August Feature Pub: The Inn on the Pond – Nutfield

Now it should be noted from the very beginning that this is an old time favourite of the Surrey Pub Guyd and a regular hangout given a rare sunny day, therefore there may be a little bias in here, but bias that is fully deserved by a friendly family pub.

This isn’t a fancy schmancy gastropub, so if that’s what you’re looking for maybe have a little browse through some of the other entries on the blog (the White Hart is definitely one for you!), this is a cosy home from home, which is perfect on a freezing cold winter night when you can snuggle up by the open log fire, or on those muggy summer days, as it has the most wonderful outside area, featuring the very pond it is named after!

For the pub guyd, this pub is a favourite in the summer, there is no beating the garden space available which offers the fun of the fields and the pond for the young, active children and the cricket pitch for the adults who dream of sipping Pimms and idly wiling the day away. That’s by no means to say the pub itself isn’t worth spending some time in. Given the inevitable British rain clouds appear the indoors is split into the comfortable bar area (which welcomes dogs for those with four legged friends) and the restaurant space for groups celebrating or simply wanting a quiet meal together. There are numerous log fires meaning one is never shivering in this joint, and the bar staff are swift but very friendly in there service, catering particularly well for children with colouring activities available and doggies who get treats, dog bowls and even dog beds!

The wine and beer selection in this pub is pretty classic, it features all the classics most people would expect of a pub, with a particularly good Merlot for the red lovers and a fresh and crispy Pino Grigio for those (hopefully) scorching hot summer afternoons! The ales are changed regularly and the beers vary from the classics to Oranjeboom (which is a favourite of the Pub Guyd).

The food is where this pub comes into its own, there is such a variety here that everyone will be satisfied, from the little ones to the oldest in the party, there are pub classics and modern twists that will ensure everyone is not only satisfied but fully sated! The pub guyd naturally loves a burger, and the ‘Flying Pig Burger’ will not disappoint, however this one isn’t for the light hearted, so maybe skip lunch before attempting! The gnocchi is very well executed and not common pub fare for those looking for something a little different, but the steak and bacon pie… well that one is worth you trying for yourselves!

The pub guyd really couldn’t throw any more love at this gorgeous little pub, just go and experience it for yourselves, the pub guyd urges you!

This one is going to be easy!

The White Hart - Brasted

Now, this one is on the cusp of Kent, meaning the pub Guy'd has roamed a little further than usual for his pub experience, however it was definitely well worth it. The White Hart is a bustling, family pub, which makes you feel cosy and welcome from the moment you step in.

The decor is modern, but doesn't clash with the old English feel of the pub, and is smart enough for the business to cater for formal parties and weddings. Over the Christmas period it is cozily festive, and the roaring log fires and heavy wreaths of holly invite you to stay for more than just that 'one drink'. In the summer time the pub garden has both dining tables and your typical pub benches, meaning they can cater for the masses on those rare, beautiful summer days, so not one second of that glorious summer sunshine is missed (incredibly important for our Vitamin D deprived population!).

The wine list offers the classic favourites of Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignon's, and of course Pinot Grigio and prosecco for those muggy summer evenings. The beer is typical of most Surrey pubs and the ale on offer is varied regularly to keep the men coming back for more. The cocktail menu is perfect for celebrations or simply a girls night out. There is the usual offering of crisp gin mixers and champagne cocktails, the perfect addition for a party or a special event.

The pub offers a wide and sumptuous range of food, which is mouth watering each and every visit. Now here is the only caveat to the generally good 'all rounder' which is The White Hart. It suffers from being 'the pub' which all the locals know is a relaxing and enjoyable weekend experience, which shows its doing its job well, however doesn't always result in the best dining experience. When busy it is common to experience long waits for a table (or be turned down entirely) and then to find out that the one, two or three things you might have chosen are no longer available. The wait for food is never tiresome, but it is disappointing that after hanging around for a table you can't order that awesome pulled pork sandwich you know and love (and we're definitely craving!). Nevertheless, it hasn't stopped the pub Guy'd from going back for more regardless - although he's now savvy enough to book in advance! 

Definitely one to give a try, especially on a slow sunny Sunday afternoon (if you're lucky enough to get one!) with family and friends to share it with. 

The pub Guy'd gives this one:

The Bell

Now, it should be known right from the off that the Surrey Pub Guy'd is hugely biased when it comes to The Bell in Outwood, but why should that stop us from posting a wildly flattering blogpost?  Family members have been eating and drinking at this pub for over 25 years, making it one close to the Pub Guy'd's heart.

Set in what is genuinely one of the most beautiful villages in Surrey, Outwood, the pub is truly a hub for the community. Imagine Boston's 'Cheers', take it and make it typically quaint, cosy and comfortably British, and you've got The Bell. The pub where everybody knows your name. Genuinely. The Pub Guy'd is in fact Facebook friends with some of the staff. They not only remember who you are, but ask how things are going, what is going on at work and you don't even need to give your drinks order, it's already sorted (and the wine comes with ice! They openly embrace our lower class wine drinking standards!). Basically, the staff make this place what it is. You walk in and you feel at home. This is a pub we happily drop into for a quick drink, sometimes just to see the staff and have a catch up with how they're doing, we love them as much as they (apparently?) love us.

The Bell's staff work hard to pull in the new punters; given that Outwood, although mind-blowingly beautiful, is set somewhat 'down the beaten track' (i.e. you need inside knowledge - like that of the Pub Guy'd to know it's there) but The Bell has this covered, they hold a bi-weekly 'Pub Quiz'nights, regular BBQ's in the summer and have recently ticked all the boxes with the Pub Guy'd by holding a South African National Heritage Day Braai. It is not a well known fact (yet) but the Pub Guy'd is in fact a proud South African who has not only embraced life in England, but has come to truly love everything that Surrey has to offer - the gorgeous countryside, the quaint little villages and most of all, the bountiful Old English pubs on offer here!

The food at The Bell is more pub than gastropub, but that really is in the best sense of the word 'pub'. The portion sizes would challenge even a rugby player, but the quality and variety of food on offer here are really is something else. Every Sunday there is the ever popular roast; the pub offering a variation on the classic favourites of beef, lamb, turkey and chicken. The menu is extensive, with a whopper of a burger and an absolutely scrumptious pork loin (seriously melt in the mouth scrumptious, I may be salivating at the thought as I type...), if you're hungry for some wholesome, home cooked, and truly British food, this is the place for you.

         

The setting is nothing to be sniffed at; the pub which has functioned in said capacity for over 400 years, proudly displays the village bell, after which it is named in the bar area. But the real Surrey beauty is to be found outside. This pub garden can rival most, set amongst the stunning Surrey farmland it is a sun trap you will never want to leave. A glass of wine, pint of ale or even pitcher of Pimms (given some rare summer sun!) in this beautiful garden will relax and take you to a place of calm relaxation only achieved after an hour of Yoga (and who has time for that when there's pubs to explore?!). Seriously, if the sun is out, get to The Bell. You'll thank me for this I promise.

So, despite being biased, the Pub Guy'd must vote (you'd be disappointed if I didn't!), but I can't say a bad word about this place I'm afraid... it just can't be done. So here it is, the final verdict: