Contemporary Food and History.
The locals in Haslemere evidently appreciate having a great-value restaurant on their beautiful historic High Street. It’s Coppa Club in the Georgian Townhouse.
The Georgian Townhouse Haslemere is a Grade II listed building which dates from the early 18th century. It is just the hotel to entice tourists from Central London. Gatwick airport is just 55km away, and Heathrow the same. It is set deep in the Surrey Hills, just off the A3 south of Guildford. The town is thought to date back to the 12th century and was awarded a market charter in 1221.
Yes, the thoughtfully presented hotel is a joy in which to stay, but residents of this area have already embraced the Coppa Club restaurant, which offers a menu for every taste and which won’t break the bank.
Bright and airy
The expansive dining area is divided into sections. It has seating for couples and groups. There are banquettes near the bar, tables from which to enjoy the lovely gardens, private dining spaces and cosy corners. The Coppa Club is bright and airy thanks to its expansive windows and retractable roof over the main restaurant space, but it becomes more intimate when the sun (if we have any) goes down.
Our server, Amy, was friendly and knowledgeable. I noted that the family on the next table thanked her for making their celebration meal such a fun event. A restaurant isn’t just about the food, you can get that at home, but it’s about ambiance; yes, good food, but also the experience. This particular Coppa Club has obviously chosen their waiting staff with care, and it makes a difference to one’s experience.
We started our dinner with a brace of cocktails. I asked for a recommendation and Honeybee was it. Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, honey, ginger and lemon over plenty of crushed ice was sweet, spicy and delicious. My guest, a rum lover, chose the Cuban Missionary, which was a confection of Havana Club Cuban Spiced, peach, honey, pineapple and mint, which ticked all the cocktail boxes. A perfect cocktail for those looking for a fruity and exotic libation. Alcohol was not skimped upon with these drinks, either!
We ordered the Antipasti Plate to share, being a spread of prosciutto crudo, coppa, buffalo mozzarella, Calabrian roast peppers, Nocellara olives, saffron pickled shallots and grilled flatbread. Coppa is made from the neck and shoulder muscle of a pig, whereas prosciutto is produced from the leg. The meats on this platter were moist and well-flavoured, the cheese creamy, and vegetables were either sweet or tangy as appropriate. This is the starter for those who can’t make up their minds.
My guest ordered Rare-Seared Yellowfin Tuna served with soft boiled egg, tomatoes, olives, green beans, new potatoes, anchovy mayo. The fish was perfectly prepared and succulent. That mayo was a masterful accompaniment to the tuna.
Main course for me was Flash Steak, which was an 8oz grass-fed British flat iron steak and a side of fries with a garnish of dressed salad leaves. This cut of steak can be tough and often disappointing. Coppa Club presented a great steak which had been skilfully beaten to tenderness. Peppercorn sauce for pouring was all that was needed to make a delicious meaty meal.
This version was a winner
Dessert was Coppa Mess and two spoons. I confess that I never order the classic Eton Mess as I find it too sweet, but this version was a winner, and I was sorry not to have asked for one of my own. This was a ‘mess’ of meringue, passion fruit curd, mango and lime, with a chiffonade of fresh mint as garnish. The lime offset the sweetness of the meringue, making this a delightful dessert experience.
The evening was a melange of perfect ambiance, service, food and drink. Money is tight these days and Coppa Club at The Georgian Townhouse in Haslemere provided value for money in classy and fun fashion.
Visit Coppa Club at The Georgian Townhouse here