Steve Drake's new solo restaurant to open four days a week

Chef-patron Steve Drake makes his long-awaited return to the kitchen with the announcement of his third solo restaurant, Sorrel, opening in Dorking, Surrey, this September.

The 40-cover restaurant will open on the site of a historic, 300-year-old building, conveniently located in the heart of the town. Named after Steve’s favourite zingy, lemony herb that grows abundantly all over the county, Sorrel will feature the very best of British produce; simple dishes inspired by discovery. Regularly changing, seasonal tasting menus will form part of an immersive dining experience, where guests rub shoulders with chefs and discover more about the food on their plate.

Behind-the-scenes, Sorrel will provide its chefs with an inclusive, creative and inspiring place to work and train. In an effort to provide an alternative to traditional working hours and practises, Steve will open Sorrel for just four days a week - Wednesday to Saturday lunch and dinner – a decision he hopes will provide his team with the time and space to cultivate their creativity and discovery of food, a theme which resonates throughout Sorrel.

Having worked in some of Europe’s best kitchens including Chez Nico at Ninety Park Lane; the Oak Room with Marco Pierre White; Pied a Terre; Aubergine, and stints at L’Arpège in Paris and L’Auberge de l’Eridan, Annecy, Steve first rose to prominence when he won the highly coveted Roux Scholarship in 2001.

With a culinary career spanning over 20 years, Steve has been involved with five openings and achieved Michelin stars at two Surrey restaurants: Drake’s in Ripley and Drake’s on the Pond in Abinger Hammer. He is also co-owner of the 2 AA Rosette and Michelin Bib Gourmand Anchor Pub in Ripley.

Steve is excited about a new way of working at Sorrel, involving guests more closely with the kitchen and exploring his own creativity and that of his chefs. He says: “Sorrel is a culmination of my experience as a chef and my passion for food and discovery. With the new opening, I’m bringing together what inspires me and the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years.

“I’ve put a lot of thought into the kind of restaurant I want Sorrel to be and the experience it will offer. I’m going to work very hard to make it the best it can be, not just for diners but for the chefs and staff who work here.”

Steve Drake recently revealed that his restaurant, Sorrel will be opening September 2017. To find out more visit: www.sorrelrestaurant.co.uk

For more information about Steve Drake visit: www.stevedrakefood.com

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