RestaurantsSurreyRipleyGU23

Harden's says

This quaint Surrey village restaurant formerly known as Drake's has, under the ownership solely of Serina Drake (she and husband Steve parted ways, she got the restaurant), regained its Michelin star as the Clock House, with former sous chef Fred Clapperton as head chef.

survey result

Summary

£154
£££££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“One of the very few top-class restaurants in Surrey” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year under owner Serina Drake (who rebranded it a few years back following her split from former husband, chef Steve Drake). Head chef Luke Spier (ex-Gordon Ramsay Group and Simon Rogan’s Roganic) has brought his Nordic-influenced modern British cuisine to the kitchen in the past year.

Summary

£153
£££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

A meal at Serina Drake’s “relaxed and informal” Georgian house conversion is a “really special experience” – and “food is still the focus” under chef Paul Nicholson, who joined the kitchen from Yorkshire’s famous Yorke Arms two years ago and sends out meals that are “fresh, light, diligent and mouthwatering”. Top Tip – “have a drink in the garden beforehand” to set up “the most amazing dinner”.

Summary

£129
£££££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Despite a change of head chef just before lockdown” (Paul Nicholson stepping in for Fred Clapperton), Serina Drake’s Georgian house conversion is “still a stunning example of a top-class independent fine-dining experience” and “head and shoulders above the norm” in these parts. On a warm day, try and nab a table in the attractive walled garden.

Summary

£81
 ££££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A sublime experience” – Serina Drake’s “lovely” converted Georgian house is a “delightful building in a lovely village” which provides “fine dining, but without the associated pretentiousness”. Fred Clapperton’s deft but un-gimmicky cuisine is credited with many “exceptional” meals here, aided by the attitude of the “friendly and personable staff”. “It’s particularly gorgeous in the beautiful walled garden on a warm day”.

For 33 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 Clock House?

Restaurant details

Yes
10
No dress code
30
lunch 6 dinner 12
Yes

Prices

  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 75.00 Lunch only 5
Menu2 110.00 Dinner only 5
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £45.00
Filter Coffee £7.50
Extras  
Service 10.00%
The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, GU23 6AQ
Opening hours
MondayCLOSED
TuesdayCLOSED
Wednesday7 pm‑9 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm
Friday12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm
SundayCLOSED

Best British, Modern restaurants nearby

The Anchor
British, Modern restaurant in Ripley
£70
  £££
4
Very Good
3
Good
2
Average
The Onslow Arms
British, Modern restaurant in West Clandon
£63
  £££
2
Average
2
Average
3
Good
The Drumming Snipe
British, Modern restaurant in Mayford
£60
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
2
Average

Best similarly priced restaurants nearby

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
British, Traditional restaurant in Knightsbridge
£156
£££££
2
Average
2
Average
2
Average
Park Chinois
Chinese restaurant in Mayfair
£156
£££££
2
Average
2
Average
1
Poor
Pied à Terre
French restaurant in Fitzrovia
£151
£££££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good