Meerkat Pub Offering ‘Something Unique’ in Surrey

Published: 28 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A pub in Brockham, Surrey, is attracting attention by combining pints with meerkats, offering customers an unusual experience that its landlord says brings people through the door and gives the animals positive interaction. The Royal Oak Inn and Meerkat Retreat has become known locally for what is believed to be the only UK pub where visitors can see and interact with meerkats in an outdoor enclosure.

Landlord Chris Collier says the idea came about “by chance” after being offered the chance to take in seven meerkats when their original owner was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Collier and the animals moved to the pub in 2024, developing a special enclosure in the garden where the animals live and interact with guests. Over time the meerkat population has grown, with two adults and five pups now part of the retreat.

The meerkats — initially not domesticated — have benefited from a structured handling programme, especially the younger animals, allowing them to become more comfortable around people. Collier said the animals “love the attention” and that their presence adds a distinct character to the pub’s offering.

Alongside traditional pub offerings such as drinks and food, the Royal Oak hosts meerkat breakfasts on Saturday mornings, an event that has proven popular with customers of all ages. Collier believes that in a challenging hospitality industry, diversifying beyond standard menus and beer taps is key: “Pubs need to be more than beer and burgers nowadays, so we’re offering beer and meerkats.”

The move reflects a broader trend in the UK hospitality sector toward unique experiences that draw visitors looking for something out of the ordinary. While licensing for animal interactions is still being processed by local authorities, the pub’s combination of food, drink and wildlife has made it a local talking point and an example of how unconventional attractions can help traditional businesses stand out.

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