Coffee shops of the Surrey Hills and beyond

An after walk coffee at The Wotton Hatch is always very welcome. Particularly in winter when you can snuggle in their extremely comfortable and stylish chairs in front of the roaring fire. In summer the garden is large with great views (just overlook the fast road outside!)

The welcome and the service are very good when we visit, which is normally Monday or Friday around midday. The coffee is also excellent. Today’s cappuccinos came with little coconut cakes which was an unusual and appreciated little touch. The coffees are not the largest, or the cheapest, but they are delicious 9/10

For ambience the Wotton Hatch also rates very highly. Although rarely busy when we are there, it still manages to be comfortable and cosy. 9/10

I find it’s difficult to be both a welcoming pub, and a fully fledged restaurant, but The Wotton Hatch pulls this off and remains a firm favourite with Surrey Striders.

The Wotton Hatch, Guildford Rd, Wotton, Dorking RH5 6QQ https://www.wottonhatch.co.uk/#/

Located on the green in the lovely village of Shamley Green, is the reasonably new cafe Forge on the Green. In its previous reincarnation it was the Speckled Hen which completed the trio of bird themed cafes with the Dabbling Duck in Shere and the Plucky Pheasant at Newlands Corner. The Speckled Hen closed down some years ago and happily the social enterprise that is Forge on the Green took over the premises.

Firstly, the coffee. Hand on heart I can say this is the best coffee I have ever had. I know that’s a strong claim but it’s true and is backed up by many of the Surrey Striders walkers. 10/10

For ambience the Forge on the Green also rates very highly. The refit is extremely attractive and comfortable, with a delightful little courtyard that dogs are allowed into. The service is also excellent. I have just taken 1 point off for being slightly cold when I visited in November but it still scores very highly indeed. 9/10

A special mention must go to the delicious sausage rolls – get them while you can as they do sell out!

I started with Forge on the Green as it’s the closest cafe to my home but it’s going to be hard to beat all round. Check it out now. https://www.forgeonthegreen.co.uk The Old Forge, Shamley Green, Guildford GU5 0UB

Welcome to the all-new blog that has been percolating for some time. After our walks we often enjoy a coffee/cake/lunch at a cafe, and then on following walks discuss the quality of those visits. So it seemed sensible to put all this knowledge to good use and produce a guide to Surrey Hills (and beyond) coffee shops, cafes and pubs.

We don’t want it to be too complicated so will limit the discussion criteria to 1) coffee 2) food 3) service 4) ambience

First review coming shortly: The Forge on the Green, Shamley Green.

Give the perfect gift this Christmas, with a Learn To Nordic Walk gift voucher for £50. The lucky recipient will receive a 2 hour training session with me, after which they will be a fully qualified Nordic walker and able to walk by themselves, with any other instructor, or with me in one of my regular walks around Surrey. The sessions will be valid for a full year and sessions can be booked at a day/time to suit.

Lovely that this publication recommends Nordic Walking but their photo department needs to be told the difference between nordic poles and trekking ones!

”Walking, enhanced by using poles to transform it into a full-body workout. The poles are employed with a technique like that of cross-country skiing and help to push you forwards. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, Nordic walking can be done anywhere, from your local park to up and down hills and mountains”

Read more here:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/a575927/nordic-walking/