Situated in a historic building in Dorking’s West Street, Monica’s Deli opened its doors in June 2021.
A delicatessen and café, Monica’s Deli sells specialist foods and dried goods, alongside serving up delicious, freshly-made lunches, snacks and cakes from both its cosy indoor café and pretty, secluded terrace garden.
Specialising in Italian, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern products, there is a wide range of foodie treats to browse and buy, from cured meats and cheeses, to fresh pasta and homemade hummus, stuffed peppers, homemade cakes (with new choices daily), and a wide variety of dried goods, pulses and more. The café itself serves a wide array of food and drinks, including paninis, arancini, tempting homemade cakes and vegetarians dishes.
To learn more about this popular Dorking deli and café, we spoke to owner, Monica Draper.
1. What was your motivation to open the business?
To offer something not easily found in Dorking and to run my own business, following ten years of catering.
2. What can a customer expect from a visit?
A warm welcome and a variety of products, together with an indoor café and a delightful patio garden.
3. Why did you choose Dorking as a place to open Monica’s Deli?
My husband and I have lived here for some time and I wanted to provide a business in the town to continue the tradition of independent traders that Dorking is so known for.
4. What do you consider to be special about the town?
The large number of independent shops and traders, together with the wonderful countryside surrounding the town. Also, here at Monica’s Deli, the sense of history gained by working in a building that is hundreds of years old and sharing in its story alongside others in West Street.
5. What has been the reception from the Dorking community?
Positive and welcoming, enabling me to begin to judge where the business is most likely to grow. Feedback from customers is very important so I can learn how best to operate.
6. What is your hope for the future of Monica’s Deli?
To gain a reputation for quality and friendliness, providing something special and unique for our community.
Monica’s Deli can be found at 20 West Street, Dorking. It is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Monday. Space for the café is limited, but it is possible to pop in to reserve a table.
