Donkey, Tilford

The Donkey closed in March 2024 when the long term licensees retired. The freehold was made available for £575,000, but no purchasers came forward so in July 2025, Admiral Taverns secured planning permission to convert the pub into a house.

Friendly food led country pub, originally converted from two small cottages in 1850. The bar is small and cosy, and there is a larger restaurant and conservatory to the rear. The beer selection is chosen from the SIBA range, with no one brewery particularly favoured although local breweries strongly supported. Depending on the time of year you will find between one and three beers available.

Outside the garden has plenty of seating. Adults and children alike will love the resident donkeys, Pip and Big Ben, who welcome a chat over the fence if they can tear themselves away from the radio in their stable. The pub has been called the Donkey since 1947; originally a nickname derived from when donkeys were kept tethered outside the pub and then hired out to help the horses and carts up the hill.