The bar in this historic hotel is open all day, but very sadly does not sell real ale. Your best bet is probably a bottle of Tiger beer from Singapore. Expect hotel prices though. The upper area has a fire. The hotel is in a beautiful setting at the foot of Box Hill. The building dates back in parts to the 16th century, and was originally founded as the Fox & Hounds in 1254. The current hotel dates in the main from 1801. Among the illustrious people who have visited it are Queen Victoria, Jane Austen, Wordsworth, John Keats, Robert Louis Stevenson and Lord Nelson. In fact it was here that Lord Nelson spent secret hours with his love Emma Hamilton before going to defeat Napoleon's fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. The 16th century Tithe Barn is fitted out with beams from the ships of the Spanish Armada. Keats wrote part of Endymion while staying here.
(01306) 884561
