The Jolly Farmer

Binsted Road, Blacknest, GU34 4QD

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This is a large, busy pub with an extensive high-quality menu and plenty of room for both dining and enjoying a quiet drink or a morning coffee. In the winter it's a cosy hideaway with comfy sofas and an open fire. In Summer there's a big beer garden with loads of space and play equipment for kids and the "Jollys" is very popular on summer weekends, so booking is recommended especially at lunchtime.

Another pub with something of a history, the place was almost entirely rebuilt after a mysterious explosion almost destroyed the original inn. The rebuilding was done very tastefully, incorporating parts of the old brick and malmstone buildings and the "Jollys" presents a welcoming sight ,nestling at the Blacknest crossroads, between the Forest and the wooded slopes of the Hangers ridge.

It's run by a very friendly and go-ahead young couple Jeff and Georgia Watts, who've transformed the atmosphere and dramatically improved the quality of the menu after a series of lacklustre temprary landlords installed by former owners Gales. It's now a Fullers pub, but they continue to sell the local Gales brew together with a very wide range of other beers and wines

Opening Hours :

Monday to Friday 11-3; 5-11 (Food served 12-2:30; 6-9:30 )
Saturday 11-11 (Food served 12-9:30 )
Sunday 12-10:30 (Food served 12-9 )

The Jolly Farmer has a function room for weddings etc and , especially popular an old-fashioned skittle alley which can be hired for parties or family events.