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="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE.jpeg" alt="The front of The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey on a cold frosty evening." class="wp-image-57906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-exterior-AE-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>About halfway between Guildford and Dorking on the A24, just a stone&#8217;s throw from the pretty village of Shere, you&#8217;ll find The Gomshall Mill pub. </p>



<p>This historic 17th century mill has seen some major changes over the decades. While the original building dates back to the 11th century (it&#8217;s mentioned in the Doomsday Book), it became a water-driven corn mill in the 17th century, powered by the River Tillingbourne. It remained a working watermill until 1952 when it became a post office. Later the mill was transformed into a lovely riverside pub, opening in 2010, but just over 10 years later, it fell into disrepair and in 2021 closed down. </p>



<p>Following a massive refurbishment, The Gomshall Mill pub reopened again at the end of 2022. It is one of three boutique pubs that make up <a href="https://newdawnpubs.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Dawn Pubs</a>, an independent pub company based in Farnham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</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/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044.jpg" alt="The Gomshall Mill gastropub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/11/Gomshall-Mill-0044-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Quaint, quirky and brimming with character &#8211; The Gomshall Mill pub is a destination venue if ever I saw one. It&#8217;s set over multiple split-levels with the Tilingbourne River running through the centre and fabulous huge glass windows giving a great view of the original waterwheel. It&#8217;s wonderfully wonky with uneven floors, h low ceilings in some areas and high vaulted ceilings in other</p>



<p>The front entrance takes you into the bar area. The main dining areas are The River Room, Mill View and The Loft &#8211; each one individually styled with inspiration coming from the surrounding Surrey Hills. There&#8217;s also The Bridge &#8211; which connects two areas &#8211; where you can see the water running beneath you as you eat.</p>



<p>The recent refurb shows the best of the pub: exposed stone walls, floors in polished timber or heritage tiles, and more exposed timber beams than you could poke a stick at. There are cosy nooks with woodburning stoves aplenty &#8211; both private and semi-private &#8211; plus a wonderful mezzanine which would be ideal for a family gathering.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a pub for all seasons too: warm, cosy and inviting in the winter months, and with a spectacular riverside terrace and garden in the warmer months.</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="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room.jpg" alt="The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57909" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-dining-room-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Menus at The Gomshall Mill centre around sustainable, seasonal and local ingredients, particularly those sourced in Surrey. That ethos extends to the drinks too with local wines, ales, craft beers and spirits. </p>



<p>Expect gastropub classics like burgers, steak and pies alongside beer-braised beef and pan roasted seabass. On Sunday, there&#8217;s a mean roast &#8211; said to be the best around &#8211; with options of beef, chicken, lamb, pork plus a roast mushroom, sweet potato, lentil, Sussex Cheddar and spinach Wellington. Of course there’s something for kids, plus a separate gluten-free menu.</p>



<p>I went for a late lunch on a chilly Friday afternoon &#8211; and didn&#8217;t waste any time ordering. To start, I chose the tart of the day: goats&#8217; cheese served with fig and apple chutney, a baby leaf salad, and salsa verde. My partner in culinary crime went for the chicken liver parfait served with pear and apple chutney, salad leaves and toasted sourdough. It was an excellent start. And after a December that involved stuffing my face daily, the tart felt almost virtuous. </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/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE.jpeg" alt="Starters at The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57904" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-food-starters-AE-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, I opted for pan-roasted seabass with roasted new potatoes and charred broccoli in a white wine prawn bisque with tomato and fennel salsa. While across the table it was beer-braised short rib of beef with crushed horseradish potatoes, braised pickled beetroot and cavolo nero with a red wine and mushroom jus. Both got massive thumbs up &#8211; generous portions (but not so much I had to skip pudding!), and beautifully presented. The fish was well-cooked and full of flavour, and I&#8217;m told the beef was super tender, melting off the bone.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE.jpeg" alt="Main meals at The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE-800x480.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE-1000x600.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE-400x240.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gosmshall-Mill-food-mails-AE-768x461.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For pud, I chose caramel panna cotta (delicious!) while my son went for the milk chocolate and sea salt cheesecake (yummy, and super rich).</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="1024" height="681" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground.jpg" alt="The playground at The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57908" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-playground-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>This is a fabulous pub for families. The gastropub is really welcoming, and he buzzy vibe means you that kids can be kids. No need for stuffy silences. The watermill is a great little history lesson. And the water running through the pub is a wonderfully quirky feature that kids will love. Outside, there&#8217;s a children&#8217;s play area.</p>



<p>There’s a children’s menu with options including burgers, sausage and mash, and tomato and cheese pasta (with hidden veggies).</p>



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



<p>This is a country pub –  of course it is! Dogs are very welcome at The Gomshall Mill pub and there are dedicated dining areas where dogs are permitted. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times &#8211; both inside the pub and in the garden. </p>



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



<p>There is step-free access from the main entrance to the bar area, and one loo on this level. The age of the building, and the fact it&#8217;s Grade II-listed, means it&#8217;s not great for wheelchair users. Some floors are uneven, doorways can be narrow and there are some tight corners.</p>



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



<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/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06.jpeg" alt="Silent Pool in the Surrey Hills." class="wp-image-52821" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/Silent-Pool-Distillery-Tour-AE-06-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Just four minutes in the car and you&#8217;ll be in Shere. It&#8217;s super pretty, quintessentially English and a favourite location for film makers. Scenes from <em>The Holiday</em> were filmed here, as well as<em> Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason</em>. Visit the 12th century St James&#8217; Church.</p>



<p>The Silent Pool Distillery is a 7-minute drive. Why not book a <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/silent-pool-distillery-tour-surrey-hills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distillery tour</a> before lunch at The Gomshall Mill pub? </p>



<p>If you fancy a walk there are some great options that start and finish at the pub.  A popular route is the 2.8-mile trail that climbs into the <a href="https://www.ratedtrips.com/walking/gomshall-and-netley-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Downs to Netley Park</a>. If you&#8217;re after something a little more rigorous there&#8217;s a more strenuous <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/abinger-roughs-and-netley-park/abinger-roughs-to-gomshall-walking-circuit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">6.2 mile walk from Abinger Roughs to Gomshall</a>. </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="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005.jpg" alt="The Gomshall Mill pub near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-57910" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2025/01/Gomshall-Mill-0005-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Come for lunch, dinner or just a drink with friends, family, son, daughter, other half – your dog – or on your tod. Everyone feels at home, whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Those who like their pubs to have supersized TV screens permanently tuned to Sky Sports should look elsewhere.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Good value. Nibbles £4-£7.50; starters £7.50-£9; mains £15-£23; desserts £8–£9 (£12.50 for the cheeseboard).</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://gomshallmill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gomshall Mill</a>, Station Road, Gomshall, GU5 9LB. Tel: 01483 340231</em></strong></p>


Review: The Gomshall Mill, near Guildford

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