MKB

Taking its name from Guildford’s market town history, MKB (Market Kitchen & Bar) is a cosmopolitan bistro offering all-day Mediterranean dining. A relaxed place to meet friends or colleagues for brunch or lunch, MKB transforms into a sophisticated urban destination come evening as the tempo turns up and the cocktails kick in.

By day this unpretentious eaterie is a relaxed place offering fresh juices, great coffee and speciality teas, just a few reasons why Surrey’s social scene should be making a beeline for this new destination.

Central to MKB’s appeal is the unique Josper (pronounced “hosper”) grill, the first in Guildford that is leading the way in gastronomic trends. This indoor barbecue is beloved of the world’s top chefs – Heston Blumenthal was an early convert. By cooking fish, meat and vegetables at temperatures that can exceed 300 degrees Celsius, Josper grilling seals in flavour and moisture and has sparked something of a culinary revolution.

A signature of the Josper is British-produced steak served with chunky chips, flat cap mushroom and vine cherry tomatoes. Other highlights include monkfish with coriander and chilli puree, slow roasted mackerel with tapenade and couscous, black bream with potato salad and paillard of chicken with panzanella salad.

Executive Chef, Steve White, whose illustrious career has included stints at Danesfield House and the Montagu Arms, has created a menu that relies on quality and simplicity allowing the produce to take centre stage. Sharing dishes with Mediterranean influences include flatbreads served with Feta, Baba Ghanoush or coriander and chilli yoghurt. More unusual combinations include chorizo sausage in red wine with Manchego and figs or pork meatballs with pomegranate molasses. The emphasis is on light and healthy options that promote the sociability of food, but that keeps quality at its heart.

The bar is set to become a key destination in itself and will offer inventive cocktails incorporating southern European ingredients, from Valencia oranges to lemons from the Amalfi coast. The innovative mixology team have added individual twists to classic creations with Surrey Spritz (featuring gin and pomegranate), Racy Sidecar (made from pineapple marmalade) and Casablanca Julep (with Moroccan syrup) becoming the signature cocktails. A broad range of beers and an eclectic wine list complete the East meets West offering.

Music is central to this culinary concept and come the evening when the lights go down an urban vibe infiltrates and guests are treated to the latest global tunes from leading DJs. MKB is also one of few destinations in Guildford offering al fresco dining on its extensive terrace, lending a continental atmosphere in summer.

Other quirky initiatives include a cocktail book inviting guests to share their favourite drinks thereby ensuring a constantly evolving list. Visitors are encouraged to record their top recipes, the best of which may well be selected and added to the menu.