The story
The Running Horses in Leatherhead serves a seasonal British menu grounded in modern European cooking, occupying a 16th century coaching house that once handled heavy trade along the southern route from London. Race day badges and vintage equine memorabilia line the walls, directly referencing the nearby Epsom Downs where the classic derby still runs. Sunlight pours through a central skylight onto the separate dining room, highlighting dark timber beams and a collection of mismatched antique chairs. This historic setting supports their modern European style without feeling staged, earning a solid Good Food Guide recommendation.
The kitchen builds its daily offerings around simple fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms, then applies a distinctly modern European lens to familiar British staples. Starters often arrive as shareable plates like burrata paired with roasted pumpkin and crispy buckwheat drizzled in hot honey. Main courses travel further across the globe while keeping roots local, featuring slow-cooked lamb shanks with chive mash or five-spice duck breast served alongside a bright cherry gel. Sunday tables return to tradition with generous roasts and notably tall Yorkshire puddings.
Guests typically gather near the roaring log fire in the old school bar before moving toward the sunlit terrace or the hidden garden space. A sommelier curates a reasonably priced wine list that pairs cleanly with the seasonal menu, while local cask ales and handcrafted cocktails keep evening pacing relaxed. Well behaved dogs are welcomed on the patio and inside the main bar area, provided they stay leashed and out of the dining room. The attentive team ensures every pour and plate lands exactly right.
Recognition
Location
Facebook
Instagram