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:

The Curious Pig in the Parlour

Curious about the Curious Pig in the Parlour? The Surrey Pub Guy'd sure was, and this pub sure didn't let us down! Formerly 'The Hedgehog', the Curious Pig has been recently renovated and reborn into something altogether amazing!

The Surrey Pub Guy'd was particularly impressed by this quirky hotel pub which produced something strange and interesting to look at in every corner. The decor can only be described as 'unconventional' but there is something exciting and grabbing about each wild and wonderful little nook of this pub; from the library table to the trough washbasin in the mens' toilets, you'll certainly never get bored on a night out in the Parlour!

             

The drinks available in this pub are much like anything else you'll find in a pub in Surrey, the food however is quite another matter! If you like pizza (and really how can you not?) then you have to give the Curious Pig a go, better advice has never been given! This pub, unlike your typical English country pub, has its very own wood-fired pizza oven, in which it makes some of the most delicious pizzas you will ever taste this side of Italy. The Surrey Pub Guy'd decided to sample the simple (you can't go wrong with a 4 cheese pizza) and the divine (smoked streaky bacon, West Country brie, red onion and sundried tomatoes - 'Yum' definitely doesn't do this one justice!). But it doesn't just offer the best pizzas you'll find in a pub ever (seriously!), it has a seriously good steak selection; 35 day aged rump steaks all the way to the superior 'chateaubriand' - served for two people to share...and it doesn't stop there! No, this pub also offers your typical gastro pub fare, it's very own take on the 'pub burger', alongside panfried sea bass, seafood linguine and your all too familiar fish and chips or sausage and mash. There really is something for everyone here so you won't be going hungry!

The staff are friendly and attentive, but the real joy of this pub is in it's decor; it just keeps on giving! If you do take our recommendation and go visit this quirky little pub then make sure you explore every little nook and cranny. The outdoor space has ample tables for the sun seekers and wonderful little heated huts (with cushioned chairs and candles on the table - oh yes, they've thought of everything!) for those unfortunately frequent, grey English days. 

     

The Surrey Pub Guy'd liked everything about this strange and exciting pub, but how does it's unorthodox approach weigh up in the Surrey Pub Guy'd final vote? 

    

The Red Barn

Just off the A22, nestled between Blindly Heath and Lingfield is an absolute gem of a pub! The Red Barn isn't your typical cramped (a.k.a quaint) and cluttered (a.k.a. quintessentially British) country pub, no, The Red Barn takes exactly after its name and is a number of vast converted barns set right in the gorgeous Surrey fields.

Being atypical in its cavernous size is no bad thing, in fact the Surrey Pub Guy'd highly approves of what the clever managers of this pub have chosen to do with the space. The pub is split into two distinct spaces; the bar area, where although you cannot book tables (first come, first served) there is again so much space that this need not be of much concern; and the main barn restaurant, which is used daily to cater to the Surrey locals in the know and on weekends, in the high season, is regularly privately hired out for weddings and other special occasions.

                

The bar; The bar manages to be both large enough to cater to the masses but also warm, cosy and family friendly. Dog owners will be pleased to hear that despite being one of those wonderfully immaculate pubs, your furry friends are still welcome in this area, with staff members offering them biscuits and a quick cuddle whenever the pace of the pub allows. The bar boasts a mixture of comfortable sofa tables, for those who want to relax, read the paper or a book (this pub has it's own library wall so no need to bring your own!) and typical dining tables for young families and dog owners who also want to sample the gastro pub fare on offer in the pub.

The restaurant; The restaurant is bustling yet sophisticated, and is the perfect space for couples who want to enjoy a romantic meal or for larger parties celebrating a special occasion. It boasts a stunning log burner in the centre of the room which adds ambiance and brings the barn back to its rustic beginnings. The service in the restaurant is attentive and friendly, with staff offering advice to their patrons on the menu, highlighting their personal favourites and the pub specialities. Make sure to prepare ahead of time and make a booking if you want to dine in the restaurant space at the Red Barn (especially larger parties and those wanting to celebrate) as it is incredibly popular, especially on the weekends.

The wine list for this pub is extensive, meaning even the wine buff's will find something to their tastes here. It's not cheap mind you, but prices are reflective of most pubs of similar standard in this part of Surrey. The Surrey Pub Guy'd would recommend the Pino Grigio (2003) for those who enjoy a lively, dry white wine and the Malbec Gran Reserva (2012) for the red wine drinkers, although you may need to be celebrating as this full bodied red only comes by the bottle (£26.50). Like all good gastro pubs the Red Barn also offers sparkling wine and champagne for those special occasions, but what is particularly brilliant about this pub is that every bottle can also be ordered by the glass, somewhat of rarity amongst pubs in Surrey but it gets the thumbs up from the Pub Guy'd (a whole bottle of champagne, though a treat is often too much for two or too expensive for just a 'Sunday Lunch').

        

The food is your typical gastro pub fare and maybe the only part of the pub which doesn't particularly sparkle or surprise. This is no bad thing as it means there is something for everyone on this menu and the food is predictably decent in both flavour and presentation. The Surrey Pub Guy'd particularly recommends the burger (despite being a slightly boring pub classic this burger is well worth a try!) and the slow roasted pork belly (a real treat!).

There is ample outside space for those (rare) sunny days, unfortunately the pub sits between two relatively congested/fast moving roads, meaning the inside is often more tranquil and calm than the outside. A shame when the pub sits in the calm country fields of Lingfield.

So, what is the final vote of the Surrey Pub Guy'd I hear you ask?

The Botley Hill Farmhouse

As a first entry to the Surrey Pub Guy'd it made sense to start with a bang, and the Botley Hill Farmhouse certainly provides this! Recently under new management, the renovation of the pub has regenerated it's homely, country feel. The pub effortlessly achieves a comfortable, country house atmosphere and is a warm, welcoming environment to its punters.

                 

The staff are not only friendly but keen to get to know their customers, making you feel instantly welcome and relaxed. Service is fast and informative, members of staff suggesting both wine and beer that might suit the particular taste of the customer. The bar area is bustling without being overcrowded and has a number of small tables for couples who just want a drink and a snack. Even in the bar area the staff are always on the ball, enquiring if you might want another drink or something to eat, meaning a trip to the bar is never necessary!

The outside space has unbelievably stunning views across the Surrey countryside. As the name suggests the pub is set right in the middle of what is still working farmland, meaning that as you sip on your drinks and look across the valley you can watch the local sheep grazing and just generally going about their business across the hillside. Tranquil, beautiful and peaceful.

                 

Moving into the restaurant the atmosphere is homely and romantic. There are a mixture of large tables for bigger parties and smaller, cosy areas for couples, including a very quaint 'snug' area with its very own log burner. Tables are set far apart enough for customers to feel they have privacy while they dine, but isn't so sparse the space feels empty. The owners have achieved the right balance with their business, resulting in a cosy, popular traditional farmhouse pub.

The menu is typical 'gastro pub' fare, with something for everyone. The 'nibbles' available are noteworthy, offering some of the largest olives I have ever experienced! Selecting the 'wasabi peanuts' I was satisfied with both the amount served and the flavour (no one wants too many wasabi snacks, I've learned the hard way!). After sampling the 'bar' experience the manager showed us to our table, we were pleased to be told that he had upgraded us to a nicer space than we had originally been allocated (after a small amount of bonding over our love of pugs). We were given the snug which was private without being secluded. The snug's log-burner would be a welcomed extra during the winter months. Sampling the burger and 'duck breast' (accompanied by dauphinoise potatoes and vegetables - photo above), we were extremely satisfied with our choice! Unfortunately we were too full for desert, maybe next time eh?

So, the what is the final verdict? The Surrey Pub Guy'd gives the Botley Hill Farmhouse: