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At Starling in Esher, every plate speaks to a deep appreciation of British ingredients. Their ethos is simple but elegant: champion the best seasonal produce, use time-honoured cooking techniques, and let each component shine. The result is a menu that feels both refined and familiar, full of heart, yet executed with flair.
House Cocktails with a Twist
Start your evening with one of Starling’s imaginative house cocktails. The Starling Spritz, made with Doppelgänger Aperitivo, mint, and orange, is a light and fragrant way to whet your appetite. For something bolder, the Baller Bacon & Chilli Vodka Bloody Mary delivers a fiery, smoky hit.
The Barrel Aged Solera Negroni is rich and complex, while those after a touch of elegance might lean towards the White Peach Bellini or the Hampton Court Spirits ‘Freezer Martini’, crafted with Lord of Misrule gin.
Snacks & Starters: Small Plates with Big Impact
Things kick off with snacks that punch well above their weight. The Truffle Cheese Crumpets, crowned with 36-month aged Parmesan, are pure umami heaven, and the Chicken Nuggets are given a grown-up twist with a honey glaze and house hot sauce.
Among the starters, the Marinated Datterini Tomatoes with buffalo mozzarella and lovage pesto are like a garden on a plate, while the Pressed Game with fig and cherry chutney leans into those rich, earthy autumn notes.
A real talking point is “A Moon Shaped Pool” — a dish from the 2023 Great British Menu, pairing Cornish cod cheek in a green Thai curry with salty fingers and marinated cucumber. Exmoor caviar can be added for extra decadence.
Mains: Seasonal Creativity with Substance
Starling’s mains are where the kitchen’s creativity and finesse truly come into play. The English Asparagus with morels, a soft polenta base, and a deep-fried hen’s egg is a celebration of spring’s finest, rich in flavour and comfort. The West End Farm Pork Tenderloin is paired beautifully with gem lettuce, a malt-glazed cheek, and a tangy gherkin gravy, a dish that’s both hearty and bright.
The Creedy Carver Duck Breast is a standout, brought to life with black cherry, a savoury croustillant, and sesame-toasted cucumber, a dish that plays on contrast and depth. For seafood lovers, the Wild Cornish John Dory is a refined option, served with charred fennel, a delicate salt cod fritter, and a luxurious sauce bouillabaisse.
The Steak Selection
Steak lovers are spoilt for choice here. From a neat 160g Stokes Marsh Farm fillet to a mighty 800g dry-aged sirloin on the bone to share, each cut is treated with due respect. The Freedom Hills olive-fed wagyu ribeye is a real showstopper. All steaks are served with a luscious peppercorn sauce, a thoughtful touch that rounds off each bite perfectly.
Sunday Roasts and Set Lunches
Come Sunday, Starling embraces tradition with roasts done right. Think Rib of Beef or generous sharing Sirloins, Yorkshire puddings the size of your fist, and rich, savoury gravy. Sides include French-style Peas with Bacon and Vintage Cheddar Cauliflower Cheese. Don’t be shy — there’s always an extra Yorkie if you ask nicely.
Starling’s set lunch, available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, offers exceptional value without compromising on creativity. The menu is a three-course celebration of seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully prepared and elegantly presented.
To start, choose between a crisp Chicken Nugget glazed with honey and served with house hot sauce, or a comforting Roasted Vine Tomato Soup topped with goat’s curd and toasted pine nuts. Mains include a delicate Cornish Skate Wing with grilled fennel and caper brown butter, or Cotswold White Chicken with soft polenta, peas, and bacon, both offering warmth and refinement in every bite.
For dessert, opt for the savoury richness of Cashel Blue with fruit soda bread and chutney, or indulge in the sweetness of Beeker’s Strawberry Eton Mess, a light and nostalgic finish to a well-balanced meal.
Sides and Desserts: The Final Flourishes
Classic sides like Triple Cooked Chips, French-style Peas with Bacon, and a fresh Mixed Leaf Salad sit confidently alongside the mains.
Dessert is where things take an artistic turn. “Balloon Girl”, inspired by Banksy’s famous artwork, is part sweet treat, part visual delight. A raspberry cheesecake and a rich chocolate torte are plated to evoke the iconic red balloon; it’s clever, playful, and delicious. Other highlights include a textbook Madagascan Vanilla Ice Cream.
Starling Soars with Flavour and Flair
Starling is a real find in the heart of Esher, a restaurant that marries British culinary heritage with creative modern touches. Whether you’re popping in for a weekday lunch, settling in for a Sunday roast, or celebrating something special, you’ll find carefully crafted food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a sense that every detail has been lovingly considered.
Location: 3 High St, Esher KT10 9RL
