Small village in Surrey is home to Britain’s ‘best pub’ with homes worth over £1m
There are so many great pubs in Surrey and there’s no better time to visit when the sun is shining. What you may not know is that the one voted best in the whole of Britain is right here in the county, in a small village deep in the Surrey Hills.
This is The Running Horses, one of only two pubs in Mickleham, less than three miles north of Dorking. It won the National Pub and Pub of the Year award earlier this year after judges rated it for its quality food and drink, attention to detail and hospitality.
At the foot of Box Hill, the pub is popular with weary walkers and cyclists looking for a bite to eat or a drink. Although now well into the 21st century, the pub still retains the hallmarks of its 16th century roots, when it was a stopover on trade routes from London to the south.
The food looks mouthwatering, with a certain sophistication of classic pub fare. Whether it’s cider fish and chips or roast sirloin, you’ll leave feeling full after your trip.
read more: Iconic Surrey Hills Cycle Cafe previews ‘big news’ and ‘exciting new brand’
It’s a popular choice among travelers, with a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor. Guests describe it as “a nice hotel with a great restaurant and bar”.
One reviewer, Mamgoz69, wrote: “The hotel offers comfortable rooms with water and coffee (Nespresso). The restaurant serves very good food and there is a nice terrace to enjoy your food and drinks.
“Whiskey selection is also good…but the 5 star hotel is especially for the team, they were all very helpful, very kind and did everything to make our stay a great one! Thank you team!”
Mrrichardm, another visitor, said: “Great food, great service. 13 of us had lunch, great service, clear and efficient, good food, fun and fun atmosphere.”
“It was a super busy day but nothing was too much trouble. Well done! Really enjoyed it.”
Following the award, a spokesperson for the pub said: “We are delighted to announce that The Running Horses has been named National Pub of the Year 2023 and we would like to thank Tristan O’Hana and Pub & Pub Magazine for this great honor!
“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our incredible team, without whom this achievement would not have been possible. Their hard work, passion and dedication truly set us apart. This victory belongs to each and every one of you!
“A special thanks to our wonderful guests, locals and regulars who have made The Galloping Horse their first choice. Your continued support and loyalty means the world to us.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to Brakspear Pubs Thank you for their unwavering support and belief in our vision. Your partnership has played an important role in our success. Thank you Tom Davis and Stuart Brown for trusting us.
“We’re extremely proud of this achievement, and we’re committed to continuing to deliver great experiences, great drinks and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to all.”
The hotel is run by Manu Bhatt and Richard Brown, who run the Little & Large pub company and are owned by Brakspear. It underwent an extensive renovation about two years ago and has grown from strength to strength.
The pub is in the Surrey village of Mickleham, at the base of Box Hill, a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. Modernized over the centuries, The Running Horses has remained true to its roots, with 16th century flair imbued throughout the grounds.
As well as the traditional bar area serving well-stocked ales and wines, the bar also has a glass-ceilinged restaurant serving a fresh, seasonal menu. There are eight more ensuite bedrooms upstairs.
If you’re in Mickleham, a visit to the pub is a must, but your visit shouldn’t end there. Mentioned as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book, the village is located between Leatherhead and Dorking, within easy reach of scenic attractions such as Box Hill and Forests such as Mickleham Downs.
Just a seven-minute drive from Bocketts Farm Park, it’s a great family outing, as is a trip to the Denbies wine estate just outside Dorking. House prices don’t come cheap – the average property price last year was a staggering £1,306,712.
But Mickleham, with its idyllic church and country setting, is a quintessential Surrey village, and you’re lucky to have some of the best pubs in the country.