If you’re looking for a to visit somewhere new in the Surrey countryside with a restaurant where customers feel spoiled with a variety of delicious dishes, we have the perfect recommendation. This restaurant is so popular, patrons quip that securing highly sort after tables is like trying purchasing tickets to see Oasis, after the band announced their reunion after a 15 year split and the nation went wild, with Ticketmaster crashing and queues just to access the site in the tens of thousands.
Just on the outskirts of Farnham, you’ll find a beautiful village called Wrecclesham. Once a pottery powerhouse during the Victoria era, Wrecclesham is a picturesque destination with pretty houses and plenty of greenery.
Those who love an undulating walk with a mixture of terrains and views, will love this two hour long circular route around Wrecclesham and neighbouring Rowledge. Just over five kilometres in total, the route takes around two hours to complete, starting at a church.
St James’ Church was founded in 1870, with a Gothic aesthetic and large stain glass windows. Inside you can find altar rails dating from 1690.
Following the route will take you along the Bourne stream, and up Pottery Lane and then past the Bear and Ragged Staff pub. Customers say the pub is a great spot to relax, made cosy with low ceilings and beams.
The pub is dog friendly, so if you’re planning on bringing your pooch, they’re very welcome to join in on the fun. One customer wrote: “A dog friendly and welcoming spot for a drink. Nice selection of bar snacks too.”
From here, the walk heads past allotments and a former water powered mill, Willey Mill. The walk will also take you past the Oval cricket pitch, and over the stream and towards the Recreation Ground.
You’re not far from the church by this point, where the walk will come to an end. After working up an appetite, Maison is the place to go for welcoming staff and good food.
The 15th century restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a nine course menu featuring the ‘One Ingredient’ theme. This experience, called Ben’s Table, is a private space in the kitchen, where you can watch your food being made.
By picking a ‘One Ingredient’ dish, Ben will create a unique dish with a seasonal item of food of your choice. The Ben’s Table experience has space for two to four people, and is priced at £110 per head for four people, £140 for two people and £135 for three people.
In the main restaurant, you can expect around eight courses on the tasting menu for £85 per person, the menu changes on a daily basis. According to the website, the menu can even change that night.
With a whopping 4.9 star rating, the restaurant is adored by customers. One wrote via Google: “Visited in December for a birthday dinner. We were so impressed with the whole evening. Every dish was of the highest quality and the service was excellent. We’re already planning our return!”
Another said: “Amazing experience (if you can get a table!). We were lucky enough to be at the chef’s table and were able to watch Ben at work as well as ask him all sorts of questions as he worked.
“The food was amazing, but actually it was an overall immersive experience that was so much more – the food, the environment, the atmosphere and the hosts. We’re hoping to book again sometime soon, but will have to set an alarm – it’s like trying to get Oasis tickets when they’re released!”
Dishes have previously featured ingredients like cauliflower cooked three ways, Jerusalem artichoke ice cream with caramel sauce, or an unusual cut of steak. Expect the unexpected while visiting.
Ingredients are sourced from the UK, with many found locally. Those with dietary requirements will need to get in touch in advance, the restaurant only caters for allergies, vegetarian and vegan as well as religious reasons.
Make sure to book ahead of time. The restaurant seems to book out quickly, so make sure to bag a table well in advance.
Things to do near Wrecclesham and Rowledge
- Shopping in Farnham
- Visit Alice Holt Forest
- Birdworld
- The Rural Life Living Museum
- Farnham Park
- The Antiques Warehouse
- Sculpture Park
- Hogs Back Brewery
Where to stay:
- Bush Hotel Farnham
- Farnham House Hotel
- The Hogs Back Hotel and Spa
To book Maison, follow the link by clicking here
For the full walk details, visit the Farnham Town Council website here