A Farnham restaurant has earned a place in the prestigious Michelin Guide, with its delighted executive chef insisting he has no plans to chase a coveted star, writes Will Russell.

The Third Monkey on South Street has become the second restaurant in Farnham to be listed in the internationally renowned guide, joining Maison in Wrecclesham.

Executive chef Adam Fisher, a two-time National Chef of the Year finalist, has been involved with The Third Monkey since before it opened and admitted the recognition had taken time to sink in.

“It's probably taken a few weeks for it to really sink in, now I’ve got a smile ear to ear like a Cheshire cat,” he said.

The spidercrab starter at The Third Monkey, Farnham.
The spidercrab starter at The Third Monkey, Farnham. (Tindle)

The Michelin Guide assesses restaurants against five universal criteria, including the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef expressed through the food and consistency.

But Mr Fisher was quick to stress that the achievement belonged to the entire team at The Third Monkey.

“The Michelin Guide isn’t just on food, it’s on the whole experience and we have a young, hungry, energetic team,” he said.

“It’s not about me, it’s about us, we’re a team.”

Mr Fisher moved to Farnham for the restaurant's opening but has since developed a strong affection for the town and its community.

“I just love Farnham. We do a lot of work with the community, I just feel very privileged to be part of this amazing, lovely community.”

Despite the Michelin recognition, Mr Fisher insisted the restaurant would not be changing its approach in pursuit of a Michelin star.

The Third Monkey to move into South Street
The Third Monkey premises in South Street. (Marcus McQuilton/Iliffe Media)

“I have the utmost respect for places that do have a star, but it's not something we’re actively looking for,” he said.

“I think our ethos is about relaxed fine dining, it's more about making people happy.

“I think we just carry on doing what we’re doing and then see what happens. I really love what I do, so we won’t be taking our foot off the pedal.”

The Third Monkey opened in Farnham town centre in July 2025.