Parts of this welcoming and characterful pub date back to the 16th century and over time the premises have seen the typical expansion into adjoining properties and outhouses, gaining all sorts of nooks and crannies in the process. The ceiling in parts is extremely low, even for buildings of this kind; whilst a set of flagstones in the back bar are said to be around 400 years old and were reputedly used as an influence in the set design of a Harry Potter film. There are several real fires. The pub was originally owned by Mellersh & Neale, Reigate brewers, eventually becoming a Friary Meux badged pub before being bought by Punch Taverns and there is a nice old photo of the pub in its Mellersh & Neale livery. A charming, characterful, and cosy pub selling excellent food which is available 12-3 and 6-9 on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12-9:30 Friday and Saturday and 12-5:30 Sunday. In the garden there is a heated smokers' "pavilion". The large garden also has twenty tables and has been landscaped to provide three different seating areas. Children under 10 are not allowed in the pub. The number of beers available will vary with sometimes just one being available on Monday before the pub closes on Tuesday and then increasing at the weekend. One guest beer is usually from a local brewery, normally Pilgrim or Surrey Hills, and the other may be something like Fuller's London Pride or Timothy Taylor Landlord. If custom continues to improve an extra beer may be available and the Tuesday closure may be reviewed. There is a weekly quiz.