A Country House Restaurant Like No Other
The Latymer occupies the most atmospheric corner of Pennyhill Park, a wood-panelled dining room with ornate fireplaces, leaded windows, and views over sculpted gardens and terraces. The restaurant sits within the oldest part of the house, which was begun in 1849 by James Hodges, a civil engineer who later managed the building of Montreal’s Victoria Bridge. The land has historical significance stretching back to 1588, when the site served as a beacon point in the national defence against the Spanish Armada.
The property was improved in the 1880s with the addition of an orangery and again in 1903 with Bath stonework, before opening as a hotel in 1972. Today, set across 120 acres of Surrey parkland just 10 minutes from the M25, it feels entirely removed from the modern world.
Steve Smith’s Kitchen
Chef Steve Smith was appointed Head Chef in February 2020, bringing two decades of Michelin-starred experience, including The Burlington at the Devonshire Arms and Bohemia in Jersey. The Latymer previously held two Michelin stars under Michael Wignall; Matt Worswick continued the restaurant’s Michelin-starred tradition with one star before Smith’s arrival.
Smith’s cooking is technically meticulous but never overwrought. His six-course Discovery Menu showcases modern British cuisine shaped by seasonality and exceptional sourcing: Orkney scallops, heritage vegetables from local growers, precision-aged proteins. Each plate is a study in balance and restraint. The Latymer is one of only 19 UK restaurants to hold five AA Rosettes.
Beyond the Dining Room
Many diners pair dinner at The Latymer with an overnight stay, making use of the hotel’s 45,000 sq ft spa, one of Europe’s finest. The journey begins the moment you turn into the tree-lined drive; by the time you reach the panelled dining room, the outside world has been left thoroughly behind.
