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I felt tremendously honoured last year when I was asked to write this foreword, so to be approached a second time really is a privilege. As with 12 months ago, I hope my pen skills manage to match those of my knife.

There’s no doubt that, as an eclectic and diverse county, Surrey seems to have become the most natural of habitats in which to ply my gastronomy. The people of Surrey have an extremely discerning palate and actively seek out pleasure in enjoying beautiful local ingredients bursting with freshness and goodness. We can see this in the number of exceptional places to eat throughout the county, whether that is restaurants like my own, friendly country pubs – a favourite of mine is The Inn at West End – or surprising coffee houses such as the one at Priory Farm in South Nutfield near Redhill, where they serve fresh eggs straight from the farm hens. 

As for my own restaurant, I am tremendously passionate about using the very best ingredients for every single dish that I produce, and to achieve this I work with suppliers and artisan farmers from all around the UK. Nevertheless, one to watch in Surrey is Heatherhurst Grange which is just round the corner from where I live and one of the many hobby-turned-profitable farm businesses appearing more and more. 

The significance of good quality ingredients has reached an unprecedented level of magnitude with farmers’ markets and food festivals emerging all the time. Surrey certainly seems to be at the forefront of this trend, with thriving and eclectic farmers’ markets as far and wide as Horsham, Wimbledon, Woking, Reigate and one most local to me, Guildford. Here you can purchase high-quality, fresh, local produce directly from over 50 local farmers and producers. You’ll find everything from fresh fish, fruit, asparagus and zucchini, to pickles and local crafts, so make a day of it and support our local Surrey businesses too. 

And to coincide with the 2012 Olympics, I’m sure there’ll be plenteous food festivals, fiestas and parties, not least the three-day celebration of the Surrey Hills taking place at Denbies Wine Estate during the cycling road race on Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29. 

2011 was quite a year for us here at the Latymer – in October we retained our Michelin star for a fourth year and this was quickly followed by the highly prestigious accolade of five AA rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide 2012, making us one of only eight UK restaurants to achieve this sought-after award, the highest in its category.

Enjoy all the exciting dining opportunities that our wonderful county has to offer.