Excellence Award 2008

THE PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADE of the 2008 Rémy Martin Restaurant Excellence Award is tribute to the consistently excellent food and service at this Surrey restaurant, which opened in March 2007.

Jon and Cynthia Coomb have history when it comes to running a quality restaurant, having formerly been proprietors of Michelin bib gourmand restaurant Stephan Langton in nearby Dorking. From here, they learnt the fundamental basis of the restaurant business- great food at reasonable prices keeps the customers coming back time and again.

The Westerly marks a move by Jon and Cynthia into a more streamlined operation, where a fantastic atmosphere and décor contributes to the outstanding food, something they felt was missing last time round. However, The Westerly has hit the nail on the head, combining fantastic food, fair pricing, and beautiful decoration.

Refined, rustic cooking is the order of the day here, with a selection of dishes that, while simple in execution, offer deep & satisfying flavours, and signature dishes include Salt Cod and Potato Ravioli, Tomatoes, Olives and Capers and Croquette of Pig's Head, Sauce Gribiche.

The wine list is as carefully sourced as the cooking ingredients and many of the wines are available in half litre carafes. It is helpfully grouped by specific styles such as 'fleshy & fruity', 'ripe, savoury & spicy' and 'dry, crisp & mineral'. Service is friendly and utterly professional.