The Percy Arms image

The Percy Arms

Restaurant Bar Pub

Plush rooms in a warm pub/grill with a South African-inspired theme, plus breakfast & Wi-Fi. People often mention good, great, staff, menu, Sunday, service, lovely, Great, lunch, area,


Address

75 Dorking Rd, Chilworth, Guildford GU4 8NP, United Kingdom

Website

www.thepercyarms.net

Contact

+44 1483 561765

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Monday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 10:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (28) great (25) staff (18) menu (16) Sunday (15) service (13) lovely (12) Great (12) lunch (11) area (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Mandy M. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed our Sunday lunch here a few weeks ago at the 1pm sitting, however last Sunday at the 3pm sitting our meat was a little dry and the potatoes inedible, dry and hard, wouldn't be surprised if they had been kept from the 1pm sitting. I let the server know and she just said 'oh sorry about that' nothing more. They are busy so perhaps not worried about upsetting one customer, but I won't return for a Sunday lunch here. The other food on the menu is nice. Works out expensive, £70 for my son and I to have roast dinner, dessert and a couple of drinks, a lot to pay for dry food
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jasmin O. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited this pub following a walk round the Gunpowder mills. Service is slow even though we arrived and ordered our meals at 12 noon when no one else was in the pub. My starter of Prawn Cocktail was returned immediately as the prawns were really tough. Main meals were good, menu a little confusing and there are extras available such as normal chips that we had to ask if were available. If you want another drink with your meal ask for it in advance, our second drinks arrived after we had finished eating. Nice location with great gardens and a kids park, I would drop by again for a main meal and drink if we were passing and now we're aware of the slow service
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marji H. 1 year ago on Google
    We stayed overnight in early May and it was a lovely experience. I liked the decor featuring Scottish plaids in the bedroom. We also ate at the hotel and had a great meal. I recommend this place. The walking trail nearby to the Chilworth Gunpowder Factory ruins was very close.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George Z. 2 years ago on Google
    We first discovered the Percy Arms when we lived in Guildford about a year ago. We have since moved to a different county, but the food is so good here we just had to come back! Had a superb meal with my partner and two of our friends this week. Two of us had ribs, which are simply the best. You will not find more succulent or tasty ribs anywhere else, and the portion is absolutely huge! My partner had the ribs and rump combo, and again it was spot on. Our other friend had the piri piri chicken and was nothing but complementary. The gentleman that served us was attentive, polite and friendly. He even remembered our drinks orders from one round to another. The restaurant was fairly busy with diners and is a lovely setting with plenty of character. Prices are good value for the quality of the food and massive portions, you don't leave hungry! Our friends had never been before and live locally, they will certainly be back again. As will we as the food has been excellent each time we've been. It's worth the journey!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John W. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fabulous gastro pub in a charming area. Owned and operated by a South African family, the Sunday Roast was one of the best I've ever had. The meat from the carvery was cooked to perfection and plentiful, with the accompanying vegetables similarly deliciously, to which you could help yourself. The rest of the menu offers some wonderful meat cuts. Definitely recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris O. 1 year ago on Google
    I always enjoy going back to The Percy Arms . It was my local for a few years. The staff are always friendly. It has a great dog and child fiendly garden with. Dedicated play area. All with a lovely back drop of St Martha's Church. If you like walking then Blackheath Village is nearby with it's Abbey. The menu is great and their BBQ is always a great choice in the summer. Same with their Sunday roasts. The steaks here are also really, really good. I'd recommended trying the monkey glad sauce. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. 👍👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen R. 2 years ago on Google
    Having lived in South Africa for many years, I was keen to try their take on some SA dishes, We had the Bunny chow and BoBoti. Well.. I never had ones as nice as those in SA! Lovely place Great food. Definitely one of my favourites.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 James S. 9 months ago on Google
    Astonishingly poor service. First, they forgot our drinks order. Told us we had moved tables. We hadn't. Second was some strange story that the "system" had lost our food order so after over half an hour, we had to start again. The. The drinks arrived and were served in a very aggressive manner. After the main course we decided to have dessert. We waited for 40 minutes before we could get someone to take the order. Food was remarkably average. Certainly won't be returning.

  • 5/5 David C. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a lovely tour of where and how the meats are preparing and matured before being smoked before we were sat down. Ordered our meals and the food was amazing, generous portions and had to take some of my ribs home with me for later. Lovely playground for the kids too behind the pub.

  • 5/5 Nick W. 1 year ago on Google
    I always love visiting the Percy Arms for food. Their sharing platters are fantastic, and you can't go wrong with any of the steaks or ribs either. Just make sure you're hungry when you arrive! A great place to catch Gav performing in the garden during summer weekends too :D

  • 5/5 Graeme C. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a wonderful evening! The restaurant is warm and inviting as was the reception from its staff. We were a party of 12 and the menu catered for everyone, special attention was paid to us with food intolerances too. What was served was excellent. Thank you The Percy Arms, looking forward to our next visit!

  • 5/5 Craig S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little pub tucked into the village of Chillworth, not far from Guildford. Great food and very welcoming atmosphere. My family and I were visiting for a Xmas break and they looked after us fantastically. Within the restaurant itself they have their own butchers with authentic South African meats for sale. The steak I ordered was sumptuous and the rest of the dishes my family had looked and tasted great. Will definitely visit again if I'm down this way another time. Well done guys!

  • 4/5 Rosie B. 1 year ago on Google
    Stayed for two nights over New Year. The room was great - comfortable, quiet and spacious with good amenities. The breakfast was particularly great - good service and delicious food. A slight issue with hot water for shower could have been dealt with slightly quicker, but I only say that as had been caught in a rainstorm and was desperate for a hot shower before my lunch. Late lunch (early tea?) in the pub restaurant was super tasty - good portions and some interesting South African options. It was nice to see local wines on the wine list too! Had a very good stay - would stay again!

  • 1/5 Hollie T. 8 months ago on Google
    Bad service! So shocked as loved this place and have been loads for a lovely meal. Arrived and shown our seats and asked what drinks we want, we asked for a menu and found it quite bizarre that we wasn't given a menu before hand. When we where given our menus the waitress gave us a special menu which stated 3 types of steaks and a fish dish with a price of £17.95 under the 3 dishes (which we presumed was the price of all the dishes) We all ordered off the special menu to be told we could only have 2 meals from it. So myself and mother orded 2 steaks and the rest ordered off the normal menu. Food arrived in good time, my husband said to the man serving us that there was also a side of mushrooms to be told " there coming I only have one pair of hands" We where shocked as we had never experienced service like this even in cheaper restaurants! Once we ate we asked for the bill and was shocked to see that our specials had been charged at £30 each! We questioned this straight away with the rude man who served us and he said its charged on the weight of the meat! None of this was explained and it doesn't mention it anywhere or either menus about a weight price. My mother asked for the manager and the man explained that he was the manager! He did resolve it after we told he we are not paying that price for sirloin steaks as if we had known we could of ordered fillets at the same price. I'm so disappointed that the service has gone down hill as we loved this little gem of a pub, unfortunately we won't be returning. Gutted as at 36 weeks pregnant and on my birthday I was looking forward to celebrating with my family with good food and a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Nicola D. 9 months ago on Google
    Visited for a family Sunday lunch with three OAPs. Beautifully fitted out interior, cool and stylish with lots of tables yet plenty of space. Carvery was outstanding - lots of choice and plentiful portions. Staff were extremely helpful in accommodating elderly people with poor mobility. Service was faultless. Price for five people came in under £100 - very good value; we did not drink alcohol but all left happily fed. Recommend - we will certainly return.

  • 5/5 Kane D. 7 months ago on Google
    We stopped off for the Sunday carvery. I don’t think I’ve tasted nicer beef - it was lovely! We also enjoyed sitting outside in the beer garden, away from the busy restaurant inside. Good value for the quality of food we received. Recommended as a great place to get your Sunday roast. Staff were also very nice.

  • 3/5 Mark H. 9 months ago on Google
    Mixed review here. The meats (and steaks in particular are excellent, as is the service) but the Sunday carvery missed the mark. The actual meat was great, the accompaniments (roast potatoes, parsnips and especially the Yorkshire puddings and gravy) were disappointing. Go for the steaks and you won't be disappointed.

  • 5/5 Jon O. 11 months ago on Google
    Had a lovely last minute stay here last night, the staff were absolutely brilliant when I said I wouldn’t be arriving until late. One of the staff met me in the car park at nearly midnight to help me check in, absolutely above and beyond. Room was large, smart and comfortable. Great value. Delicious bacon sandwich in the morning too! Can’t recommend enough.

  • 5/5 Shelley H. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a lovely lunch for my Mums birthday. Food was great and the staff were very attentive despite being very busy! Would thoroughly recommend.

  • 5/5 Nicco M. 11 months ago on Google
    We had an delicious dinner with a big party of adults and kids and we all had a beautiful time. The food was great overall with a short waiting time as well. A special mention to the steak and the ribs, and to our waiter Naren who was absolutely amazing in giving us the best experience and entertaining the kids too. Would definitely recommend!

  • 3/5 Tracy S. 11 months ago on Google
    We went for Sunday lunch. Very busy and not enough staff. Our table was very cramped for 5 plus 2 dogs which we did mention when booking. Got one of the orders wrong. Added cheese to the vegan gnocchi! So it did not instill confidence that the vegan options are truly vegan or not contaminated. Could have been very unhelpful for anyone with a dairy allergy. The plant based burger was not good value. Came with a tiny portion of fries. Nice place for a drink and nibbles maybe but not full meal again, not good value for money

  • 3/5 Marina K. 2 months ago on Google New
    This pub seems to be nice in a summer with a great outdoor area and live music, however quite casual inside, surprised lack of Christmas decorations… food was pretty ordinary, i wouldn’t return for it. Ribs were a bit dry and fish dish was simply small and missed a good taste.

  • 5/5 Eddie C. 2 months ago on Google New
    A very well organised restaurant with a busy feel and a friendly manner. The carvery is generous and has everything you would want. The vegetables, though, can get a bit tired after a while on the buffet. They found us a place for two near the bar, despite being fully booked. They find just the right note between friendliness and professionalism. Excellent.

  • 5/5 Alex B. 3 months ago on Google New
    Stayed overnight and had breakfast in the morning. Great value for money. Really nice rooms with a free standing bath. Really liked the breakfast. The evening menu and the selection of dry aged meat looked amazing. Unfortunately we didn't stay to eat. Great spot to explore and go for some long walks.

  • 5/5 Emily A. 3 months ago on Google New
    The best Sunday Roast we have had in a very long time. The Percy Arms is understandably in demand due to their exceptional service and delicious meals. I highly recommend visiting if you are near the area! We travel over an hour specially to visit here for a Sunday Roast - hopefully that proves how great it is! Amazing team and lovely environment.

  • 3/5 Tayana R. 2 months ago on Google New
    Drove through for a family pub lunch while doing a day trip through the surrey area. I’d heard it highly recommended from a few friends. Two of us ordered battered fish and chips - I found the fish inside the batter was good but the batter was still raw in some parts and undercooked, with the chips a bit too cold. Really wasn’t that good overall. Others ordered burgers which they enjoyed, and the crayfish BLT which was given a thumbs up. The service was really friendly and fantastic.

  • 5/5 Tom G. 3 months ago on Google New
    The Percy is a very popular and busy pub and for good reason. Always a good atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff. It doesn't matter if you're stopping for breakfast or dinner, the food will be top quality. Definitely put it on your to visit list.

  • 5/5 Vicky J. 5 months ago on Google
    We had a family celebration for 24 here during a really busy Sunday service. Our dedicated waiter ensured we had everything we wanted. The food, some from the carvery, some from the a la carte menu, was all delicious. The children loved the play area after we had eaten. We had room 2 for the night which was clean and comfortable. We anticipated some noise from the diners below but didn't hear a thing except a small amount of traffic. Definitely worth the trip from Devon!

  • 3/5 Jacqui P. 2 years ago on Google
    Always been a good pub and the manager from Hungary was a star. We initially had a very squashed table and thankfully he moved us. Then, he kindly showed us the different dry aged/45 day hung steaks that were expensive. So we were looking forward to really tasty bit of beef, but were disappointed as all cuts were rather tasteless. Owner/GM could also have put a smile on his face. Won't be going back for a while. Shame

  • 5/5 Jilly L. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome. This was part of a sentimental trip and I was a little concerned it wouldn't meet my expectations. How wrong I was. The bedroom was beautiful, the food amazing... particularly the scrambled egg. I have tried to book before but it was always full, I understand why. Every cosy comfort you could need, beautiful bed and really pleasant staff. Cannot fault it.

  • 5/5 Chloe P. 2 years ago on Google
    We stayed at The Percy Arms for a mid week getaway, and we couldn't recommend it enough. The pub itself was homely with a great atmosphere and the staff were all really welcoming, helpful and friendly...especially Shane! Our room was above what we expected, really great value for money with a really delicious breakfast! We would hurry back in an instance.

  • 5/5 Mark L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Some of the best pub grub we’ve ever had. Kids rated the burgers “tastiest ever”. We had the SA sharing platter and just full of interesting, authentic, robust meaty delicacies. Very good value and warm service. Dog friendly too!

  • 5/5 Rudi K. 2 years ago on Google
    The most incredible Christmas lunch! A feast fit for King’ & Queen’s and a price point the Jester can afford. This will surely become a Christmas tradition! Any publicans wanting a lesson in 5* hospitality, head straight to The Percy Arms for a Masterclass!

  • 5/5 Clare W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food here tonight. Huge rack of ribs, so big my friend took half home! Loved the choices and good information regarding allergies. Very friendly waiting staff and they're also running a free Christmas lottery so you can win prizes like discounts on your next visit.

  • 5/5 Luc H. 2 years ago on Google
    Affordable fast and tasty. Great selection on the menu

  • 5/5 Adela E. 2 years ago on Google
    super nice staff and welcoming,manage to fit us in last minute. Dinner was perfect, best ribs ever, portion are more then I could handle. Definitely recommend 👌

  • 4/5 Jan S. 2 years ago on Google
    the salmon starter and pudding were wonderful. But ordered turkey and it was turkey roll and had a horrid smoked flavour. Since then have had another turkey lunch which was done traditionally and was lovely

  • 5/5 colin l. 2 years ago on Google
    Great menu, we wanted to try just about everything. Settled on the South African Platter which served 4 perfectly for an appetiser then went for rump steak which was perfectly cooked. After the main courses the desserts looked as good but were slightly less well done All in all great value and a shoe in for a return visit to check out the rest of the menu

  • 5/5 Debbie K. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite a popular restaurant so you need to book in advance especially for Sunday lunch. I love the South African dishes it's a favourite and never disappointment. Lovely outdoor play area for the kids , pity it wad closed on our last visit.

  • 5/5 TonyBlokeDesigns 2 years ago on Google
    Stayed here before back in September and enjoyed it's hospitality so much that we came back for a second visit. Tuesday night is Steak Night in the restaurant and they're cooked to perfection. Highly recommended staying here and I'm sure we'll be back again some time in the future.

  • 5/5 Lauren K. 1 year ago on Google
    Today was the second time we have been for a Sunday roast at the Percy Arms - it is the best by a mile. Good staff, great chef on service and the food has been delicious and plentiful both times. No point in going anywhere else for a roast dinner now, it is brilliant. Wine also good, comfy chairs, nice tables, relaxing atmosphere, clean environment, attentive staff with high standards.

  • 4/5 Ollie B. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a great time here over the weekend for friends birthday. All the food came out correctly, cooked very well and steaming hot! And we had a pretty big table! Thank you!

  • 4/5 nicola mc n. 2 years ago on Google
    Friendly South African themed restaurant and hotel. The food is AMAZING and includes SA specialities like bobotie and boerewors. Breakfast choices are great too. They have meat and dishes to buy to take home and cook. The room was clean (standard double) and a good size. There is even a little seating area with books and a fireplace for those with rooms. No noise from the pub below. Only slight issues were that the coffee pod machine was temperamental and the desk was past its prime. Would happily stay there again. Was nice and warm even at -4° outside.

  • 1/5 Andrew G. 2 years ago on Google
    Completely ignored on entry waited 10 minutes before we were seen to by a member of staff. Only to be turned away as we didn't specify we had our dog, which would have understood if there had been any information on the website that there are 2 areas for food, bar and dining and the bar areas was the only dog friendly area. Rather than being understanding, even if they did have decline our table they were just flat out rude. Luckily the Grantly Arms is just down the road, they were understanding and accommodating and we had a fantastic meal.

  • 5/5 Simon V. 2 years ago on Google
    You simply MUST go! One of the best meals I’ve had for ages. Meat was so great it melts in your mouth and the portion size was top notch. There’s also a butcher on site and some lovely drinks and desserts to choose from 😋

  • 5/5 Kieran N. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely staff, great environment, brilliant food. Well worth the drive if you're not local and right next to the train station if you don't drive. The menu is a great combination of traditional English country pub and South African flavours. In the heart of the Surrey Hills it's a great venue for meeting friends, family etc and has a play area for the kids as well as a lovely beer garden.

  • 5/5 Tony F. 1 year ago on Google
    A large village pub well known for its South African focus. Large sharing platters are enough for 3 people as starters. Meat features heavily for mains but there are plenty of fish or vegetable options. Wine list slanted in direction of South Africa again but it was nice to see some local wines too. Overall good value for money

  • 3/5 Julie C. 1 year ago on Google
    Good food, although the ham hock terrine starter was still defrosting when it was served. However, it feels a bit cavernous and has the atmosphere of a big chain pub. You can have a large pub that doesn't feel like a banqueting hall - unfortunately, this does. We went there to check it out as a venue for a birthday dinner, but were put off by the staff informing us that the maximum length of booking was two hours, which seems rather short for a three course meal for 20. We were also told that they would expect a deposit to be left, which was the final nail in the coffin for us.

  • 4/5 Jan van den B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location, décor and atmosphere. Service staff could be friendlier, but service was good. We had the rump steak and lamb curry bunny. Expected more of the steak, but not bad…slightly watery and a bit chewy. Would go again.

  • 5/5 Stefan Toth (. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of my favourite places around this area. The food is tasty and always well served. Portions are plentiful and staff is very polite and thoughtful. Good experience and recommended! It is worth booking in advance as the place gets busy in the evenings. Great place for groups and has plenty of space available. The dry aged steaks are really good and the South African cuisine inspired dishes are well worth the try.


Call +44 1483 561765 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

RHS Garden Wisley image
1
RHS Garden Wisley
Arboretum
Vast garden including a glasshouse with 3 climatic zones, a learning space & a laboratory.
4.70 (15.8K reviews)
Turtle Bay Guildford image
2
Turtle Bay Guildford
Caribbean restaurant
Lively Caribbean restaurant inspired by beach shacks and street hawkers, with a jerk pit barbecue.
$$ $$
4.70 (5.1K reviews)
The Rodboro Buildings - JD Wetherspoon image
3
The Rodboro Buildings - JD Wetherspoon
Pub
Century-old factory building now home to a laid-back pub serving British fare & draft beer.
$ $$$
4.00 (2.3K reviews)
Positano image
4
Positano
Italian restaurant
Elegant wood-panelled eatery in an Elizabethan building, serving pizza, pasta and Italian specials.
$$ $$
4.80 (1.7K reviews)
Bill's Guildford Restaurant image
5
Bill's Guildford Restaurant
British restaurant
Contemporary European chain dishing up separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.
$$ $$
4.20 (1.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()