Nick Beardshaw’s Starling bistro takes flight in Esher

The restaurant’s menu features dishes reminiscent of Beardshaw’s success on the BBC’s Great British Menu, including the well-known starter “A Moon Shaped Pool.” This standout dish, named after the Radiohead album, combines fresh scallop with a Thai-inspired green curry sauce, reflecting Beardshaw’s inventive flair and appreciation for complex flavours.

Another Great British Menu creation gracing the Starling menu is the “Balloon Girl” dessert, a tribute to Banksy’s famous mural, reimagined here as a stunning raspberry cheesecake that is as visually intriguing as it is delicious.

Diners looking for a hearty main course should indulge in the Gigha Halibut, served with seaweed butter, leeks, parsnip, and a decadent chicken wing reduction, which adds depth and richness to this unique fish dish​.

The atmosphere at Starling is equally captivating, with a design inspired by the natural habitat of the starling bird. Designed by Eve Cullen-Cornes, the restaurant features a royal blue exterior and cosy interior adorned with woody tones and touches of gold leaf, creating an inviting yet sophisticated vibe.

Inside, hammered metal starlings hover as pendant lights, adding a touch of whimsy that mirrors the restaurant’s name and emphasises the theme of community and togetherness — a fitting homage to Beardshaw’s journey in the industry​.

General Manager James Shaw, previously of Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, has crafted a wine list featuring 10 reds and 10 whites, with selections from across the globe. For a local touch, half of the wines are offered by the glass, including a fantastic sparkling option from Sussex, rounding out an elevated yet accessible drink menu designed to pair perfectly with each course.

With Starling, Beardshaw has struck a balance between his roots in British tradition and an approach that feels refreshingly modern. If you’re in Surrey and looking to experience something familiar with a twist, Starling is well worth booking into.