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. Food is served 12-10 Monday to Saturday, and from 12-8:30ish on Sunday. The guests come from a mixture of large and small brewers and may be local, so you may see anything from Greene King, Fuller's, Otter and Wychwood to Hogs Back and Clarence & Fredericks represented on the bar. There is a real fire by the entrance to the restaurant from the pub and dogs are welcome in the bar. Newspapers and WiFi are available. This is not an easy pub to find but we recommend you make the effort.