Is This The Loveliest Pub In The Surrey Hills?

Friend- and family-run The Merry Harriers in Surrey Hills does the whole traditional pub thing just right, says Carole Annett – but with the correct dose of modern flair.

Review: The Merry Harriers, Surrey Hills

If Richard Curtis were looking for a pub for his next cosy rom-com, he should head into the folds of the Surrey Hills to The Merry Harriers. The signs are positive from the start – a picture-book 16th-century property with an open fire where muddy boots are welcome, labradors and spaniels sprawl under tables, and staff genuinely look pleased to see you. Real Surrey Ales are served and there’s invariably a smattering of locals at the bar.

Interiors at The Merry Harriers © Kira Turnbull

Launched in May 2024 by old friends Sam Fiddian-Green, a Ballymore-trained chef, and Alex Winch, a sommelier, the duo tested the waters in nearby Godalming, at the much-loved Hilltop Kitchen, while looking for a permanent location. After dismissing various sites (sadly there are plenty of pubs in need of love on the market) they found what they were looking for in Hambledon, seven miles from Haslemere and an hour’s train ride from London’s Waterloo. The pub itself is steeped in history – dating back to 1701, when it was set up as an ale house – with original features like its inglenook fireplace still being used today (including superstitious witching marks carved into the brickwork). Sam’s brother-in-law Joss Stoddart created a hand-carved bar, tables and chairs while the rest of the rustic decor is suitably rustic and feels comfortably lived in. Alex’s sister Cathy, who runs local florist Winch & Willow, delivers flowers and has created a wreath above the fireplace for Christmas.

From left to right: Alex Winch and Sam Fiddian-Green

The menu, evolving with the seasons, leans into British classics such as home-reared bangers with colcannon and no-nonsense onion gravy, as well as the Kedgeree fish cake, poached egg, hollandaise and hispi cabbage. Sunday lunch is generally served as sharing plates with crunchy roast potatoes and whatever vegetable has been delivered for the day. Bar snacks including Scotch egg and brown sauce or Hashbrown bites with Comté and truffle mayo are hard to resist if you’re just popping in for a drink. Much of the meat is butchered by Sam himself from his family’s Wintershall Valley farm, while fruit and veg come largely from Goldie’s Greens, run by his sister.

Glorious pub classics © Joe Howard

Now the pub is up and running, Sam and Alex have turned their attention to accommodation. The pub has four inn rooms, six rooms with patios at the rear of the pub and five shepherd’s huts, located across the road and each with a firepit. Garden rooms and shepherd’s huts are pet friendly – I presumed this to mean dogs but I’m sure a hamster would be just as welcome.  Sam’s cousin (are you getting the family theme) is one half of design studio Hutley & Humm who have given the rooms a charming ‘potting shed’ identity with sky blue, sage green, and terracotta tones, along with wicker furniture and the occasional sheepskin rug.

Add in weekly meat raffles, bingo nights, local ales, interesting cocktails and a wine list that champions both Surrey vineyards and classic regions, it’s a pub that feels like it has a future. Sam and Alex’s friendship and shared vision underpin everything, creating a place built for modern life but anchored firmly in traditional values.

Verdict

You’re warmly welcomed into this family- and friend-run gastropub in the Surrey Hills. With a kitchen that’s done its test-run as a pop-up, too, the menu is created without hiccups. Plus, with rooms upstairs and only an hour from London Waterloo by train, would-be day guests can extend their trip for the weekends, combining a lovely lunch with nearby beautiful walking routes.

Book It

Hambledon Road, Hambledon, Surrey, GU8 4DR. merryharriers.com