Hello Dorking Awards Press Kit

PRESS KIT

WHAT'S INSIDE

PRESS RELEASE

29 MARCH 2023: Dorking is home to some of the most independently spirited and eclectic people and independent businesses. It is widely acknowledged to be a food enthusiast’s dream, renowned for its culinary expertise and a host of cuisines to satisfy a variety of tastes. Called the ‘commuter town that gives London a run for its money’, Dorking has something for everyone, as well as an eclectic mix of beloved shops and services to entice locals and visitors to keep coming back for more.

Here’s a rundown of Dorking’s award-winning offerings and experiences:

From renowned chefs to gin distillers, female-led businesses championing sustainability, microbrewers to fashion-forward retailers, hair artists to luxury spas, baristas to artisan gift curators – across nearly every sector, Dorking independents are defying the odds, displaying extraordinary resilience and creativity, and are winning multiple local, national and international accolades.

STEVE DRAKE'S

SORREL

SORREL

Sorrel Restaurant, for the sixth year in a row, has been awarded another Michelin Star. It is Chef Steve Drake’s 21st year achieving this honour from the Michelin Guide. With a Michelin star and 4 AA rosettes, there is no doubt of the quality of experience diners receive, along with the warmest of welcomes in the beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of the historic building that dates back to 1733.

MIA STRADA

In 2023, Mireya Quiton Tuijtelaars, founder of Mia Strada located in St Martin’s Walk, was named to the nationally recognised Small Business Britain f:entrepreneur #ialso100 list. The campaign highlights the top 100 inspiring female business leaders across the UK. Mia Strada has grown from one store with two team members to two bricks and mortar locations and an online store, selling ethical clothing and jewellery.

TERESA WELLER

Teresa Weller, founder and owner of multi-award winning Theresa Weller Hair Art salon – whose accolades include 2021 Salon Awards Best Salon For Bridal Hair, Best Customer Experience in Surrey, Good Salon Guide Creative Excellence Award, and Phorest Customer Experience Awards – Teresa was crowned a national champion by Hair Magazine on 13th March 2023

MAYFLOWER SPA

Luxury Mayflower Spa was named Best Beauty Salon in Surrey by Muddy Stilettos and was ranked in the top five spas in the national finals.

THAT LOVELY SHOP

In 2022, artisanal, sustainable and purveyor of local goods, That Lovely Shop, was named Muddy Stilettos Best Lifestyle Store in Surrey and ranked second in the national final.

COBBETT'S BEER SHOP & MICROPUB

Dorking businesses have consistently won prestigious awards and continue to excel in their respective industries. In early 2022, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) visited Cobbett’s Beer Shop and Micropub to celebrate the independent micropub’s 10 consecutive years in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. Cobbett’s was also named in Business Magazine’s top six micropubs in the Southeast in 2022.

FEMALE FOUNDERS REGONISED

HOLMESTORES

On International Women’s Day, Louise Holme was featured in Essential Surrey alongside another inspirational female-led Dorking business, The Gin Kitchen. Customers love Holmestores’ locally sourced products, delicious food, and sustainable ethos. It’s a perfect combination of relaxed cafe and casual dining experience in an inspiring environment.

THE QUEEN'S HEAD DORKING

The Queen's Head Dorking, run by Manu Bhatt, in 2021 won the Griffin Trophy, Fuller's Pub of the Year Award, and a prestigious Michelin Plate.

VICTORIA'S LITTLE BRA SHOP

Award-winning Victoria’s Little Bra Shop, founded 10 years ago by Victoria Legg and her mother Vanessa, were awarded a national title at the ‘Oscars of the Lingerie Industry’, winning the Stars Underlines Awards for Best Boutique Style Lingerie Shop 2019. Competing with 20 other businesses, Victoria’s Little Bra Shop received ‘Best Boutique’ due to its distinctive layout, with pleasing interior, furniture and fittings and an eclectic selection of intimate apparel.

DORKING BUTCHERY

The Dorking Butchery is in the finals of the Butchers Shop of the Year Awards 2023. They are also shortlisted for:

Butcher's Shop of the Year (Dorking and Guildford)

Team of the Year

Display of the Year (Guildford)

Trainee of the Year (Cam at Guildford)

SANDROCK HOUSE

Philippa McFarlane, Founder of Sandrock House on West Street, is a nationally renowned, multi-award winning interior designer and independent shop owner She's won the UK Interior Design Awards two years in a row: 'The Best Use of Dark Decor' in 2019 and 'Best Eye for Interiors' in 2020.

WHAT'S NEXT

The following Dorking businesses, excelling in quality and outstanding customer service, have been shortlisted for the 2023 Surrey (Rocks) Awards in the following categories. The public has 10 weeks to vote for their favourite, with an overall winner and highly commended in each category. The awards ceremony will be held on 25th May at Denbies in Dorking.

Best Fine Dining: Sorrel Restaurant

Best Coffee Shop: Cosy Moose

Best Bar: The Gin Kitchen

Best Live Music: Dorking Halls

Best Hotel: Wotton House

Best Spa: Mayflower Spa

Best Beauty: B Medispa

Best Hair: Teresa Weller

Best Men’s Fashion: Westdaw Menswear

The Dorking BID is sponsoring a Community Spirit Award for the DorKing Coronation Celebration on 8th May and is being judged by three Surrey-based experts who embody and champion the values central to these awards. The BID is recognising three inspiring individuals in three categories: Sustainability Champion, Volunteer of the Year, and Best High Street Business.

Notes to Editors

Interviews and images are available on request. For more information, please contact Kathy Kyle at kathy@dorkingtownpartnership co uk or 07377 096 892

About the Dorking Town Centre Partnership

The Business Improvement District (BID) for Dorking is committed to raising the profile of Dorking and bringing economic prosperity to the town. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram at @HelloDorking Tag us to be featured at #HelloDorking.

Learn more about the Dorking BID at https://linktr.ee/hellodorking

Social Media: @hellodorking

PUTTY CAKES

Putty Cakes, a new addition to Dorking's West Street, founded by Gavin and Anita Puttick, are the winners of the Surrey Life Food and Drink Awards 2017 for Independent Retailer of the Year. Gavin has won over 20 international awards for his cake creations and was filmed by Channel 5 for their Amazing Cakes and Bakes programme.

"NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD; INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS."

MARGARET MEAD