Weekend bolthole

Escape to this calm countryside idyll with stunning Surrey hill views, cosy pub vibes and some unusual fellow guests

Escape to an idyllic country pub in Surrey

“at the b ck o the large, sun y b r garden, yo ’l find the pub’s o er residents – a herd o l amas”

What makes The Merry Harriers unique?

Set in the small picture-postcard village of Hambledon, at first glance The Merry Harriers looks like a regular country pub. But cross over the road and you’ll find five glamped-up shepherd’s huts set around a tranquil pond, with an uninterrupted view of the rolling Surrey Hills in the distance. Inside, the huts have been furnished with luxurious king-size beds and walk-in shower rooms. Underfloor heating and wood burners keep things cosy on cold nights, and there’s an outdoor fire pit for late-night summer lounging. There’s a fridge to chill drinks and food (stocked with wine for guests’ arrival), snacks and a coffee pod machine. At the back of the large, sunny beer garden, you’ll find the pub’s other residents – a herd of llamas, whom guests can accompany on treks, picnics or just grab sunset selfies with (they are extremely curious and friendly).

On the menu

All of the pub classics are present and correct: homemade burgers with chilli relish, crisp-battered fish ’n’ chips with chunky tartare, and generous slabs of ham hock terrine with punchy piccalilli. There are also a few more refined dishes – beetroot carpaccio with local goat’s cheese and candied hazelnuts, sea bass with crushed potatoes and salsa verde, and a delicately spiced vegan squash massaman curry. Local drinks are well represented, with wine from Albury Organic Vineyard, Crafty Brewing Company beers from up the road in Godalming, and Vann Lane Gin from the distillery next door (see highlights, below).

Breakfasts are generous – pastries, porridge and fruit are included, as well as made-to-order hot plates such as the Surrey farmhouse fry-up, smashed avo with poached eggs, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. Picnic hampers with homemade scotch eggs, sausage rolls, local cheeses and mini desserts can be ordered, either to eat in your hut or to take on a hike.

Highlights

The pub has teamed up with micro-distillery Village Spirit Collective next door to create a bespoke Ginfluencer overnight experience. This includes a tour of the distillery from owner Ian Cox, plus a masterclass in creating a bespoke gin. Ian has isolated 20 botanicals (including lesser-known ones such as orris root, angelica and cubeb pepper) that you can taste individually and rate for preference, then create your own blend from your favourites. The experience lasts from a one-hour taster to a full two- to three-hour masterclass and includes an overnight stay, two-course dinner and full breakfast (see below for prices).

What you’ll want to recreate at home

The calming, cosy vibes of the shepherd’s huts – crisp linens and white wood-panelled walls contrast with soft fluffy cushions and blankets with bright accents, referencing the colours of South America, home of The Merry Harriers’ llamas.

Fun fact

This could possibly be the most dog-friendly retreat in Surrey – visiting hounds get a bed, blankets and a jar of treats in their room, and there is even a doggy dinner offering of homemade chicken, rice and peas available for them to eat in the restaurant.

Shepherd’s hut stays from £195 per night b&b; overnight Ginfluencer stay from £270 per couple including shepherd’s hut stay, two-course dinner and breakfast and Ginfluencer experience; merryharriers.com