UK Edition
The best places to eat and drink in Guildford and Dorking, chosen by chef Steve Drake
Steve Drake is the chef-patron of Sorrel Restaurant in Dorking, which was named AA Restaurant of the Year 2019. Sorrel also received a Michelin star last October.
Less than a year after opening Drake joined three other Michelin-starred Surrey restaurants: The Tudor Room at Great Fosters in Egham, The Latymer at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot and The Clock House in Ripley.
Drake cut his teeth in Marco Pierre White’s Oak Room; but this solo venture is a homecoming for the chef, who won his first Michelin star at Drake’s in nearby Ripley, which he ran with his wife in the 2000s.
Today, he says, the area is brimming with vineyards, coffee shops, distilleries and fantastic farm produce – “a stone’s throw from London”.
Here are his favourite haunts.
Shere Delights
“Shere is the chocolate-box village where The Holiday was filmed. We take the kids to Shere Delights for ice creams, coffee and old school pick ’n’ mix. It’s right by a stream for duck feeding.”
1 Middle Street, Shere, Guildford GU5 9HF; trulyscrumptiousdelights.co.uk
The Grantley Arms
“A pub reminiscent of bygone years. It’s not quite a gastropub, but does great food. The open fires and welcoming bar give it a homely feeling. I like a real ale and a roast on a Sunday.”
The Street, Wonersh, Guildford GU5 0PE; 01483 893351; thegrantleyarms.co.uk
Kingfisher Farm Shop
“This centuries-old farm shop is famed for watercress and fresh flowers. I often grab fresh vegetables for dinner.”
Felday Road, Abinger Hammer, Dorking RH5 6QX; 01306 730703; kingfisherfarmshop.com
Silent Pool Distillery/Albury Vineyard
“Silent Pool is a big brand now, but it grew from an acorn into an oak. Silent Pool is an actual pond! The distillery tours are brilliant. On the other side of the pond is Albury, a 12-acre, family-run vineyard, which hosts tastings and events.”
Shere Road, Albury, Guildford GU5 9BW; silentpooldistillers.com; alburyvineyard.com
Two Many Cooks
“An independent café in Dorking for great coffee, salads and cakes. I go there often for a healthy, light lunch, but you can indulge in a brownie if you want to.”
32 South Street, Dorking RH4 2HQ; twomanycooks.com
Dorking Brewery
“This independent microbrewery has recently relocated. Their spent grain is fed to dairy herds.”
Aldhurst farm, Temple Lane, Capel, Dorking RH5 5HJ; 01306 877988; dorkingbrewery.com