The Punchbowl Inn ... Oakwoodhill
Telephone 01306 627249 · Map · Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 133 374
Description
Stone-floored 15th century pub on a quiet lane in Oakwoodhill on the Surrey-Sussex border. Large inglenook fireplace, with horse brasses displayed above, and several different bar and restaurant areas. Small staircase from the middle bar looks like a secret "escape" but, unfortunately, merely leads to a function room.
Beers from Hall and Woodhouse including Tanglefoot and Fursty Ferret. Open all day Saturday and Sundays. Nice fenced garden at the front and views from the car park at the back of the pub towards Leith Hill.
Nearby to the pub is the "hidden" 13th century church of St John the Baptist - the most isolated church in Surrey.
How to get there
By car
The pub is a short distance from the A29 north-west of Horsham, near Ockley.
Cycling
The pub is close to the A29 which can be busy at peak times. However, cycling through Warnham means that you only have to cycle the A29 for a short distance.
Cycle to Warnham from Horsham and follow the road north through the village past the Sussex Oak pub on the left. Take the next left [signposted "Northlands, Ockley"] and cycle up the hill. At the top, follow the road round to the right and then down hill. Take the first left, also signposted to "Northlands, Ockley", and follow the road [up and down] until you reach the A29.
Turn right [signed "Ockley 3"] and cycle for 1 mile [1.6 km]. Turn left into Ruckmans Lane [signed "Oakwoodhill"], follow the road and the pub is near the T-junction at the top. You can see the pub sign looking left from the T-junction.
Suggested cycling routes from here
From the pub, turn right towards the Scarlett Arms at Walliswood or turn right and then first left takes you towards the Chequers at Rowhook.
or the pub is on the Surrey cycleway which is a country lane route through Surrey. Surrey County Council provides some useful cycling guides and an interactive map which covers this area - and part of West Sussex.
or Leith Hill for some technical off-road mountain biking.
Your reviews
Disclaimer: All reviews and ratings on this website are personal opinions by pub-goers. Horsham Pub Guide publishes comments at our editorial discretion but we are not responsible for comments made.
Bryan Green says: 
| 19-December-09
First class pub with good food. However, if you have to have a Gluten-free diet, they did not seem interested in adapting sauces etc.
Peter says: 
| 18-May-09
Went for a family meal as it was my son's birthday. Very overpriced on the food and the drinks. Food not very nice, service very poor, and we felt like it was a pain that we were there. Will not be going back
Paul Banks says: 
| 16-July-08
A warm and welcoming pub in a peaceful location! Friendly staff and excellent service.
Tim H says: | 3-July-08
Have been going to the Punchbowl for 12 years now and always have received a very warm welcome from the landlord and staff. The food is always to a high quality, no matter how busy the kitchen is. One of the best pubs in Surrey.
Older reviews
David says: 
| 1-July-08
Went for a Sunday roast, very nice place. Not much room though as it's very small. Drinks are expensive and the food is also expensive and not very nice to eat. Service ok but could have been better with the money we spent. Apart from that, nice place.
Nicholas Martin says: | 8-June-08
I visited the Punchbowl with a friend who now lives in Denmark who wanted some traditional British food. He had the steak and ale pie and I had the ham, eggs and chips. Both meals were first class, service was faultless and they were even doing a special offer of a free pudding [my friend had the bread and butter pudding and loved it]. Highly recommended.
Barry Windle says: | 8-June-08
Fabulous food, especially the home-cooked desserts, would strongly recommend a visit. The Punchbowl is a traditional, friendly pub with welcoming staff. I will gladly be visiting again very soon.
Jan Talman says: 
| 31-May-08
We visited the Punchbowl for lunch at the end of March and thought the food was good and the landlord and staff friendly. We returned in early May with friends for lunch on a sunny Sunday. We all agreed our food was excellent, as was the service. We had beautiful ham on the bone, with free range egg and chips and a lasagne which was really meaty and tasty. We will be booking again in June for an evening meal. Location and pub decor are both great.
Paul says: | 7-May-08
I wish we had read the reviews before our trip last Sunday. Two overpriced and undercooked meals - which took over an hour to arrive - and when they did, we wished they hadn't. We complained and we were told "people like it like that". Really? Virtually raw bloody steak. Raw vegetables? I don't think so. Really terrible.
Amanda Nordoff says: | 24-April-08
I have visited the pub on many occasions with my family. We always find it very welcoming and have had lovely meals. We chose to use the venue for our wedding reception which was perfect, the food was fantastic and beautifully presented, we were made to feel very special and relaxed. Would highly recommend a visit!
Ron says: | 15-April-08
Attractive pub in stunning location. Staff indifferent, food okish but overpriced. Best to visit in the summer and just have a drink and enjoy the view.
Lynda Boucher says: | 1-February-08
I visited the Punchbowl as part of a gathering of several classic vehicle club members, where we were served with very overpriced substandard meals. The girl behind the bar was not in the least welcoming and made me feel that I was a nuisance when I asked a question about my food. I will not be returning.
Pub score - No Good · - Excellent
