Westerly, The

Restaurateurs Jon and Cynthia Coomb have recently opened their new venture, The Westerly, in the ancient Surrey market town of Reigate. Previously proprietors of the Michelin rated Stephan Langton near Dorking, Jon and Cynthia's declared aim is to serve good food away from a more formal fine dining setting. Indeed, as Jon himself says "The Westerly is smart yet informal. We use quality ingredients for dishes that are well executed with wine to match at an affordable price with no hidden extra costs."

The restaurant is situated on the west side of the town centre and its cream coloured double frontage reveals very little about what lies inside. Textile artist Claire Benn and the sought after decorative painter John Brinklow have combined their talents to transform what was an uninspiring space into a classic modern bistro. Light wooden floors, bronze paneling and taupe walls adorned with modern artwork are blended with dark red banquettes, leather chairs and atmospheric lighting to create an amiable setting where guests can relax and enjoy the fruits of the kitchen.

Owner Jon Coomb is also the head chef and he learnt his trade in the kitchens of Mirabelle, L'Odeon, The Chiswick and Snows on the Green before taking over the Stephan Langton in 2000. In 2004 the gastropub earned a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, which it retained throughout Jon's residency and it was also the highest rated pub in Surrey by the Good Food Guide.

Jon prepares excellent modern European cuisine and his menu will delight the adventurous eaters yet satisfy the more cautious diner as well. Some speciality dishes include: salt cod and potato ravioli, tomatoes, olives and capers; red wine risotto, snails, garlic and parsley; bollito misto of brisket, ox tongue, capon, cotechino, mustard fruits'; bourride of monkfish, red mullet, bream, prawns, mussels and clams, and to finish with sauternes custard, caramel and blood oranges and amalfi lemon sorbet with limoncello.

To accompany the food, the renowned Surrey wine merchants Les Caves de Pyrene has compiled a wonderful list of over 60 wines which are grouped by style and boast many gems including the refreshing seafood friendly Galician white Albariño, Abadia de San Campio, and the finely structured south western French red Cahors, Château du Cedre "Le Prestige". In addition to the usual 750ml bottles, thirteen are available by the glass and also in a pot Lyonnais of 375ml or 500ml.

Front of house is overseen by Cynthia who gained a degree in Catering and Hotel Management whilst in Switzerland and has worked as restaurant manager at the Langham Hilton and The Chiswick. At The Westerly she leads a small professional team that provides service that is both charming and competent ensuring that every guest is well catered for.