Harden's survey result
Summary
This “welcoming and genuine gastropub” with an “interesting menu” “delivers what it promises”, in the form of “creative cooking and good value”. Hosts Mike Wall-Palmer and Dave Adams met 10 years ago working at nearby Drake’s, and jumped at the opportunity to open their own place when this charming, wood-framed, red-brick old boozer came their way four years ago.
Summary
“The pub interior is beautiful and garden views are fantastic” at this posh-ish Surrey boozer, albeit “more restaurant than pub”, which has been under new team Mike Wall-Palmer and Dave Adams (who first met at local haunt Drake's) since 2019. Ratings are decent with praise for the “fabulous” burgers and “good-value lunch menu”, but there’s a feeling it “needs to put the work in to ensure it remains a destination”.
Summary
“Upmarket” Surrey village pub that’s “maintained a very good standard”: a meal is “always enjoyable, always good value and a friendly experience”. Young chef Mike Wall-Palmer and colleague Dave Adams have recently bought out the previous owner, Steve Drake, who wants to concentrate on Sorrel, his well-known Dorking restaurant.
Summary
“Upmarket” Surrey village pub that’s “maintained a very good standard”: a meal is “always enjoyable, always good value and a friendly experience”. Young chef Mike Wall-Palmer and colleague Dave Adams have recently bought out the previous owner, Steve Drake, who wants to concentrate on Sorrel, his well-known Dorking restaurant.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Anchor?
Owner's description
An award winning cosy Restaurant located in the heart of Ripley Village specialising in creative cuisine with a focus on fresh, local & seasonal produce.
We provide a relaxed environment to dine with friends & family for both casual lunches, special occasion dinners as well as a quick drink & nibble.
Rich in heritage our building offers historic 15th century style architecture with low ceilings, some of the original beams & fireplaces. Outside we have a small semi-covered Courtyard for use in the warmer months.

Prices
![]() |
|
---|---|
Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
![]() |
|
---|---|
Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Working to an incredible standard with some of the countries best chefs & Michelin Star Restaurants Mike & Dave have an unsurmountable talent for cooking.
In it's first year The Anchor Ripley gained Two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, as well as being The only Surrey Pub in The Good Food Guide with Mike at the helm.
8 years retained and more their passion for creative food regardless of style emanates.
Our Chef Patrons Mike & Dave can be found on site working alongside their team on the creativity of seasonal menus, carefully selected wine and cocktails supported by a high quality and personal style of service.
The Anchor Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Never had a meal where anything was left on the plate. Consistently good."

"Excellent food in very pleasant surroundings served by charming staff. A perfect lunchtime."