The village of Tadworth, on the southeast slope of Epsom Downs, is home to The Blue Anchor, a friendly pub that is perfectly poised between being elegant yet unpretentious. Thanks to a thoughtful restoration job, the refuge is more modern than previous incarnations but still offers many cosy areas that are perfect to snuggle up in.

You could visit The Blue Anchor for special occasions that demand good food and drink, or simply to give life to thoughts of long lunches, lazy afternoons and general indulgence. A little extra style has been thrown in by giving the bar a shabby chic interior of mismatched furniture, an open fire, leather sofas, and comfortable deep tub chairs that are great to sink into and lose all sense of time. Chunky boothed tables and plush brown and black leather chairs complement the dining area's white walls and wooden floors.

The menu is simple but up-to-the-minute with lots of comfort appeal and offers homely dishes like steaks and pasta as well as ones with more contemporary, global touches, all delivered by friendly and cheerful staff. To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, box baked Camembert with red onion jam and rustic bread and Greek mezze of taramasalata with red pepper hummus, tzatziki, feta and flatbreads.

Amongst the starters, there is freshly made soup, smoked mackerel pâté, seared pigeon breast, or a red onion tart. Flat breads are baked fresh in the stone oven and accompanied by chorizo, chilli, mozzarella, rocket and tomato, or for the seafood enthusiasts some crayfish, smoked salmon, garlic, parsley and crème fraîche among other choices.

The pasta and rotisserie for hearty eaters are worth trying and include rigatoni, pork, veal and oregano meatballs with arrabiata sauce, and spit chicken with roast garlic, lemon, thyme, aioli and frites. If you drop in feeling a fish event coming on the smoked salmon and prawn fishcakes with baby spinach, hollandaise and potato of the day can be hard to ignore.

The classic burger with onion, gherkin, mustard mayo, cheese and bacon is popular, a sign of the times and improving taste in eating. Other choices encompass five spice duck confit, and lamb rack with a spiced dukkah crust, char-grilled stuffed peppers and minted potatoes.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgian frites and mayo, and the Anchor house salad. Desserts are some of the best you'll encounter with apple and frangipane gallette and Cognac ice cream, and there is also a selection of local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

More information, including full menus, is available on their Website.