Woking Restaurant Guide

Gordon Ramsay’s four-year-old fast-food chain – one of several diffusion brands from the TV chef – has half a dozen sites across the capital. Views on it have always been somewhat mixed and became even more polarised this year: between those who consider it “a great new discovery” and those who feel it’s “disappointing for an upmarket burger”.

“A very well-run and vast pub/restaurant which has managed to balance itself between the two”. Between the “reliable and fresh” British grub, “well-kept beers” and “friendly and efficient team” (plus a lovely garden) it’s “always a delight to visit”.

Up and down reports this year among loyal local fans of this busy Thai, which will have been a mainstay of dining in the area for 50 years in 2025. One worried regular feels it’s “sad to see this old favourite going downhill”. For the most part, though, diners still say “there’s always a nice meal out here”.

A “glamorous” outpost of Richard Caring’s ever-growing brasserie empire set across two floors, and with a particularly scenic patio overlooking the headline attraction announced in its name. As per its siblings, the menu hops from British classics to Asian-inspired dishes and veggie options, and there’s currently a two-course ‘£19.17 Menu’ revisiting classics from the original London restaurant, from their famed shepherd’s pie to frozen berries with white chocolate sauce; also as with its siblings, not everyone is convinced by the food (“nothing to rave about”) but it remains one of the more commented-upon venues in these parts.

This comfortably decorated national chain feels akin to dining in a hotel, but minus the bedrooms; and its two London branches – near the Tower and in Putney – benefit from attractive Thames-side locations, where “it’s lovely to sit outside on a warm day by the river, or year-round in one of their igloo pods”. “There’s a warm fire inside with cosy armchairs”, too, which make the venues “fine for coffee or snacks”, although for more substantial meals “the food is only OK”.

This red-brick steak restaurant and bar is part of the carnivorous, three-strong Rare Breed Dining group, with its own in-house smokery and butcher overseeing prime cuts of meat (part of a trendy package that also includes on-site wreath- and candle-making classes); results from the menu (relayed via daily specials boards) are “tasty” and there’s a “lovely outdoor area for al-fresco dining in summer”.

This Surrey branch of The Ivy’s stylish national brasserie offshoot is an “incredibly popular” sort of place, where the most appealing location to eat is the Orangery. From providing one reporter’s “worst dining experience of the year” to another’s “dazzling delight”, it continues to split opinion, but the majority verdict is that “the atmosphere and ambience (which “exude fun and enjoyment”) excel more than the food” (which is “acceptable but nothing special”).

There’s no doubting the “fantastic location” of this link in Raymond Blanc’s Heartwood Inns collection – a nook and cranny-filled boozer on pretty Downside Common with a heated outdoor tent and beer garden for added measure. Its victuals aren’t fancy but are “generally good” by common consensus, and continue to be of note for their moderate price tags (especially now they’ve relaunched their bargainous seasonal set menus).

“Impeccable!” – “Adam Smith has definitely added the wow factor to what was formerly the Restaurant Coworth Park” and with the Dorchester Collection’s 2023 revamp of this mansion’s main dining room – replacing its formerly bland international luxe looks with very successful, “subtle but stylish” surroundings – it is fully emerging as one of the south east’s foremost gastronomic destinations (“surely it must be heading for two Michelin stars”). “Several snacks lead into the hospitality masterclass which Adam and his team, including front of house, achieve at each visit”. “Bread is not just a side issue but a course in itself and something to be savoured” and is followed up by “exciting dishes realised with flair” and “a fantastic lightness of touch”; all “superbly presented” by the “smiling, thoughtful, nattily dressed staff”. And “the cheese room is an experience in itself”. “The best meal we have had in a long time”: “pricing has gone up quite significantly” but no-one complains about this – they say it’s “still worth it as the food is phenomenal”. “Gorgeous grounds to wander around too”.

“Some outstanding food and clever twists in the tasting menu” inspired high ratings and enthusiasm levels this year in the “really special” and “intimate” dining room (just seven tables) of this stately pile, complete with Tudor fireplace and tapestries, where chef Alex Payne’s menus accounted for some reporters’ best meals of the year. Some reports include quibbles, but even a diner who was at the only occupied table at the time said “what a pleasant meal and what charming staff. Not expensive by today’s standards and definitely worth the detour”.

This independently owned and run pub just off the Thames Path serves “first-class, chef-quality cooking at chain-pub prices, with a great menu for all occasions” – “you don’t find many pub-restaurants full on a Tuesday lunchtime, but this one is for good reason”. “They even make gravies from scratch for each Sunday roast and their own desserts!”

“Wow, Wow, Wow! Surpassed all expectations… loved every moment” – all reports this year are a hymn of praise to this sumptuous dining room, which has won numerous accolades over the years and where Steve Smith has been at the stoves for five years now. “Imaginative food is presented with real style” in a six-course ‘discovery’ menu for £175 per person that’s “consistently very good”. Top Menu Top – “desserts are particularly good: for example, the rhubarb and truffle chocolate is unusual, delicious and a great ending to a meal”.