The Watermill, Dorking

What we thought

Set at the foot of Boxhill, just to the East of Dorking, The Watermill is a stunner of a pub, with some real wow factor - both outside and in. While it’s most memorable characteristic is undoubtedly its view from its beer garden, the inside is just as stylish plus cosy making it perfect for holing up with a glass of red in the depths of Winter.

Its warmth is not only down to its decor, but also its staff who are all very helpful and friendly. They know their stuff and clearly have had a few lessons in customer service. The restaurant boasts a casual atmosphere, making it suitable for various occasions, from a laid-back dinner with friends to a family celebration. We wouldn’t think twice about bringing the kids here either.

For its food menu, there’s a wide selection on offer. You can really indulge here and have three courses, or you could order a few sharing platters. We shared a couple of starters (calamari and broccoli bhajis - absolutely delicious), followed by two mains - one a delicious plate of hake with some black eyed beans and greens, and one chicken Caesar salad, which was enormous. Everything was well cooked, pointing to a knowledgable and skilled kitchen staff. In terms of pricing, The Watermill is on a par with other Surrey gastropubs. It’s neither cheap, nor eye-wateringly expensive.

No Ashtead Living review would be complete without talking about the alcohol on offer. We were pleased to see that The Watermill’s wine list was long and varied - so there was a bottle for every budget. We went mid tier and had a delicious Albarino, which we would recommend all on its own.

One final thing we would note, especially for those planning an evening visit, is the challenge of securing a taxi post-dinner. It’s best to prebook if you can. Uber and Bolt were of no use to use on our visit. You can get the train to or from Dorking station, but the pub is about a mile’s walk from the station. There are a couple of buses too, with the 21 route being the one that finishes closest to the pub.

Would we go back?

Yes - can’t wait to try it in the Spring/Summer for long lazy lunches outside.

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