The Star, Witley

Much excitement in the Surrey ‘hood this month with the opening of The Star in Witley this Wednesday (7 Sept).

The 17th century, Grade II-listed pub has just been spruced up to the tune of £400,000 – and she’s looking pretty spiffy. A new outdoor dining terrace has been added with heated pergolas and pods for year-round alfresco dining, while inside the pub’s original quirks and character have been maintained.

The Star is the fourth pub in the Brucan Pubs family, owned by friends James Lyon-Shaw and chef Jamie Dobbin who met while working in the kitchens of London’s celeb haunt The Ivy. Their other pubs include The Drumming Snipe in Mayford (read my review here), the Greene Oak in Windsor and The Greyhound in Finchampstead.

The Star menu will be seasonal and focus on British game, meat and fish. overseen by executive chef Jamie. No tiny portions, deconstructed dishes, frills or foam – just superb food. Watch this space, a review will be coming soon – Muddy already has a table booked!

Epsom Social, Epsom

Surrey’s first food hall, Epsom Social has thrown open its door with eight vendors offering up a range of cuisines including Venezuelan, Mexican, Lebanese, Indian and Korean. The 200-seat venue – located at Epsom Square just off the High Street – includes a central bar serving local Redber coffee, craft beer from Esher’s Big Smoke, cocktails, wine and soft drinks. Vendors include local pizza purveyors, Doughboyz; Venezuelan street food, Pabellón; and Curry on Naanstop. There will also be pop-up vendors and a performance area hosting a mix of acts including live music and comedy. Epsom Social is open every day for everything from coffee, lunch, dinner and drinks.

The Market by The Juice Smith, Cobham

Following on from the opening of healthy eating restaurant The Juice Smith in Cobham earlier this year, the site of the former Juice Smith café is to become a marketplace. Launched by former professional ruby player Richard Smith-Bernal in 2013 after discovering the health benefits of cold-pressed juices and plant-based food on a trip to LA, The Juice Smith has long been a popular café in Cobham. The flagship restaurant opened early this year – and now the brand is bringing you a marketplace. As well as their range of own-brand cold-pressed juices, expect a wide range of plant-based and vegan goodies.

Chilworth Manor Vineyard, near Guildford

Good news for wine lovers! Chilworth Manor Vineyard is planning a brand new tasting rooms due to open soon. The vineyard is currently closed for tours and tastings but will reopen in 2023.

Rosa’s Thai, Wimbledon

Popular Thai restaurant chain Rosa’s Thai is landing in Wimbledon this week (Thurs 8 Sept) – the 32nd restaurant for chef Saiphin Moore and husband Alex. The pair opened the first Rosa’s Thai in Hanbury Street, London in 2008 – taking over a local caff, and keeping the name Rosa’s. Now there are restaurants across London as well as in Cardiff, Liverpool, Leeds, York and Birmingham. Expect authentic Thai dishes including pad Thai, Panang curry, green curry, tom yum soup and crispy prawns.

Scott’s, Richmond

A date has been announced for the opening of the Richmond outpost of celeb hangout Scott’s fish and seafood restaurant Promising to be a glittering nod to the famous Mayfair original, the Richmond venue will open in the former Revolution Bar on Monday 26 September. Scott’s will be set over two storeys, and will feature a dining room with a marble-topped Champagne and oyster bar taking centre stage – and a DJ bar upstairs. There’s also an outdoor dining terrace with views of the Thames.

Six new foodie openings in Surrey

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