Local suppliers thanked at Dorking restaurant's six month anniversary party

Absolute Radio Breakfast DJ Christian O’Connell was among the guests at a ‘Renaissance’ party at Dorking Restaurant Little Dudley House last week.

The party, which was thrown to celebrate six months since new owner entrepreneur John Turner (part of the team behind top London restaurants Roast and The Cinnamon Club) took over, incorporated many of the local suppliers that have partnered with the restaurant, in South Street, since the take over.

Anna and John Turner of Little Dudley House with Christian O'Connell, Absolute Radio Breakfast Host and his wife Sarah

Tattinger champagne, Cannon & Cannon charcuterie, Turners (Cheese), The Vineyard and All About Eve (Reigate) among others joined together to provide a tasting smorgasbord of food and drink.

Canapés based on dishes from the Little Dudley House menu were also served, while cocktail demonstrations and an oyster bar added to the glitzy and glamour. Dorking band Eye Candy brought the evening to a close with a high-energy set.

John said: “Renaissance was held primarily as a thank you to the people and businesses that have supported Little Dudley House since we took over. "We also felt it important to demonstrate the strength of our relationships with local suppliers and give them an opportunity to showcase their products in a different environment.

“Over the coming months visitors can expect to see more vintage British dishes such as faggots with peas and onions and salt beef  with carrots and dumplings. There will be new interpretations of old favourites such as the humble Scotch egg and a new take on modern classics, such as scallops with black pudding and shaved apple.

For more information about Little Dudley House, visit www.littledudleyhouse.co.uk or follow @little_dudley on Twitter. For reservations telephone 01306 8855000 or email enquiries@littledudleyhouse.co.uk.

Surrey director's debut feature, Last Passenger, released on DVD

Having interviewed fellow Guidfordian Omid Nooshin when his debut feature-length film, Last Passenger, was released in cinemas late last year, I was excited when I heard I wouldn't have to wait long for the DVD.

Released on Monday (January 27), the film tells the story of doctor and father, Lewis, (Dougray Scott - My Week With Marilyn, Mission: Impossible 2) who jumps on the last train leaving London with his son, Max (Joshua Kaynama). 

Omid on the set of Last Passenger

Striking up a relationship with the flirty and beautiful Sarah - played by Kara Tointon of Eastenders fame - he soon realises this is going to be a journey to remember, but for all the wrong reasons.

In the abandoned carriages, Lewis and five other remaining passengers end up on a ride of a lifetime as the old-fashioned slam-door train - hijacked by a vengeful sociopath - hurtles relentlessly down the track. 

Omid on the set of Last Passenger

Omid told me his inspiration for the film came while he was travelling on a train from Waterloo to Guildford, however, in the film, the train is travelling towards Tunbridge Wells - another familiar place to me having been brought up there. 

Last Passenger is released on DVD (£14.99) and Blu-ray (£15.99) on Monday, January 27, certificate 15. 

My Style Bites is back...

So 2014 is now underway and My Style Bites is back after a (much longer than anticipated) break in 2013. 

Keeping to the theme of getting back to business, The Anchor in Ripley is has reopened thanks to local restaurateurs Steve and Serina Drake. The pub, parts of which date back to the 16th century, has been renovated with many of its original features uncovered and sympathetically restored.

Run as a separate venture from Steve and Serina's Michelin-starred restaurant Drake's across the road, The Anchor has had additional private investment from friends and neighbours Chris and Lisanne Mealing, while the kitchen is being headed up by Michael Wall-Palmer, who was behind the stove in Drake's for some years.

Offering an ethos of a relaxed, family-oriented village pub, The Anchor serves simple, but creative pub food, with great ales and interesting wines, all at very affordable prices including sharing plates of cold meats, British cheeses and homemade chutney.

Manager Iain McArthur, whose career has spanned Effingham Golf Club, a luxury game lodge in South Africa, South Lodge Hotel in Horsham and Cisswold House Hotel near Horsham, said: " It is fantastic opportunity to be part of the launch team of such an historic pub, especially a kitchen team with such a brilliant food ‘pedigree'. 

"The Anchor also has a long history with cyclists and we will look forward to - once again - being a destination for cycling enthusiasts, as well as being a friendly and welcoming village pub."