Last Thursday ‘5 things’ had the privilege of dining at Emily’s restaurant at the Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel – not far from Dorking.
Two years ago this restaurant was the casualty of flooding – a quick Google reveals Dinghies, floating cars and more! Fortunately the restaurant has bounced back with a vengeance and determination that shines through the menu, service and atmosphere.
One
Ask for a table near the window. You will be stunned by the lovely views of Box Hill. The hotel has just opened an outdoor heated pool – we can’t think of a more perfect location for a pool in the heart of Surrey’s North Downs. The dining room itself is modern, roomy, airy and feels like a special place to have a meal. Thursday night and the restaurant was getting busy – the word is out! Maybe people have heard about the marmite butter – this was gorgeous.
Two
There are plenty of chances to eat and drink locally sourced produce. The menu is speckled with local touches – the restaurant is spoilt with many excellent local producers close by. We enjoyed a glass of English sparkling wine wine from nearby Denbies Wine Estate and some excellent award winning Norbury blue cheese from Norbury park about three miles away from Emlyn’s.
Three
Choose the chicken wings as a starters. The wings were served with the biggest scallop I think we have seen. All were of the highest quality and perfectly presented. In addition to these wings served with cauliflower and golden raisins we also enjoyed some superb Foie Gras served with Brioche.
Four
Save room for the 10 oz Cote De Boeuf. This was cooked to your liking with bone marrow and braised shin. The salmon served with razor clams was also excellent. We asked for some truffle mash to accompany our mains.
Five
Once finished have coffee in the lounge area of the hotel and then take a walk to the top of Box Hill itself. Turn right out of the hotel and almost immediately you will see a gate with a choice of two path ways. They both allow you to walk to the top – be warned the hill is quite steep but just think of all the calories that you will torch.
Emlyn’s is an excellent restaurant and must be one of the front runners when it comes to a Surrey’s ‘best restaurant race’. Where else could you eat the lightest egg white free macaroons in existence. These were seriously good and served as an amuse bouche.
Please book a table and go and let us know how you found your experience.
