From sun drenched green spaces to riverside patios, Victoria Chapman goes in search of the best pub beer gardens in Surrey and SW London
Summer is nigh – days get longer, the weather gets better, and naturally that's all the justification we need to go out, drink and be merry.
As soon as the temperature rises and the sun peaks through the thick cloud which normally resides over England all-year round, we Brits instinctively gather our friends and family, run to the nearest beer garden and down a cider or two quicker than you can say 'Kopparberg'.
It's a definitively British obsession with beer gardens during the season we refer to as 'summer' (commonly known to be the three days during the month of July where there's no rain and, heaven forbid, we actually have a few rays in the sky before the winter weather ensues the following week)
With that in mind, we may as well make the most of the sun while it lasts, right?
I have spent many an afternoon researching (drinking) the best beer gardens in Surrey and SW London, compiling them in to a list of the top 50 – you can thank me later.
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Botley Hill Farmhouse
If you're a lover of locally sourced beer and sunset dinners (who isn't) then Botley Hill Farmhouse is for you. Situated at the highest point of the North Downs, the beer garden overlooks stunning landscapes while you enjoy a drink or two.
Dogwalkers, dogs, cyclists, children – everyone is welcome at Botley Hill. So whether you're a family looking for a Sunday Roast outside with the kids entertained, or you're looking to grab a quick bite before venturing off to explore the Surrey countryside, this pub and its picturesque surroundings are glorious throughout those warm (fingers crossed!) summer months.
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The Wiremill
The stunning views from the lakeside terrace, the unique tapas menu and quaint afternoon tea truly makes this pub and its charming landscape a hidden treasure. If you're looking for somewhere to drink and eat overlooking a splendid view, embracing nature in its true form, then look no further. The 15th Century mill that the pub sits inside of includes six boutique bedrooms so why not make a weekend of it!
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The Leather Bottle
With freshly decorated shepherd shacks, newly refurbished beach huts, new wine and summer menus as well as a 'Burger Shack' in the garden Friday to Sunday, The Leather Bottle is a perfect example of a beer garden done properly.
Even just looking at this photo makes me feel all summery, awaking a strong desire to grab some cold ciders out in the sun with friends – the picture speaks for itself, need I say more?
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4
The Brickmakers
With an elegant bar and refined outdoor space, The Brickmakers Pub offers a classy atmosphere where you can enjoy an eclectic variety of wine and champagne, or, if you're the nominated driver, a fine array of labelled teas and coffees to quench your thirst responsibly.
Whether you're there for a pint or a full three-course meal, the garden and its furniture blend a traditional pub garden experience with a more modern environment.
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The Avalon
The Avalon is the definition of gorgeous. From its stunning living wall to its beanbags and decking area, it's classy with some tasteful splashes of colour.
The decking proves to be a charming, secluded haven to enjoy a beer under the glorious sunshine in the summer with family and friends, where you can chill out on the beanbags during lazy Sundays after you've eaten too much roast dinner (we all do it!).
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The Prince
14 Lillie Rd, West Brompton Crossing, Kensington, SW6 1TT
The Prince broadly boasts the largest pub garden in London. The colourful decor gives the place character like I've never experienced before. It's the perfect place for anyone to go – kids, friends, family, a loved one, everyone will enjoy The Prince.
They screen live sports in this pub and the weather doesn't matter – with its clear and retractable roofing, it keeps the sun in and the rain out so you can enjoy a pint with friends or watch the game, come rain or shine.
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The Ivy Chelsea Garden
It's classy, it's luxurious, so it's naturally everything you would expect from a Chelsea restaurant. Now I know this isn't technically a 'pub beer garden', but I absolutely had to add it to my list (look at the place – can you really blame me?)
The picture really does speak for itself in showing the restaurant's elegance and sophistication; it's stunning from the moment you walk through the door, all the way through to its charming garden. Whether you're out with your family and want to go somewhere a bit 'nicer' than usual, or you're just shopping in local boutiques with friends, this venue is an absolute must if you're in the area.
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8
The Magic Garden
This pub makes me want to grab a mini skirt, throw some flowers in my hair and get my hippie on – I'd honestly struggle to find a reason not to go here.
With a fairy-lit garden, comfy sofas sheltered under a tarpaulin, this pub creates a fun peace and love festival vibe to enjoy bar snacks and drinks in. They even have hot water bottles and blankets for when it gets nippy. It's the perfect blend of cosy and comfortable, with eccentric and unique touches galore.
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The Eagle
With fairy-lit trees, and benches under electrical heaters to keep you warm at night, this garden always proves an atmospheric visit. The garden includes a Burger Shack where people can have meaty (or veggie) magnificence cooked right in front of them, whilst relaxing with a cold beer in the garden. If a burger's not for you, they also offer a garden picnic menu to enjoy alongside their lunch and dinner menus too.
The shabby chic interior provides a comfortable, homely experience for you to enjoy meals in the restaurant, live sports footage throughout the year and quiz nights during the month.
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The Duke of Cambridge
Imported from Château Carbonneau in Bordeaux, The Duke of Cambridge offers an array of crafted wines from their family-run vineyard, with fresh meat and vegetables sourced and delivered by local, British farmers. There's a large patio, garden, heated barn and kid's playground, along with extra perks to create your own unique pub experience – reward cards, willow weaving workshops out in the garden and, my personal favourite, 'Gin Wednesdays'.
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The Grove
Being a stone's throw away from the River Thames is not the only advantage to this pub. The Grove delights its visitors with a patio area, but more excitingly, a 'secret' garden surrounded by greenery, providing a fashionable alternative for those of you who may prefer a more intimate, less traditional beer garden experience. There's also a 'secret DJ app' where you can add your favourite songs to the live digital jukebox in the pub.
The garden is serviced by its own outside bar, so no more designated drink collector having to traipse back inside and queue for ages to get drinks for their friends (if that's usually you, I feel your pain).
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County Arms
The County Arms is a historic Victorian building which welcomes families and children. With a 'Kid's Table' every Sunday 12-5, you can enjoy a relaxing, restful Sunday lunch while they keep the kids entertained. With a large garden full of tables and umbrellas, you can enjoy a cold glass of Rosé in the shade or a pint of lager out in the sunshine during the summer.
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The Green Man
The Green Man's interior is well-furnished and charming, but the main focus is its magnificent garden: there's table-tennis; secluded booths; and large glass tables for big groups underneath the trees. Table-tennis not for you? The pub also has frequent games events taking place throughout the month including a quiz and Scrabble night.
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The Pheasant
Re-named 'The Pheasant' in reference to the Earl of Arundel complaining about pheasant shootings on his estate in the 16th Century, this delightful, historical pub sits on the edge of Tap Woods in Buckland. Immersing you in a rural, traditional pub setting, The Pheasant offers a large garden with stunning views of Surrey's countryside. They also host annual gin festivals several times a year during the summer, including hog roasts, hay bales and live music to truly provide you with a unique pub experience.
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The Castle
The Castle really is at the heart of hustle and bustle on Tooting high street. With eight seated huts adding splashes of colour to the garden, they're also very comfortable and convenient places to eat and drink, should you want to be a bit more seclusion from the busy crowds that gather in the beer garden.
The pub offers an array of real ales, craft beers and cocktails, or if you're feeling hungry, there's a Burger Shack outside in the garden to serve you the freshest, most mouth-watering burgers alongside lunch and dinner menus. It's always busy here, so be ready for a fun and sociable experience.
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The Malt House
The Malt House is an eighteenth century pub that has been renovated into what is now a modern, quirky place for chilled, relaxed lunches in the afternoon or energetic evenings as the pub gets busier.
With a wonderfully furnished garden, the flowers and lemon trees make a charming backdrop for a casual lunch out in the sunshine, and with decorative fairy lights, it also proves an atmospheric space for evening drinks and catch-ups with friends over cocktails.
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The Metro Garden
This shabby chic restaurant is a hidden gem, though well known amongst Clapham locals. Its rustic 'secret' garden overlooks the St Mary's Church stained glass windows, and with comfy sofas, surrounded by twinkling lights, it's the perfect combination of cosy and beautiful to settle in for the afternoon and drink through into warm summer evenings.
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The Hand in Hand
Got a dog? This one's for all you pooch-lovers out there! Situated on the edge of Wimbledon Common, you can let your dog(s) have a run around on the green before retreating back to The Hand in Hand for not only impeccable food for you owners, but equally delicious dog biscuits for your furry friends.
Dog owner or not, this bakery-turned-pub's historical, unconventional nature is refreshing and unique. You can also join them for a summer of sport where you can enjoy live World Cup and Wimbledon Championship coverage.
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The Mill
Farnham Road, Elstead, GU8 6LESituated right in the heart of Surrey, overlooking the River Wey, The Mill is the embodiment of Surrey's beauty. The pub functioned as a corn mill until the late 18th Century, until it was repurposed for using braids for military uniforms in the 19th Century. The Mill is truly full of history and character surrounded by astounding landscapes, so as an established combining history with beauty, this is a solid recommendation.
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The Falcon
Based right in the heart of Clapham, The Falcon is great for having a relaxed meal or casual drink over a game of Scrabble or while listening to live artists perform on the weekends.
They're a family-friendly pub, welcoming anyone who's looking for a lazy family lunch, especially out in the sunshine during the summer. Complete with booths and benches to enjoy the warm summer weather, the pub's beer garden is a rare treat for an area so close to London.
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The Hand and Spear
If you're looking for something a little different, this is for you. Recently refurbished and family friendly: The Hand and Spear is full of character and charisma, beautiful inside and out, whilst providing the highest quality of fresh food and crafted cocktails.
Situated close to the main train station whilst hidden away behind trees, the pub proves to be a perfect combination of convenience whilst also being a peaceful retreat for its visitors. The splashes of colour both outside and in its 12 boutique bedrooms will make you fall in love with this quirky establishment that you'll never want to leave.
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22
Ye Olde Swan
Situated on the Thames, Ye Olde Swan's riverside terrace is a perfect space to relax on a summer's afternoon in the sunshine with a cold cider. The pub has recently launched some new dishes, my personal recommendation being the avocado and chorizo chicken burger (it really is as delicious as it sounds!)
This historical pub keeps its aesthetic fresh with exciting, new additions to its menu and modern furniture inside and out, whilst retaining its traditional, historical feel as soon as you step through its doors.
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The Queen's Head
The Queen's Head is the perfect, family friendly, traditional pub we all know and love. With disabled access throughout the pub, baby-changing facilities and free WiFi available, the pub has many amenities to make your experience more comfortable and relaxing.
From its quirky, unique interior to its spacious garden, there's no surprise its a favourite with the locals. Whether you want to relax in one of the wooden huts with friends or chill out on the patio while your children play in the play area, this pub has got something for everyone.
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Drayton Court Hotel
The Drayton Court Hotel pub features a wonderfully designed beer garden with booths, benches and little tables tucked away for you to eat in a secluded environment amongst the greenery.
With many little spots across the garden for you to enjoy lazy summer afternoons and warm evenings, whether you're a large family of 10 or you've just come with a friend, there's plenty of space for you to choose from to drink and eat your way through sunny afternoons.
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The Fox and Hounds
Englefield Green is a small Surrey village where The Fox and Hounds is situated, acting as the perfect rural retreat from the big smoke. Just a short drive from Windsor walk which spoils you with stunning views of Windsor Castle and its idyllic surroundings.
With wine tasting evenings, coffee mornings and a gorgeous, rustic garden to enjoy them in, it's the traditional, countryside pub we all know and love.
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Red Bar and Lounge
The Red Bar and Lounge is a classy bar and restaurant with a beautifully furnished garden, bound to provide you with a comfortable environment to enjoy your food and drink, while relaxing on their sofas and catching some rays.
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The Red Lion
If you're a lover of leafy, green beer gardens, this one's for you. The Red Lion's extensive beer garden is equipped with heaters in case the English weather (unsurprisingly) takes a turn for the worse. Surrounded by trees and flowers that blossom beautifully in the spring, it's a space where you can have a casual, lazy lunch whilst in a charming atmosphere.
There's also a barn to dine in for lunch or dinner, which is great if you're a large family. Live sports footage is also shown both in the bar and the barn so whether you're there to take the kids out or to watch the football with friends, this pub will deliver.
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Great Fosters
The Great Fosters is a Grade 1 listed hotel in Egham, just a short walk from Thorpe. Although not a pub, the hotel provides seating outside its restaurant which overlooks the stunning views over the Tudor gardens which they have continued to restore and maintain.
If you're ever in the area, this is a must-go-to, and you can be spoiled with an afternoon tea or a pint and Sunday roast ater exploring the maze of gardens which surround the building.
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The Barley Mow
The Barley Mow is a traditional pub situated in Epsom - a dog and family-friendly place boasting a gorgeous, large beer garden at the rear. They offer live music and sport so whether you want to come down with your mates, have a few pints and watch the football or you want to take your kids out for a lunch out in the sunshine during the summer, this pub suits and welcomes everyone.
There's also a fruit machine (if you're feeling lucky) and garden games for the kids, or if you've had a few too many to drink, adults too!
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The Marlborough
Situated on Richmond Hill, The Marlborough's outside alfresco dining experience is perfect when the sun is shining down on the hill. With a large beer garden and plenty of seating to choose from, the pub's outside area will always be enjoyable, whether you're there for a glass of wine in the sunshine of full table service if you're feeling hungry.
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Kinghams
This charming restaurant can be found in the small village of Shere in the Surrey Hills. Kinghams' small, cosy garden provides its visitors with a secluded haven for them to relax with family and friends, and with a heated gazebo, everyone can still enjoy the beauty of the garden while they eat and drink come rain, or shine.
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The Anchor
The Anchor's riverside terrace overlooks the River Wey, only a short distance from Surrey's infamous flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society. From drinking its quirky 'colourful coffee' to walking/cycling down the canal, The Anchor's cosy and comforting appeal in its convenient, yet equally stunning location makes this pub a true gem.
Whether you're travelling to Mercedes Benz World or to Hampton Court, this pub marks the perfect spot to spend the afternoon eating lunch and quenching your thirst in the glorious sunshine, before continuing the day with friends or family. If you're a lover of the classic, traditional, old-style pubs, with lots to do after and before, The Anchor is for you.
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The Ash Tree
What's great about the Ash Tree is that during the (hopefully) hot summer months, the pub opens its door to its leafy exterior garden where people can easily mingle and move in and out of the pub, and with a snooker table inside, it's a really sociable place.
It's family-friendly, so everyone is welcome and that's definitely the atmosphere of the pub when you're in there. On a side note - they do the best chocolate cake with liquid chocolate that oozes out of the centre (I saved the best point till last, right?)
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The Swan Inn
The Swan Inn's elegance and class continues through into its three-tiered terrace garden immersed in greenery. Named the best pub in Surrey, you can enjoy exquisite food and stay for the night in one of their beautifully decorated rooms they have on offer.
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The Beehive
One of Feltham's finest pubs, The Beehive is a great choice all-year round but when the sun comes out as we enter the summer months, that's when this pub really shines (excuse the pun.)
With its alfresco dining area outside, you can enjoy their eclectic array of ales and lagers, alongside their unique menu of Thai cuisine during the week. If Asian food is not up your street however, they return to British food on a Sunday with a traditional pub favourite of roast dinner.
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The Cricketers
The Cricketers' reviews are consistently high and it's hardly surprising - it's dog and family friendly with biscuits and water for your four-legged companions in the garden, an outdoor play area for the kids, as well as disabled access and baby-changing facilities.
There's Jazz on Monday's and quizzes on alternate Tuesdays. The outdoor bar opens during summer, serving beer, wine and ice cream (I'm already sold.) Ice cream in the sun or an evening dinner, you'll love this traditional pub.
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The Wheatsheaf Hotel
Located near Windsor Great Park, this 17th Century hotel pub is surrounded by the Surrey countryside, overlooking Virginia Water Lake (For any walkers - the landscape is stunning)
The pub offers a tiered garden, creating a secluded environment where each tier is divided by greenery, separating the tables from each other, forming a peaceful, rural haven. They also have a British Summer Festival menu to expand your dietary choices even further. Whether it's after a family walk around Virginia Lake or you just fancy a meal out with friends, The Wheatsheaf Hotel offers both the service and the idyllic setting for a perfect summery day out.
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The Express Tavern
Personally I'm a lover of traditional, simple pub food and the Express Tavern certainly delivers - they keep it traditional with their menu with classic burgers, BBQ ribs, Sunday Roasts (basically standard pub grub - simple classics are often the best.)
Right next to Kew Gardens, this place is the perfect, well-deserved pit stop after a long day exploring.
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The Guildford Arms
The Guildford Arms's was voted runner up for Time Out's 'Most Loved Pub' in Greenwich and you can see why. With a sunken garden and its picnic benches immersed in the greenery, it proves to be a secluded sanctuary of peace and relaxation. If the garden isn't for you, there's also a terrace which overlooks the garden to drink and bask in the sunshine.
Wherever you're sat, this 3-storey Georgian pub will prove a delight to any and all of its visitors.
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The Phoenix
From the outside and inside, this looks like a standard pub, but if you wander through the back door, there's a colourful beer garden at the back, with swings, haystacks and cushions to sit on. It's unique and cosy, anything but average, and will add a splash of colour and originality to your food and drinks in the summer.
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Rogues Bar
This over 25s bar really has it all; despite not being a pub, it actually has the largest and arguably best beer garden in Guildford, so naturally I had to include this in my list. With a patio and sheltered patio area, accustomed with additional seating and heaters for the evenings, a marquee with oversized, comfy sofas inside, all accompanied by a large garden decked out with deckchairs (excuse the pun.)
At night, it's full of people drinking and chatting, surrounded by colourful fairy-lights and a great atmosphere, so whether you're there for quiz night or a catch up with friends, you're always guaranteed a worth-while trip to Rogues Bar.
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The Three Horseshoes
The Three Horseshoes proudly boasts its traditional, old-fashioned aesthetic displayed within its walls. They're determined to fight the trend of large and bright pubs, aiming to provide a place to relax and hide in dark corners, so if you're one snuggling into a sofa at the back of a pub, this pub is perfect. There's also a wood-panelled Snug Bar, where you can chill out and get some peace and quiet while enjoying a pint or two.
Every third Thursday the pub welcome the Acoustic Collective to perform, inviting anyone who's musical to join in, and if the kids get bored, there's colouring books and games available as well as kid's television upon request.
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The Wheatsheaf
The Wheatsheaf is classy, yet full of character. The interior includes stained glass windows, decorated cushions and numerous paintings covering its walls. With a pub beer garden at the front, and the bar offering cask beers, as well as alfresco dining, its food and drink can be enjoyed in the warm sunshine or in the beautifully designed restaurant inside (whatever takes your fancy!)
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The Running Horse
The Running Horse is over 600 years old, its situated in Leatherhead and is another of Surrey's charming, historical pubs. Rumour has it Elizabeth I once spent a night here when a flood prevented her from crossing the River Mole.
Whether you're looking for a post-walk pint or a cosy meal, you'll love the pub's history and its character will allow you to have a thoroughly enjoyable, traditional pub experience.
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The Wotton Hatch
Based in the market town of Dorking, the pub is surrounded by many stunning spots to enjoy the Surrey countryside; there's also an open-air shopping centre, cinema and theatre complex for you to enjoy before settling down in the pub garden to make the most of the warm weather.
Whilst being a traditional English pub, The Wotton hatch offers both British and international dishes, as well as an extensive choice of selected wines, ales and lagers.
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The Row Barge
The Row Barge is situated on the riverside in Guildford, so whether you're taking a walk by the water's edge or you're taking a break from rowing, it's location is perfect for anyone, whether you're local or just visiting the area.
The pub has Jam Night every Monday night but no matter what day you visit, there's two plasma screens to watch live sports coverage on. The Row Barge is dog and child-friendly with a beautiful garden overlooking the river while you enjoy a glass of wine or a bite to eat.
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The Plough
The Plough is a must if you're in the Richmond area. The beer garden is covered in flowers during the warmer months, so afternoon or evening, it's a beautiful place to relax with a drink during the summer. With an assortment of wooden furniture around the building and surrounded by greenery, it's a refreshing, yet cosy environment situated on the edge of Richmond Park which is stunning every month of the year (definitely worth checking out while you're there)
The deer in Richmond Park are protected, unlike under Henry VIII who used to hunt them shortly before this historic building was founded in the 18th century, so if you're at one with nature, or history (or both!) then this pub would be a worth-while visit.
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The Parrot Inn
This family-owned pub is focussed on delivering traditional values along with exceptional food. The close-knit relationship of the family and its affect on the feel of the pub truly makes a distinctive difference. With a menu that's updated daily by their head chef, you can always enjoy a variety of food out in the garden in the afternoon or whilst overlooking the sunset in the evening.
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The Inn on the Lake
Known to be one of Surrey's prettiest villages, The Inn on the Lake is situated on the edge of Godalming. What truly defines a pub's greatness is its surroundings which makes a real difference; this pub not only boasts an attractive garden but a historic, charming village too – the area is filled with Tudor timber-framed buildings alongside 138 listed buildings and 18 monuments to keep you busy.
The Inn's garden is like no other. There's individual wooden sculptures and a spacious garden so rest assured you'll find the perfect space to relax and get a spot of lunch out in the sun.
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