The Talbot Inn

The Talbot Inn's long history dates back to 1453, making it one of England’s oldest surviving coaching inns. To this day, it serves travelers commuting between London and Portsmouth. The main building and original barns still stand, with the former containing the bedrooms, bar, and restaurant, while the latter has been adapted as function rooms.

The inn is associated with the love affair between the legendary naval commander Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. Around 1798, Nelson fell in love with Emma Hamilton, the wife of the British ambassador to Naples, and their public relationship later led the Admiralty to send him back to sea. As an ode to this moment in history, the hotel has a special suite called Emma’s Room. It was here that Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton spent evenings together by the fire; there's even a placard that marks Lord Nelson’s favorite seat.

The Talbot Inn is listed as a Grade II historic coaching inn dating primarily from the 16th century, expanded later in the 18th-century. The main structure was built with a timber-framed core with exposed framing and whitewashed brick infill. The top is crowned with plain tiled roofs partly hidden behind brick-coped parapets. Other features noted by preservation agencies include the bays with tripartite sash windows, as well as the gauged brick and rendered keystoned heads.

For its interiors, the inn maintains its exposed timber framing as a running theme, complemented by the early 18th-century fluted Doric pilasters. Relatively more recent interventions include 20th-century casement windows and a single-story flat-roofed square bay on the ground floor, along with a single-storey brick wing extending to the rear. This mix of aged features blended with contemporary designs carries over to the accommodations, where guests can find plenty of antique fixtures and furniture, as well as exposed timbers.

Restaurant

The Talbot Inn's restaurant doesn't just offer delicious food; it also has a bright and vivid atmosphere where diners can sit down and enjoy their food indoors and alfresco. Chef Michael Richardson's menus focus on blending pub-style classics with stylish, modern British dishes, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. Aside from the regular selections, they also prepare Barrel & Stone artisan pizzas, complete with gluten-free and vegan options. Seasonal selections are also available, such as for Christmas and Valentine's Day.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12 pm - 9 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 8:30 pm

Bar & Lounge

Looking for some delectable casual dining? The Bar & Lounge at The Talbot provides hearty brunches and light bites from afternoon to early evening. Feel free to pair your meal with the delightful teas or coffees, or with the broader bar offerings.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 11 am - 11 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 10 pm
Light Bites: 12 pm - 6 pm only

Afternoon Tea

Don't miss out on this wonderful British ritual, served daily at The Talbot Inn. Try the selection of flavorful sandwiches, fresh scones with clotted cream, and an assortment of tasty cakes. For your beverage, choose from soothing teas to energizing coffees, though they also offer glasses of Prosecco as an add-on to your experience.

Availability: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

With their charming atmosphere, beautiful venues, and exceptional yet flexible services, The Talbot Inn takes great pride in hosting weddings for loving couples from all over. Their excellence has won them the Hitched Wedding Awards for 2025 and 2026, after all.

The majority of their spaces are fully licensed for civil ceremonies, ensuring your special day will be both momentous and legally recognized. As a venue, the inn can host up to 80 guests for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, then up to 150 for the evening reception. You'll also have access to a variety of locations for your photoshoots, including the terraced grounds, the nearby fields and woodland, and the inn's indoor spaces. As for the planning, you won't need to worry as an experienced wedding coordinator will guide you through from planning all the way to the big day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Talbot Inn is the perfect jumping-off point to enjoy the many sights in Ripley and the surrounding areas of Surrey. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy the Ripley Ramble, a 7.6‑km (4.7-mile) circular trail suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Nature lovers can also explore the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or visit the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley Gardens, also in Ripley. For cultural and historical experiences, Hampton Court Palace was Henry VIII’s royal residence and offers tours around the Great Hall, Tudor kitchens, and the expansive gardens.

If family-friendly attractions are what you're looking for, they're also quite abundant here. Thrill-seekers can visit Thorpe Park Resort, which boasts the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, Hyperia. Chessington provides a much more varied experience with its theme park, zoo, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. On the other hand, Bocketts Farm Park has hands-on farm experiences perfect for the kids. Automobile and aviation enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Mercedes-Benz World and Brooklands Museum, which showcases historic aircraft, vintage cars, and motorcycles.

If you need facilities and venues for your events or corporate functions, The Talbot Inn provides a historic setting just minutes from Guildford, Woking, and London Heathrow Airport. Aside from its period charms, the inn includes professional support for its event spaces. Each one can be made suitable for the occasions, whether it's a meeting or conference, or private parties like reunions and anniversaries.

Standard amenities for meetings include free Wi‑Fi, LCD projector and screen, flipchart, delegate stationery, while packages can be customized to include arrival and refreshment breaks, working buffet lunches, parking, and accommodations.