Sorrel
77 South Street, Dorking RH4 2JU
Tel: 01306 889414
www.sorrelrestaurant.co.uk
Inspired by simplicity, discovery and the ingredients themselves, Sorrel’s menus constantly evolve to follow and reflect the seasons. Multi-award winning Sorrel is a hidden gem in the Surrey Hills – and undoubtedly the pride of Dorking. Within his first year of launching Sorrel, Steve Drake gained a Michelin Star, was recognised by AA as England’s Best Restaurant and was recognised by Surrey Food and Drink Awards as Surrey’s Best Restaurant.
Steve Drake has worked in some of Europe’s best kitchens: Chez Nico at Ninety Park Lane; the Oak Room with Marco Pierre White; Pied a Terre; Aubergine, as well as short stints at L’Arpège in Paris and L’Auberge de l’Eridan, Annecy.
He first rose to prominence when he won the Roux Scholarship – widely considered the most prestigious, and technically challenging, competition in the UK – and continues to be closely involved with the Roux family and his fellow scholars to promote their aim of inspiring and enabling a new generation of British chefs.
Following his win in 2001, Steve went on to gain his first Michelin star at Drake’s on the Pond in Abinger Hammer. He then opened Drake’s in Ripley where he held a star for a further 14 years. In 2013, Steve purchased The Anchor Pub in Ripley, recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Sorrel represents Steve’s 25 years of insight and experience from working alongside some of the most acclaimed chefs, and running his own kitchens.
Steve chose Dorking for its beautiful setting, its accessibility, and its sense of community.
In their own words:
“We saw an opportunity: retail is the lifeblood of any town but it also needs social spaces and we wanted to bring something new to Dorking, something that would add to the already interesting mix of businesses. Whilst the town is undoubtedly served by a number of great pubs and restaurants, we felt there was an exciting chance for us to create a fine dining restaurant that would serve both Dorking’s residents and attract guests from further afield. And if guests were travelling to visit us, we wanted it to be somewhere special, with a range of other local attractions both in the town and nearby.”
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