Hidden Surrey restaurant with hot air balloon dining opens in magical location

Diners are given individual barbecues with a hamper full of the world's most expensive food

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Hidden deep in the Surrey countryside is a restaurant like no other. Tucked away from the roadside, the secret spot can only be accessed via a long private driveway within the striking grounds of Beaverbrook Hotel in Leatherhead.

The luxury venue has expanded its plush Japanese restaurant - the Dining Room - by moving diners outside this summer, but don't expect tables and chairs on the terrace, as this seasonal treat pushes the boundaries of making the ultimate dining experience.

Following a successful 2022, six stationary hot air balloons have returned this year, delicately embroidered with whimsical love hearts. Framing The Italian Garden at The House, guess can enjoy alfresco Japanese dining with a twist.

READ MORE: The sleepy tiny village 14 minutes from Surrey where you can escape to the country

Seating up to four people per basket, the outdoor restaurant opened on Wednesday (May 31) and will be continuing through the summer. The authentic yet dynamic Japanese set menu has been curated by Beaverbrook's executive development chef, Wojciech Popow, who has conjured up unique and innovative dishes, as well as giving diners an interactive opportunity to cook their meat on an individual Yakiniku grill.

Featuring some of the world's most expensive foods, the culinary journey begins with a tartar dish of dry-aged beef with caviar served in a traditional Japanese sandangasane box, wrapped in a Japanese furoshiki cloth. The sandangasane boxes are handcrafted with bent wood – a lightweight material typically used for holding dishes at outdoor events and picnics - by artisans in the city of Hakata, Japan, whilst the decorative, multi-use furoshiki cloth is frequently used to wrap Japanese dining boxes, as tablecloths or in picnic hampers, meaning they complement the Japanese alfresco dining atmosphere perfectly.

The whole menu is gluten-free and there are separate menus for pescatarians and vegans. The main event of the meal is the Yakiniku where guests will grill the finest cuts of Kobe beef, A5 wagu, Iberico pork, O-toro tuna and Japanese red bream to their taste, on an individual hot plate at the table.

For something sweet, guests will be treated to Beaverbrook's gelato made in-house by pastry chef Thanos Linardarkis, from a traditional Italian-style ice cream cart before a rose panna cotta with raspberry and lemon verbena - the finishing touch to an exquisite menu.

For an alfresco tipple, guests can take their pick from a collection of summer cocktails, served from Beaverbrook's popular Martini Pram, returning this year with a touch of love. Each basket is elegantly designed by table dressers Summerill and Bishop, who have put their signature heart motif, the ‘Queen of Hearts’, stamp on pillows, placemats and pillows to offer a patchwork of riotous, joyful colour.

You'd never know, but the tucked away venue is around five-minutes' drive from the M25 making it easily accessible if you're travelling from London or Guildford. It takes a further four minutes to drive down the sweeping driveway of the quintessential British country estate and through a golf course.

As you approach the breathtaking cream Victorian mansion, you will immediately spot the tops of the balloons bobbing above the pristine hedges. The luxury five-star venue oozes glamour, prestige and history, after all, its former owner, the press baron and war-time MP Lord Beaverbrook used to entertain the likes of Sir Winston Churchill there.

There are six balloons in the formal garden bordering an ornate fish pond, each accommodating up to four guests aged 13 years and above. Perfectly located to catch the summer rays during the daytime, the balloons are also cleverly positioned to watch the sunset at night too.

When the sun does go down, each basket is kept warm by a heater and super soft blankets are handed out by the wonderfully attentive staff. The authentic baskets are comfortable, spacious and very traditional, but with modern touches.

The Japanese menu echoes this theme, showcasing traditional ingredients with an inventive twist. The starter comprises a box wrapped like a present with the most divine steak tartare, caviar, edible flowers and crackers.

A sashimi course follows, made up of lobster, tomato, a ponzu foam and sea vegetables. The last savoury dish, and the most spectacular is the barbecue basket.

Neatly labelled meat and fish, featuring some of the best cuts in the world, are nestled on faux moss for guests to cook themselves on a mini griddle. Diners can cook food to their liking, may it be rare or well done.

Each person receives a deep bowl of sticky rice with a bright orange egg yolk resting on top ready to burst for the ultimate runny egg fried rice twist. Complete with chopsticks and gorgeous crockery, guests are also given wasabi, pickles and a tray of dipping sauces including white miso, soy sauce and a spicy dip.

After the main course, diners can wander over to a charming gelato cart and choose two scoops of ice cream each. Rich, decadent and incredibly creamy, some of the flavours include pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate and forest berry (sorbet). But the meal is not over yet.

The iced desserts are washed down with any remaining rose wine and a delectable pudding that looks nearly too good to eat. Shaped in a heart to represent the most romantic setting, a rose mousse with chocolate casing is decorated with fresh raspberries and tastes like Turkish delight. A meal in one of Beaverbrook's hot air balloons is like nothing else in Surrey. It's a super special, unique and ultra-luxurious, summer treat.

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