Sandwiched between Greater London and Hampshire, Surrey in South East England enjoys pride of place between glittering cityscapes and rolling countryside. A step away from the coastline of Sussex and benefitting from a tapestry of fertile landscapes, this naturally plentiful county truly is one of the best destinations in the country for exploring and, more temptingly still, sampling local food and drink.
If you’re planning a dreamy escape and can’t wait to try out some of the best places to eat, we’ve put together a list of some of the top restaurants in Surrey. Sharing the crème de la crème, we’ve included the county’s most popular and most decorated eateries. So, without further ado…
The Victoria, Oxshott
Recommended by the Michelin guide, The Victoria in Oxshott entices with a traditional pub set-up, tempting diners looking for great food and great atmosphere in abundance. A former beer house dating back to the 19th Century, its interiors embrace period charm with original features, including exposed brickwork, wooden wainscoting and vintage decorations. Meanwhile, a suntrap beer garden resides with manicured hedgerows and potted plants to set the scene for leisurely lunches in the sunshine. Peruse its bar and à la carte menus and choose from dishes expertly crafted with local, seasonal ingredients.
The Anchor, Ripley
Another foodie favourite located in the historic village of Ripley is The Anchor restaurant, housed within an attractive 15th Century building. Recommended by the Good Food Guide, this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant with two AA rosettes has a plethora of awards under its apron strings and is well-known for its creative cuisine. Step inside and soak up the winsome atmosphere of the restaurant’s historic frame, stepping below its low ceilings and original beams to find a quiet table. In winter, you can take a seat beside one of the fireplaces to enjoy a plate of local, seasonal deliciousness, whilst in summer, the dog-friendly courtyard is the best place for alfresco meals.
The Garden House, Leatherhead
Served by a flourishing walled kitchen garden, the aptly-named Garden House restaurant in the 470-acre Beaverbrook estate is the place to go in Surrey for home-cooked dishes equally as full of comfort as flavour. Revel in the atmosphere of the restaurant’s quintessentially country garden feel and light-filled interiors, and savour the Mediterranean-inspired tastes of its menus. If you have a dog with you, this restaurant welcomes four-legged friends on leads during lunch sittings, meanwhile, the restaurant is reserved for human guests in the evenings. For a pre- or post-meal aperitif, Sir Frank’s Bar is also located on the Beaverbrook estate closeby.
The Bailiwick, Egham
The Bailiwick in Egham is a husband-and-wife run free house perched at the gates of the 5,000-acre Windsor Great Park. A superb place to visit following long walks in the park, this Michelin-recommended, classic country pub welcomes everyone from dog walkers to Sunday road-trippers. Making full use of the area’s abundance of fresh local produce, its menus are crafted in harmony with the seasons and created in partnership with an extensive network of local suppliers – including the gamekeeper of the park. Browse the à la carte menu and the bar menu (the latter of which is served on the terrace and in the bar area) and lap up the atmosphere of this welcoming eatery.
Sorrel, Dorking
Sorrel in Dorking has been awarded four AA rosettes and one Michelin star for its exceptional cuisine. Sharing a unique approach to modern dining, its restaurant is led by Roux Scholarship-winning Head Chef Steve Drake and shares an enticing menu that continuously evolves with the seasons and new ideas. For the full experience, the restaurant offers set six-course lunch and nine-course dinner menus for your delectation. Choose from two carefully selected dishes for each course and let the incredible flavours take you on a discovery, from the fields and hedgerows of Hampshire and Surrey to the coastline of the Southeast.
Dastaan, Epsom
If you are looking to try something a little different, then a trip to Dastaan in Epsom is a must. Meaning “story”, Dastaan takes diners on a journey thousands of miles away through the flavours and spices of Northern India. Showcasing the tastiest authentic cuisine, all delivered with a contemporary twist, the dishes here are masterfully crafted by the kitchen’s talented team and are available as part of inhouse and takeaway experiences. Pick your favourite dishes to sample and discover why this popular eatery was given a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in its very first year of opening in 2016 – a title it retains to this day.
Latymer, Bagshot
Latymer is a fine dining restaurant set within the vast Pennyhill Park estate that has been awarded five AA rosettes and one Michelin star. Nestled away in one of the oldest parts of the Pennyhill’s hotel, this atmospheric restaurant sets an impressive backdrop for its culinary repertoire. Led by multi-award-winning Head Chef Steve Smith, who is widely hailed as one of the most talented chefs of his generation, the kitchen team present mouth-watering British tasting menus with flavour- and texture-driven plates. Accompanying each dish is a selection of choice wines.
The Tudor Pass, Egham
Decorated with one Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes, The Tudor Pass (formerly known as The Tudor Room) is an intimate restaurant within the Great Fosters estate, headed by talented local chef Alex Payne. With only seven tables, the newly refurbished dining room provides an exclusive dining setting, where guests are treated to four or seven-course set menus and served directly by the kitchen team. Be it trying new flavour combinations, finding a new favourite wine, or simply learning some new cooking tips, Executive Chef Alex aims to treat guests to truly memorable experiences and lasting memories. Enjoy a drink in the Cocktail Bar Terrace first or head straight to the restaurant for food.
Kinghams Restaurant, Shere
The two AA rosette Kinghams Restaurant awaits in resplendent beauty in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Found within the postcard-pretty village of Shere, this 17th Century building oozes character and charm and tempts with a menu brimming with local delights. Sourcing the freshest local produce, including the finest quality seafood for their fish specials du jour, Kinghams is particularly well-known for its four-course menu, which encourages you to try four lightly-portioned, expertly-crafted dishes. Dine fireside in winter for ultimate cosiness, or for laidback summer evenings, head outside to the pretty garden and take a seat below the heated gazebo.
The Abinger Hatch, Dorking
Part of one of the top pub walks in Surrey, The Abinger Hatch gastropub and restaurant on Abinger Common near Dorking is a real favourite. Family and dog friendly, it is one of the best places to go to gather over delicious food, tuck into a traditional Sunday roast, or simply sit back and relax with a beverage by one of the flickering log fires. For special occasions, it also has space for private parties. Venture over ready to gaze at its wisteria-clad frontage and secure a table, be it in the atmospheric bar, dining room or large suntrap garden. With a menu full of seasonal offerings, you are sure to find something to hit the spot and soothe your soul.
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