Bolthole - The Merry Harriers

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

- JANINE RATCLIFFE

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).