A New Dining Experience With Second-Helpings

A new dining experience with Second-Helpings

My expectations are higher now than ever before when it comes to dining out. I expect good food, at a fair price with a comfortable environment. Therefore, a recent dinner date at Second Helpings in Lingfield, Surrey opened my eyes to an exclusive new dining experience which I would highly recommend.

With the help of award-winning local suppliers, they produce simple, yet delicious home-cooked food made from fresh wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s a buffet lunch in the garden, a sit down formal affair or a traditional Afternoon Tea – Second Helpings strive to make the occasion one that you and your guests will remember!

Wild salmon with wilted lettuce & cucumber salad with a vine tomato butter sauce.
Lemon Meringue Surprise

Set in the ancient village of Lingfield, known to be in existence as far back as 871AD not only have you a fabulous dining venue you can plan a perfect day out around your dining experience with many local amenities including Lingfield Park Racecourse, Hever Castle and Ashdown Forest.

Founder Barbara Davidson is a passionate home taught cook obsessed with cookery books and foodie programmes. “I have fond memories of the TV programme MasterChef, hosted by Loyd Grossman first starting in 1993 and collected the whole series of magazines which were published at the time listing all the menus – I’ve been hooked ever since!” quotes Barbara.

She has been informed on many occasions that she should share her culinary skills and take up her passion as a profession. 

Starting a small, exclusive catering business had been a concept for some time but family and work commitments always took priority until very recently when Barbara was made redundant from her charity work in the city. “Happening weeks before a BIG birthday, it came as a huge shock but was the jolt I needed to make my dream a reality.”

The thought of being based in an overly busy kitchen sweating over hot stoves cooking for people she did not meet did not appeal to Barbara. “I am at my happiest when cooking for friends and family from my kitchen at home and I entertain frequently, always trying to impress and wow my guests with delicious seasonal menus.” Therefore, it made sense to refurbish her existing kitchen at home converting it into a delightful light and spacious entertaining space.

Two sets of French doors lead on to the patio and beyond a glorious garden with two ponds, a meadow and a woodland area. 

“We love our garden and are more than happy for dinners to wonder and ponder at your leisure. Seating can be arranged in the garden for you to enjoy your meal and drinks when the weather is kind.

The name Second-Helpings was born when I took a roasted tomato, parmesan and basil quiche into work one day and everyone asked for seconds; it seemed like an ideal name for a catering business and everyone agreed – thank you to Deb (my ex-boss) who came up with the name!’

Poppy Watt

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