Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1206" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14.jpeg" alt="The Drumming Snipe, Mayford, near Woking in Surrey." class="wp-image-53966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14.jpeg 1206w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14-800x531.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14-1000x663.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14-400x265.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Drumming-Snipe-2024-14-768x509.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1206px) 100vw, 1206px" /></figure>



<p>Nestled in the village of Mayford, a couple of miles outside Woking, <a href="https://thedrummingsnipe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Drumming Snipe</a> is a gastropub that&#8217;s worth going out of your way for. </p>



<p>The formerly the drab Mayford Arms underwent a smart new refurb back in 2020 and reopened as part of the boutique Brucan Pubs collection alongside it&#8217;s Michelin-rated sister pub The Greene Oak in Windsor. Very quickly The Drumming Snipe gained a reputation for top-notch gastropub food, catching the eye of London&#8217;s top food critics and gaining a loyal following of locals as well.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s perhaps no great surprise given the pedigree of owner James Lyon Shaw who started his career at London&#8217;s celeb haunt The Ivy and has worked at some of the capital&#8217;s trendiest restaurants. You can spot some of that Ivy DNA here too in the indulgent fuss-free classics, quality ingredients and seasonality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="483" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-720x483.jpg" alt="The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-31994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-720x483.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-150x101.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-768x515.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory-782x525.jpg 782w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/The-Drumming-Snipe_conservatory.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>The Drumming Snipe is a large Victorian pub with a smart enclosed garden and a fabulous heated marquee (perfect for the unpredictable British weather). Inside there are zoned areas &#8211; so whilst it&#8217;s roomy it doesn&#8217;t feel gargantuan and still has a relaxed and intimate feel. </p>



<p>The interiors are smart and stylish with painted timber panelling, exposed red brick walls and distinctive eye-catching lighting. There are fireplaces, too, for cosy vibes in the winter months. It&#8217;s classy, but relaxed and welcoming, without any hint of pretension. Quirky touches like the converted horse boxes in the garden are playful and fun. </p>



<p>There’s a separate snug with comfy sofas and lounge chairs, plus doors leading out to the garden. If you&#8217;re planning a private function the snug and marquee are available for private hire. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1176" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79.jpeg" alt="Food at The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79-800x627.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79-1000x784.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79-400x314.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-79-768x602.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Let&#8217;s talk food. Because the food at The Drumming Snipe is a big part of the show. Menus are simple but stunning, with all the culinary flair you’d expect from a top-notch gastropub. </p>



<p>There’s clearly an intent on quality. Dishes like wild nettle and spring onion risotto and Cornish plaice with crayfish and samphire sit alongside flat-iron steak and slow-cooked lamb. There are also fancy burgers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1.jpeg" alt="Half a dozen Jersey rock oysters at The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54551" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-76-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s an exciting menu, with plenty of tempting options. Fish and seafood lovers, in particular, will be in heaven. Fish is delivered fresh every day. </p>



<p>With that in mind, I couldn&#8217;t pass up the fresh Jersey oysters. Mr M chose the Hampshire asparagus which comes either hot with a crispy hen&#8217;s egg and truffled lardo or cold with a herb vinaigrette. He went hot.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s rare that I meet an oyster I don&#8217;t love &#8211; and this half dozen of Jersey rock oysters were perfect &#8211; topped with a dash of shallot dressing or Tabasco sauce. The asparagus got the thumbs up from him.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1084" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82.jpeg" alt="Food at The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54546" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82-800x578.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82-1000x723.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82-400x289.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-82-768x555.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Next it was sautéed gnocchi with grilled artichokes, purple broccoli, hazelnut pesto and vegan feta for me. And for him, the flat iron steak with peppercorn sauce and triple-cooked chips. The gnocchi was great &#8211; not heavy at all, and full of lovely flavours. Mr M said his steak was among the best he&#8217;s had.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1146" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83.jpeg" alt="Food at The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54547" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83-800x611.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83-1000x764.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83-400x306.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-83-768x587.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a carefully curated wine list offering a wide choice by the glass &#8211; including several fine wines &#8211; as well as the bottle. I sipped on a gorgeous dry English rosé &#8211; a wonderful new discovery. If you get the chance to try Folc wine, produced in the south east of England, don&#8217;t say no.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86.jpeg" alt="Food at The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54548" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-86-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was going to skip the puds but the lure of the chocolate mousse with salted caramel is <em>verrrry</em> hard to resist. And my advice having tried it is a resounding DON&#8217;T. Don&#8217;t try to resist, I mean. Just don&#8217;t. It&#8217;s rich, chocolatey, sweet, salty and perfect. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87.jpeg" alt="The Drumming Snipe in Mayford, Surrey." class="wp-image-54549" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/The-Drumming-Snipe-AE-87-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>No need to leave the nippers at home &#8211; the relaxed and buzzy vibe mean you&#8217;ll feel comfortable bringing the kids, and the Little Snipes menu means there&#8217;s food they&#8217;ll love to eat (freshly made fish fingers, grilled chicken or rigatoni pasta with pesto). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p>Yes, dogs are welcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>The Drumming Snipe is very accessible with ramp access and all amenities on the ground floor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<p>For me, The Drumming Snipe is a destination in itself, but if you&#8217;re only a couple of miles outside Woking where there&#8217;s The Lightbox art gallery, theatres and the new Nova cinema. If you fancy working up an appetite before eating? <a href="https://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/whitmoor-rickford-commons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitmoor Common</a> is a four-minute drive from The Drumming Snipe where there are walking trails of varied lengths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53.jpeg" alt="the garden at the drumming snipe pub in Mayford, Surrey" class="wp-image-33750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/07/The-Drumming-Snipe_AE_53-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Foodies, date nights, girlie catch ups or a special meal out with friends. The food is seriously good. Seasonal dishes made using quality ingredients and portions are generous.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> If fine food and a more &#8216;starchy&#8217; experience is what you&#8217;re after, this is not the place. The Drumming Snipe is warm and relaxed.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> The lunchtime set menu (available Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm) offers a two course set menu for £24 or three courses for £28 &#8211; good value for the quality, I&#8217;d say. On the à la carte menu starters are around £8-£12 (£17 for oysters), mains are £16-£24, and puds around £9. Sunday roasts are £18-£21.</p>



<p><strong><em><a aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thedrummingsnipe.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Drumming Snipe</a>, Guildford Road, Mayford, Woking, GU22 9QT. Tel: <a href="tel:01483610010">01483 610 010</a></em></strong></p>


Review: The Drumming Snipe, Mayford

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