The Inn @ West End

The people of Surrey certainly know a good dining pub, as several years of county-wide awards testify. But this doesn't preclude anyone from simply enjoying a pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord or Fuller's London Pride with the newspaper in the bar, or a fine evening on the clematis-hung terrace overlooking the garden and boules pitch. In their eleven years here, Gerry and Ann Price have created an establishment that out-manoeuvres many a competitor with events like fish and game cooking presentations and wine/food-matching evenings. In that regard, their guests in 2010 included eminent winemakers from New Zealand, Portugal and Spain. The modern interior is open plan, with wooden floors, yellow walls, tasteful check fabrics, crisp linen-clothed tables and an open fire. The kitchen makes good use of home-grown herbs and vegetables and other locally sourced ingredients, game shot by Gerry himself, and fresh fish collected in the pub's own chiller van from whichever port it is freshest and best. While the accomplished kitchen team guarantees no shortage of ideas for new dishes, they make sure old favourites don't fall off the bottom of the seasonal menus, so expect typical mains of braised brisket of beef, caramelised onions and balsamic mushroom; pan-fried rib of English veal with brandy and stock cream; a selection of British fish served with tomato and dill risotto and poached duck egg; pan-roasted loin and slow-cooked haunch of wild hare with chocolate and juniper sauce; and poached egg on celeriac with mushroom hash and lightly spiced aubergine. Gerry's knowledge of wines is not only reflected in the contents of his extensive cellar, but in the new wine shop, where you can also buy whiskies, Cognacs and grappa, as well as decanters and giftware.