By Kingfisher Visitor Guides
Surrey makes it possible to taste your way around the globe without leaving the UK. Along the way, you might just run into a celebrity or two on the fine dining scene.
Celebrity hotspots
With its fair share of famous folk, celeb-spotting in Surrey is a worthy adventure while you’re sampling tasty morsels at the county’s foodie hot spots. Radio host Chris Evans once owned The Mulberry Inn on the edge of Chiddingfold village. Now, the celebrated venue hosts charity events, the odd pop star and classic cars as they travel through the Surrey Hills on the weekends.
Eat lunch in the footsteps of George Clooney at The William Bray in Shere. It boasts an elevated position in the heart of Surrey Hills, along with a sunny terrace and dishes like Panfried Octopus Salad. Dame Judi Dench and Boyzone singer Shane Lynch are said to be regulars at The Castle in Outwood. A whole host of famous footballers who train in Cobham pop in for a bite at The Bear, along with tennis superstar Andy Murray.
Gastronomes are truly spoilt for choice with the range of quality restaurants in Surrey
The award-winning Spaghetti Tree is a favourite of Peter Andre, Shane Richie and Phil Tufnell. It’d be hard to find a celebrity who hasn’t been to The Ivy, which has a brasserie in Cobham. Dine amid Art Deco detail and gorgeous gardens – with champagne, of course. If you don’t spot any famous faces here, you’re bound to just walking around Cobham’s celebrity-filled streets.
A whole host of famous footballers who train in Cobham pop in for a bite at The Bear, along with tennis superstar Andy Murray
International cuisine
When it comes to foreign fare, Surrey has more than enough choice to whet your appetite. Though the top of a car park doesn’t sound glamorous, Guildford’s Thai Terrace makes it so. Enjoy views from the top of Castle Car Park as you savour roast duck with honey-tamarind sauce and crispy shallots. Then, stop by for an exotic cocktail on the Palm Terrace.
Tucked away just off Guildford’s High Street, Olivo and Positano both serve traditional Mediterranean cuisine from cosy, ornate buildings. Carlo’s Trattoria has thrilled guests with seriously good Italian food for over a quarter of a century in Newlands Corner. Carlo Crosta himself deserves the credit for the restaurant’s fun and friendly atmosphere.
Dastaan, in Epsom, offers high quality, authentic Indian cuisine
Lebanese food is trending and Surrey offers a great pick of restaurants serving mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes. Get your fill of authentic mezze at Meejana in Weybridge, while sitting in gold-painted chairs beneath a vaulted ceiling. There’s shisha on the terrace in the summer months. In Woking, Beit Beirut entertains with belly dancers on the weekends, paired with a vast list of wines from Lebanon.
If you’re craving good old Chinese with a modern twist, head to The Good Earth in Esher. It’s highly recommended by food critics, locals and celebrities including England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio. Feel like a curry? Critics rave about Planet Spice in South Croydon and it’s been listed in Curry Club, the Good Food Guide and the Evening Standard. Championed by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, Dastaan is the place for delicious Indian dishes in Epsom.
Carlo’s Trattoria has thrilled guests with seriously good Italian food for over a quarter of a century in Newlands Corner
Fine dining
Surrey is well and truly on the foodie map when it comes to fine dining. Having gained a star under its previous chef, The Tudor Room at Great Fosters maintained it under new chef Tony Parkin. The restaurant offers an intimate dining experience and the food is served with panache. Situated in one of the oldest parts of the original house at Pennyhill Park, Latymer was awarded a Michelin star for 2021, along with 4 AA Rosettes.
When you’re in Ripley, take your appetite to The Clock House to see what the critics make such a fuss about. This is relaxed fine dining with creations by head chef Paul Nicholson and a strong focus on the best seasonal produce. The awards keep coming at Sorrel in Dorking, with chef Steve Drake at the helm. Within the first year of opening, it won AA Restaurant of the Year and bagged a Michelin star.
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- Chef Paul Nicholson really pushes the boat out with the dishes at The Clock House
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- Dine in luxury at The Clock House
For award-winning contemporary British cuisine overlooking landscaped gardens, you’ll find Emlyn Restaurant at Burford Bridge Hotel. You might recognise the face behind the culinary magic at Ranmore Restaurant at Reigate Heath Golf Club as Tony Tobin, of Ready Steady Cook fame. Here, you’ll dine with stunning views over the Surrey Hills.
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