The Michelin guide 2020 has been revealed and it features four restaurants in Surrey.
The list was announced on Monday evening (October 7) at a glittery affair at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, London.
Of the 187 Michelin starred restaurants in Great Britain and Ireland, Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room in Egham, Matt Worswick at The Latymer in Bagshot, Sorrel in Dorking and The Clock House in Ripley all retained their one stars.
Surrey's award-winning chefs specialise in innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques.
With long waiting lists, a dedicated team behind them and exceptional hospitality, diners can experience the chef's talent through refined tasting menus.
Fred Clapperton, head chef at The Clock House, said he was "over the moon" to have retained a star for the third year.
"A big thanks to the guys that give it all they have day in day out to make it possible," he added.
The 2020 guide features one new three-star, four new two-stars and 23 new one-star restaurants.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin guides, said: "Despite the obvious challenges being faced by the industry here in the UK, we are thrilled that this has been such a stellar year, and we have seen many first ventures opening and rapidly rising to success."
Rebecca Burr, director of the guide, added: "Running a successful restaurant is tough, and we know that. It takes long hours, dedication, teamwork and the support of those people closest to you.
"I congratulate all the teams and chefs who have won and retained Michelin stars in the 2020 guide."
About Surrey's four Michelin star restaurants:
Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room, Egham
Open just four days a week and with only 24 covers, anyone wanting to experience the exclusive dining room inside the historic Great Fosters hotel will have to book in advance.
Earlier this summer chef Tony Parkin, former head chef at Graham Garrett’s The West House in Kent, took over the reigns in the kitchen, replacing Douglas Balish.
Tony said: "I’m thrilled that The Tudor Room has been awarded a Michelin star.
"Serving delicious dishes to our hotel guests and visitors is a joy and I’m really pleased that the hard work of the whole team has been recognised."
The swanky restaurant combines classic regal Elizabethan decor alongside a menu illustrating the best in contemporary British cusines.
The Tudor Room is one of those excellent establishments where your water glass is never left empty, you're are always in the corner of the waiters' eye, yet at the same time you are given intimate privacy.
You can read our review of the restaurant here.
Matt Worswick at The Latymer, Bagshot
Only last month Matt Worswick at the Latymer was listed in the annual Good Food Guide 2020.
The fine dining eatery, which is located inside the luxurious five star Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, offers bold flavours in dishes using locally sourced ingredients inspired by the seasons.
Also owner of four AA Rosettes, chef Matt Worswick, who appeared on BBC1's MasterChef: The Professionals in 2010 and most recently BBC2's Great British Menu in 2015, has created exquisite tasting menus for both lunch and dinner service.
The Latymer is situated in one of the oldest parts of the original house at Pennyhill Park, boasting an intimate and lavish atmosphere with wooden paneling, a beamed ceiling and rich, plush fabrics throughout.
For an elevated dining experience, customers can book a table in the kitchen area overlooking the team of culinary artists at work.
The chef's table seats between four and eight guests for private celebrations.
Children under 12 years old are not permitted in the restaurant.
You can read our review of the restaurant here .
Sorrel, Dorking
Located in the High Street in the beautiful Surrey Market town, the exclusive eatery is open just four days a week with a lengthy waiting list.
The five and nine course tasting menu available to fine dining guests, not only showcases Steve Drake’s ingenious cookery, but his evolving dishes also reflect the changing of the seasons.
Stimulated by the simplicity of humble ingredients, Steve advocates locally grown produce, so expect to see the likes of Etherley Farm in Ockley gracing the menu.
Sorrel represents Steve’s 25 years of insight and experience from working alongside some of the most acclaimed chefs and running his own kitchens.
He gained his first Michelin star at Drake’s on the Pond in Abinger Hammer.
He then opened Drake’s in Ripley (now The Clock House) where he held a star for a further 14 years.
In 2013, Steve purchased The Anchor Pub in Ripley, another award-winning establishment.
Steve said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have retained our Michelin star for another year in the 2020 Michelin Guide.
"Sorrel is a huge team effort and testament to the hard work and dedication of the Sorrel family.
"Everybody deserves a pat on the back for a job well done."
You can read our review of the restaurant here.
The Clock House, Ripley
With three AA Rosettes also under its belt, the sublime restaurant is headed up by chef Fred Clapperton.
Did you know his secret indulgence is beans on toast, with plenty of mature cheddar and a drop of Lea and Perrins?
The dining room is simple and elegantly decorated with pristine white table cloths, sophisticated wine glasses and contemporary ceramic crockery.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
While they do not operate a dress code, most guests choose to dress smart/casual.
The food at The Clock House is very much flavour focused.
Dishes are created using simple, sometimes unusual flavour combinations balanced to bring out the best in them.
You can read our review of the restaurant here .
What is the the Michelin Guide?
It selects the best restaurants and hotels in the 30 countries it covers.
Providing a showcase of gourmet dining around the world, it highlights the culinary dynamism of a country, as well as new trends and emerging young chefs.
Creating value for restaurants through the distinctions that it attributes each year, the Michelin Guide contributes to the prestige of the local gastronomy, thereby making cities and countries more attractive to tourists.
Backed by its rigorous selection method and longstanding knowledge of the hospitality industry, the guide provides customers with unique expertise that enables it to offer them a true quality service.
