One of Epsom's oldest free houses, The Jolly Coopers is a family-run pub that actually lives up to the "traditional" label — log fires in winter, a cracking beer garden in summer, and a kitchen that puts out generous, seasonal plates rather than your standard pub grub. They brew their own Fuzzchat beer on site, which already puts them ahead of most locals.
Epsom's oldest free house with its own on-site brewery (Fuzzchat), generous seasonal food, and log fires that make it the cosy heart of the neighbourhood.
Book ahead for Sunday roasts — it gets packed, and the sirloin of beef is the one to order.
Epsom's oldest free house — and arguably its best pub
The Jolly Coopers is the kind of pub that reminds you why the traditional English pub still matters. As one of Epsom's oldest free houses, it's got genuine character — think crackling log fires in the colder months and a seriously impressive outdoor space when the sun's out. But what really sets it apart is that it's a working brewery too: their Fuzzchat beers are brewed on site, and the range on tap is well beyond what you'd expect from a neighbourhood local. One reviewer called it "the best pub in Epsom," and honestly, it's hard to argue.
The food is the other half of the story. Chef Jon puts out a seasonal menu that leans on locally sourced ingredients, and the portions are famously generous — the Google reviews are full of people marvelling at both quality and quantity. Sunday roasts are a particular draw, with the sirloin of beef getting repeat mentions. Staff are consistently praised as friendly and attentive, which goes a long way in a pub that gets properly busy on weekends.
It's dog-friendly, family-friendly, and has live music on select nights. If there's a downside, it's that it can get packed — but that's the price of being the best pub in Epsom. Go for a long Sunday lunch, stay for the Fuzzchat stout.