Cobham may seem like a sleepy village that is far too quiet to thrill the palates of sophisticated diners but, don’t be fooled. This charming little community offers access to some of the best dining experiences in Surrey, thanks to its proximity to a plateau of Michelin-starred restaurants and exceptional gastropubs.
Each establishment, all within easy reach of the village, has been rightly lauded for its fantastic food, decor, and service. This list includes the very best of the bunch, including options for meals throughout the day and why they should be the destination of choice for a delightful dining experience.
Sorrel (Dorking)
Sorrel’s tasting menus reflect the ambitions of chef and owner, Steve Drake, whose passion for fine dining can be felt in every course. All dishes on the menu are elegant, precise, and packed with surprising textures and flavours. Enjoy seasonal delights such as line-caught mackerel in miso butter, as well as partridge in chicory and chocolate, before capping things off with succulent blackberry Waldorf for a mouth-watering evening.
The restaurant has contemporary decor in a charming historic building, featuring soft lighting and an intimate setup that feels both intimate and inviting. The service is polished, but warm, with the team skillfully guiding diners through their evening and happy to assist with any queries. A well-curated wine list rounds out this fantastic experience with exceptional pairings and flavours to enjoy at every point along the way.
The Tudor Pass (Egham)
Nestled in the glamorous Great Fosters Hotel, The Tudor Pass offers a regal dining experience in a setting that's oozing with historical charm. With only a few tables, the space is intimate, adorned with rich wood panelling with Tudor detailing. The service is exceptional, with staff providing in-depth explanations of each course, creating an immersive and educational experience – which is exactly what one would hope for when dining at a Michelin Star restaurant.
Offering either a four-course lunch menu or a seven-course tasting menu in the evening, notable highlights include meticulously plated dishes such as Galician octopus, Hereford beef with Autumn truffle, and Cuban chocolate with Armagnac to round things off. It is a sublime setting for even more sublime food and not to be missed if one is lucky enough to secure one of the tables offered.
The Latymer (Bagshot)
Located in Pennyhill Park and with a Michelin Star to its name, The Latymer is a feast for the senses. Chef Steve Smith focuses on British ingredients presented in a modernist style. With a seasonal menu that is subject to weekly changes, diners have the option of the more modest four-course selection at lunch or, a decadent six-course tasting menu for dinner.
The restaurant’s decor pairs well with the servings on the plates, with a sleek, yet understated dining room that prioritises the guest’s experience and delivers a comfortable environment to dine in. Service is impeccable, whilst the surrounding hotel grounds are well worth exploring for those in need of a walk to take the edge off if they’re feeling particularly full post-meal.
The Victoria Oxshott
This former beerhouse offers an elevated dining experience that has been recognised by the Michelin Guide for its commitment to raising the standards for pub dining. The Victoria is firmly a gastropub with a menu that combines a few British classics with modern European twists. Featuring dishes like butter roasted pollock, venison haunch, and even a cote de boeuf on the menu, there are plenty of options to satisfy even the most particular of palates.
Blending its former heritage with some comfortable upholstery, The Victoria is the perfect setting for a relaxed, yet hearty meal packed with flavour. The bar is fantastically stocked, with plenty of options to satisfy those curious to try some of the locally sourced beer and ale offerings, as well as delicious wine from both the continent and the many vineyards from across the South of England.
Dining At Beaverbrook (Leatherhead)
Beaverbrook is a beautiful luxury hotel estate a short drive from Cobham, with a beautiful spa and exceptional dining facilities. The Garden Room restaurant is a fantastic conservatory, nestled on the grounds of the estate next to their kitchen garden, where fresh-grown produce is incorporated into the restaurant's dishes. It’s best enjoyed during the day for lunch, but there are other options for dining at Beaverbrook that beg to be explored too.
The Japanese Grill offers a sophisticated twist on traditional Japanese fare. The menu features highlights such as wagyu beef and miso-marinated black cod, alongside inventive sushi options that are again, combined with seasonal ingredients from the kitchen garden. Additionally, the Deli Pizzeria and Mrs Beeton’s restaurant are two other fantastic choices that can be enjoyed during the day and early evening, at a property filled to the brim with dining options for its guests.
The Cricketers (Cobham)
The Cricketers delivers elevated pub dining close to the heart of Cobham. Across the River Mole looking out over a transfixing meadow, you will find this beautiful gastro pub, which remains a firm favourite of many residents who love to pop in for traditional roast dinners on Sundays.
Its seasonal menu features hearty yet refined dishes, such as chalk stream trout, 8-hour slow-cooked shoulder of highland venison, chicory, walnut, and blue cheese salad, and many more fantastic items that elevate this restaurant far and above traditional pub food. The food is, in a word, outstanding, with plenty of alternatives to many of the dishes that cater to all dietary requirements.
From cosy gastropubs to regal fine dining establishments, the area around Cobham is a haven for food enthusiasts finding themselves in this quiet part of Surrey. Whether you're seeking an intimate dining experience or the grandeur of a country estate, there are Michelin-recognised restaurants and local gems a plenty, all within easy reach of this charming Surrey village.
