A balmy evening at The Lost Boy's recent opening event ensured that guests were able to discover the new gardens extending towards the river from the terraced areas outside the new Orangery, while enjoying a refreshing glass of prosecco or one of the many glasses of cocktails that appeared, as if by magic.
Inside, the team was busy laying up trays of canapes taken from The Lost Boy's Mediterranean-influenced menu, as well as slices of freshly handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizza baked in the wood-burning oven. This clay and stone monument to Italian cooking tradition stands proudly at the front of the theatre-style kitchen, where the well-trained chefs led by Piotr Fergal work wonders with the Josper charcoal-oven producing grilled meat, fish and vegetables, ready for the team to add their finishing touch to each dish. As the autumn chill arrived in the late evening, the atmosphere inside remained both warm and inviting and Downing Street seemed full of light and laughter as befits an extension to Neverland.
References to the inhabitants of J.M. Barrie’s Neverland are reflected in the imaginative design. The Jolly Roger pirate ship on a mantlepiece above one of the restored fireplaces; models of Pixies, Fairies, animals, birds and tribal masks are displayed on window sills and walls; a convex mirror and a large sputnik pendant light diffuses light above a sumptuous velvet sofa while exotic wallcoverings feature jungle and mythological creatures.
Farnham resident and Children’s TV Producer, Sally Marchant, commented: "As J.M Barrie writes in Peter Pan 'Think of all the joy you’ll find when you leave the world behind.' Well, I've found somewhere new in Farnham where you can do just that...The Lost Boy in Downing Street. It has captured all the quirks and eccentricities of Neverland - a zebra on the wall, bubble-gum 18th century portraits and lashings of good fun. Peter Pan styling with great food and service, cool outside spaces with superb drinks and service...what's not to like?! It's a shame we have to grow up, but thankfully there are pubs like this to visit when we do."
Serving food and drinks from breakfast until late, there is an abundance of comfortable seating inside and out, whether you wish to meet family, friends or colleagues for a drink or a meal. Upstairs, there is a private dining room which will happily accommodate between 24 and 60 guests.
The Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Pat Evans said: “The Lost Boy is a welcome addition to our Foodie Farnham image. The restoration project has resulted in a wonderful interior and the conversion of the car parking area into a garden is inspirational. A lovely venue to visit and relax summer and winter.”
The Lost Boy is situated at 3 Downing Street, Farnham, GU9 7NX. Phone 01252 947252 or visit www.thelostboyfarnham.co.uk for further information.
