Catherine Whyte serves up delectable recommendations of the best places for a cosy hangout in the winter months, from Sheengate editors and Twitter foodies...
As winter strips away good cheer with rain and chill, it's the season for hot food, good friends, and cosy surroundings. Personally, I like to huddle into the nice Hollyhock Café, hidden away in the Terrace Gardens, Richmond with a woodburning stove offering sweet medicine for frosty days.
As for cosy pubs, there are so many to enjoy, but my list is topped by The Surrey Oaks at Newdigate, south of Dorking, The Hare and Hounds at Lingfield, in East Surrey, and The Merry Harriers at Hambledon, near Godalming.
I put the question to readers and fellow editors, and received some great feedback.
- @kingstonbear – "There's nothing I enjoy more than sitting outside @TheAlbanyPubTD nodding sagely at the ducks, then tucking into one."
- @SamCuthbert1 – "The @DogAndPheasant in Brook is one of my favourite winter pubs – it's cosy and has great food!"
- @cjhunter1966 – "Winter pub hangout? The Hop Blossom, Farnham. Open fire, tucked away location, great beer and dog friendly."
- @DudasPriest – "We love @HomeCottage in Redhill, the food is amazing, ace decor and it’s always a great atmosphere at the bar!"
- @BushyParkBird – "To combat winter cold and hail, The Bell in Molesey attracts me with its well kept ale, its open hearth and smiley staff!"
- @wrjbrown – "@_TheWhiteSwan Richmond: open fires, smiley welcome, classy wine and ale. A walk by the Thames under historic arches at sundown"
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
-
1
Al Vicolo
Nikki Ackerley (Guildford Magazine Editor) chose Al Vicolo
"Al Vicolo in Swan Lane is one of Guildford’s best kept secrets and definitely one for lovers of good food and wine. Run by its owner chef Cinzia Lecca, it’s notable for its excellent Sardinian cuisine which is delivered with great finesse. Nor will you be disappointed by the extensive wine cellar.
Seasonal specials include homemade ravioli with potato, mint and pecorino, as well as grilled sea bream with a salt crust with fennel."
-
2
Local Hero – Kingston Coffee
Rosanna Greenstreet (Kingston Magazine Editor) chose Local Hero
"My favourite winter hangout is the sofa, but when I venture into Kingston for the January sales, I schedule in a pitstop at Local Hero, the fabulous independent coffee shop on Thames Street.
I always have the same thing: a cup of their excellent coffee and a tuna toasted sandwich followed by a slab of cake. It’s perpetually busy with shoppers like me, so I’m glad the premises have been enlarged this year to accommodate the growing clientele."
-
3
The Dysart
Fiona Adams (Richmond Magazine Editor) chose The Dysart
"The food at The Dysart Petersham is always good, especially the fish dishes. It’s an ideal place to go for a girls’ dinner out; it has atmosphere without being noisy and feels welcoming and warm, thanks to the large woodburning stove."
- Page 1 (Results 1-10)
