts referred to in other reviews. It was all very peaceful. A bit disappointing after all we'd read, but one member of staff was sporting a black eye!
14 Jan 2012 19:21
Agency staff, or otherwise - who really cares? The fact is the staff are fairly mediocre and it is a wonder how Angela Peat (inept, clearly) got such a fine pub, with so much potential, from Youngs. Beer and food are acceptable and a bit over-priced, but no big deal. But to allow, for a long time, a tribe of foul-mouthed idiots free reign is idiotic. Never have I heard one word of vague admonishment! It just doesn't happen in the Red Lion, Royal Oak or Seven Stars (where we now drink).
14 Jan 2012 18:29
'Stupid comments' says villagedrinker! But accurate ones, as agency staff are a feature of this pub from time to time. However, the pub's main problems lie in a poor management and an odd tolerance of loutish behaviour - mainly during the day.
14 Jan 2012 10:02

The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate

picture of The Surrey Oaks, Newdigate

Address: Parkgate Road, Newdigate, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 5DZ
Phone: 01306 631200
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Nearest train stations: Holmwood (2 miles), Ockley (3.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

A great pub serving really good and interesting beer. Recently a number of great porters and stouts have been served, along with an ever changing number of guest beers. The Surrey Hills Ranmore (a regular beer) is just brilliant. I can also recommend the food. No, this is not the landlord writing this, just a very grateful local.
23 Dec 2011 22:55
Beginning to think that you just can't trust anything on beerintheevening anymore. This pub was thriving on the first Friday in December; complete with a fully decorated indoor Christmas Tree. Guess what? It has a loyal following of locals and if you try to chat to them, you might be surprised... they will talk back! A great pub, selling great real ale and if you want to eat here as well, the food is great too. For me... the perfect pub 8-)
2 Dec 2011 21:35
Laugh says 'I wish I could turn away £60 rounds' - then complains that the money was in the till first! 'Gentlemen' please avoid Newdigate (even on your way to Benidorm with your wives, via Gatwick!) - and google this pub's status/awards/charity functions etc. Did you notice the little animal farm at the back of the pub car park - or were you and your ladies in a charabang, again?
14 Sep 2011 23:23

The Jolly Coopers, Epsom

picture of The Jolly Coopers, Epsom

Address: 80-81 Wheelers Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7SD
Phone: 01372 723222
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Nearest train stations: Epsom (0.7 miles), Ashtead (1.5 miles), Ewell West (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Had a pint of Tillingbourne ale the other day and it was awfull maybe a bad day.
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.
14 Dec 2011 09:26
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.
13 Dec 2011 19:57

Bar Med, Guildford

picture of Bar Med, Guildford

Address: 13-15 Bridge Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RY
Phone: 01483 301440
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Nearest train stations: Guildford (0.1 miles), London Road - Guildford (0.6 miles), Shalford (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Have been in here a few times now it's allways clean with great cheap food offers and cheap drinks and also great for sports as it has multiple screens would highly recomend
29 Jun 2011 10:54
Having recently ditched my local I decided to pop into Bar Med last week to watch the Champions League final, and unlike 1 or 2 reviewers below I wasn't at all disappointed. The place was very busy but the staff were all still friendly and the food was filling and reasonably priced. Nice to see Heineken being served at under £3.00 a pint as well. Although the place is arguably not be for the upper class six figure salary 'Chap', the atmosphere for the football was very good indeed. If you like football or reasonably priced beer/food and want a pub with a bit of atmosphere you'll love the place.

(Please note: I am not a Student, or Old, or an employee of this pub)
6 Jun 2011 02:54
I recently moved to Guildford for work and wanted to see what was around town, after reading the reviews on here i decided on a couple of places to visit and some that I would not.

Last weekend some friends came down to see my new flat and we decide to go out. On our way into town from the station Bar Med was one of the first places we came too. I had been put off by the reviews but they looked as if they had recently had a refurb and so we thought we would try it out!

The food was really good; I had the lasagne and couldn’t fault it! My friends had various other things including a burger, which looked really yummy! The bar staff were friendly and the place as a whole had a really good atmosphere. After we finished our food we decided to stay for a couple of drinks as the place had picked up and there was a DJ.

After this experience we will all be returning!

I guess it goes to show you have to make your own mind up and not listen to everything people post on here!
26 May 2011 16:32

The Crown, Egham

picture of The Crown, Egham

Address: 38 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9DP
Phone: 01784 432608
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Nearest train stations: Egham (0.1 miles), Wraysbury (2 miles), Staines (2.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Reading the comment by atthebar really makes you want to use this place.
NOT.
With locals like this (sad git) best avoid.
No rating given.
16 Oct 2011 12:02
Decent pub - standard mass pub food but that's what I expected so no complaints. Plenty of choice in terms of ales although have seen drip tray remnants being poured into glasses. Also a couple of cloudy pints. All in all a decent pub, however locals can sometimes be a little bit cocky/irritating/loud/intimidating/smelly (all of these apply at different times). Lunchtimes are better when the suits are in.
15 Oct 2011 17:12
Nice Pub, nice referb, just don;t drop you wallet outside, or it might turn up in a waste bin in HAYLING ISLAND !!!
Its a surprise when the police phone you up and your wallet's been found a couple of days later !!! in HAYLING ISLAND !!!

I wonder if anyone who works in the pub, or their Girlfriend, has relatives in HAYLING ISLAND !!!
What a co incidence that would be eh !!!
28 Jul 2011 19:31

The Home Cottage, Redhill

picture of The Home Cottage, Redhill

Address: Redstone Hill, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4AW
Phone: 01737 762771
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Nearest train stations: Redhill (0.1 miles), Earlswood - Surrey (0.8 miles), Nutfield (1.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I visited yesterday for the first time since the place was done out and can't say that I was over impressed! Really not sure what The Home Cottage is trying to be - it isn't a resteraunt (despite the extension trying to look like one) and the "pub" part is so oddly decorated/furnished it looks more like Granny's front parlour than a pub!

Only Youngs' Special and Wells Bombadier on offer with all the other pump clips turned around. Quality was fine and the "pints" topped up without comment. Food menu looked expensive to me and not especially exciting if the place is trying to be more up market.
18 Nov 2011 09:09
I used to go to the Home Cottage for a couple of pints on a regular basis and definitely miss what it once was - a simple boozer that served up a fairly decent pint. I went there last week for a family dinner and left somewhat disappointed. We had made a reservation via the pub's website but the waitress had no record of it. She walked off to the far end of the restaurant without telling us she was showing us to our table - very odd!
The food was very average - but for the price it should have been good.How come Gordon Ramsay can offer up a brilliant two-course meal in Central London for under twenty quid yet a pub in Deadhill, Surrey, can't match it?
Good points? Friendly waiting staff. Er....that's it.
The worst thing about it? The shaven head barman who was in a foul mood for some reason and managed to serve me a pint of bitter, a half pint of diet coke and a bottle of wine WITHOUT SAYING A SINGLE WORD!!! Total tosser who doesn't deserve the job.
18 Nov 2011 00:40
Unfortunately had a disappointing time at the Home Cottage. I would say I had a similar experience to the post from August 1st. For us, 3 out of 4 people were not happy. I would say the quality of the food was decent enough but the value for money simply isn't there. For example, the pie came with a handful of green beans. Why couldn't they just throw in some potatoes at least which are hardly expensive to boil up? Instead we had to ask for some bread to compensate (and we are not particularly big eaters by the way). Of the four dishes the best was the Seabass and the worst was the Vegetable Wellington. It's a shame because the staff were very helpful and I like the interior but it's definitely overpriced for what it is.
18 Oct 2011 19:28

The Star, Dorking

picture of The Star, Dorking

Address: 36, West St, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BU
Phone: 01306 889734
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Nearest train stations: Dorking West (0.3 miles), Dorking Deepdene (0.7 miles), Dorking (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Elfhelp, sorry about your elfin friend. As a regular does she like the pub or is it just the closest? Hope all goes well for her in hospital.
31 Oct 2011 13:48
So don't go mandraker, this is not a difficult concept is it? In my experience Croydon is no different to anywhere else in the southeast.....Except parts of Kent!
This is a good pub!
31 Oct 2011 13:43
Stonecoat thinks that the customers are odd and that when we bring our KFC's, kebabs and fish and chips into The Star - we should clean things up ourselves. I do not agree. Let those who work there do it...like my mum does at home. My mate, a regular here, is in hospital; she has curviture of the spine (its a VERY small pub) - even though she is also an elf.....
27 Oct 2011 22:45

Half and Half, Croydon

picture of Half and Half, Croydon

Address: 282 High Street, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1NG
Phone: 02087260080
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Nearest train stations: South Croydon (0.5 miles), East Croydon (0.6 miles), Waddon (0.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Great little pub. Decent reasonably priced drinks, friendly and efficient staff, clean toilets and non-offensive music. Has a bit of character also which sets it apart from the raft of generic venues nearby. Worth the journey to South Croydon
11 Dec 2011 20:33
Sad to see such average reviews of this bar, when it is something different from the usual that is on offer in croydon. Have been here many a time, staff are always friendly and attentive and the drinks are always of good quality. There seems to be something for every one whatever you drink.

I know they do some great deals and even cashed in on their august ale offer of 'buy 2 pints and get a half pint free'

shame this local independant bar cant get more local support from its customers or maybe they are happy to see its demise, which i think would be a very sad sight for south Croydon
8 Aug 2011 14:27
Where is the slerpy PR?

In here today. Atmosphere - nil; Beer - just about ok; Service - stunted; Customers - 1; Prognosis - death.
3 Aug 2011 22:23

The Sportsman 'Time Well Spent', Mogador

picture of The Sportsman 'Time Well Spent', Mogador

Address: Mogador Road, Mogador, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7ES
Phone: 01737 246655
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Nearest train stations: Reigate (1.9 miles), Tadworth (2.1 miles), Betchworth (2.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I usually like the Sportsman too and so do my family and dogs! But afraid to say they did seemed pushed to cope over the Christmas and New Year Holiday.
Certainly won't stop us drinking here but will probably avoid visiting during busier holiday celebrations in the future.
6 Jan 2012 17:43
I am amazed to read negative reports on The Sportsman. When Marc took the Pub over everyone in the Village r was delighted. He not only improved the eating facilities but also the toilets and general appearance. If it had not been taken over by Marc - we would not have a pub called the Sportsman in Mogador. I, like 90% of the customers have been coming to Mogador Heath for many years - walking my dogs and ending up at The Sportsman for either a good cup of Coffee or something a little stronger. The Staff are friendly, clean and tidy and i wish them all the very best for the New Year.
5 Jan 2012 13:29
Hi
I visited this pub over the Christmas period after stumbling upon it following a walk. I found the outside charming and it had parking although it seemed a little chaotic at the time i went.
After waiting at the bar for drinks for some time i was abrubtly served by a bar maid and was given no apology for my wait.
I took my seat at a table with my family and whilst the food was average and could have been hotter sat back and enjoyed catching up with relatives.
The plates took a while to be collected and the staff waiting on our table seemed rushed and abrupt and i felt didnt really acknowledge us very well.
I have looked at the web site for the sportsmanand would have to say it wasn't time well spent sadly.
I'll be sticking to The Ramblers Rest down on outwood lane on the way to Kingswood for which is so much more welcoming and isnt too far from the sportsman.
4 Jan 2012 19:15

The Bulls Head, Ewhurst

picture of The Bulls Head, Ewhurst

Address: The Street, Ewhurst, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 7QD
Phone: 01483 277447
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Nearest train station: Gomshall (4.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

This pub was fully booked for Christmas day so it can't be that bad. Everyone has a right to there own narrow minded bigoted opinion. Perhaps others should try before believing everything they read. Wishing every patron a very Happy New Year.
27 Dec 2011 21:54
Had a beer here today. Beer was not that good and atmosphere quite "cold".
Do hope it gets better since it is a pub with a nice summer garden and good location. Looking at some previous posts it seems that I am not alone in my view. Also I can say that I am not a "regulart" or a "former" regular. I just post as I find.
23 Dec 2011 22:23
Had dinner here on a Saturday evening and the food impressed (in particular they'd done the roasted pork belly very well indeed). They also had 3 ales on, the staff were very friendly and the open log fire was a treat. My only criticism is that some of the interior looks a bit tired, but I'd certainly happily return.
8 Nov 2011 07:59

The Sun Inn, Dunsfold

picture of The Sun Inn, Dunsfold

Address: The Common, Dunsfold, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4LE
Phone: 01483 200242
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Nearest train station: Witley (4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

We visited this lovely old fashioned pub on Sunday for a friend's birthday as a group of 14. As soon as we arrived we were made to feel welcome and the staff were all friendly and helpful. Several good ales on hand pumps and a lovely homely bar with lots of old beams and hops hanging from the ceiling. We had the restaurant to ourselves as we were a big group and were impressed with the good quality food (roasts, proper pub grub and very reasonably priced sandwiches and ploughmans) which was served promptly by friendly waiters and waitresses. Overall a really nice day out and we will definitely visit again, especially in the summer to make use of the picnic tables at the front of the pub on the green. If you're looking for a proper village pub then look no further - one of a dying breed. 10/10
3 Jan 2012 21:19
As a former Landlord of The Sun Inn and a resident of Dunsfold for many years, I am full of admiration for the existing owners for figting on through these difficult times. It would be a disaster for the village if the pub was ever to close and I wish Chris and Yvonne well in their discussions with Punch Taverns (who are not on my Christmas card list!)
5 Sep 2011 18:13
As a keen walker, I have tried many a pub lunch in a number of pubs in Surrey over the past 6 years. The disappointing thing is that I have seen a number of these 'made over' to gastro pubs/restaurants which normally results in a deterioration in atmosphere and an uninspired menu. Not so with the Sun at Dunsfold. It maintains it's character and good homemade pub grub. The staff are friendly and always provide a warm welcome. Please don't ruin yet another of our local pubs.
30 Aug 2011 17:30

The Sun, Redhill

picture of The Sun, Redhill

Address: 17-21 London Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1LY
Phone: 01737 766886
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Nearest train stations: Redhill (0.1 miles), Earlswood - Surrey (1 mile), Reigate (1.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Yes, service (or lack therof) is still the problem. Now made worse by off-duty staff being served first by those on duty - slowly, because of the mandatory banter. At peak evening time: Not good enough really.
28 Oct 2011 10:42
This barn-like former Magnet & Southern outlet is in an ideal JDW location with a station (bus and train), McDonalds, supermarket, betting shop, dole office - all nearby. But, standards are low in terms of staff/service and hygiene.
Improvements are urgently needed for the Sun to achieve its potential. A 4ish rating is correct.
26 Oct 2011 16:16
Even the dyed blond barman has improved, albeit from a low base! Charity events and music are now featured and the place has a better feel to it. With zero local competition (one recently had its opening hours cut and another was the subject of police activity - all on the local paper), The Sun still has room to improve its business levels - and service quality/speed.
21 Oct 2011 15:06

The Cock and Bull, Sutton

picture of The Cock and Bull, Sutton

Address: 26 High St, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1HF
Phone: 020 86529910
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Nearest train stations: Sutton (0.2 miles), West Sutton (0.8 miles), Carshalton Beeches (1.1 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

What an amzing pub this has become! Very pleasantly surprised by how well it's kept - looks as good as new and by far the best pub in Sutton. I had the Hobgoblin then the London Porter on draught (never seen that before, anywhere!) and both were kept brilliantly. My wife had three different red wines and loved them all. Meals served with smiley and helpful staff, Pie was delicious, Pork Belly even more so and served promptly. Chatted to landlord and landlady - both chatty, genuine and helpful. Haven't been here in years due to leaving area but I'd make a point of coming back, if not just for the table football! Top marks all round!
27 Oct 2011 16:24
Have just read some of the previous reviews an I just don't undestand. This is one of the if not the best pub in the area. I have often been here and got a lovely friendly welcome from both the managers and the staff. The food and drinks are always top quality, and to top it all they are always doing something different and interesting. Keep up the good work
19 Oct 2011 11:34
This place and All Bar One are forever packed out, I love their Honeydew and warm welcome everytime. It's unfortunate that racists are allowed on this website but that's freedom of speech I suppose. A lovely pub with great very friendly staff no matter where they are from...
14 Oct 2011 20:56

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