Romesh Ranganathan and his freshy baked collab

From comedy to croissants! We’ve got the local goss on actor, comedian and TV presenter Romesh Ranganathan who has bought in to Surrey artisan bakery chain Coughlans Bakery.

He announced the partnership in a video reel on Instagram recently, saying it’s something he has wanted to get involved with for a very long time. “I’ve loved Coughlans for a very long time,” he said. “And to be part of the Coughlans family is very exciting.”

The funnyman – known for his deadpan and self-deprecating comedy – was born, and now lives in Crawley across the border in West Sussex, and went to school at Reigate Grammar. He describes his new role as being ‘part of the firm’ and ‘head sampler’. We’re pretty sure he doesn’t knead the dough (sorry!), so is mostly in it for the pastries.

Coughlans Bakery started in the 1930s when Grandad Jack opened his first store in Thornton Heath near Croydon. Roll on several decades, and Coughlans Bakery is now run by Jack’s grandson Sean – who features in Romesh’s Insta vid. There are more than 30 bakeries dotted around north east Surrey including Banstead, Reigate, Nork, Oxted, Dorking, Godstone, Lingfield, Epsom, Caterham, Chipstead, Chessington, Horley, Lingfield, Purley, Warlingham and Croydon.

As well artisan loaves, Coughlans also make cakes including celebration cakes. More than 90% of their product are vegan.

London beckons for Aldo Zilli

Aldo Zilli at his home in Surey. — Aldo Zilli at his home in Bletchingley in Surrey. *Credit: CASA ZILLI*

If that slice of news doesn’t take the biscuit (sorry again), you might like this snippet of local goss. Award-winning Surrey chef, restauranteur and author Aldo Zilli is returning to London after a notable 20-year absence.

Don’t worry though – he’s not upping sticks and leaving Surrey – the two-time Muddy Award-winner for Best Restaurant is still firmly established in the village of Bletchingley, near Redhill, with his family. And his restaurant CASA ZILLI is also based there.

But now, the Italian celebrity chef is opening a new restaurant in Mayfair – Undercroft – located in the crypt of St George’s Church. The menu at Undercroft promises a masterful menu celebrating Italy’s rich heritage, with seasonal dishes infused with influences from over 20 regions of Zilli’s home country. It’s set to open mid December. Buon appetito!

Nips and tucks for Epsom pub

The interior of The Marquis of Granby in Epsom. — *Photo credit: The Marquis of Granby, Epsom*

The Marquis of Granby in Epsom has had a spiffy new makeover and it’s looking mighty fine. The pub, on West Street in the town centre just across from the town’s marketplace, has been closed for four weeks for its primp and polish and has reopened just in time for Christmas. There’s now a new outside bar for alfresco drinks and dining. And for those days when the weather is more British than Bahamas, there are patio heaters to warm things up. Inside, the interiors are traditional with a contemporary touch – with the wood-panelling, exposed beams and period features nodding to the pub’s 18th century heritage.

End of an era for Catwalk Boutique, Godalming

Sad news in fashion. It’s the end of an era for Godalming women’s boutique Catwalk. The fashion store – known for its wearable fashion lines – is closing down on Christmas Eve after 24 years. Catwalk has long been a favourite among Surrey fashionistas – specialising in casual wear with labels such as Oui, Set, Indi and Cold, Suncoo, Great Plains and Ilse Jacobsen plus great footwear, accessories and jewellery.

Catwalk is a sister store to The Gate Boutique in Guildford. And while owner Liz Trendle said it wasn’t an easy decision to close down her first store, she said she wanted to focus her attention on The Gate which moved to bigger premises on Guildford High Street this summer.

READ MORE: November local news and goss

READ MORE: Star bakes! 12 best bakeries in Surrey worth your dough

A comedian, croissants, a celebrity chef and the pub that’s been primped

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