Festive cakes in a Dorking café at Christmas
Published On: October 27, 2026

Christmas shopping is much more enjoyable when there’s time for a coffee, a bite to eat or a proper catch-up with friends along the way.

Fortunately, Dorking has no shortage of places to stop, whether you’re looking for a quick takeaway coffee, a leisurely lunch or somewhere to warm up after an afternoon exploring the shops.

And at Christmas, there’s something particularly inviting about stepping inside from the cold for a hot chocolate, a freshly baked cake or a mince pie.

You can start the day on South Street with a hearty breakfast from either Peppe’s or Jax. On West Street, Café Willow, is a welcoming place to pause, while Putty Cakes is well worth discovering for its tempting bakes, with a great gluten-free range. As you explore further, there’s Mullins Coffee Shop, where the inviting smell of sizzling bacon is hard to resist, not to mention its famous ginger cake! Cosy Moose is known for its colourful macarons (baked in house)! While Harts at the Courtyard is the place for homemade scones. Or stop at Esquires for a coffee and a break from shopping.

There’s more to discover as you make your way through town. My Old Commodore, Cups & Co and Redmoon Cafe offer more opportunities for a coffee stop, while Burgundy & Black, with its soft play area, is a great option for families with little ones. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Sweet Willow is known for its waffles, and don’t miss the Portuguese custard tarts at Dijo Café.

Our cafés are much more than somewhere to grab a drink. They’re places to meet friends, catch up with family or simply take a little time out during a busy day.

So whether it’s breakfast before you start shopping, lunch halfway through or a hot chocolate before heading home, make time to enjoy Dorking’s cafés this Christmas.

Good shopping deserves a good coffee break.

Discover our cafes here.

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