Sportsman, Mogador

A little gem of a pub, well off the beaten track, situated on the edge of Walton Heath amidst excellent walking and horse riding country. Parts of the pub date from the 16th century, although most of the current building is of later construction possibly early Victorian. There is an attractive tiled portico running the length of the frontage with bench seating to keep the rain off which can be used by smokers. It was built as a lodge on Royal hunting grounds and would almost certainly have been used by Henry VIII and his entourage. Today it is a cosy and welcoming split-levelled one bar establishment with a 60 seat restaurant serving good and interesting food which can be split into two by a screen so that the back part can be used as a function room. At times, especially warm weekends, it can get very busy, with an eclectic mix of walkers, cyclists, dedicated drinkers, diners, etc... yet at other times, it will be very quiet with a loyal band of regulars propping up the bar and soaking up the atmosphere along with the fine ale. There is a garden to the side as well as tables at the front. There is a real fire by the entrance to the restaurant from the pub and dogs are welcome in the bar. This is not an easy pub to find but we recommend you make the effort. The Pilgrim beer is usually Surrey, but it may be replaced by Tailsman in season. A Hut operates from the car park serving tea and coffee, plus bacon and sausage rolls. This is open daily from 9am-2pm. THere is a quiz Monday evening, plus a meat raffle on Friday evening.