The story
In the Surrey village of Ripley, a 16th-century almshouse has been transformed into a destination for modern British cooking. The Anchor, under chef-patrons Mike Wall-Palmer and David Adams, blends the warmth of a traditional public house with the precision of fine dining. Their work has earned the restaurant a Michelin recommendation, a recognition that speaks to the quiet ambition at work here.
Wall-Palmer and Adams bring decades of experience from Michelin-starred kitchens across Surrey and London. Wall-Palmer, who began his career at seventeen, is known for delicate starters and a passion for desserts that highlight the best of each season. Adams, with over twenty years in top London restaurants, brings a traditional yet creative hand to main courses. Together, they have built a kitchen rooted in skill and good humour.
The building itself has a long story. Originally constructed as an almshouse in the early 16th century, it became a favoured stop for cyclists in the late 1800s, when Ripley was a mecca for the sport. The current structure was established soon after the building was sold to the owner of a neighbouring messuage called The Anchor. Grade II listed, it retains low beams, narrow doorways, and an original fireplace that now frames a sociable round table for six. The team have restored the front entrance and added a private dining room for up to nine guests.
The menu changes with the seasons, and the kitchen offers an award-winning tasting menu with expertly paired wine flights. A recent Valentine’s menu, for example, began with baked Camembert and homemade bread, followed by Cornish crab stuffed lemon sole and veal Diane, finishing with chocolate soufflé. The emphasis is on local, seasonal ingredients, presented with thought and care.
The Anchor also has a sunny courtyard for relaxed lunches and a bar area where dogs are welcome. Booking is recommended, but the team encourage guests to drop in on a whim for food or drinks. The atmosphere is one of genuine hospitality, driven by restaurant manager Phoebe Rose and a supporting team that balances experience with youthful energy.
For those seeking modern British cooking in a setting that has quietly hosted travellers for centuries, The Anchor offers something rare: a meal that feels both of its place and of its moment.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
It may date back to the 16th century, but the vintage timber-fronted Anchor is now a clever blend of old and new – pastel tones with exposed brickwork, lead-light windows, beams and smart wood furniture – while a trump-card courtyard is overseen by staff who are genuinely helpful, well-informed and attentive to a fault. The kitchen treads a neat line between cleverly executed fine dining and approachable modern-day pub food, with British and European influences intertwined, and ‘careful consideration for every flavour in every part of a dish’. On the plate, that might mean crispy venison with Cumberland sauce and radish or an on-trend pairing of cured trout, beetroot, kiwi and grapefruit gel with a hit of pickled jalapeño. To follow, keen sourcing shows in dishes such as skrei cod with shellfish and pearl-barley risotto or guinea fowl breast paired with sweetcorn purée, bacon and a crispy onion loaf. Sides of hash browns with harissa mayo are on the money, likewise desserts such as a modern twist on Arctic roll or vanilla cheesecake with gingernut crumb and marinated pineapple. Set lunch deals and five-course tasting menus broaden the Anchor’s all-round appeal. Real ales from breweries in the Home Counties vie with craftily mixed cocktails, while eight house selections by the glass or carafe head up the well-spread international wine list.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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