The Jolly Farmers

I came across this large, slightly confusing (from the outside) pub/deli/restaurant/market/farm shop the other day whilst out near Dorking with a colleague. We dropped in for lunch, to be greeted warmly by friendly staff in the multi-use interior. We made our way through to the (slightly sterile feeling) restaurant area to one side of the rear of the large bar. There were a large number of somewhat mature diners in the restaurant, but that possibly reflects both the area and the early hour for lunch. The restaurant is clean and airy, but a little too modern to fit entirely comfortably with the rest of the interior. Our waitress was charming and ...  Read the complete review

When looking for a country pub, I usually seek at the small, local, traditional variety. The Jolly Farmer's in Betchworth, Surrey (nearish Dorking) is not of that ilk, but it is, nevertheless, a good find. From the road, this looks to be a large, modern pub, almost ala Weatherspoons. There are lots of signs outside advertising it as a 'food emporium', there is a big(ish) car park - two things that worry me slightly when looking for a country pub. However, that first impression is mistaken. Going in through the front door, you can see a shop immediately in front of you, selling jams, jellies, chutneys, vegetables and other 'artisan' foods (including ...  Read the complete review