Tucked beneath the rolling slopes of Box Hill, the Sunday Box Hill Burford Bridge Hotel is one of Surrey’s prettiest escapes. This historic hideaway, just outside Dorking and moments from the A24, feels a world away from the rush of everyday life. Surrounded by the countryside’s best walking trails and just five minutes from Polesden Lacey and Denbies Wine Estate, it’s a favourite for romantic weekends, lazy afternoons, and indulgent dinners. Add a croquet lawn, an outdoor heated pool, and rooms full of period charm into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a thoroughly British countryside break.
At the heart of it all is the Emlyn Restaurant – the hotel’s acclaimed dining room – and easily one of Surrey’s best-kept secrets. Open to both hotel guests and locals in the know, it’s a calm, elegant space with garden views and a front-row seat to the ever-changing colours of Box Hill. Whether you’re coming in from a morning stroll or dressing up for dinner, Emlyn offers a refined yet welcoming experience.
The menu showcases modern British cooking with a seasonal focus, served with a light touch and a good glass of wine. From a hearty breakfast to a long, wine-paired dinner, each dish is crafted with precision and local ingredients wherever possible. Think fresh takes on British classics, rich flavours without fuss, and a dining room where you’ll want to linger over that last course.
For something lighter, the hotel’s lounge is ideal for sandwiches, cream teas or a quiet catch-up. But it’s the Emlyn Restaurant that really steals the show – not just for the food, but for the setting. It’s where fine dining meets countryside comfort, just 30 minutes from Gatwick and under an hour from central London. Whether you’re staying the night or just dropping in for dinner, Emlyn is the kind of place that turns a meal into a moment.