Sorrel, 77 South Street, Dorking, RH4 2JU

A distinguished 18th Century two-storey red brick building, it is Grade II listed and retains a wealth of original features on both trading floors. The building was cleverly extended in 2010 to provide the current layout which includes a glazed show kitchen to the rear, providing a modern restaurant environment.

Dorking is located 8 miles south of the M25 and is an historic town in the Surrey Hills. It has a busy High Street and is a popular commuter town to London and the likes of Guildford, Crawley, Redhill and Gatwick Airport. The population is circa 17,000 people and Mole Valley District Council are based in the town.

The restaurant itself is just off the town centre, easily accessible on the one-way system, leading south to Horsham.

There are glazed, lobbied entrances to both the ground and first floor from the car park. As it is a sloping site the main restaurant is on the first floor which is in 3-sections, spaciously laid out to seat 28 but can provide 40 covers. Further private dining area and the side entrance lobby. The whole area is full of exposed timbers and brickwork, timber floors with inglenook fireplace to one end. Stairs to ground floor.

Similarly styled, with a wealth of original features, in 4-sections there is a bar counter to one corner and a range of seating which again could take 30 diners. There are customer toilets on both floors along with storage areas.

The trade kitchens are located off the 1st floor with an open feel, and direct access to the raised gardens to the rear. This is a conservatory styled glass extension that was purpose built to house an all-electric, commercial kitchen with full extraction and made-to-measure equipment.

There is a secondary, kitchen on the ground floor with dumb waiter, which is used for preparation and functions. There are storage areas on both floors.

The trade fixtures and fittings are included in the purchase price.

The property has been a well-known restaurant location for some years and became Sorrel in 2017 under the guidance of the current owner. The team gained recognition in 2018 with a star from Michelin and also hold 4 AA Rosette status. The current chef and brigade continue to excel making this an ideal venue to operate and develop.

The restaurant primarily operates on the first floor, but demand exists to utilise the ground floor more, either at a similar level, maybe as a Bistro style lunch venue, and Sunday opening. Further use could be made of the gardens, and functions which are currently limited.

Our client is looking to sell as he is active in other businesses elsewhere and this is an ideal time for an enthusiastic owner to maintain and develop Sorrel along with the likeminded team in-situ.

Sorrel benefits from both a customer car park for 15 vehicles and a terraced garden to the rear which is a popular addition in the summer months. The garden is laid out with a range of tables and chairs for around 30.

On the 2nd floor is a large, usable loft space that comprises of three rooms with bathroom. Previously used as accommodation is currently provides and office and stores.

An award-winning restaurant in the popular town of Dorking, Sorrel has a dedicated team, both front and back of house, making this an excellent platform in which to invest.

All staff will transfer with the business in accordance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

Sorrel has traded constantly over the last 3-years with total net sales being either side of £1m per annum. 68% of the sales are from food and the gross profit was 70% overall in year end March 2026. The restaurant is fully staffed with limited involvement from the owners, and the salaries amount to 46% of turnover. Gross spend per cover averages £189.

Further trading information will be made available to interested parties who have viewed the premises.

The premises currently trade 4-days a week, Wednesday & Thursday 6–11 pm, Friday 12-4pm and 6 -11pm, Saturday 6-11pm. Currently the restaurant is closed Sunday to Tuesday.

The premises are currently held on a 10-year until December 2026. The landlord is looking to offer a purchaser a new lease on similar terms with a rent of circa £75,000. Further details on request.

The current rateable value according to the VOA as at April 2026 is £45,000. The local authority is Mole Valley Council.

The property has a Premises Licence granted by the relevant local authority. It is a requirement of the Licensing Act that properties serving alcohol have a designated premises supervisor who must be the holder of a Personal Licence. Prospective purchasers are advised to take appropriate specialist advice.