Their meat comes from butchers in Oxshott, Norbury Blue are local cheese makers and some of their wines come from Denbies Wine Estate. Established in 1986, it is now England’s largest single estate vineyard with 265 acres. I can totally recommend Denbies Surrey Gold. It went down rather well with our food.

Talking of which, the food here is a blend of classic flavours and modern cooking techniques. Wanting to taste as much as possible, Susie and I opted for a few sharing plates, before diving into the mains. Well, we told ourselves we did do that rather strenuous walk to earn the feast. And we had no problem packing it all away. The courgette and watercress risotto, crab with pannacotta, peas and mango, and cumin soused mackerel were all delicious.

My sea bream accompanied by cauliflower, almonds, capers, anchovies and clams was such a treat, while Susie was well and truly in heaven as she worked her way on the slow-cooked pork cutlet with fennel, apple, butterbeans and chorizo. There is clearly a reason why this restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for 2016/2017.

With a full belly and tired legs, we retired to our spacious room. All 57 ensuite rooms have a fresh new look and boast modern comforts as expected from a hotel of this calibre. As I sunk into the bath with the White Company goodies, I told myself I would head back again. Not quite a literary author, but as a writer, I can see myself being inspired by these beautiful surroundings.

Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel – Where and How?

The Mercure Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel is located at the Foot of Box Hill, RH5 6RX. It can be accessed off junction 9 of the M25 and is a few miles from Dorking train station. For more information call 020 7660 0684, or visit mercure.com.

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