My tour of Surrey brunch spots continues!
This time, a real hidden gem.
For me there is something really special about an independent pub. Maybe because we don't see many of them around these days - they have become something of a rare breed.
And The Holly Bush is just that. Family owned and run, Sally and her team are doing such an incredible job - having managed pubs for years they know what works, and have got it spot on.
When walking in the pub, the first thing to catch my attention was the incredible interiors. Walking through the patio seating area and seeing faux shearling covered chairs, through to the rustic charm of the main pub space with an industrial-meets-cosy pub feel - it was love at first sight. Right down to the little details - eucalyptus stems and crochet blankets - The Holly Bush has managed to tread that delicate line of traditional yet modern British pub, without the chintz and overly 'done' feel.
My friend and I went mid-morning, mid-week and expected it to be dead. We were surprised to find a chatty group of ladies catching up over coffee, dog walkers refuelling outside on the patio and others going for a post-tennis latte. It was lively! We ordered a couple of flat whites, and were more than pleasantly surprised when they arrived looking barista-perfect and tasting deliciously velvety smooth - no pissy pub-style coffee here. It was quickly becoming clear why it's popular for a mid-morning caffeine fix!
So far, so good.
I was really surprised to see such an impressive brunch menu as not only was it a week day, but we were out in the Surrey sticks where a hearty ploughmans is more de rigueur than avo toast. But avo toast there was! Alongside eggs royale, buttermilk pancakes, granola and other delights - perfection.
We chose a few dishes to share - with each at a reasonable £6 - £8 we figured it'd be silly not to treat ourselves to a little variety!
First up, smashed avocado with coriander, lime and chilli on sourdough. With a real chilli kick, this was phenomenal. Flavoursome and fresh; perfection.
Next, something a little different. Baked eggs with sundried tomatoes, parmesan and a dash of cream - it was every bit as sensational as it sounds. Rich and creamy yet tangy and moreish, this was a real standout! Served with more toasted sourdough, it was just delish.
And finally, buttermilk pancakes with fresh fruit. You may have picked up on a theme here; at both Jackson + Rye and The Ivy we treated ourselves to a brunch dessert. 'Cos life's too short to skip dessert, including at brunch! Again, totally delicious - the pancakes were light and fluffy with just the right amount of fruit and maple syrup.
Much like the interiors, the food itself was lovingly and beautifully presented - you can tell how much thought and attention has gone in to even the smallest of details, here.
Sally told us how the brunch, lunch and dinner menus are altered and amended each day to account for fresh ingredients and produce, meaning they are carefully and thoughtfully curated. And you can really tell. Everything about The Holly Bush is mindfully put together; exactly what I would expect (but often don't get) from a local, independent pub.
The lunch and dinner menus looked just as tempting as what we saw from brunch, and their private dining room a great place to celebrate something special. Cosy inside, and with a spacious and sun-drenched garden outside - I can see this becoming our new favourite! In the warmer months they run an outdoor street food shack, which I am more than just a little bit excited to see in action.
Well, you may have picked up that I really loved The Holly Bush!...
Not only was the food delicious and the interiors perfectly instagrammable, but the atmosphere was spot on. The Holly Bush team's friendly, warm and laid back approach has left me already planning my next trip. The baked eggs might have sealed the deal!
The Holly Bush (website). Shortfield Common Road, Frensham, GU10 3BJ.
Thank you to The Holly Bush for welcoming me to review their pub. All views my own.
