The Roebuck, Richmond

This gorgeous boozer near the Thames has had a serious glow-up thanks to a six-figure investment from owners Greene King. The 300-year-old iconic pub on Richmond Hill is now “as splendid as its view” following a stylish and sensitive refurbish. With a smart and extended new bar the pub’s rich history has been brought to life through its up-to-date interiors.

The Old Crown, Great Bookham

Another pub in line for a makeover is the Old Crown in Great Bookham near Leatherhead. The landmark Surrey village pub with an almost 100-year history is in line for a multi-million pound refurbishment. It was recently bought by the award-winning Heartwood Collection. Heartwood plan to extend the restaurant bar and dining room to 150 covers. A further 50 covers will also be added in the large enclosed garden. The pub is currently closed so follow their socials for a reopening date. The Old Crown joins eight other Heartwood pubs in Surrey, including The White horse in Dorking. The group’s first pub with rooms opened in February.

Superstar spotted busking

Big news in Surrey when Ella Henderson was spotted busking in Guildford. — Ella Henderson/Facebook

Big news in Surrey recently when chart-topping Ella Henderson surprised shoppers in Guildford, busking on the town’s cobbled High Street. She gathered outside Waterstones alongside students from The Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) play some songs. The ‘Alibi’ hitmaker visited the Surrey music school that has previously taught the likes of Ed Sheeran. Miss her? You can catch her in Surrey headlining at the Oxted Festival in July. It’s just one of the many great live events to look forward to this summer. See our festival guide.

Turquoise, Weybridge

Food at Turquoise restaurant in Webridge.

Work is already underway to transform the former Prezzo unit in Weybridge into a smart new Mediterranean eatery. The space, which has been empty over a year, used to be the site of a reputed Banksy work on the side wall which mysteriously appeared in March 2022, but has since disappeared. It’s good news in Surrey for peeps who love fusion food. Turquoise promises a menu packed with flavourful dishes from the Mediterranean and Turkey using locally sourced produce. There will also be handcrafted cocktails.

Batts Hill, Outwood

Batts Hill the chef-created gin and spirits brand born in East Surrey has just opened a teeny new distillery at Brightleigh Farm near Reigate. The Muddy Award winners (Best Local Producer in 2022), opened the doors on their ‘micro distillery’ at the end of February and plan to initially just open Saturdays 10am- 3pm, with a view to events in the future. Their current project is a small batch of range of limited editions liqueurs to complement the gins or enjoy on their own. We’ll drink to that!

Surrey author’ success

Cranleigh based author Jody Cooksley is celebrating the imminent launch of her new novel The Small Museum that recently won the prestigious Caledonia Novel Award. The gothic mystery is inspired by the extraordinary treasure trove of curiosities that is the Hunterian Museum in London and set in Victorian era. It’s out in hardback and eBook on 16 May if you’re on the lookout for a good read.

Bat & Ball, Farnham

Fancy pulling a pint? Much-loved pub The Bat and Ball in Farnham is up for sale as the current owners plan to relocate to Devon. Tucked away in an idyllic spot near the River Bourne, the pub is a real hub of the community and houses its own mini beer festival BatFest in July.

And it’s goodbye to …

There is some sad news in Surrey too, with a couple of closures across the region; Guildford’s popular bar and nightlife venue Komo has announced its shock closure after eight years, blaming the cost-of-living crisis. In Oxted, stationary stalwart Lorimers is closing but relocating just up the high street to the former Paydens store site (hurray!). And gift and interior emporium Florence Fortley in Caterham is due to close at the end of the month after three years in the town – but if you’re quick you might grab a bargain in the closing down sale.

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