Surrey


<p>Looking for the latest Surrey news and goss? From revamped pubs to luxury hotel launches and a dash of celebrity sparkle, Surrey’s scene is having a moment. Dive into this month’s bite‑sized newsflash for the skinny on everything new near you. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reigate-foodie-news-and-goss">Reigate foodie news and goss</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27.jpg" alt="Giggling Squid in Reigate, Surrey." class="wp-image-65489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-27-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Giggling Squid&#8217;s Insta-worthy new restaurant</figcaption></figure>



<p>Reigate foodie news incoming! <a href="https://www.gigglingsquid.com/restaurant/reigate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giggling Squid</a> has been on the move. The much‑loved Thai restaurant has relocated, but not far. It&#8217;s moved just down the road to 27 High Street, bringing its colourful curries and crowd‑pleasing tapas‑style dishes to a new spot. The small chain &#8211; known for its super stylish interiors and bold flavours &#8211; promises the same warm welcome locals adore. We love the elevated new look restaurant which has also added a VIP private dining room within its statement décor. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chic-new-retreat">Chic new retreat</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28.jpg" alt="Mad Swans in the South Downs." class="wp-image-65491" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2026/05/Untitled-design-28-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mad Swans ballsy new venture</figcaption></figure>



<p>A seriously chic new hangout is landing on our doorstep as <a href="https://www.madswans.com/south-downs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mad Swans</a> in the South Downs opens on 1 June. From the team behind Beaverbrook, it brings eco-cabins, two restaurants, padel, pickleball, darts, shuffleboard and a reimagined 12-hole golf course, all just a short drive from Guildford and Farnham. Billed as “a breath of fresh air” and a place for mavericks to call home, it blends play, food and seriously gorgeous views. A sister site to Mendips Mad Swans, with design input from Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous, it’s shaping up to be the area’s new go-to escape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-pilates-spot"><strong>New Pilates spot</strong></h2>



<p>Caterham is about to get a little stretchier with the June arrival of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXeVx1EjRFF/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rise,</a> a brand‑new reformer Pilates studio. Sister to the successful branch in Haywards Heath, expect sleek machines, small classes and that deliciously shaky‑leg feeling we all pretend to hate. Whether you’re a seasoned reformer fan or a total newbie, it’s a welcome wellness boost for the town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grand-hotel-revival"><strong>Grand hotel revival</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky.jpeg" alt="The former Birch Selsdon hotel" class="wp-image-45213" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/02/Birch-Selsdon_Estate-iv.-©Inna-Kostukovsky-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The former Birch Selsdon. <em>Photo credit: Inna Kostukovsky</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The historic Selsdon Park Hotel in South Croydon is gearing up for (another) major revival after being bought by a £1billion property group. The former members-only Birch Selsdon &#8211; which went into administration in 2023 with significant debts &#8211; will undergo a multi-million-pound refurbishment over the next 14 months. New owners Leeds-based <a href="https://www.thedesignexchange.co.uk/dev/bhgroup/about-us/#overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BH Group</a>, who also own several boutique hotels including The Windermere Hotel in Cumbria and The St Ives Bay Hotel in Cornwall, are planning a return to a more classic four-star hotel feel, with locals once again welcomed into the bars and restaurants. The hotel is expected to reopen by June 2027. A new era is coming for this grand old Surrey landmark &#8211; and we can’t wait to see it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chobham-pub-revamp"><strong>Chobham pub revamp</strong></h2>



<p>Chobham’s beloved <a href="https://suninnchobham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun Inn</a> has thrown open its doors after a stylish spring makeover. Part of a £1.5million investment, the pub now boasts refreshed interiors, soft furnishings, new signage and a gorgeous, reimagined garden. General manager Luke Parry says: “We’re really proud of the new look.&#8221; Locals are already flocking back for long lunches and drinks on the sunny terrace. It’s the same friendly favourite &#8211; just fresher, brighter and ready for summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spa-resort-coming-to-ockley"><strong>Spa resort coming to Ockley</strong></h2>



<p>A major new luxury hotel, spa and fine-dining destination is in the planning stages for Ockley near Dorking, as <a href="https://www.ockley.org.uk/blog-2/gatton-manor-consultation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gatton Manor Hotel</a> undergoes a £41million transformation. The redevelopment will replace the closed hotel and struggling golf course with 81 rooms, two restaurants, indoor and wild swimming pools, a gym and treatment spaces. With tennis and padel courts, local-rate gym memberships and horse riding planned, it’s set to become a standout Surre destination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mel-giedroyc-champions-local-theatre"><strong>Mel Giedroyc champions local theatre </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher.jpg" alt="Mel Giedroyc" class="wp-image-34635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher-300x192.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher-720x461.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher-150x96.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher-768x492.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/08/mel_giedroyc_©_laurie_fletcher-820x525.jpg 820w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New theatre patron Mel Giedroyc. <em>Photo credit: Laurie Fletcher</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Mel Giedroyc has been announced as Patron of the <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre</a>. The TV favourite, who was born in Epsom and grew up in Leatherhead, said she’s “truly honoured” to support a group offering half its places through bursaries to ensure accessibility. Mel has long championed the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, even lending her hosting talents to fundraising events. The new youth theatre will launch soon, keep an eye on the <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a> for details.  </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-more-news-and-goss">WANT MORE NEWS AND GOSS?</h2>



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<li><strong><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/new-openings-surrey-restaurants-cafes-things-to-do/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Surrey’s new openings – from secret tunnels to chic cafés</a></strong></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/surrey-news-new-openings-local-happenings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The latest openings, glow-ups and gossip</strong></a></li>



<li><a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/top-100-restaurants-uk-surrey-winners/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Revealed: the local winners on the list of the UK’s top 100 restaurants</strong></a></li>
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Newsflash! The lowdown on everything new near you

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