The Cloche Hat

The Cloche Hat first opened its doors back in 2012 (then known as Stovell’s). The restaurant finds its home in a sympathetically restored “mind-your-head” 16th-century farmhouse that blends rough-hewn beams, mullioned windows and low ceilings with vivid wallpaper, contemporary furnishings and deep-pile carpets – a “glorious setting”, says one reader.

The “epic food” continues to receive rave reviews as he fashions complex, finely honed dishes strewn with global influences – from an octopus ceviche bursting with freshness to Goosnargh duck served with cherry and pistachios, or citrus wood roasted Cornish Lobster which you can pair with a side of duck fat chips.

There are also pleasingly simple dishes from the wood-fired grill, such as cured côte du pork served with burnt broccoli, mash and persillade or perhaps the fish of the day which is grilled over citrus wood. Those looking to have the full experience can choose to dine from the dedicated tasting menu, which is inspired by Fernando’s Mexican homeland – think Mexican-style street snacks followed by the likes of soft shell crab with pumpkin and serrano, and white mole with wood-roasted carrots.

To round off your meal, don’t miss out on The Cloche Hat's fun range of puddings. Tuck into sweet treats such as a pineapple and coconut cheesecake or the ‘pinata’ which is made with chocolate nougat, Brazilian nuts and milk. The restaurant’s selection of uniquely flavoured ice creams and sorbets is worth exploring too – flavours include fig leaf, smoked milk and beetroot, lavender and elderflower.  

The global wine list offers plenty of keenly priced drinking, but also check out the fab barrel-aged cocktails and “amazing” home-distilled gin, while the amiable staff “make you feel very welcome”. “Outstanding food, beautifully presented” says one diner – we couldn’t agree more.

Nestled in the heart of Chobham, a sleepy village in Surrey, The Cloche Hat is a contemporary European-inspired dining destination with a superb reputation. The Cloche Hat may look the part of a countryside inn, housed in an authentic, 16th-century Tudor farmhouse, but inside the team are all about innovation, using bold flavours, seasonal ingredients and cultivating a relaxed atmosphere alongside the stand-out food. 

In line with this, the interiors are both soft and welcoming, but suitably modern with a cream-toned colour palette and minimalist feel. Elegant dining chairs sit next to white table cloths for a sophisticated aesthetic, while the low candlelight keeps the atmosphere cosy. 

There are several different menus available at The Cloche Hat, spanning the a la carte, afternoon tea and tasting menu. On the a la carte, you'll find starters like burrata with nectarines, honey and salsa verde, mains such as corn fed chicken with onion and sage potato fondant, and puddings such as strawberry and pistachio tartlet.

The tasting menu comes in two forms; five or eight courses, as well as a vegetarian option, too. While the menu regularly changes, an example of what to expect includes confit salmon and nori, with fennel and yuzu, alongside wood pigeon with beetroot and cherries, and poached hake with tomatose and basil. For sweets, get stuck into watermelon sorbet to cleanse the palette, before tropical cheesecake and a board of artisanal British and French cheeses. On the vegetarian menu, you'll find swaps such as heritage beetroot with cherries and plum, as well as crispy baby artichokes with pine nuts and mooli.

The wine list is varied, sourcing bottles from across Europe as well as South Africa, New Zealand and America. The team are very happy to share their recommendations, whether it be by the glass or bottle, so do ask for their advice when it comes to pairings.