Situated on Haslemere’s charming high street, the market town nestled in the leafy Surrey Hills, Sophie Ritchie shares why newly-opened The Georgian, Coppa Club makes a suave spot when it comes to laidback weekend feasts
Once the former Georgian House Hotel, an extensive renovation project has seen this historic Grade II listed building transformed into Haslemere’s latest hot stop – offering locals and visitors alike an exciting new restaurant meets private member’s club experience. Designed to offer a space where one can dine, drink or simply get the latest dish with friends (minus the eye-watering membership fees) this suave space is Coppa’s second Surrey opening, with another site already welcoming guests with open arms (and menus) in nearby Cobham.
Complete with 13 bespoke bedrooms to rest a weary head after sampling one too many from Coppa’s eclectic drinks selection and of course, the brand’s iconic outdoor igloos (plus a fire pit for some added nighttime ambience) The Georgian aims to help its guests feel like they’re chatting in their very own living room – sans washing up duties, of course.
On the interior design front, large, open and airy spaces decked out in contemporary furnishings recreate the home-from-home experience that Coppa is known for across London and beyond. Fun hanging ‘Bonbon’ lanterns, tiled fireplace, sleek wooden floors and vibrant velvety blue-hued seating create a contemporary meets traditional space in the main restaurant – with further tucked away spaces to explore too. For those with sights set purely on a tipple (or three) a stylish bar offers plenty of counter seating to perch upon as well.
On hot summer days, the outdoor terrace blends seamlessly with the central area to offer an ‘outside in’ dining experience, complete with wicker seating, oodles of natural light and a fully-protected retractable awning for when the British weather strikes. Sit back, relax and enjoy the feast – with welcoming staff letting guests linger as long as they wish.
On The Menu
Featuring a modern spin on British and Mediterranean classics, the extensive menu has plenty to wade through, with section after section of lip-smacking items. The all-day array includes the inclusive likes of Spice Roasted Cauliflower, a Coppa Vegan Burger (complete with all the plant-based mozzarella) and a Chopped Green Goddess salad just bursting with nutrients.
For those who feel like unbuttoning their belts a little, heartiness comes in the form of five variations of sourdough pizza, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Tuscan Sausage Ragu, sizzling steaks and crispy roast potatoes galore – to name just a few creations. It’s worth nothing that with new UK hospitality laws, expect to see the calories listed alongside your favourite bites – but when it looks this moreish, every morsel seems worth it.
The drinks list is equally as varied, with a swill-worthy selection of Champagne, wines, cocktails and even mocktails. The latter stays trendy, breaking away from traditional soft drinks and juices with CBD-infused delights and sin-free spritzes.
The Wordrobe recommends:
We started with the Sprouting Broccoli Salad and Buratta, the former composed of crunchy goodness in the form of grains, toasted hazelnuts and gleaming pomegranate jewels. If you like life on the creamy side, the mound of burratta (surrounded by roasted peppers and a flavourful purple basil pesto) is bound to impress. We also split a bowl of plump olives for some added Mediterranean goodness.
On the mains front, I opted for a Super Greens and Seeds salad paired with a hefty portion of Skinny Fries. Served as a bowl of mixed leaves, broccoli, beetroot, quinoa, the salad was the perfect amount of freshness on a humid afternoon – topped off with a scattering of toasted seeds, flecks of chilli and moreish house dressing. The crispy fries, like all good fries, evaporated faster than you say “I’m not sharing”.
My guest meanwhile, ordered the Sea Reared Trout On The Plancha – a juicy piece of trout served atop a mound of herb-packed freekeh and red onion for a beautifully-presented finish. Full to the brim, we both skipped out on dessert – but the oat cappuccinos are certainty worth their sugar, and would have me coming back just to dip a spoon in the froth once more.
The Wordrobe verdict
Contemporary, chic and perfect for a poised Surrey dining experience. The menu at The Georgian offers something for every appetite under the sun, whilst the beautifully intricate interiors will have you peering around with every bite.
Make it happen
Where: High St, Haslemere GU27 2JY
How: Find out more and make a booking via coppaclub.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
