Dear kind reader,

I had a little peek into Cromwell’s Brasserie today just as they opened their doors, and the moment I stepped inside the low ceilinged room I felt as though I had been transported back in time.

Behind the bar I was warmly welcomed by Scarlett and Katja, both busy in their corner yet still finding time to greet a curious visitor. Scarlett happened to serve me, and I must admit I smiled when she introduced herself. Scarlett has always been one of my favourite names, largely because Gone with the Wind is one of my favourite films. It felt rather fitting somehow.

On the left hand side of the room a table was already occupied by two people quietly enjoying their meal. The space itself felt wonderfully quaint. China pottery sat neatly on display to the right, adding to the charm, and the cakes and treats looked beautifully prepared.

I was particularly pleased to hear that many of the ingredients are locally sourced. In times like these, when our local economy needs a little encouragement, it feels rather special to see businesses supporting one another.

I wandered through to another area to sit and soon found myself in conversation with a delightful couple who had travelled all the way from Cheam simply to visit Cromwell’s and explore Cranleigh.

They told me about 140, which they said used to be their favourite place in Cranleigh before it closed. From the way they spoke about it, it sounded like quite the hub of conversation, food and village life. One can only imagine the chatter that once filled those rooms.

The lady was thoroughly enjoying what she described as the best sandwich she had eaten in quite some time, avocado and bacon, and she had even saved half to take home. Her husband seemed equally pleased with his meal.

They mentioned how lovely it was to find somewhere comfortable to sit and eat, and how Cranleigh could perhaps do with a few more places like this.

Naturally, I took it upon myself to recommend a few spots. I mentioned Joanna’s tearoom, suggested a visit to the beautiful St Nicolas Church, and encouraged them to wander through the surrounding shops and the exhibition at the art centre.

They seemed quite delighted by the suggestions.

As for me, I enjoyed a rather good sausage roll, which tasted suspiciously like it might have come from Rawlings Butchers, though I must say that is only village gossip on my part.

After my visit to Cromwell’s Brasserie, I took a gentle wander along the High Street and popped into Idyllic for a full body massage, which was quite exquisite. The sort of treatment that leaves one floating back out into the village feeling wonderfully relaxed.

Before leaving Cromwell’s earlier, I realised I had been so caught up in conversation that I never quite caught the names of the lovely couple from Cheam. One of those small moments where the conversation is so pleasant that the formalities slip by unnoticed.

They did say something rather interesting before leaving.

They are considering moving to Cranleigh.

And I must say I told them it would be a very good idea indeed.

Until the next little piece of village gossip finds me,

🌿🫖 The Tea Rose