HelloDorking | Business Improvement District for Dorking

We can’t keep this a secret any longer…. 🤐👀 We’re officially throwing our hat in the ring to become UK Town of Culture 2028. This is a brand new national competition from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport - and it’s all about celebrating towns that use culture, creativity and community to tell their story. And if you know Dorking… you know we’ve got a story to tell! We’ve got independent businesses, creative makers, festivals, walking trails, food scene, heritage, music, theatre, landscape and more. Culture here isn’t something that happens behind closed doors - it lives on our streets, in our pubs, in our parks and in our community halls. As the town’s Business Improvement District, Hello Dorking will lead the bid - working with local partners, organisations and residents to shape something ambitious, inclusive and uniquely ours. If successful, the winning town receives £3 million to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028 (with 2 runners up receiving £250,000 each). But even the process of bidding brings people together and builds momentum for the future. This is about pride in place. Spotlighting what makes Dorking special. And having big dreams for our town. We’d love you to be part of it. There’s even more information on our website - so click the link in our bio to see what it means and how you can get involved. Let’s show what Dorking can do together. 💛

You’re going to want to save this - Dorking’s 2026 event calendar is here! 🎉 There’s going to be vintage vibes, family fun, food festivals and festive magic - it’s shaping up to be a brilliant year in Dorking. Here’s what’s coming up 👇🏽 📅 Saturday 9th May – Vintage Day 📅 Friday 29th May – K-Pop Meet & Greet 📅 Friday 31st July – Dinosaur Crafty Caper 📅 Friday 21st August – Spider-Man Meet & Greet 🍇 Good Living Festival Sunday 13th – Sunday 27th September Two weeks of flavour, fresh air and feeling good! 🍴 Sunday 13th September – Food & Drink Day 🍽️ 13th – 20th September – Food & Drink Week 🍷 13th – 27th September – Grape & Grain Trail 🥾 19th – 27th September – Walking Festival 🎃 Friday 30th October – Halloween Crafty Caper 🎄 Sunday 29th November – Christmas Festival These are the events that bring Dorking to life throughout the year, and make our town such a great place, whether you live here or are planning to visit Surrey. So put the dates in your diary and SAVE THIS POST ➡️ so you don’t miss a single Hello Dorking event.

Ever found yourself thinking - what is Hello Dorking? Well, it’s the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) - an independent organisation funded by local businesses to support Dorking’s economy, high street and sense of place. We represent over 300 businesses across the town - they fund the BID, shape its priorities, and are the very reason we exist. Our first responsibility is to them. So what does that look like in practice? - Promoting Dorking as a place to visit, shop and spend time - Delivering town-centre events and campaigns - Improving public spaces through planting, signage and projects - Supporting businesses with training, networking and advice - Working behind the scenes with partners to advocate for the town Some of this is very visible - you’ll see it every day if you’re local (sometimes without even knowing it!), some of it happens quietly in the background. But all of it is about making Dorking a stronger place to do business. Dorking’s biggest events - like the Christmas Festival, VE Day celebrations and town trails are projects planned, funded and delivered by Hello Dorking (often with partners like community groups, volunteers and local authorities). They can take months of planning to bring to life. One thing we’re often asked about is our social media and here’s our approach: We represent hundreds of businesses in Dorking, and featuring them is our priority, along with our campaigns and events to keep things balanced and interesting. We’ll happily feature organisations not in the BID who are running an event or activity in the BID area that brings people to our lovely town centre - we’ll share them to our stories, you just have to tag us! And if you’re a BID business with something exciting to share, just give us a shout. And finally - a reminder that Hello Dorking is a small team of real people, doing a lot behind the scenes because we really care about this town and the businesses in it. Kind, constructive communication always helps - and we’re always happy to hear your ideas. So now you know a bit more about us, what’s one thing you’d love more people to know about your business?

Could this be your next chapter? 👗✨ In Old King’s Head Courtyard, Anni & Arthur’s Yard has become a much-loved part of Dorking’s independent shopping scene - known for beautiful pre-loved fashion, great brands and a steady stream of loyal customers and new visitors. Now, owner Jo is looking for someone new to take the reins and continue what she’s built. This is a ready-made business with an established customer base, low overheads, no business rates and a brilliant position in one of Dorking’s most charming courtyards. More than anything, this is an opportunity for someone who loves fashion, people and independent retail to step into a business that already has real heart in the centre of town. And in a town like Dorking - where people genuinely support local businesses - that matters. This is the time to make your dreams of running your own boutique a reality, surrounded by other lovely independent businesses in a much loved high street. If you’re curious, please contact Jo directly @_josherwood for more information.

You probably weren’t expecting a free K-Pop party in the middle of Dorking…! 💜🪩 But that’s exactly what’s happening this half term in St Martin’s Walk. On Friday 29th May, we’re bringing K-Pop energy to the town centre with an afternoon full of fun, and even the chance to meet a K-Pop Demon Hunter! ✨ 📅 Friday 29th May ⏰ 12pm – 2pm 📍 St Martin’s Walk, Dorking 🎟️ Free There’s going to be: 🎤 Singing & dancing 🎮 Games and activities ✨ Glitter tattoos 📸 Fun photo moments 💜 And plenty of K-Pop-inspired chaos and colour! And once you’ve finished dancing your way around St Martin’s Walk, stay and make an afternoon of it in Dorking. Grab lunch, drinks and sweet treats in one of our many lovely cafes, head to Game N Play for board games galore, visit the library or let the kids burn off the rest of their energy at soft play in both Burgundy and Black and Silveremere. This is one for K-Pop fans, parents looking for half term activities, and anyone looking for something fun to do in Surrey this half term. Tag someone in the comments whose child would absolutely love this! 👇🏽

If you love to celebrate Dorking businesses then get out your party poppers! Because Heaven’s Kitchen is having it’s first birthday! And after a year of date nights, family meals, celebrations and full tables, they’re marking the occasion with a special birthday evening. 📅 Wednesday 20th May ⏰ From 5pm 🍽️ 2 courses £35.90 | 3 courses £45 🥂 Includes a welcome glass of fizz (of course!) For one night only, there’ll be a specially created menu featuring some of Heaven’s Kitchen’s most-loved dishes. 🦞 Seared scallops & spicy king prawns 🥩 Rump, rib-eye & fillet steaks 🍗 Chicken supreme 🦐 Mixed seafood platter 🍫 Salted caramel chocolate fudge cake 🍋 Lemon meringue sundae Over the past year, Heaven’s Kitchen has become a Dorking favourite - a place to gather, enjoy great food, celebrate, catch up and be together. And it’s exciting to see them thriving! Hit the link in the bio @heavens_kitchen_uk and secure your spot to celebrate! 📍 Heaven’s Kitchen, West Street, Dorking 📲 Booking recommended

Welcome to your weekly rundown of what’s happening in and around Dorking this weekend. Friday 15th May: 🫛8:30am - 2pm - Dorking Friday Market in St Martins Walk Car Park 🍒8:30am - 2pm - Food Float next to Boots Opticians 🥁9:45am & 11am - Rhyme Time at Dorking Library 💵10:30am - 2:30pm - Bill Clinic at Putty Cakes 👖10am - 1pm -The Community Wardrobe, Dorking Christian Centre 🎳2pm - Dorking U3a Bowls Session at Pippbrook Bowls Club 🥂4pm - 7pm - Happy Hour at Rialtos 🎵7:30pm - Glamasaurus Rex at The Star 🎸9pm - Live Music at The Old House 🎧10m - DJ TJ, Club Nights at Knox Saturday 16th May: 🫛8:30am - 2pm - Food Float next to Boots Options 👨🏻9:30am - 11:30am - Dorking Dad Collective at Dorking Baptist Church 🎉2pm - Coldharbour Village Fete at Coldharbour Memorial Ground 🧱2pm - Lego Club at Dorking Library 🥂4pm - 7pm - Happy Hour at Rialtos 🎶5:30pm - Dorking Chamber Orchestra at St Martins Church 👩🏻‍🎤7:00pm - Eurovision on The Big Screen and Fancy Dress at The Star 🎤8pm - Wayne’s World Karaoke Dress To Impress at The Spotted Dog 8pm - John Robb: Punk Rock Ruined My Life at Pippbrook House 🎸9pm - Roman Snails at The Kings Arms 🎧10pm - DJ Alex Airs at Knox Sunday 17th May: 🏊‍♀️9:30am - 4pm - Family Fun Swim at Dorking Centre 🧘🏽‍♀️9:30am - Box Hill Outdoor Yoga, Opposite the Viewpoint 🥂4pm - 7pm - Happy Hour at Rialtos 🏠2pm - Architecture of Dorking High Street Meet at Dorking Museum 🚶‍♂️2pm - The Deepdene Trail with Dorking Museum 🔵2pm - Blue Plaques and Statues Walk with Dorking Museum 🍖2pm - Meat Raffle at The Cricketers 🎧3pm - Sunday Vinyls at The Star 🎱4pm - Killer Pool Competition at The Bulls Head Have a great weekend! #FridayUpdate #Weekend #WhatsOn #WeeklyEventsInDorking #DorkingEvents

Love discovering Surrey food spots? Well this house might be old, but the menu is new! The Old House at Home on Dorking’s West Street have launched a brilliant new menu - full of food that makes people want to linger a little longer, order another drink and settle in with the people they appreciate (before planning when they’re going back!). Hello Dorking were lucky to try it out, and here’s what stood out: 🍔 Old House Beef Burger 🐖 Chicken Schnitzel with roasted new potatoes 🍤 Smashed avocado on sourdough 🧀 Three cheese cooked ham ploughman’s With hearty pub classics and fresh new plates - these are dishes made for dining in Dorking! A great British pub serving good food with a warm welcome is what makes our town great - so come and visit the @theoldhousedorking and try these delicious dishes soon.

Dorking businesses are being nominated for more awards, and you can help them win! ⬇️ A fantastic group of local businesses are in the finals of this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards, which celebrates some of the very best independent businesses across Surrey. And here’s who’s flying the flag for Dorking: 🎭 Dorking Halls – Best Arts, Culture & Theatre 🍸 Swirl – Best Bar 💆‍♀️ Mayflower Spa – Best Beauty Salon 💇 Teresa Weller Hair Art – Best Hair Salon 🍽️ Sorrel – Best Restaurant 🧘 Pilateso – Best Yoga/Pilates Studio And they absolutely deserve it! These businesses work incredibly hard to create experiences people shout about, helping to make Dorking the brilliant town it is. From culture and wellness to food, hospitality and beauty, this list says a lot about the brilliant independent businesses we have here. So now it’s over to you because you can cast your vote for the winners in each category. If you’ve experienced the joys of using one of the nominated Dorking businesses, and love to support local - give them your vote. 📲 Head to the bio @muddysurrey to cast your vote. Now’s the time to get behind your Dorking businesses and show them how much you support them.

You saw the horse and carriage ride through Dorking for Vintage Day on Saturday, but here’s what you might not have seen… That behind the scenes, Dorking businesses are making these things happen - and the horses trotted through town thanks to sponsorship from Cunningham Eves solicitors. Cunningham Eves opened their Dorking office in 2023, although owners Richard and Christine have had a presence in the town since 2013. And in their own words, here why they choose Dorking: ✨ “A beautiful, picturesque market town” ✨ “A thriving hub of activity” ✨ “A wonderful community to be part of” They also love the way local people support independent businesses, and the effort that goes into making Dorking such a vibrant place to live, work and visit. The Cunningham Eves team offer a fresh, modern and client-focused approach to legal services, helping both residents and businesses with expert legal support right here in town. And we want to thank them for bringing a little extra magic to Dorking on Vintage Day. Drop us a comment if you enjoyed seeing the rides throughout the day. 🐎

The thing nobody tells you about events like Vintage Day… is how many people it takes to make them happen. 💛 Businesses decorating their windows, volunteers helping behind the scenes, performers filling the streets with music, and the community groups giving up their time. It’s a huge collective effort from people who care deeply about Dorking. And it showed. The atmosphere across the town all day was incredible so we’re saying a huge thank to: 🙋🏻 Our fantastic volunteers and marshals who kept everything running throughout the day. 🎶 The performers, musicians and entertainers who brought the town to life. 🚗 The owners of the vintage cars and motorbikes who shared their vehicles, their stories, their knowledge and enthusiasm. 🛍️ Our stall holders and local businesses who made every part of the town feel busy, welcoming and full of character. 🚑 St John’s Ambulance for helping keep everyone safe. 💒 The community groups and organisations who continue to show up for Dorking time and again. 🚌 Cunningham Eves Solicitors, sponsors of the wonderful vintage horse bus rides. 🪩Downs Solicitors for a fabulous 70’s themed afternoon ❤️ And of course, the BID businesses whose support helps make events like this possible throughout the year. But most importantly - thank you to YOU! You came into town, supported local businesses and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere all day long! 🎉 Events like this show us what Dorking does so well: community, creativity and people coming together. If you were there, don’t let the celebrations end - share your favourite moment with us in the comments.

Today’s the day, Dorking… Vintage Day is here! 🎉 The town is ready, the businesses are bustling, the entertainment is about to start, and there’s a full afternoon of vintage vibes waiting for you… Across Dorking you’ll find: 🎶 Live music and performances 🚗 Vintage cars and motorbikes 👗Vintage clothes market 🐴 Horse carriage rides 🛍️ Independent traders 🎭 Theatre, exhibitions and hands-on activities 🍰 Plenty of places to stop for food, drinks and something sweet From the High Street to hidden courtyards - there’s something happening in every corner. If you’re already planning to come, we can’t wait to see you. 👋 And if you’re still deciding… this is the time. 📍 Pick up a programme from St Martin’s Walk or one of our marvellous marshals 🗺️ Download it via the link in our bio (or on our website) Everything is within easy walking distance, so come into town, take your time and enjoy it. 📅 Today ⏰ 12pm – 4pm 📍 Dorking town centre And tag us in your posts and photos - let us see what you get up to - we’ll be sharing the best throughout the day! Now all you have to do is come and enjoy!