A beloved 16th-century Surrey pub set to reopen within days after being sold to revered Hilltop Kitchen owners. The Hambledon Inn Merry Harriers has been acquired by Alex Winch and Sam Fiddian-Green, who have reaped success with the sustainable kitchen in Godalming.
The sale was completed to the pair, and the pub subsequently shut on November 14, so the transfer could take place. The pub is now open, as of last month, and will operate as a Hilltop Kitchens pop-up right until the New Year, when it will close for a complete refurbishment.
Over the years the pub has undergone significant changes by former owners Peter and Lana de Savary, with refurbished rooms in the inn, the restaurant, and five luxury shepherd huts in the gardens. Many will be familiar with the llama trekking, organised by the family next to the pub, where guests could go for a walk with real llamas.
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Lana was approached in recent months by the entrepreneurs, asking if she was interested in selling the successful six-year-long passion project after Peter sadly died in 2022. She said: “A local family approached me with their wish to buy the Harriers. Without my husband to carry on with his plans, my management team has advised me that this is a good opportunity to secure the future of the Merry Harriers.
“With this in mind, we would like to thank all of our customers and our neighbours for their continued support. Hambledon has become a special place for my family, with one of our daughters being married in the village church. We wish Alex and Sam great success as they become the new custodians of the Merry Harriers.”
Alex Winch, director at Pickle and Winch, has an impressive portfolio of experience in customer service, working as a sommelier for Como Hotels and as a manager at Portland Restaurant and Smoke and Salt. Sam Fiddian-Green has experience working as a pastry chef in Denmark, and grew up in Godalming on the Wintershall Estate, his father notably being the much loved sculptor, Nic Fiddian-Green, whose work can be seen in Surrey and across the UK.
Alex Winch and Sam Fiddian-Green, said: “Since opening Hilltop Kitchen over two years ago, we have been bowled over by the support we have received, from day one our guests, suppliers, friends and families have been with us every step of the way.
“We have long admired the Merry Harriers and are honoured to be able to continue and develop this fantastic local pub. If you are looking for something delicious to eat, a warm place to settle and a tipple or two - you know where to find us. Come for one, stay for many.”
And it seems many recent visitors are loving the pub so far. A customer from November 2023 who stayed in one of the luxurious shepherds huts wrote that their dog was a huge fan. The huts are described by the pub as "The epitome of the luxury glamping experience". The TripAdvisor review reads: "I went for a one nights stay with my dog - staying somewhere on your own can be quite daunting but the staff were amazing.
"All the staff were friendly. The garden view room was great although WiFi was hit and miss. This has been the only place where my dog has eaten dinner and breakfast - normally he turns his nose up. Human food was also great! I will definitely be back!"
Opening Times
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 5pm - 10pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11pm - 11pm
- Sunday: 11pm - 8pm
