Knowing where to eat when you’re out and about can be a chore, so we’ve shortlisted some our favourites in and around Godalming to make your life easier.
Surrey and West Sussex is blessed with beauty and rurality and with that comes excellent cuisine, captivating sights and natural beauty. We have collated some of our favourite Duck Pond walks and these lunch spots partner up with those beautifully. So why not have a read of both and plan your next day out!
*all locations mentioned are matched with their local duck pond/walk: see those here.
After a lovely walk about Broadwater Pond, you may find yourself to be peckish but not fancying a sweet treat that can be found onsite at the waffle van, you can head 5 minutes down the road to The Inn on the Lake. This grand building offers both inside and outside dining and an extensive menu. If the name didn’t already give it away, this restaurant sits alongside a lake which can be accessed by a path next to the venue. The venue boasts an extensive garden and courtyard allowing visitors to appreciate the surroundings…and the food’s not bad either
“Really friendly pub. Staff were attentive, helpful. Food was really nice and felt like there was a good selection. Was also dog friendly which is always a plus. Will return for sure and recommend to my family. Great value for money!”
Who doesn’t love a dainty café with homemade cakes, creamy coffee and selection of lunch options? Well you can find all of those at The Dabbling Duck, which is just around the corner from the River Tillingbourne. Unlike ordinary café’s, the Dabbling Duck provides light lunch options as well as more substantial meals and held the Food and Drink award winning title from Surrey Life for three years running. In addition to the food options, there are also various seating options here, with an outdoor area of a decent size plus a yurt-style seating section making this suitable for England’s unpredictable weather.
So if you’re looking for a venue with a great atmosphere coupled with great good, look no further.
“Such a lovely little cafe with great staff, tasty bakes and good coffee.
The cafe is very nice. It’s quite small inside but with a larger outdoor seating area. It gets quite busy.
The food and snacks are great. Really delicious little bakes. Great to take things away and have a nice wonder through the village!”
Getting to this venue from our suggested local duck pond: Warren Pond, may not be immediately around the corner, but the 10 minute drive will be worth it when you step into the 16th Century. This traditional Freehouse offers traditional pub food with a touch of class, popular to the locals and those travelling from a far. This really is a venue that stands out and transports you back to a different eta, accompanied by seasonal, classic food.
“Superb, food and fabulous ambiance but wow those ceilings are low so watch your head. It’s both charming and friendly in equal measures. Love it will be back soon. ”
Discover both British and Italian cuisine at the Old Mill Café, service both sit down meals and takeaway meals for those on the go. Many people come for their popular afternoon tea or their surprising selection of wine. Outdoor and indoor seating is available for either breakfast, lunch or just a coffee which comes highly recommended from it’s customers (as does their cakes!)
When you’re done, why no wander over to the Village Pond and sit on the bench enjoying nature, the fish and the ducks.
“Lovely cosy cafe with attractive outside seating terrace boasting wonderful views over the village green. Sampled their tea for two and Pistachio Cake and it was rather good. ”
Situated just off the main highstreets sits a beautifully appointed tearoom furnished with linen table cloths, glistening candeliers and cakes stands full of mouth-watering treats. The outdoor courtyard is just as aesthetically pleasing as indoors, with plenty of tables both sheltered and not. If the looks weren’t enough, the food is just a pleasant to look at as it is to eat. Before 11:30 they serve varying pancake options and other delicious breakfasts and then onto traditional British lunches both small and large. We personally recommend the Welsh Rarebit and the afternoon tea, followed by a stroll around the Storrington Memorial Pond a few minutes (by car) down the road.
“Went there for a friend’s birthday for afternoon tea, the food was amazing and beautifully presented. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. Thank you for a lovely experience.”
No matter what your appetite, the weather or the mood, there will be something that tickles your fancy.