Once the joke of the culinary world, British food has had the last laugh – with old fashioned classics standing the test of time and our cultural melting pot finding its way into the kitchen

Once the joke of the culinary world, British food has had the last laugh – with old fashioned classics standing the test of time and our cultural melting pot finding its way into the kitchen

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As featured in Surrey Life restaurant reviews each month over the past few years

Albert’s Table, 49 South End, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1BF: 0208 680 2010Reviewed: November 2009

'However, clearly a cut above the average, apparent from the tasteful facade alone, is Albert’s Table, a stylish restaurant serving modern British food using quality, seasonal ingredients.'

The Bakery Restaurant, Westmore Green, Tatsfield, Surrey TN16 2AG: 01959 577605Reviewed: May 2012

'Set in a former Surrey Village of the Year, this modern English and European restaurant proved a very pleasant discovery.'

The Bell, Bell Lane, Fetcham, Surrey KT22 9ND: 01372 372624Reviewed: March 2012

"Recently voted Surrey’s best winter pub in our poll at surrey.greatbritishlife.co.uk, it’s not only film stars who have been appreciating the changes that have been taking place at this rather grand hostelry of late."

Bell Street Bistro, 41 Bell Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7AQ: 01737 222 562Reviewed: August 2012

"All in all, in a town not short of good (but often chain) restaurants, Bell Street Bistro is a welcome new independent addition that punches above its weight."

143 The Canopy, 143 High Street, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8EH Tel: 01372 745330Reviewed: October 2010

'While contemplating coffees, I noticed an interesting side-note to The Canopy. They do a traditional afternoon tea – finger sandwiches, scones, the works. What a brilliant idea, and fitting for a restaurant that even this early on in its life is showing so much potential.'

The Dining Room, 10 Queens Road, Village Green, Hersham, Surrey KT12 5LS Tel: 01932 231686

'Serving up portions that would satisfy a marathon runner, iron man or lycra-clad Olympian who’d just tackled a few laps of the official cycle route on Box Hill, since 1984.'

The Dining Room, 59a High Street, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9AE: 01737 226650Reviewed: September 2011

"Perched above Reigate High Street, it has been a mainstay of the area’s dining scene since the Ready, Steady, Cook regular became head chef there in 1993."

The Grumpy Mole, Brockham, Surrey RH3 7JS: 01737 845101Reviewed: December 2011

'Sitting at our table overlooking the recently named Surrey village of the year’s green, our waitress approaches apologetically: “We’ve had a call from one of your party and, well, they’ve gone to Tadworth instead…"'

The Grumpy Mole, Dorking Road, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5RX: 01737 353529Reviewed: March 2008

'On two separate occasions within the space of a week, I was confronted with virtually the same question: "Have you tried The Grumpy Mole at Tadworth? It's wonderful."'

The Jolly Farmers Food Emporium, Reigate Road, Betchworth, Surrey RH3 7BG.Tel: 01737 221355

'All in all, dining at the Jolly Farmers gives a taste, quality and presentation of food generally seen in much higher end restaurants while maintaining a relaxed, diverse and intimate ambience – oh, and don’t forget local! All exactly how a pub should be in the 21st century.'

The Joshua Tree, 30 Common Road, Earlswood Common, Redhill, Surrey RH1 6HGReviewed: June 2010

'Now then, a new experience for me for the main course – grilled kangaroo fillet, served with double cooked potatoes, caramelised onion and garlic leaf hollandaise, and tomato chutney.'

Kinghams, Gomshall Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9HE: 01483 202168Reviewed: March 2010

'The dining room has it all – low ceilings, oak beams and a roaring fire – and, although hardly a large area, the tables are somehow well-spaced enough to maintain a sense of privacy.'

Little Dudley House, 77 South Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 2EU Tel: 01306 885550Reviewed: May 2010

'The word is out, and I foresee a long and prosperous future for them.'

The Lock, runnymede-on-thames hotel, Egham, Surrey TW20 0AG Tel: 01784 220 960Reviewed: September 2010

'While a map on the wall acts as a reminder of just how much there is to do in the area, with Windsor Castle, Legoland etc all on the doorstep, there is no doubt that these days the hotel is aiming to be a destination in its own right.'

The Richard Onslow, 113-117 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8AU: 01483 274 922Reviewed: September 2012

'So, in conclusion, how to sum up a pub that is offering so much? The Richard Onslow is an intriguing mix of drinking pub, top quality restaurant and relaxing weekend hideaway.'

Rock & Rose Restaurant, 106-108 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PQ: 0208 948 8008Reviewed: October 2009

'The strapline of the glitzy Richmond eatery Rock & Rose is 'food, passion and glamour' - and as soon as you walk in the door, you can see why.'

Squires Holt, Hogs Back, Seale, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1HE: 01483 810272Reviewed: September 2008

'Blink and you'll miss the Squires Holt as you whiz along the Hogs Back, tucked away as it is behind trees and bushes on a fast stretch of the road.'

Toby Cottage, High Street, Ripley, Surrey GU23 Tel: 01483 224225Reviewed: October 2007

'The experience of dining at the Toby Cottage in Ripley is, as one might hope, just as traditional as the 16th century oak-beamed building in which this stylish restaurant is housed.'

The William Bray, Shere Lane, Shere, Surrey GU5 9HS Tel: 01483 202044Reviewed: December 2010

'Chef Mark Routledge's presentation is effortlessly impressive and while keeping things simple, the flavours he conjures up would leave any reviewer clutching for the superlatives.'