There has been a feast of new openings and initiatives across Surrey of late. Catherine Whyte takes her pick.
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London House
Owner Ben Piette has moved his London House restaurant in Old Woking to new premises in nearby West Byfleet. Naturellement, Ben continues to serve his excellent, modern European cuisine at the new restaurant premises close to the station.
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Sweet Passion Cakes
Sweet Passions, the artisan patisserie, opened this year just around the corner from London House's new location. They make bespoke cakes of all shapes and sizes, plus a load of other custom desserts like tarts and cookies. Or you can just drop by for a delicious slice of patisserie sweetness...
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La Rive
So long La Capanna, welcome La Rive!
Cobham’s grand dame has a new look, new menu and new name. At the helm is head chef Eric Payet, whose tenures at many a Michelin-starred restaurant stand him in good stead to meet the expectations of Cobham’s discerning diners.
Expect modern European choices such as the intriguing Provencal beef tartare with Parmesan meringue and confit hen yolk for starters; roasted guinea fowl served with sweetcorn, Parisian gnocchi and radicchio main; or a classic whole Mediterranean Sea Bream.
The new décor brings glamour to the rustic vibe of this lovely building. Fine dining has returned to Cobham in style; and substance, too.
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T2 Tea - Kingston
Australia’s hottest tea brand has opened a store in Kingston. At the antipodean version of Whittard of Chelsea, you’ll find a wide range of loose leaf tea on sale – I’m hooked on the Irish Breakfast – and plenty of funky, technicolour tea pots and cups to choose from, too.
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Giggling Squid - Guildford
Following on from its success in Reigate, Thai food chain Giggling Squid is now serving in Guildford. The summer opening had been hotly anticipated since the announcement, earlier this year, that the chain would take over the Chapel Street premises after Café Rouge had said adieu.
Esher, the chain’s next destination, is due to open later this month
Weekends continue to be busy and prior booking is recommended.
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Barbaracca
So long, La Luna. Hello, Barbaracca. Yes, Godalming’s flagship restaurant has closed after many years in business, but it has now risen like a phoenix from the ashes. The new-look restaurant has a rustic vibe. It’s also much more family-oriented, and closer to owner Danielle’s Sicilian roots where sharing food and laughter are the norm. His wife Diane has designed the interior. With lots of chains such as Bill’s and Jamie’s Italian in the area, it will be good to see an independent thriving.
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The Plough Inn
There’s phenomenal choice for steak lovers at this lovely pub in Cobham Downside, which underwent a renaissance prior to its reopening in June. The charcoal grill offers a magnificent choice of skirt, ribeye and fillet, as well as Wagyu/Angus-cross chuck and sirloin. Then slather your cut with peppercorn, red wine and bone marrow, Bearnaise or mustard butter sauces.
The emphasis is firmly on seasonal British produce with Cornish plaice, Devon crab, Norfolk mussels and Norbury Blue also on the menu (liable to change with the seasons, of course). The rustic, cosy interior is going to be a winner once the winter nights start drawing in.
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