From five-star dining to a traditional Sunday carvery – golf clubs offer something for everyone, says Catherine Whyte
You’d be mistaken for thinking that golf clubs cater for private members only. Many do – that’s true, but not all: if you know where to look, you can fine dine, take afternoon tea, or enjoy a traditional Sunday carvery.
Take Pennyhill Park, for example. Arguably dishing up some of the finest fare the county has to offer, the five-star hotel and spa over in Bagshot, also has impeccable sporting credentials: the nine-hole golf course is visited regularly by professionals as well as the odd England rugby player. It’s been over a year since celebrated chef and two Michelin-star holder Michael Wignall left The Latymer (the hotel’s famous restaurant) but his replacement Matt Worswick has already garnered great reviews (we await the Michelin-star with baited breath).
Note that the restaurant only serves tasting menus for both lunch and dinner. The afternoon tea at Pennyhill Park is also excellent, especially in the summer where it can be taken on the splendid terrace. No matter where you live in Surrey, it’s well worth the drive (excuse the pun).
Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa
Pennyhill Park
Closer to home, the five-course Sunday carvery at Kingswood Golf and Country Club has a great reputation (adults £25.95 per head; children under 10, £13.95 per head; under 2s free). Dress code is smart casual (no jeans, trainers or t-shirts) and there’s a live pianist, too. All in all, a great place to go for that special family get together. Reserve your table at: events.kingswood-golf.co.uk
Food at Kingswood
Or, dine surrounded by Victorian splendour of The Manor Restaurant at Foxhills Club and Resort (near Ottershaw), which has two AA rosettes for Culinary Excellence. Choose from the à la carte menu with main dishes such as Surrey Farm Beef (£29.50) or Suckling Pig (£28.50). Alternatively, go for the six-course tasting menu £55 (with accompanying wine flight £35). For something sweet, afternoon tea is also served in The Manor Lounge. Visit: foxhills.co.uk
Foxhills
The Sunday buffet at Silvermere Inn on the Lake in Cobham is another popular local choice thanks to the attractive lakeside location and live piano music. Tyrrells Wood Golf Club (near Leatherhead) also does a commendable Sunday Lunch carvery (£25 a head for adults, £12 for children under 12) in its elegant Grade II listed clubhouse. Do dress appropriately though. Visit: tyrellswoodgolfclub.com to reserve your table.
View from the Inn on the Lake
Tyrrells Wood Golf Club also does a commendable Sunday Lunch carvery (£25 a head for adults, £12 for children under 12) in its elegant Grade II-listed clubhouse. Again, remember to dress appropriately. Visit: tyrellswoodgolfclub.com to reserve your table.
Ian Olsson
Tyrells
There's even more choice just over the border in Hampshire at Old Thorns (just down the A3 near Liphook), another famous golfing resort that goes the extra mile where food and drink are concerned. Why not enjoy a cocktail in the Atrium Champagne Bar followed by dinner in the King’s Restaurant with its panoramic views over the golf course and the South Downs. Naturally, afternoon tea is a staple here as well. There’s even a Starbucks on site. Go to: oldthorns.com
Chris Pearsall
Old Thorns dining room
Finally, there’s The Garden House at Beaverbrook, near Leatherhead. It’s not technically on the golf course (one of Surrey’s most exclusive), but you will find members dining there, as well as the general public. You can take a look at my recent review of The Garden House by clicking here.
The Garden House
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