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Set beside Esher Green, The Wheatsheaf is a 200-year-old Surrey pub, perfect for an unhurried lunch, drinks, Sunday roast, or a private celebration. Its historic setting retains the familiarity of a traditional local, complemented by seasonal British cooking, two terraces and dedicated private dining.
The food remains central to the experience. Pub favourites sit alongside more seasonal dishes, with enough variety for a light weekday lunch or a longer weekend meal.
Two Centuries at The Wheatsheaf
The Wheatsheaf has occupied its Esher Green setting for around two centuries and remains closely tied to the local community. Distinct areas for dining and drinks allow the pub to shift comfortably between different occasions.
The bar retains the easy-going character expected of a neighbourhood pub, while the dining spaces offer a more settled backdrop for lunch or dinner. Dogs are welcome in the bar and on the terraces.
Seasonal British Cooking
The à la carte menu has a clear British pub foundation, strengthened by seasonal produce. Starters include devilled kidneys on sourdough with garlic and pickled walnuts, smoked mackerel pâté with samphire butter, fennel, dill and watercress, and crispy squid with brown crab mayonnaise. Prawn cocktail comes with gem lettuce, Bloody Marie Rose sauce and ale sourdough, while whipped feta is paired with Tenderstem broccoli, Jersey Royals and minted peas.
Among the mains, cyder-battered haddock comes with triple-cooked chips, tartare sauce and marrowfat peas, while the short rib and brisket British beef burger is served with cheese, pickles, burger sauce and crispy onions. The 12oz ribeye arrives with rosemary and sea salt chips, bone marrow butter and Tenderstem broccoli.
Seafood options include pan-roasted cod loin with Jersey Royals, spring greens and ’nduja butter sauce, and Devon crab and prawn linguine with Isle of Wight tomatoes and capers. For something richer, there is a braised lamb shoulder and puff pastry pie with mash, or beef short rib and bone marrow madras with wild rice, pakora, mint yoghurt, slaw and flatbread.
Sharing dishes include Somerset baked Camembert with lemon and thyme honey, toasted ale sourdough and Young’s ale chutney, while The Wheatsheaf Ploughman’s brings together Scotch egg, sausage roll, Cornish cheddar, cold-cut ham, pickles, sourdough, piccalilli and chutney.
Puddings stay comfortably familiar, with sticky toffee pudding and caramelised banana, apple and rhubarb crumble, and chocolate mousse with raspberries and shortbread crumb. A selection of British cheeses is also available.
Sundays at The Wheatsheaf
Sunday lunch is one of the pub’s strongest draws. Roasts come with beef-dripping roast potatoes, roasted carrots, green vegetables, crushed celeriac, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.
Roasted rump of beef, Dingley Dell pork belly porchetta and roast chicken feature alongside a carrot and broccoli Wellington. Cauliflower cheese, pork, apple and leek stuffing and pigs in blankets can be added for a more generous spread.
The relaxed setting suits a long Sunday lunch particularly well, whether for a smaller table or a family gathering.
Brunch and Lighter Dining
Saturday brings a dedicated brunch menu. Crushed avocado on sourdough comes with poached St Ewe’s eggs, tomato and red onion salsa and maple-roasted bacon, while the Wheatsheaf breakfast bun combines apple and leek sausage, streaky bacon, fried egg, cheddar and onion chutney.
Eggs with hollandaise can be paired with grilled ham, smoked salmon or Tenderstem broccoli, with a halloumi bun and bavette steak ciabatta among the more substantial alternatives.
Weekday lunches offer lighter options including sandwiches, soup and salads, making the pub equally suitable for a shorter daytime visit.
Drinks at the Bar
The bar covers local real ales and craft beers alongside an extensive wine list and cocktails. Seasonal serves appear alongside familiar choices such as the Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned, while bar snacks and sharing dishes suit a less structured afternoon or early evening visit.
Dining Outdoors
Two terraces offer space for outdoor dining and drinks, with covered, heated areas that extend their usefulness beyond warmer days. The outdoor spaces are also dog-friendly and work particularly well for casual lunches and drinks.
Private Dining and Celebrations
The Green Room provides a dedicated space for private dining, accommodating up to 20 guests seated or 30 for a standing reception. Wi-Fi, a large screen with HDMI connectivity and Bose speakers also make it suitable for meetings and other gatherings.
Larger celebrations can make use of other areas of the pub, offering more flexibility for group dining and private occasions.
A Surrey Pub Made for Lingering
The Wheatsheaf brings together a historic Esher Green setting, seasonal cooking, a well-stocked bar and spaces suited to both everyday dining and longer occasions. Sunday roast gives it a particularly strong weekend identity, while brunch, lighter lunches and the terraces broaden its appeal throughout the week.
For polished pub dining in Esher with the ease and familiarity of a well-established local, The Wheatsheaf makes a compelling choice.
Location: 40 Esher Grn, Esher KT10 8AG
