Congratulations to the Talbot Inn in Ripley, which was the clear winner of this year's pub poll as Surrey Life online users voted in their thousands (7,595 in just three weeks, to be precise) for their top Surrey pub for a cosy winter lunch.
Believed to be at least 150 years old, this pub harks back to the days when the valley of the River Bourne was dedicated to the growing of hops for the local breweries in Farnham and Alton. These days, a wood burning fire together with a warming glass of mulled wine or cider make it the perfect place to visit and warm up your frostbitten toes.
Drinks and nibbles: Dishes include venison cottage pie; slow roasted belly of pork with cider and wholegrain mustard; and a mushroom and Gorgonzola baked Tagliatelle. Mulled wine and cider are served through winter.
Another reason to visit: There are stunning walks through the Bourne Woods, which often play host to film crews and stars – Harry Potter and Robin Hood are just two of the blockbusters to visit recently.
