Jolly Good Ploughman's (The Jolly Farmers)

Member Name: blueboxoffroad

Product:	The Jolly Farmers
Date:	24/08/09 (28 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good parking, wide reaching menu

Disadvantages: A little sterile, small selection of draught bitter

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 helpful, taking our beer order and food order promptly and without the fuss you sometimes encounter where you want a bar drink with the restaurant food.

The beer (Summer Ale) arrived in good condition - a very refreshing pint, followed by the most enormous meals!

We had ordered the ploughman's and a deli platter and could easily have fed a family of four with the food! As, on occasion, quantity is stressed at the price of quality, I was a little concerned, (particularly as the two dishes together cost under £20) but without cause! Every element of both dishes was great - from the bread to the cheese, the colesaw and the cured meats. Even the salad tasted delicious!

Having stepped outside after admitting defeat, the staff were happy to let us wander around the farm shop with a pint in hand, before sitting in the comfy sofas in the less formal bar area. We settled up and left with a really good impression of this large multi-role pub/restaurant. All power to the owners for making the most of the location, sourcing as much produce (and beer!) as possible from the local area.

Summary: A great place for a reasonably priced meal