The Jolly Coopers, tucked away on Wheelers Lane beside Epsom Common, has been run for the past ten years by Dan, Rich, and John, who initially managed the pub under previous landlords before taking over completely.
The Jolly Coopers has existed in Epsom since the Victorian times and is still going strong under its current owners.
Dan said: “We’d basically been running the place anyway.
“The landlords kept their distance, so we had full autonomy.
“When the chance came to make it ours, we knew exactly what we wanted to do.”
All have extensive hospitality experience and a shared vision of creating a pub where everyone feels at home.
The owners said their favourite thing about running the pub was the community and atmosphere.
Rich added: “If you come in on your own, you won’t be on your own for long, unless you want to be.
“People chat, they laugh, they feel comfortable.
“That’s what keeps it special.”
A standout feature of the pub is its own microbrewery, Fuzzchat, producing multiple barrels a week.
Rich explained the story behind the unusual name: “An elderly regular told us it came from an old local term for children born on Epsom Common.
“We thought it was just a sweet story, but it turns out it’s true.
“Peasants could lay claim to land if the landlord didn’t respond after certain period of time.
“We loved the history behind it.”
One of the challenges the pub faces is its lack of visibility.
While other pubs such as The Assembly Rooms, McCafferty’s, and the Marquis of Granby sit in Epsom’s town centre, The Jolly Coopers is relatively hidden away on a residential street.
Dan said: “It’s tricky, but nice at the same time.
“It makes us sort of like a hidden gem.”
When Your Local Guardian visited, a customer told Dan they had lived in the area for years but had never heard of The Jolly Coopers.
Despite its quiet location, the pub thrives thanks to a loyal customer base and regular events.
It hosts a weekly quiz night every Tuesday and opens for a few hours on Christmas Day just for drinks and conversation with locals.
Its popularity has also been recognised nationally, with the pub twice recommended in CAMRA’s Pub of the Year awards, including most recently in 2023.
Rich said: “It’s always nice to be recognised, but honestly, it’s the community that matters most.”
Food at The Jolly Coopers is another draw, with staples like their gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken and daily specials consistently flying out of the kitchen.
Rich said their Sunday roast dinners is the highlight, as well as Chef’s curries.
Dan said: “If we can adapt a dish for a dietary requirement without affecting the taste, we will.
“Most people genuinely can’t tell the difference.”
The team at Jolly Coopers is treated as family, with annual team outings, incentives and recognition for their hard work.
Rich said: “We close both pubs on the first Monday of January every year for a full team day out, such as lunch, escape rooms, dinner and drinks.
“They’ve become more than just staff.
“They’re part of the family.”
Even with success, the owners were candid about the pressures facing hospitality today.
Rising costs, staffing challenges and fluctuating trade can make every week unpredictable.
Rich said: “A bad week hits a small place like ours, but the loyalty of the locals and our amazing team makes all the difference.”
Dan added: “It’s about making people feel welcome, a place they can relax, chat, and be themselves. That’s what we wanted to create from day one, and it’s still our focus now.”
The Jolly Coopers Pub & Fuzzchat Brewery is open from 12pm to 10pm on Monday to Wednesday, 12pm to 11pm on Thursday to Saturday, and 12pm to 8pm on Sunday.
