Surrey Striders Nordic Walking

Surrey Striders review of this gastronomic gem

Branching away slightly from our usual coffee shop review, this review is about lunch at Maddings.

The Surrey Striders group started and finished our Friday morning walk at  Whipley Manor Farm in Bramley, having first requested permission to park there. After a delightful 5 mile nordic walk taking in the  Downs Link and Wintershall, we treated ourselves to lunch in the very sunny courtyard of  Maddings, just one of the businesses located on this beautiful estate.

Service was prompt and friendly and it was nice to greet all the lovely dogs going into the cafe.

The food at Maddings is definitely a cut above your usual cafe fare, as you can tell from the photo. I was so intrigued to find out what a ‘crispy egg’ is that I ordered ‘Ham hock, bubble & squeak, tomato ketchup, crispy lee house egg’ for £10.50. A choice that turned out to be a great decision – the ham hock was melt in the mouth and oozed with flavour. Some of the group had very posh bacon sandwiches and were delighted. The coffee is also good, but eclipsed by the unexpectedly fine dining. 

I was pleased to read that the cafe has an emphasis on using locally produced ingredients. This is an excerpt from their website: Imaginative, and accessible modern English food, the menu is an all day farm to fork affair. Expect plenty of fresh bakes, breads, brunch dishes for all tastes, some game, daily specials, free-range rotisserie chicken and the best coffee around.

Maddings also offer evening ‘tasting menu’ nights and I am seriously tempted if the standard of this lunch is anything to go by. 

The icing on the cake was saying hello to the very curious alpacas as we headed to our cars. We will be back!

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.