The Merry Harriers Inn & Llama Trekking is nestled in the village of Hambledon, in the Surrey Hills "area of natural beauty". The inn features 10 newly refurbished rooms, and 5 brand new for 2019 Shepherd's Huts, and is a perfect retreat for walkers, with or without 4-legged companion, or urban dwellers wanting a quiet weekend in the country.
What makes a stay at The Merry Harriers Inn unique?
The Inn features the names of all the landlords, prior to current owners Peter and Lana de Savary, painted upon the walls of the restaurant, starting with Absalom Bone, in 1710. At the back of the property, the extensive beer garden has a gate that leads to a touch of the Andes; 11 llamas graze and forage in the fields behind the pub, and are extremely friendly and curious, happy to meet anyone that comes to their field. They are regularly taken on treks, starting at the pub, and carry picnics in the summer, with the option of a hot lunch in the pub in the winter.
What food do you serve at The Merry Harriers Inn?
The Merry Harriers provides locally grown and foraged food, with Sam Page, the Head Chef, regularly found in the woodlands and hedgerows surrounding the pub picking nettles for his pestos, and other assorted goodies, usually from right under the nose of the llamas. The food is traditional English pub fare, with a hint of the exotic and unusual with the addition of foraged foods taking the place of other, rather more expected ingredients.
Does the chef at The Merry Harriers Inn have a signature dish?
All dishes are quintessential British fare, done well. Foraged ingredients replace the expected, such as Hambledon nettle in the homemade pesto for gnocchi, and risotto dishes on offer. Local meats adorn the menu from Wakeling's of Godalming; sirloin steak, and Godalming sausages firm favourites with visitors and regulars alike. Delicious desserts to finish a meal are also a must.
Tell us more about the rooms and facilities at The Merry Harriers Inn?
The Merry Harriers has 10 newly refurbished rooms, 4 of which are situated about the 16th century inn itself, and 6 garden chalet rooms situated to the rear of the building. The garden chalet rooms are dog friendly, and all the rooms have king size beds, en suite bathrooms with step in showers, flat screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. New for 2019 are the luxury Shepherd's Huts, situated opposite the inn, around the pub's pond. A taste of Surrey 'glamping', these huts are beautifully designed, with all the same mod-cons as the other rooms, but the additions of fire pits, wood-burning stoves, wine fridges, and underfloor heating, all looking over the rolling Surrey Hills, and dog friendly.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the Hambleton area?
Hambledon is a quaint little village nestled in the Surrey Hills, and is a perfect spot for hikers, dog walkers, and cyclists, following the many trails and routes that start from the pub. Of course, there are the 2-5 hour llama treks that start from the pub also, and are a fantastically sedate stroll through the woodlands of Surrey, as you watch your llama leave chew marks for their territory, and roll in the Surrey sands. Not a stone's throw from the inn are the tudor towns of Godalming, Guildford, and Haslemere, all with good train links. London is a 50 minute train's journey, and Portsmouth about the same.
