After spending far longer than expected in the Surrey region a few weeks ago, I became intimately acquainted with several of the finest watering holes the beautiful borough has to offer. Read on for my top five pubs in the Surrey area.

1. The Star, Guildford

After facing some turbulent times in recent years facing closure, The Star has remained strong, and is a local stalwart for live music, good beer and excellent food in the Guildford area. Located just off High street, The Star is a legendary live music institution in the Surrey area – hosting the likes of The Stranglers over the years.

2. The Jolly Farmer, WORPLESDON

When we visited the Jolly Farmer, it felt like a port in the storm. Battering rain and winds gusted outside as we sat meekly indoors, sipping pints and tucking into some pub classics as the weather howled. The Jolly Farmer is beautiful, inside and out, and has that ‘classic pub vibe that others seek to emulate so desperately.

3. The Old Mill, Gomshall

This is a special one. The Old Mill, set just on the banks of the Tillingbourne, is one of the defining features of the tiny town of Gomshall. Heavy restorations have been done to the 17th century mill in recent years, transforming the cavernous space into a welcoming and thoroughly warm little pub. While the prices here a mite high, the fact that the pub is dog friendly redeems all else.

4. The old house, dorking

Looking for hearty British fare in gorgeous surrounds? Looking for a sleepy English village, seemingly untroubled by the cascades of trouble from the world outside? Look no further than the Old House in Dorking. While the service may be slow, that is undoubtedly part of The Old House’s charm - the inside is cosy, welcoming, and the beer is very, very cold - unless you order real ale, in which case it will be room temperature. Consider yourself warned. However, stop by for a delicious feed and a surprisingly good wine list.

5. The cRICKETER’S ARMS, COBHAM

Equally good for a celebratory drink as it is for Sunday lunch, the Cricketer’s Arms in sleepy Cobham is the very epitome of a gastro pub. Serving up both a set menu and bar food - the fare here is distinctly French in persuasion, but bloody good irrespective of geographic abnormality in food. We had a quick feed here on a blustery Sunday afternoon and enjoyed every second - can absolutely recommend the beef & ale pie.

Yep, I know it - some of these pubs are part of larger chains. Yep, I know it - you have your own favourite pub in Surrey - tell me all about it in the comments below!

Looking for a wider focus? Read my guide to the best pubs in the U.K here.