Elmbridge and Kingston editor Rosanna Greenstreet lists some of her favourite local features of Cobham
It is no surprise that Cobham has just been voted one of the top 10 places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times. It is indeed the village with everything – great schools nearby, both private and state; plenty of green space for dog walking with the added bonus of the River Mole; and the nearby 18th century landscaped garden Painshill Park complete with follies, grottoes, waterwheel and vineyard. Communications are terrific, with easy access to London via road and rail, and Heathrow just half an hour away.
Cobham also has its very own Hollywood A Lister, since the arrival of The Mask of Zorro star Antonio Banderas who moved into the village with his new partner in 2015; and there is a steady stream of Chelsea players on their way to and from the Cobham Training Ground at Stoke D’Abernon. But celebs aside, the best thing about this lovely place is not the ubiquitous Waitrose but the plethora of brilliant eateries, businesses and independent retailers on the doorstep. Let’s take a closer look.
Eating & drinking
Breakfast at Bronte's Cafe
New to the village is Bronte’s Café, which is fast becoming a social hub amongst locals who love the artisan coffee and yummy cakes. Pub-wise there are plenty to pick from: The Old Bear is by the river, The Cricketers specialises in French-American cuisine, The Black Swan is a stylish gastropub and The Plough, which was founded by four local friends, produces great cocktails and is passionate about both British produce and wine.
In the village, there are the usual chains such as Côte and Strada and now a branch of Pizza Express has arrived. Next month residents can look forward to the opening of the Ivy Brasserie, part of a new collection of eateries which are being rolled out by the celebrity favourite, Ivy Restaurant in the West End.
Health & fitness
Pilates at the Medicine Garden
Salons for nails, hair and Botox abound in Cobham and such is the appetite for beauty products, the village even has its very own Space NK. Pilates is so popular that there is a designated centre, Cobham Pilates, on the High Street. A new boutique gym named The 225 Club has just opened in the village, its state of the art equipment rivals the best fitness studios found in London and the club is sure to become the place to see and be seen.
For those who just want to relax, the treatment room at the restored Medicine Garden offers a wide range of therapies including massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. There are also mindfulness workshops, plus Pilates and Tai Chi. The Victorian walled garden also houses the organic Hothouse Café and an art gallery, not to mention a children’s play area and yoga dome – there really is something for everyone here.
Shopping
For freshly baked bread The Bakery in Hollyhedge Road is a must and a terrific new addition to the High Street is Stoneleigh’s Family Butcher. It is hard to resist anything in the At Home Delicatessen, the one stop dinner party shop which compliments At Home’s successful catering and events business.
Gifts & homeware
The range at Evie Loves Toast
Evie Loves Toast is a wonderful emporium of delights that also has a branch in Wimbledon Village. No 44 Furniture and Fine Things stocks furniture and home accessories from across the globe and well-known names include Lloyd Loom and Big Green Egg. You could kit out your entire home – and garden in one visit!
Fashion
There is no excuse for the male of the species to be scruffy when you live in Cobham. Jeremy Hobbs stocks top quality casual clothing including labels such as Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Hackett and Claudio Lugli as well as the more formalwear by Hunt & Holditch and OLYMP. There is also a comprehensive hire department. Women in Cobham are spoilt for choice with many long-established boutiques such as Suzanne, which was founded 25 years ago by Cobham resident Dee Macauley, and Riva, a family run boutique which specialises in Mother of the Bride and occasions wear and offers a free styling service.
Questa is another long established shop which stocks luxe labels such as Isabel De Pedro, Goat, Wyse and Marc Aurel. For those who like a bargain, Phoenix sells discounted designer labels on behalf of private clients. Handbags from designers such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel can be found alongside dresses from Temperley, Issa and Diane Von Furstenberg. As well as wonderful independents Cobham is home to useful chains like Sweaty Betty and Jo Jo Maman Bebe and residents are lucky enough to have one of the few Mint Velvet boutiques on their doorstep. There is probably no need to set foot in the nearby town centres of Kingston and Guildford at all.
