King William IV in Guildford

We went to celebrate my birthday, and we were not disappointed. This place lived up to its expectations and the food / service was impeccable all the way through. I had the sirloin which was cooked perfectly. There were a lot of us, and the staff looked after us very well. If you like your steaks, and traditional English pubs, this is the place to try. Will be returning to try the roasts which I have heard good things about !

Try to book table? Left two messages no one came back to me. Don't bother to go if they can't be bothered to come back to you .

Not a good experience. Fish and chips were poor. Batter pale and greasy and not crisp. Even on the second attempt there was no improvement. The triple cooked chips were not much better. I expected more given the statements on their website '...providing a great place to have a pint but to offer a very high quality food menu. Our Michelin starred chef has created a menu which is like no other in the area.' '...a unique take on Pub Classics.' Well, I guess that is correct if flaccid fish and chips are what comes out of the kitchen - our local chippy is significantly better. The starters were a little more appetising, although the 'special' tempura mushrooms were more like mushrooms dipped in the fish batter not a light tempura. Perhaps the oil needs to be heated to a higher temperature before frying for both these dishes! By the time it came for dessert the noise levels had increased to being almost unbearable, so we left without bothering. So much for '...offer the best dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable environment.' On a positive note, the Harvey's ale was very good and they knocked the cost of the fish and chips off the final bill, though my preference would have been to have eaten a lovely fish and chips meal and paid for it, not to mention indulging in a sweet treat in the relaxed and comfortable environment, which it wasn't.

We were a party of 15 and had a truly wonderful evening. The service was exemplary and the food was incredible - very much Michelin star standard which was commented on by every guest. Cannot recommend highly enough

The new owners, staff and chef have it absolutely spot on. Hidden gem with an absolutely brilliant menu, providing 10/10 fresh and tasty food. Couldn't recommend enough.

The restaurant looks fantastic, food was delicious. It was extremely busy outside with drinkers, and I can understand why. We will be returning!

This pub is in a lovely spot surrounded by beautiful countryside and recently refurbished to a high standard. Our meal was excellent in every way - delicious and well presented. The manager and her staff were very attentive throughout. Highly recommended.

Excellent food at very reasonable prices considering the quality of cooking, very good service & a great wine list that would be double the price in London.

We were intrigued to try the 'new' Willy with the great chef! We were not disappointed at all....lovely staff from telephone booking, to meet and greet, to waiting staff. All lovely though the speed of delivery on drinks needs a lot of attention but it didn't spoil our evening at all. The food though , which is what we came for , was excellent , really really good cooking , clever cooking that we will all be returning for and hoping that the chef doesn't leave. One tip is to book for indoors , we ate outdoors ,which we do love to do ,but the smell of cigarette smoke wafting over your food is really unpleasant and not good when the food is this good. So avoid the garden unless the smoking can be moved to one side of the garden .

Visited with a friend last week for a busy Sunday lunch. Our meals were presented well and brought out promptly. We found the ambience and decor particularly stood out! Pleasantly surprised at how well the young staff dealt with the high numbers. We’re planning on coming back this week to try more of the menu - we look forward to it!

Just fantastic everything you would wish from a country pub. Great service and words fail me re the food. It is insanely good.. best steak tartare and on another occasion lobster and ribeye.. best steak I’ve ever eaten with bone marrow sauce Highly recommend

Great lunch on the re opening week, lovely to see a busy pub with lots of smiley faces. The pizza was amazing. Will be returning.

Was excited to go back to the Willy after its re opened, unfortunately it’s gone even more downhill since before hand, food was seriously overpriced and way below average! Staff haven’t been trained it sees, will give it one more go in a few weeks but when visited earlier this week it was a shambles!

I went here on Dofe with my friend and we got some Coca Cola and it was pretty lit fr. But we failed dofe because we split off from our group to got to some field and then into a caravan park.

£18 for two pints of beer and a pint of lemonade!. Actually £18.85 with a packet of crisps - I’ve heard of Surrey prices but this is total nonsense! And the entertainment is provided by being forced to listen to 5-6 idle bar staff all standing about complaining about the lack of customers tips. I don’t think we will be visiting again. Shame, pretty pub, nice location, dog friendly - fleecing their customers.

Well, it’s a shame some recent reviewers have had bad experiences at William IV. No sign of such problems today! We had lunch in the bar and it was great! The staff were professional and courteous and the menu had a good variety of dishes to suit all of our wishes. Service was relatively quick and each dish was well presented. A good selection of real ales and wines completed the lunch. Just one minor criticism - the lasagna wasn’t hot throughout so had to go back to the kitchen. They sorted it quickly and the meal was enjoyed. I wouldn’t hesitate to return again - it’s a favourite pub especially after a good walk up from Shere. Best table is the 6-seater in the bar area next to the fireplace which is ok for dogs, essential to book in advance. On a sunny warm day the outside seating is good as well. This is a great pub with a fine menu, not too pricey by todays standards. Recommended!

I love the pub, where it’s located and I’ve dined here; the food was good. But tonight has been a first for me……..sitting quietly having a drink with my wife…….the barmaid carried on a very long conversation on her mobile with it on speaker mode…….SERIOUSLY, who does that? It’s a glorious country pub and no one is in the remotest interested in listening to that…..!! If any customer carried on like that it would prove to be irritating to others and enormously ignorant……..so there we are, even the quiet of an old English pub has to lose out to youngsters that are so arrogant that they can’t comprehend that they’re working, that they’re in the hospitality industry and how they behave in front of paying customers actually matters……..so perhaps the phone should be off or is that too much to request?

The pizza was absolutely amazing! The pizza chef, Achilles, makes perfect pizza & he also came over to chat with my family, which was a really nice touch.

Achilles was amazing! Fresh made pizza and spoke with me and my family and made us feel so welcome. If you decide to go here for dinner I definitely recommend the pizza :)

Wow, this place used to be great but sadly is now a glorified Pizza Hut - not the amazing country pub it was last year. Poor experience with family friends, atmosphere was not good and service not what it used to be. Also, no baby change area. Shame, it seems it has new ownership that is ruining a once great pub.

An absolute surprise. Dropped in as I pass the pub on the way home…….just moved into rental accommodation due to house sale and never really got up to this area………the wine was fantastic, host was Italian I think but super welcoming so I decided to book for dinner as we had guests over……..everyone loved the change of plans because the food was spectacular, utterly unexpected from such an out of the way pub………BUT, I will return very soon…….I cannot recommend enough what a super surprise that this was………

When I lived in the area I went to the William IV regularly. I popped back a week ago and wow has it gone down hill and completely lost its charm. Bad atmosphere, food was expensive for what it was and the once fantastic service was not good. Sad to see, will be going to other pubs

Excellent pizzas by Achilles at this traditional pub. Great selection cooked in wood-fired oven. Highly recommend! We’ve been here 4x over 10 days for lunch and dinner. Cozy interior and welcoming tent outside.

The pizza here is incredible. All too often pizza is swollen with cheese and laden with grease. Not so here. Fantastic tiramisu and coffee too. Impeccable service. What’s not to love?

Nice food. Shocking service. Felt like we were an inconvenience. And zero atmosphere. Sad but true. Never mind.

A lovely historic building. Very friendly &efficient staff & excellent food - the best pies with the most generous amount of filling particularly recommended

This is the best pub in the area and the pizzas are truly amazing! You can have mixed pizzas for groups and the chef is amazing!

Delicious wood fired pizza - great taste and excellent value - service super friendly but beware of the Sheppy’s cider - deceptively quaffable

Was recommended so had to try it out! Isabella being a young manager runs a very well oiled establishment, we were not disappointed by the food, service and efficiency shown by all. Amazing Manager, Amazing Staff and totally Amazing food. Will be back very soon!

I was working for them for one month , no contract and they were cheating on money ( I didnt get any ! ) After call to ACAS they gave me my money and owner told me in very rude way that contract wont be waiting for me ! Nevermore

What a really great stoke of luck for all those people who appreciate a newly opened family owned pub in a wonderful setting. The refurbishment has been done with style and meticulous, thoughtful attention to detail. From experience of eating there several times already, sometimes in a group, and with my family, I can report its an all round outstanding success. The restaurant staff go out of their way to be helpful and the food is 'restaurant'.standard served with more than a smile.We had a wonderful impromptu lunch on Sunday and could not have been more happy with the food and the service. I wish the owners and the staff every success and will post more when I have worked my way a bit further through the menuSo my sincere thanks to everyone there making it all happen for us to enjoy.

First off I must temper this review by saying we are fairly regular drinkers here and now food is being served we decided we wanted to give it a go for a special occasion. We booked the restaurant to celebrate a 70th birthday. The plus sides to the "Willy" are the decor and charm of the place and the food is delicious. The chef has produced a simple menu of good choices. The children menu is excellent portion sized too however serving sausages, mash and gravy in a wobbly bowl is asking for trouble!Ok, to the bits that need work. Ben was overwhelmed with bar drinks etc and seemingly had 2 waitresses for a Saturday night, They need someone to welcome guests. We weren't made to feel particularly welcome and were shown to a function room on the second floor which was unheated - not great now the weather has changed. We had to ask for a heater which was reluctantly located but wholly inefficient. The candles weren't lit and the whole space was lacking in atmosphere. It needs background music at least. The Pheasant room for games/tv was equally freezing cold. We were told it would warm up - it didn't and in fact contributed to us not wanting to actually stay long. Dessert selection for children was supposed to be a selection of ice creams or sorbets - in actual fact the choice was vanilla or salted caramel.... Not ideal.For a reasonably priced restaurant with competition in the area pretty stiff, it needs polishing but it is early days. Ben can't cope on his own and do it all and probably was actually unaware we were there dining and whilst the waitressing staff are very friendly they are also clearly new to the whole role and processes and seem to be just getting by. I think a manager should know all about the clientele and manage the whole pub and restaurant whilst a barman should pour drinks etc. Hopefully these teething issues will be resolved but we wouldn't hurry back until we were certain.

Having booked a table for Sunday lunch in the bar for 6 people and 2 dogs (no dogs in the restaurant area, no problem, totally get that) we arrived to be told they didn't have the booking. We showed them the confirmation emails from 'Ben' only to be offered no real solution ("you can't take dogs in the restaurant" were the first words from the person I assume to be the manager, "Did you drive, you could leave the dogs in the car (for 2 hours)" was the second, and the worst, "how about this tiny table for 2 people in a side bar"...not really a solution for 6 people is it!)Luckily for late October the sun was shining so we sat outside. There were issues with ordering the food (one of our group ordered the special, chateaubriand, only for the waitress to return a few minutes later to say it would have to be ordered by a minimum of two people which we duly did...only to be told immediately it was out of stock (apologies to the waitress for our laughter, I am sure it wasn't your fault). A desert was ordered with custard rather than standard ice cream, when it arrived with ice cream and the error pointed out it was taken away and the ice cream scooped off and returned, with ice cream still on the desert...at least make it look like you have prepared a fresh desert to rectify your mistake!!We understand issues happen but it would have been nice for the manager/owner to take responsibility, offer a solution and at the very least offer an apology, none of which were forthcoming.It's a real shame as the pub and food were great, just let down by a disregard for our worth as customers

I have eaten several times at the William now that it is serving food. The first time that we went we had a table booked for 8 people. Ben took our drinks order and showed us to our table. I had the plaice which I asked if they could take it off the bone for me, this they kindly did even though it was very busy. The spotted Willy with the caramelised apple with custard was delicious. The next time I went with a girl friend and we ate from the bar menu this also was FAB. Although they were very busy on each occasion all the staff did their best and were very helpful explaining different items on the menu.

The Pub has been beautifully refurbished, and still has a lovely, warm inviting feel, of a "proper Pub". Bar and fireplace are wonderful, food was fantastic.Probably the best Burger I have ever had, and I have tried a few...!! My wife's steak was very good too. Restaurant itself is charming, upstairs function room and "TV Snug" superb!Waiting Staff were great too. Chris came around from the Bar as we walked in, as the Bar was busy, and sorted out our drinks for us - a nice touch.It doesn't get much better in a Pub/Restaurant!Well done, Chris, and his Team!We will be back...soon!

What a fabulous transformation to what was at times an unwelcoming and "clicky" place to visit. The new team are warm and welcoming, especially the lovely front of house, Verity, who has a big smile for everyone, and is funny, efficient and makes sure you are well looked after. There is a fresh contemporary feel to the place without losing any of its historic charm, and the food is amazing. I can honestly say its the best pub in the area, and will be making it a regular haunt from now on.

Went to eat at this pub for the first time last night. A great atmosphere as usual, and the restaurant was full (it's resurgent popularity means you already have to book at least a few days in advance). It was certainly alot better than the "pub grub" expected yet very fair prices for what was actually served. The burger and the chocolate pudding with salted caramel ice cream were both sensational. The fish and chip and chicken dishes also looked excellent and apparently tasted as such. The chef's reputation had preceded him and didn't disappoint. The waitresses were also very good.

It's good to see the pub open again and serving food. First visit for dinner and I was expecting something above the norm as I had heard good things. Perhaps my expectations were too high.Burgers were tasty but only just warm. The "spotted willy" dessert couldn't make up it's mind - almost fridge cold spotted willy, lukewarm custard, and hot apple. Overall the food was OK but a little disappointing.The young staff are keen and attentive but small points would make for a better experience. Cost: £25/head for two courses + 1 drink - normal and expected for the area.We'll go back as it's local and hope the above was just part of a work in progress.

Food finally arrived at the pub this week and it will suit all tastes from quality burgers to fresh fish. The pub retains its original feel and is an excellent choice for locals and walkers etc.

The restaurant opened only this week and 14 of us arrived this evening for a post-shoot celebration dinner....Wow, they exceeded all expectations!The setting was beautiful, food outstanding and service excellent. We were the first to use the brand new upstairs private dining room - literally new, paint on the walls still wet! It has a lovely atmosphere, think light oak beams, deep purple walls, beautiful scented candles and huge white flower arrangements. As we’d been shooting partridge today we’d arranged the same for dinner. We all agreed that we have never had it more deliciously served, particularly the ‘kentucky crumbed’ legs....absolutely scrummy!! We’re already planning the next group meal! Great chef and super waiting staff- ask for George.

My local for several year. Lovely Ingle nook fire place compact main and side bars, with a relatively new dinning area to one side. Worth a visit for it beautiful old features.

A great surprise last week to see this pub updated under the new very friendly management. This is still a proper local pub and not just a restaurant like many other “locals” in the area. Had some good local beers, decent wine and some local Gins. Looking forward to returning regularly. * Ignore the old posts since they do not count. Why doesn’t Tripadvisor remove old posts when a business is taken over?

The Willy is under new ownership and what a transformation !The new owners have turned the previous rather drab pub into a stunning place, with a tasteful makeover and very friendly atmosphere.A good selection of beer, and a different weekly special to try adds to the appeal.With the prospect of food being served in the very near future, this will certainly go down well, and i'm sure will be a welcome addition to both locals and visitors alike.

A very welcoming new landlord, brilliant atmosphere and on a hot day the only place with a chilled inside. Do not be mistaken by previous reviews this is a grt place to come with friends or families. One of best referbishments I’ve seen. Definitely worth the visit !

Lovely pub in the Surrey Hills, perfect for a good drink with family/friends. Can’t wait for the food to be ready. I’m sure it will be amazing! Highly recommend!!

Visited yesterday lunchtime and such a lovely welcome after years of grumpy owner and barman. Early days and kitchens not up and running yet but I know it will be fabulous. I consider this one of the prettiest pubs in Surrey and the renovations haven’t changed the atmosphere nor have they made it into a chi chi style pub like most in Surrey. We had such a lovely friendly welcome which makes a change. It’s wonderful to have it back. Be patient, have a drink/coffee and a sausage roll for the time being. More positives to come

The new owners have carried out a very careful an sympathetic refurbishment, retaining all of the pubs original charm and character. Excellent range of beers and ales.....also a very good Pimms. The dog enjoys a complimentary biscuit and they serve a very taste sausage!

We couldn't resist stopping at this pretty country pub. The crowd outside alone was sure proof that it must be a good place to stop. We discovered that it was under new ownership and .were made very welcome. We supped local ales and scrumptious, fruity pimms, sitting in the pretty pub garden, enjoying the buzz of conversation and laughter. Even the doggy chaperones were catered for, with appropriate biscuits on the bar counter and generous bowls of fresh water in the garden. Although the restaurant isn't open now, apparently it will be towards the end of August. Even so, some very good snacks were on offer. We can honestly say, go and try it yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Had a great pint of shere drop and kids happy with coke and crisps. Lovely atmosphere and kids : dog made to feel welcome. Food will be starting at end of August, but I would suggest go there for the beer and atmosphere anyway. It was great to revisit after a few years of not going there.

Just opened under new owners and the refurb is fantastic with a warm and friendly welcome! Great to have a top notch local! Good luck to the new team - we will be back!

Having known this pub since the mid 80's (when it was also great), I can honestly say the very recent refurbishment by the new landlord has resulted in the most stunning pub in the Guildford area with a real wow factor. This landlord has paid real attention to detail, with a new oak bar, with a good selection of beers and various more unusual drinks with various ornate bottles forming the backdrop. All the old traditional highlights remain such as the large spacious inglenook fireplace. The other room with seating has walls clad in some great wallpaper and and a few large professional photos. Outside the garden has been landscaped with oak bench seating around the edge of the premises, and flower-beds, pots and hanging baskets over-flowing with colour. Views from the garden look out over the local countryside.

Just reopened after refurbishment. Friendly staff, great beer. Everything you'd want from a traditional country pub.

This beautiful pub is under new ownership and has been transformed in to a stunning, welcoming place. It has undergone a thoughtful refurbishment and although they are not offering food for another few weeks, it’s a lovely place to sit and have a drink, either in the pretty garden or in the cool of the bar.

We’ve been longing for a gorgeous local pub for ages and now we finally have it! With a lovely new landlord and fab decor, the William IV is well and truly back! Food will be up and running soon but for the time being, a lovely bar and warm welcoming atmosphere awaits! Very exciting!

after long walk looking forward to a pint of cider sad it was closed but it’s looking beautiful. But had a refill of hose pipe water. Should be opened first weekend in July I would imagine it will be worth the wait. Lovely land lord Chris is lovingly bringing it back to life. Would suggest a visit.

Swung by there today; it's under new management and closed for renovation. Supposed to re open end June but I think that's optimistic. Looks lovely; looking forward to coming here once it's open again

One reason for living in Shere is that it’s close to this great pub amongst a few others. So it’s been disappointing that it’s been closed for a while. Popped round to see if it had opened but still closed. It’s recently changed hands & will be under new ownership, so whilst I’m yet to be convinced by the new shade of pink it’s obviously having a make over & due to open later in June apparently (according to a sign outside). I wait with great interest to see what emerges from its makeover. I suppose a website will be up & running announcing the opening date. Am looking forward to a decent drop of beer......

also known as "the bill on the hill" this is the quintessential english pub. they breed their own pigs and of course have fabulous roast pork on a sunday, as well as the other types of roast of course. a wonderfully old world feel hits you as you enter the pub with its flagstone floor and oak beams, there is also a classic inglenook fireplace that is always stoked up on a cold day. this pub is one of my favorites weekend walks with the dog and get a couple of pork sausages to give us the energy to walk back home again.

Este es un pub de grandes locales - completamente sin pretensiones y que ofrece una buena cerveza y comida encantadora (así que nos dijeron - sólo tuvimos tiempo de cacahuetes, pero hay negar la buena noticia sobre el frente de la cerveza). Está escondido en la campiña de Surrey aproximadamente mil millas desde cualquier parte. Albury es la aldea más cercana y Guildford el asentamiento más cercano de cualquier tamaño. Es perfecto para los senderistas, amantes y bien, simplemente boozers, es un pub que me gustaría visitar una y otra vez. Pruébalo.

This is a lovely setting in the summer time when the sun is out, there are horses in the fields, horses trotting up the road. Food is good value as well

Could not get into the place to park. it's full of men with their cars showing off . A pseudo display of wealth. place to be seen I guess..it's not very friendly if you are not from the area.

Not many of these left - all dark wood and big fire and low beams. Tucked away down country lane. Food simple but good and plenty of it - steak and kidney pie sort of food !

Me sorprende ver que hay sólo dos comentarios de este sitio en el momento de escribir. He estado aquí muchas veces para el domingo asado y es lo mejor que puedes encontrar en Surrey - y por una cierta distancia. El pub tiene un costo antiguo encantador ambiente con techos bajos y una gran chimenea abierta. Si te gusta cervezas luego éstas también son excelentes. Asegúrate de reservar, aunque es increíblemente popular!

Después de un paseo en Surrey Hills ( hay un montón alrededor de este pub) nos metimos por una pinta y almuerzo. Razonable selección OD cervezas, nos fuimos para el representante Shere dejar que disfruté

It's location and the outside garden. Menu is varied and prices reasonable. Parking can be challenging at busy times such as sunny Sunday lunchtime. A long climb up steps makes it less accessible for anyone with mobility issues. Otherwise brilliant.