'Amazing' hilltop cafe to make return with fine dining planned

AN “amazing secret hilltop café in Surrey with stunning views and picture postcard lanes” is set to return as a restaurant run by chefs with a background in Michelin-starred kitchens.

- By CHRIS CAULFIELD Local democracy reporter

The Hilltop Kitchen, in Allden's Lane, Godalming, has been granted a licence by Waverley Borough Council that will help it open its doors once again, after planning problems forced its original guise to close.

The application was decided after a four-hour hearing on Monday, March 16, and in the face of strong local opposition over the potential impact it would have on the area.

Allden's Lane is a narrow single track road in the Surrey Hills with very little space for cars to pass.

Opponents also sought to stop the plans over noise issues in an area known for its tranquillity. In all, the application drew 257 letters of representation with 68 against to 189 in support. Lawyers seeking to stop the bid said support was mainly over Hilltop Kitchen operating as a cafe, whereas those opposed raised real-lived problems.

The restaurant will offer farm-to-table dining and with an overall focus on locally sourced produce, including, where possible, alcohol.