Drake's Restaurant

An imposing, red-brick Georgian house, with its old restored clock set above the doorway, picks out this Surrey culinary high-flyer. Home to chef-patron Steve Drake (one time of Drakes on the Pond at Abinger Hammer), the eponymous, two-roomed restaurant has fine pedigree and goes from strength to strength, driven by a committed young team who show clear dedication and passion to their craft. Warm earthy tones are complemented by ornately framed pictures, while the open-plan space has an unstuffy vibe, smart but in an unpretentious and relaxed way. Tables are formally laid while service is knowledgeable and attentive, and there's a small seating area for aperitifs plus the added bonus of a pretty walled garden for summer drinks. Steve's cooking takes a light modern approach (he likes to describes it as 'artisan cooking') and oozes skill, flair and finesse, creating dishes presented with elegant simplicity and clean, clear flavours from the freshest, high quality seasonal produce. Take roasted John Dory served with a mushroom casserole and herb gnocchi, or perhaps lamb cooked in a herb crumble with onion purée, fondant potato and braised fillet. And do save room for the cracking petits fours.

M25 junct 10/A3 towards Guildford. Follow Ripley signs off A3, restaurant in centre of village
Nearest station: Woking, Guildford

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