Pubs in Dorking
Discover the best pubs and bars in Dorking. Browse opening hours, menus, events, and more.
Found 27 pubs in Dorking — Page 1 of 3
Queen's Head
Horsham Road, Dorking RH4 2JS
This pub, with its tile-hung mansard roof, is one of the most attractive in town. It dates from the 1780s and is a former coaching inn. There is a bar area at the front and a restaurant area at the back which is laid for diners but can be used by drinkers. The guest beer is from the Fullers list. Following a major refurbishment in spring 2018 there is now a focus on good quality food which is served 12-3 and 5:30-9 Monday to Thursday, 12-9 Friday and Saturday and 12-7 on Sunday. As well as a small outside seating area at the front there is a large garden at the back with disabled access from the alley that runs up the right hand side of the pub. As part of the changes after Covid struck there are now two large, joined, teepees on the garden which are also laid for diners but can be used by drinkers. There is also a patio area between the pub and garden with steps. The very limited parking is along the town side of the pub. Dogs are welcome in the bar area, there are some board games, a wood burning fire and WiFi is available.
Spotted Dog
42 South Street (A25), Dorking RH4 2HQ
Pub with a single L-shaped bar in two parts, separated by a step. At the front note the two large and attractive bow windows, one either side of the central door. The lower part has a wooden floor and leads to the garden which has a heated and covered smoking area on a decking area and steps leading down to the grass where there is some children's play equipment. A small area of the back garden can also be accessed along the side of the pub, avoiding the steps. It gives impressive views towards Denbies vineyard and Ranmore Common and there may be BBQs on sunny summer Saturday evenings. Soup, sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs are available 12-4 Monday to Saturday. Roasts are served 12-5 on Sundays. There are three TVs inside and one outside, which are usually used for sport on Sky and BT as well as terrestrial channels. Occasionally there is a guest beer and sometimes an alternative may replace Doom Bar. Families are welcome until 7pm and darts is played. Live music is played on Sunday afternoons between May and September, in the garden weather permitting, and sometimes on weekend evenings. Dogs are welcome and there is free Wi-Fi.
Star Inn
36 West Street (A25), Dorking RH4 1BU
Dating from the early 19th century the pub is a small, attractively slate-hung pub. On Wednesday night customers bring their vinyl records along, Thursday night is open mic night for budding entertainers and on Saturday there is either a live band or a DJ. In the corner to the left of the bar are board games and books. You may bring your own food, or have it delivered, but plates and cutlery are not supplied. The tables on the pavement outside catch the evening sun and give a good view of the passing traffic and there are umbrellas and heaters outside. The Star was a Friary Meux pub until its sale to Greene King in 1990 and the beers will be supplied by Greene King. Dogs are welcome, there are biscuits and a bowl, and free Wi-Fi is available.
Surrey Yeoman
220-222 High Street (A25), Dorking RH4 1QR
A former Friary Meux pub, the tile hung Surrey Yeoman features beams, carpets, tiles and floorboards in its various areas, which are to be found on various levels. The pub takes its name from the Earl of Rothes who was a colonel of the Surrey Yeomanry in the early part of the 19th century. The original pub was extended when it was converted into a Hogshead, and it was refurbished again when bought by Greene King, who sold it in 2017. It eventually reopened as a free house at the end of 2018. The guest beer normally alternates between Fuller's London Pride and Twickenham Naked Ladies. Food is available each day from 12-9.
Watermill Inn
Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1NN
The Watermill is a large, single bar pub with several separate seating areas. The guest beers is usually from a larger brewer. There are a couple of log fires and candles on the tables. The pub is food orientated with meals available from 12-9:30 Monday to Saturday, and 12-9 Sunday. There is a specials board as well as a seasonally changing main menu. Four roasts replace the specials board menu until 6pm on Sundays. Outside there is a patio garden to the side and rear, from which there are lovely views across to Box Hill. Camra members get a 10% discount on real ales on production of a valid membership card.
White Hart
5 Dene Street, Dorking RH4 2DR
Known locally as the Snakepit, this is a small but lively drinker's pub just off the High Street which has cellars built into local caves. Due to health and safety reasons these are no longer used to store beer but one can be seen behind a gate at the back of the covered smoking area behind the pub. There are two distinct areas on either side of a horseshoe shaped bar, one of which houses a pool table. Three big screen TVs show all major sporting events. The walls are decorated with old adverts including one which has sales details from 1849 describing the pub as having a good bar, tap room and parlour and also a well of fine spring water. The pub does not serve food but customers can bring their own, and tend to use either Subway at the end of Dene Street road or the fish and chip shop just down the road the other way, but ask first. Free WiFi available. The gents toilet is accessed through a police telephone box (like Dr Who's Tardis).
White Horse Hotel
High Street, Dorking RH4 1BE
An historic old coaching inn in the town centre, a building has been on this site since at least 1278, when it was known as the Cross House. In those days it was owned by the Hospitallers, who were derived from the Templars (groups of knights linked with the Crusades). Most of the current hotel is 18th century with more modern additions; there are parts, however, that survive from the 15th and 16th centuries. Charles Dickens took up residency in the hotel whilst writing the Pickwick Papers. Branded as "The Dozen", the bar and restaurant, which are sited towards the back of the building, offers a good choice of food. It is also open for teas and snacks during the afternoon with full meals are served every lunchtime and evening. As well as the accommodation in the original building, there are two more modern "garden blocks", giving a total of 56 rooms.
Cobbett's
23 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BY
Cobbett's opened as a real ale off licence on 1 September 2010 and on 19 July 2014 expanded with a micropub (the first in Surrey) operating in a tiny back room. Good quality beers at very fair prices are available on draught for take-aways) with at least three beers available at the beginning of the week, increasing to six or seven on sale Friday and Saturday. Some are sold by handpump, others direct from the cellar so check the blackboard to see what is available. Six further beers are sold by keykeg and these will usually include a dark beer. At least two draught ciders (and sometimes a perry) are also available. A large number of top quality British bottled and canned beers and ciders are also sold, along with an ever increasing number of foreign ales from breweries such as De Mollen. LocAle beers usually available (bottle conditioned and draught) with Surrey Hills a favourite. Polypins can also be ordered. The hidden away micropub, Goldings Bar, is to be found at the back of the building and comprises a small room with seating on stools by a long shelf on one side and seats next to tiny solid wood tables on the other. In total around a dozen people can fit in here and is a marvellous place to try the beers and cider on offer. There is some additional room in the tiny garden. A supplement is made on each beer for consuming them on the premises. A small selection of quality wine is sold plus there is a local gin from Gin Kitchen of Dorking (and some soft drinks). Check the website for details of what is available - there is always a "hop-monster" on tap! Cobbett's is a "must" to visit when in Dorking. Please note that the hours quoted are shop hours and so there is no additional drinking up time beyond this. No food is served other than crisps.
Surrey Hills Brewery
Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking RH5 6AA
Surrey Hills brewery relocated from Shere to new premises at the back of the Denbies visitor centre at the end of June 2011. A custom built 30 barrel brewery has been installed, and is open for brewery trips and for the purchase of cask beer both for a pint to drink on the premises or to take away. In summer you can sit outside with your pint. The beer range will be increased with seasonal offerings, Gilt complex in summer and Albury Ruby in winter, plus Collusion when it is brewed. Closed Sunday.
Bull's Head
11 South Street, Dorking RH4 2DY
An old and attractive tile-hung pub on Pump Corner, the Bull's Head is a former coaching inn. It reopened after a redecoration in September 2021 with new people running it. Formerly a Friary Meux pub, it was bought by Gale's in 1995, but is now owned by Fuller's. It is reached by climbing up a few steps from the main road or from the side where a ramp is available if wanted. Internally it features much wood panelling. Food is served 12-2:30 and 5:30-8:30 Tuesday to Saturday and 12-4 Sunday plus 10-12 for brunch on Saturday. Roasts are served on Sunday, on other days lunch is doorstep sandwiches, meat and cheese or veggie platters and burgers with chips and evening meals are a choice of four starters/snacks and four main courses plus the platters. The outside drinking area is a couple of tables by the side door which is mainly used by smokers. It is hoped that a guest beer will be available later. The hours may vary depending on the custom.
Burgundy & Black
12 St Martin's Walk, Dorking RH4 1UT
Small, friendly modern bistro, shop and bar which opened 4 July 2010 and is situated in a pedestrianised precinct off the High Street. It has a bright and airy interior and some comfortable seating. Breakfast is served from opening time with a lunch menu running from 11:30 with daily specials always available. Where possible, all produce is sourced locally and this includes items to take away such as chutney, jam, cheese and free-range farm eggs. A good selection of cakes are available. Outside there are a number of tables, ideal places from which to watch the world going by. Children are welcome, and there are changing facilities available. Upstairs there is a function room for hire. As well as keg Hogs Back lager and Guinness, a selection of bottled conditioned beers from the Adur brewery are sold. Private functions are catered for in the evening and dogs are welcome outside with a water bowl and biscuits available.
Dorking Golf Club
Deepdene Avenue, Dorking RH5 4BX
The bar of this nine hole golf club is open to the public and overlooks the 9th green fairway with lovely views over the countryside. It is situated just off the A24 to the south of Dorking. Food (Club Grub) is sold all day until early evening, and cream teas are available in the afternoon.