July 2025 by Maddy Marshall
I stumbled across Second Helpings on Google when looking for a restaurant for my mother?s birthday and I am so glad I did. Barbara was the most accommodating host and made the event so special for us.
The food was absolutely delicious - from burrata and mushroom canapés, to a beautifully cooked soufflé starter, and salmon fish main and delicious desserts of rosemary shortbread and lemon posset! Barbara also made some lovely picnic baskets for the children too.
It was such a unique and special experience - and so much nicer than a pub or restaurant where the children would have struggled to sit still. Barbara made us feel so welcome in her home and the children had so much fun running up and down the beautiful and extensive garden.
I would not hesitate to book again and can?t wait to return for some more delicious food.
If you?re looking for a memorable and special dining experience I would definitely recommend Second Helpings!
April 2025 by Chris F
I can?t recommend Barbara and her business, Second Helpings, highly enough.
I was fortunate to be introduced to Barbara while in the early stages on planning Mum?s 90th birthday celebration. As I live 5,500 miles away Barbara worked with me, emailing menus and suggestions back and forth, until we settled on a plan for a buffet lunch.
The food was delivered as promised, and was absolutely delicious.
Thanks Barbara for making the day stress free, and delighting the Birthday Girl with a delicious spread!
Here?s a photo of just some of the food we enjoyed!
August 2024 by Danielle B
I have been visiting Barbara's for years to keep in touch with former colleagues. The food has always been wonderful with new surprises each year and the garden setting is just beautiful. A highlight each year is taking a look around the well maintained country garden as well as of course being welcomed by Barbara as a brilliant host. Can't wait to come again next year!
May 2024 by Roger Adcock
A Triumph!! They exclaimed.Now let me tell you a story!! As part of a monthly Gentlemen's Lunch Club we go all over from The City to the South coast looking for great food and good wine. I happened upon Second Helpings. What & who were they? After a visit to Barbara to discuss setting up such a lunch that aimed high on menu and food quality we bagged a date.On the day frankly nothing was too much trouble and the 10 of us sat down for what turned out to be a lunch cooked & served to PERFECTION. You will see from our menu we indulged a bit - Barbara and her team delivered with ease.Take your own wine (small corkage charge)Champagne on the terrace, four stunning courses and my goodness an extra few bottles of wine. We have not been elsewhere to match the dedication to fine cooking and we all, to a man, recommend Second Helpings.All this sounds expensive- well it's not but it's really 5 Star value for money. You will never be disappointed.Lots of ladies hold private lunches, other Folk sit in the long and beautiful garden for a 5 stars tea.Go and see for yourself - book a chat over coffee, agree a menu, bag a date, organise you buddies, slip on a jacket and indulge.We have already booked a return visit luncheon !!!Thank you team for everything.
February 2024 by Michelle Fawn
We had the most wonderful celebration with Barbara at Second Helpings for my friend's baby shower. Barbara went above and beyond to cater to each guest and give us a really special afternoon. The food we had for afternoon tea was so delicious, with amazing quiches and beautiful cakes. The venue was so perfect too and wonderful having an exclusive space just for us all. We can't thank Barbara enough for making it such a special day and we'll definitely be going back for a summer picnic in the garden!
May 2023 by Mary Hemmings
Wonderful hostess and delicious food in a gorgeous setting
April 2023 by 10carolyna
This is a place I have visited many times and it gives and gives. It?s homely without being intrusive. The staff are truly caring. The food is fresh, innovative and absolutely delicious. Go and stay!
October 2022 by Amanda McPake
Thankyou Barbara, another triumph platter from you. Your food is just gorgeously scrumptious ?
September 2022 by Rita W
Booked into Claridge House Retreat Centre for one week's full board including two courses based on MIndfulness Meditation. Both course facilitators/tutors were excellent in all respects. The Claridge House team offered a warm, friendly welcome and went the extra mile in making our stay calm, peaceful and enjoyable. We were served delicious vegetarian food with dairy free and gluten free options. The accommodation was comfortable, airy, attractive and spotlessly clean. Claridge House is a lovely Victorian building set in two acres of beautiful grounds with many large, mature trees reflecting the calming ambience of the house.
July 2022 by lucia charman
Charity event. Excellent food . Would highly recommend
December 2021 by Erica Ansell
Fantastic afternoon tea with friends
September 2021 by Teresa Holmes
Our first choice for my sister?s birthday meal, especially after we had experienced Barbara?s exquisite menus the first time we dined at Second Helpings prior to lockdown, the exclusiveness is even more attractive in these times . I could recommend this experience way higher than the 5 stars is my eyes it?s 10/10 , dare you miss out !!!
September 2021 by Susan B
Lovely peaceful accommodation, stayed in the Courtyard rooms which were very comfortable with a double & a single room with kitchenette, accessible bathroom & its own front door access from the outside. Good continental breakfast served to the room. Excellent information booklet in the room.
June 2021 by simon k
Easy to locate with google maps GPS - free parking Very well kept gardens to walk and sit down in to feel calm next to nature Vegetarian food and I asked for seconds of homemade soup as it was great Friendly staff with a caring relaxed and happy approach No TV but wifi worked well for me with a laptop complimentary fruit - fresh towels - comfy bed village nearby 5 minutes with a mini Tesco & extra food options Close to motorways also 30 miles to Brighton Meals were served outside in the sunny weather for a small number of visitors
September 2020 by Nancy Bikson
Barbara is a superb host for this very unique venture. Second Helpings is a personal restaurant for a small group in a beautiful dining room in Barbara's home in Lingfield. She makes you feel like a friend not a client. It is an ideal way to bring friends together without having to cook or to have a mess in your house! Or for a business, a Christmas party, whatever. You can choose the menu and the cooking and presentation is fantastic. In the summer the garden will be heavenly. Highly recommended.
