Some towns lure you in with a single dish, a must-try meal that demands a detour. Dorking is not that kind of town. Here, food is an entire experience, a thread woven through every street, every shop window, every conversation. It’s the kind of place where a butcher might know your preferred cut, a winemaker can talk you through the terroir, and a pub might serve you a pint brewed just down the road.
If you have an appetite for local flavours, independent producers and a few surprises along the way, this is where to start.
Breakfast With a Side of History
Morning in Dorking should begin with something satisfying, preferably in a place with a story to tell. Mullins Coffee Shop sits inside the last remaining Pilgrim Home in the UK, a corner of history served with excellent coffee and fresh pastries. If you’re more in the mood for something sweet, head to Cosy Moose at Pump Corner for macarons so delicate they could almost float off your plate.
Dorking is a town that respects the art of baking. Putty Cakes and Coughlan’s Bakery both offer an array of handmade treats, but if you’re the kind of person who believes a sausage roll should be an event, start your day at The Dorking Butchery. Their cheese and Marmite sausages have achieved near-mythical status among locals.
A Mid-Morning Tasting Tour
If breakfast is fuel, mid-morning is for discovery. Wine lovers should head straight for The Vineyard, where the shelves are lined with bottles from every corner of the world, including Surrey’s own vineyards. Saturdays often bring free tastings, so you might walk in looking for one thing and leave with something completely unexpected.
Beer lovers should follow the path to Cobbett’s Real Ales, a micropub where the selection is as impressive as the enthusiasm behind the bar. This is a place for proper beer, no gimmicks, no nonsense—just expertly curated local brews served in a setting small enough that you’ll probably leave knowing someone’s life story.
Lunch Like a Local
By now, it’s time for something substantial. If you prefer a relaxed pub vibe, The Star is the kind of place where the tables spill onto the pavement and the conversation never really stops. The King’s Arms, on West Street, adds a touch of live music to the mix, while Rialto on South Street serves up Italian classics with the kind of generous portions that demand a post-lunch stroll.
For something with a little more flair, Holme Stores is an absolute must. Half café, half deli, all delicious—this is where you go for sustainably sourced ingredients, creative small plates and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
An Afternoon in the Vineyards
Dorking is home to Denbies Wine Estate, one of England’s largest and most celebrated vineyards. The tours are excellent, the tastings even better. Whether you opt for the classic vineyard experience or the Wine and Food Tour, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for just how good English wine can be. And yes, Bordeaux should be worried.
Dinner and Drinks, Your Way
When it comes to dinner, you have decisions to make. Sorrel is Dorking’s Michelin-starred crown jewel, a fine dining experience that’s every bit as refined as you’d expect. The tasting menus are exceptional, the service impeccable—just make sure you book ahead.
For something a little livelier, 45 Dene Street serves up bold flavours in a low-lit, atmospheric space that feels like a secret hideaway. If your evening calls for spice, Dorking Brasserie, Sang Thai, Chifan Restaurant and New Fountain Garden all bring authentic Asian flavours to the table.
If the Mediterranean calls, Roosters Kitchen and Arto both deliver dishes that taste like they belong on a sun-drenched terrace somewhere far away.
A Nightcap or a Dance Floor?
When the meal is done, there’s still time for one more stop. If cocktails are calling, Swirl Wine Bar has you covered. If you want to dance, Knox is where you need to be. And if all you need is a final nightcap in a place that feels like a piece of history, The White Horse Hotel on the High Street is waiting. It’s been here since 1278—what’s one more night?
Dorking isn’t just a place to eat and drink. It’s a town that takes pride in its produce, its people and its independent spirit. Come hungry, leave happy, and bring a bigger bag next time. You’ll need it.
