SquareMeal Gold Awards

Housed inside the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in King’s Cross, The Midland Dining Room is a French brasserie launched by restaurateur and hotelier Harry Handelsman (Chiltern Firehouse, Allegra, Booking Office 1869), and globally-renowned interior designer Hugo Toro. Its named after the Midland Grand Hotel, the Gothic Revival 19th century hotel which originally occupied the building, and its renowned dining and coffee room which was known for its haute French cuisine.

Between 2011 and 2021, the space was known as The Gilbert Scott, which was operated by celebrated Michelin-starred British chef Marcus Wareing. Now, The Midland Dining Room pays tribute to the building's impressive past with its Parisian-inspired design and menu.

Menus are rooted in French cuisine and change regularly according to the seasons, with a particular focus on British fish and meat. Alongside a versatile à la carte menu is a set lunch offering, while signature dishes include the likes of crab and elderflower pain perdu, chicken liver parfait with a truffle and Madeira jelly and Grand Marnier soufflé. These sit alongside broader, more familiar menu items such as salad of English tomatoes, pesto rouge, pickled shallots and soft herbs, wild mushrooms on toast with parsley and garlic, Welsh lamb with Pommes Anna, ratatouille and whipped aubergine, and grilled Dover sole.

As well as an a la carte, The Midland Grand Dining Room also offers a very reasonable lunch set menu that changes weekly. 

The wine offering is a considered list of predominantly old-world varieties, demonstrating established as well as up-and-coming producers. There is also a concise and carefully-crafted cocktail list created specifically for the restaurant to complement the menu, and overseen by bar manager Jack Porter. For example, Le Pain cocktail is a digestif that takes inspiration from soda bread, including soda bread mix, Jameson, Guinness liquor, black walnut bitter and sweet vermouth.

Hugo Toro and Harry Handelsman have overseen the interiors which honour the Victorian origins of the room, while updating it for a cosmopolitan, contemporary audience. The vintage space features a variety of different botanicals and produce, along with bespoke tables, banquettes and its very own bar. Various textures are used via mirrors, rattan and caning, wood columns and glass, while the room’s bespoke orange colour pays homage to its original design.

Gouqi is a fine dining Chinese restaurant from seven Michelin-starred chef Tong Chee Hwee, where he brings innovative contemporary Chinese cuisine to St James’s in London. Tong helped to open Hakkasan Hanway Place in 2001, which gained its Michelin star two years later in 2003, before later becoming the executive chef of the entire Hakkasan Group in 2010. Over the years, he’s also led the kitchens at Hakkasan Mayfair, Yauatcha Soho and HKK, before leaving the group in 2019.

Gouqi marks the chef’s return to London’s dining scene and is his first solo venture, where he offers a contemporary take on Chinese cooking with a range of la carte, tasting and dim sum menus. The name Gouqi (pronounced like ‘goji’) originated as a play on goji berry, traditionally viewed as a symbol of health and vitality and which informs the ethos of the restaurant. As such, dishes are made using the freshest possible seasonal ingredients and offer a fusion of flavours, techniques and ingredients drawn from across China, as well as parts of Europe.

On the a la carte menu, diners are able to tuck into its ‘legendary’ peking duck with Oscietra caviar, as well as other luxurious dishes such as eight treasure crispy chicken with foie gras and a steamed royal dim sum platter. While the eight-course tasting menu combines modern European influences with Chinese flavours to create dishes such as chargrilled silver cod with yellow bean sauce and passion fruit, and black truffle roasted duck with honey-glazed Iberico char siu with salted egg yolk.

Meanwhile, its cocktail menu is inspired by the four Chinese mythological creatures: the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise of the North. Discover four collections of drinks, each offering their own distinctive flavour profile, from floral and fresh to rich and full-bodied. Elsewhere, a premium wine list features a lengthy selection of bottles from across the globe.

While Sketch is a staunch long-time resident of Mayfair and famed for its unusual, artistic interior design, there's one room within the multi-restaurant venue that you probably won't have seen all over social media. On a private, upper floor, The Lecture Room & Library boasts a more exclusive offering, often used on a sole hire basis and only holding lunch and dinner reservations at restricted timings throughout the week - for example, between midday and 1.30pm, or 6.30pm until 9pm in the evenings. 

The Lecture Room & Library's kitchen was formerly ran by longtime Sketch collaborator, French chef Pierre Gagnaire, who was awarded three Michelin stars for his work here, but now the baton has been passed to head chef Daniel Stucki. The a la carte lunch menu begins with starters such as summer vegetables in herbal broth with Scottish girolles, and mains spanning fish, meat and vegetarian bases. Options here include sea trout with raspberry butter served with maris piper potato and confit shallot, next to creedy duck marinated in cumin and savory served with grilled fruits and nutmeg. 

In the evening, guests are welcomed to try the tasting menu which spans eight courses and includes vegetarian options, as well as a wine pairing. An example of the plates you might see here include roasted slice of pollock with aromatics, Anjou pigeon roasted and smoked with hay, as well as poached native lobster with leafy carrot, peach and watercress. 

As always, the space is also incredibly visually stimulating, making it more than just a feast for the tastebuds. High, corniced ceilings are enhanced by a wall of mirrors, elevating the space to ballroom-like proportions, while rich hues of red, orange, gold and purple flit across the furnishings. The centre piece, though, is without a doubt the huge, red chandelier hanging in the heart of the space, setting the tone for the whole experience. 

On the beautiful banks of the River Thames in London, the world famous Savoy Hotel has been home to one of London’s most iconic restaurants since 1889, the Savoy Grill, and over the years has been visited by names such as James Dean, Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe. Inside the iconic building, enjoy the grandeur of the Savoy Grill, which is one of the world's most iconic dining destinations.

Following a monumental refurbishment in spring 2023, this historic restaurant on The Strand has undergone a breathtaking transformation. Enjoy the elegant new look that graces the dining room, featuring mirrored walls, plush velvets, and an iconic feather tile feature, paying homage to the glamorous golden age. Open seven days a week, the Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay invites guests to dine amidst Hollywood and history, with a chic chef’s table space overlooking the kitchen and a sublime wine experience room like no other. Enjoy the fruits of wood fired charcoal grills, offering delicious options like the hearty 300g rib eye steak or the indulgent côte de boeuf, which is perfect for sharing.

Seafood lovers will enjoy a showcase of British produce, including oysters, lobster thermidor, or dover sole. Begin your meal with the exquisite Arnold Bennett soufflé made with smoked haddock and Montgomery cheddar sauce, or enjoy the opulence of oscietra caviar with brown butter waffle and smoked sturgeon rillette. If you love a classic, be sure to order the steak tartare with a confit St Ewes egg yolk and black truffle crisps, or enjoy the freshness of kingfish crudo with pickled green apple, radish, and ponzu. The iconic beef Wellington, accompanied by pomme purée, tenderstem broccoli, and red wine jus is delicious, and don’t forget to end on a sweet note with the irresistible Savoy Grill éclair filled with raspberry, vanilla, and lime.

Located in London's Smithfield, Restaurant St Barts comes from the team behind Fenn in Fulham, brought to east London by long-term friends Johnnie, Luke and Toby. More than just a fine-dining restaurant, Restaurant St Barts is currently the only restaurant in London to hold a Michelin Star alongside the coveted Michelin Green Star.

The interiors take inspiration from the buildings in the surrounding area, with stone, wood and soft fabrics used in abundance throughout. Bespoke tableware and ceramics are both made in-house, with the former all hand-carved from wood from London Plane trees in keeping with its sustainable ethos. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Church of Bartholomew the Great, adding the relaxed ambiance of the space.

Here, you’ll exclusively find a selection of tasting menus designed to take diners on a journey through the British isles via menus that champion only the best small-scale farmers and producers in the UK. Dining at St Barts is an experience, beginning to end, with diners invited to relax with a drink in the bar before being guided to their table for a multi-course feast.

Johnnie Crowe occupies the role of executive head chef, with each of the numerous and varied dishes on his tasting menu featuring only two or three ingredients. The dinner tasting menu is available from Tuesdays to Saturdays and offers six-courses alongside a selection of snacks and the option to add a wine pairing. The menus change regularly in line with its hyper-seasonal concept, but examples might include lobster and blackcurrant leaf, veal sweetbread and pumpkin, and cornish bluefin tuna served with a house soy sauce. For those looking for something lighter, a lunch set menu is available in a ‘Short’ or ‘Long’ version, as well as a business lunch hour menu, offering a taster of the full menu.

Meanwhile, the drinks list offers a selection of classic cocktails, local beers, natural cider, premium spirits and a wine list that revolves around low-intervention bottles from artisanal producers.

Prepare to step out of modern-day Mayfair and into Golden Age Shanghai as the concierge at Park Chinois welcomes you with a tip of a hat. This glamorous spot is dedicated to celebrating the romance and etiquette of yesteryear, alongside the thrills and luxury of the present. Park Chinois, which comprises the elegant Salon de Chine and indulgent Club Chinois, is a unique dining experience popular with the well-to-do, so have your credit card at the ready.

The lavish décor within takes inspiration from a 1930s Shanghai speakeasy, so prepare to be ensconced in red velvet upholstery and flashy frills, as you take in one of the venue’s live shows and get acquainted with some seriously special Chinese cooking.

There’s a menu for every occasion at Park Chinois, from light lunches to long, luxurious dinners. For an all-round taste of what’s on offer, try the two- or three-course set lunch menu. The restaurant’s more expensive dishes won’t feature, but you’ll still get to try the likes of bang bang chicken salad,  Cantonese roast duck with Champagne and orange sauce, and an 85% chocolate fondant.

For those looking to make a serious dent in their bank accounts though, the sky is the limit. You’ll find rare caviars, prime cuts of meat including Japanese Hida Wagyu rib-eye, premium fish and shellfish, and other dishes containing the likes of foie gras, black truffle and venison.

Exquisitely-crafted desserts are a must for the sweet-toothed as they include creations such as the Granny Smith apple cheesecake served with vanilla and apple cream, apple gel and crumble, and a decadent dark chocolate fondant made with sweetcorn and Rémy Martin Cognac Sauce and decorated with gold leaf. Drinks are similarly glamorous whether you opt for a cocktail, a glass of Champagne or a pot of rare Japanese tea.

The Wigmore at the Langham is a gastropub and restaurant at The Langham Hotel in Marylebone, serving a menu of reimagined pub classics overseen by legendary chef Michel Roux Jr.

Roux Jr oversees the food direction at all of The Langham’s restaurants and bars, as well as running the hotel’s in-house cookery school, Sauce at The Langham.

Emblazoned in striking forest green, The Wigmore is designed to be a deluxe version of the quintessential British pub, combining quality pub grub with an accessible wine list and a hefty selection of ales and craft beers, including The Wigmore’s own house ale, ‘Saison’, which has been brewed in partnership with Yonder Brewing. The interiors have been designed with a keen eye for detail - stout wooden tables sit in the middle of the room, each surrounded by studded leather-backed stools. There are seats for perchers up at the bar, where a chalkboard displays the current ale offerings on tap. In the middle, a large modern chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

The menu shows similar attention to detail, whether it’s The Wigmore’s Insta-famous stovetop three cheese toastie, or a masala-spiced scotch egg. Among the mains you’ll find classic upmarket pub grub like a cheeseburger with grilled ox tongue, confit duck leg with braised lentils, and fat chips with Bloody Mary salt. Desserts at the time of writing include a mandarin trifle with gingerbread foam, and a warm, gooey chocolate tart with coffee mascarpone.

The Wigmore also serves breakfast, with a menu that ranges from smoked salmon on buttered crumpets with chive sour cream, to buttermilk pancakes with marmalade glaze and creme fraiche. There are also a handful of signature morning cocktails available, including a Passion Fruit Mimosa and a Bloody Mary.

When The Cinnamon Club opened in 2001 it offered up a fine-dining experience when the majority of Indian restaurants in the capital were still subscribing to the curry-house format that had propelled the popularity of the cuisine in the UK.

Classically trained in India, chef Vivek Singh understands the building blocks of age-old cooking techniques and couples them with contemporary twists on classics for unusual and surprising creations that have helped to push his restaurant into the premier league of London eateries. Additional accolades include Singh having authored five bestselling cookbooks and appearing regularly on cooking programmes such as Saturday Kitchen and Celebrity MasterChef.

The Cinnamon Club has undergone a £1 million refurbishment to transform its home in the old Westminster Library into a bright and modern space that still retains much of its original character. Old books line two sides of the dining room while walls are painted bright white and a mezzanine level adds additional seating without detracting from the double-height space.

Priding itself in catering for every eventuality The Cinnamon Club offers all sorts of special menus, including a vegan one which offers a wonderful selection of plant-based Indian dishes. From the main menu you can expect creations like a Bengali-style lobster thermidor and a 48-hour marinated pheasant breast in pickling spices. For those who enjoy communal dining there is also a handful of signature sharing mains, like the Old Delhi-style butter chicken and a whole rack of lamb in a corn and yoghurt sauce.

The Cinnamon Club also offers private dining spaces for special occasions and serves meals from first thing to late into the evening, with a breakfast menu that includes unexpected dishes such as a full traditional cooked English breakfast.

The Pass is an intimate restaurant within the luxury spa South Lodge hotel, West Sussex, headed up by the highly talented chef Ben Wilkinson. Under Ben’s guidance, the restaurant is now the proud holder of a Michelin star, winning the accolade for the first time in 2023. The Pass serves exciting tasting menus which make the most of seasonal produce, and promises each guest a unique and memorable dining experience.

The restaurant is able to cater for up to 28 diners within its historic walls, with guests seated slap bang in the middle of the kitchen in order to immerse themselves in its buzzing atmosphere. Overlooking the brigade of chefs in action, diners can watch them create each innovative dish before finishing them at the pass, for a truly immersive ‘chef’s table’ experience.

Head chef Ben Wilkinson lies at the heart of the kitchen, who moved to The Pass following his success working at Michelin-starred The Cottage in the Wood in the Lake District. His partner Monika Zurawska, meanwhile, manages the front of house team, a seemingly unstoppable duo with the aim of bringing diners an unrivalled dining experience.

There is one seven-course tasting menu available, which changes regularly depending on the seasons and what produce is available that day. However, examples of dishes you’re likely to try include celeriac with beef cheek fillet and celery, wild Newhaven turbot with asparagus, oyster, Ridgeview sparkling and king oyster mushrooms, as well as Fallow venison with beetroot, kale, red wine, peppercorn and lardo. Sweet courses, meanwhile, include Yorkshire rhubarb with ewe’s curd, vanilla and rose.

On the drinks menu there is a wide range of wine from all over the world, including a diverse selection of English sparkling wine, and specially curated wines from France, Austria, New Zealand and Croatia. Diners also have the choice to add on a carefully considered wine flight with each course.

The Gilpin group spans two five-star hotels in the Lake District, just a mile from one another and both nestled in some of the area's most beautiful scenery with thick woodland and, of course, breathtaking lakes.

The Gilpin Hotel is set in 21 acres of lush countryside and benefits from a Champagne bar, rooms with private hot tubs and en suite spas, as well as two restaurants - Gilpin Spice and SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel.

SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is headed-up by Executive Chef Ollie Bridgewater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck) and boasts a Michlein star. Here, diners can expect a focus on exquisite produce, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability, and precision. Combine all this with exceptional service and you'll find a fun and fine dining experience. 

The restaurant offers two different menus, both with a strong focus on using the very best ingredients. The ‘ORIGIN’ menu offers a shorter dining experience for guests to enjoy, acting as something of an introduction to the restaurant's concept. The ‘SOURCE’ menu, on the other hand, takes diners on the complete, immersive journey. With a sustainable ethos comes a daily changing menu - ensuring to keep it fresh whilst still always encompassing the seasonality and skill as expected from the SOURCE kitchen.

Both menus can be tailored to your tastes with a choice of starter, main course and dessert, allowing you to align these Michelin menus to match your personal tastes and preferences. For those looking for something a bit lighter, a new lunch-tasting menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Evernight is a Japanese izakaya serving inventive and progressive small plates alongside an extensive wine list of low intervention wines. Evernight describes itself as a modern izakaya - it serves a menu broadly designed around the traditional izakaya concept of food made to eat whilst drinking, but the dishes are a more inventive take on classic Japanese techniques and flavours. Born from the mind of Lynus Lim - a Singaporean chef who trained under Tom Angelsea at the Laughting Heart - the restaurant showcases a progressive izakaya philosophy that utilises ingredients and produce from the British Isles.

Evernight has been widely acclaimed since opening in 2022, thanks to its exciting, innovative Japanese cooking. Simple nibbles like pickles and senbei (a type of Japenese rice cracker), come as a fantastic accompaniment to the intriguing and extensive wine list. Definitively global, the list features mainly low intervention wines from across Europe, introducing diners to new examples of fine reds, whites, rose and sparkling wines. For those wishing to pair their small plates with a beverage with an Asian origin, the menu also boasts a huge range of sake and sochu. 

On the food menu, you'll find snacks like turbot and shiso spring rolls, potato cakes liberally topped with dashi mayonnaise and Petrossian trout roe, and prawn and tsukune-stuffed chicken wings. That's before you get to a selection of small plates, sushi and sashimi, yakitori skewers and a sharing, seasonal rice donabe bowl.

The menu is created in a way that plays with traditional, regional and progressive techniques, allowing guests to experience new and exciting flavours without going too far from their comfort zones. A familiar chawanmushi dish takes on the strong, smokey flavour of smoked pork and is served with beans and trompette mushrooms.

Diners experience this progressive offering in a contemporary, stylish dining room, designed by Italian architect Ettore Tricario. Featuring plenty of wood and dark, natural colours, the restaurant is laid out in a traditionally communal way with diners seated on long tables or at the counter below bright, feature lights. 

Photography: Josh Croll

Tucked away in the quiet backstreets of Hackney, Papi is a restaurant that is serious about good food, and fine wines. It was opened by Matthew Scott, the brains behind pop up sensation ‘Hot4u’ during the Covid-19 lockdown, and Charlie Carr, owner of Wingnut Wines in Netil Market. Both being passionate in their fields, it’s no surprise that Papi became an overnight success after opening in early 2023. The interior is minimalistic, with just wooden tables, and a little open kitchen where the chefs knock out all of the small plates. Down the steps below is Freddles bar, which is run on a walk-ins only basis, and although it operates separetly from Papi, it makes a great space for post dinner cocktails.

The menu changes regularly, partly due to using the best ingredients of the season, but also because the team believe in a zero waste system, where leftovers are reinvented to create something new for the following day. However, one of the dishes that has earned a permanent place on the menu is the fried brown butter waffle with vacherin ice cream. It's won the hearts of customers for its flavour reminiscent of a donut at the fairground, and can often be found paired with a seasonal fruit.

The wine list contains natural wines, and each producer has been personally met by Charlie, who can talk you through not only how the wine tastes, but what the company and the founders are like. He has a talent for taking the often pretentious air out of wines, and puts it to guests in simple terms - is it delicious, and do I like how it’s made?

Set within beautiful, well-tended parkland, 17th-century Grantley Hall exudes luxury, from the polite, plaid-uniformed staff to the lavish decor and furnishings within. Widely regarded as one of the best hotels in the country, Grantley Hall possesses everything you’d expect from an upscale country house hotel, and then some. Three restaurants, several bars, and a state-of-the-art gym and spa are just some of the draws for the well-heeled seeking a gold-standard stay, but it’s the partnership with critically acclaimed chef Shaun Rankin that undoubtedly takes top billing.

Rankin is Yorkshire born and bred but left the surrounds of the countryside to pursue his ambitions of becoming one of the country’s top chefs. Ambitions achieved via a handful of Michelin stars, he returned to open his eponymous restaurant in 2019 where he's since added another star to his collection. 

Rankin’s fine-dining restaurant is situated at the front of the hall in a plush room that’s as warm and inviting as it is beautiful. The original ornate ceiling sports twinkling chandeliers which come together with the rich drapes and heavy, scalloped chairs to create an air of hushed serenity.

A dedication to sustainability and quality means all meat (organic, naturally), cheese and seafood is sourced from local suppliers and, like the discernibly fresh fruit and vegetables, comes through in the superb flavours. It’s a tasting only affair here, with an optional – but advised wine or non-alcoholic drinks pairing. While dishes flex with the seasons, guests can expect the usual run of bread and butter into fish, meat and sweet plates that span ten courses and finish with a trolly of petite fours enjoyed at your table or in the next door lounge.

One of six restaurants and bars in towering skyscraper The Shard, Oblix is a contemporary restaurant located on the 32nd Floor offering a sophisticated dining experience with much of the menu cooked on the kitchen’s rotisserie and charcoal grill. The restaurant has a double identity and is split between two distinct spaces with Oblix West being home to the main dining room.

Providing a more formal dining experience, enjoy a muted and relaxed atmosphere at Oblix West at The Shard, in a setting that boasts awe-inspiring views of west London and employs a muted colour scheme of tan leather upholstery seating and natural woods which let those views do the talking.

Here, you’ll find a buzzy open kitchen by the entrance and a chic dining room in which you can enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner from a selection of menus celebrating the best of British cuisine with modern day twists. The a la carte menu features a number of highlights such as the barbecued Iberico pork ribs with jalapeno salsa verde or cedar smoked black cod with pickled onion and citrus.

There's also a great selection of dishes intended for sharing, with sharing starters such as tempura crab cakes or beef carpaccio, as well as a seafood platter or a whole grilled turbot which are both designed for two to three people. There is also the option to order from the grill – think a selection of steaks and whole lobster slathered in garlic butter.

On the weekends, Oblix West serves a three-course brunch with the option to add bottomless Prosecco or completely indulge with the Limitless Bruch complete with unlimited Champagne, wine and cocktails. Starters include red tuna tartare and a classic prawn cocktail, while main courses see spicy seafood spaghetti and grilled rotisserie chicken served alongside with lemon, garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes.

An extensive wine list will take your evening to the next level with a selection of wines from all over the world carefully recommended by the restaurant's sommeliers. 

Set in the heart of Staffordshire, Lunar offers a unique culinary experience led by head head chef Carl Riley, with a focus on modern cooking techniques and sustainable practices. It’s inspired by ‘The Lunar Society’, a movement in the 1700s comprised of intellectuals and creatives including Josiah Wedgwood and Erasmus Darwin. As such, Lunar aims to embody the ethos of the movement by creating forward-thinking food focused around sustainable practices and local produce.

Head chef Carl Riley leads the kitchen team and the restaurant’s diverse menu offering. His experience is in classical French cookery, and he spent time working at a wealth of Michelin-accredited and AA Rosette restaurants before moving to Lunar.

Diners can choose from its Sharing Plates menu, a set Plat du Jour, the Lunar Experience tasting menu, and a Sunday Lunch a la carte. For the full experience, the tasting menu can include either seven or nine courses, depending on your appetite, and features dishes like tempura Colchester oysters with trout roe and Champagne gel; Peak District hogget croquette with celeriac purée, pickled oyster mushroom, oats and nettles; and Gressingham duck breast with carrot textures, sweet cicely and pinot noir reduction. Many of the dishes on the menu can also be ordered as small sharing dishes to be enjoyed in a more casual setting.

The cocktail menu is a major part of the dining experience at Lunar, with each one treated like a work of art, both in terms of presentation and flavour profile. Discover a Blood and Passion Margarita, for example, made with tequila, vermouth, dry curacao, blood orange and passionfruit preserve and lemon. There’s also a well-curated wine list which you can choose to browse at your leisure, or opt for a dedicated wine flight to enjoy expertly paired wines with your meal.

The Pem is the flagship fine-dining restaurant at the Conrad London St James hotel, run by chef Sally Abe - one of London's most acclaimed young chefs. Abe acts as consultant chef for the hotel and also oversees its in-house pub, The Blue Boar.

Having previously been head chef of Michelin-starred The Harwood Arms in Fulham, Abe now brings her culinary knowledge to The Pem, which serves a dinner menu that champions top-quality British produce and reworks classic dishes with innovative new spins. The menu changes seasonally, but on your visit, you can expect to find dishes that are underpinned by fresh produce from trusted suppliers - think poached native lobster with shellfish cream, heritage tomatoes and sweet olive or roasted John Dory with brassicas, lemon and sauce Choron. Desserts meanwhile, include the classic likes of black forest gateau topped with chocolate curls and served alongside English cherry ripple ice cream.

The Pem takes its name from suffragette Emily Wilding Davison, whose family used the pet name ‘Pem’ for her, and a commitment to showcasing female talent is reflected in Abe’s exclusively female senior team. The restaurant’s look is also distinctly feminine - the dining room boasts an art deco inspired design, including soft lighting and comfy banquettes and tub chairs, all decked out in romantic rosy hues. The main dining room seats up to 70 guests, while a private dining space has room for 24.

The Pem’s wine list combines highly sought-after fine wines with lesser known bottles from independent producers and has been curated from sommelier and wine consultant Emily Harman.

Speaking about the opening, Abe said: “I have the freedom to serve the food I’ve always wanted to cook. It’s me on a plate. I’m taking classic combinations and really making them my own, like steak and oyster, cheese and onion – I won’t be messing with the framework but trying to put a new spin on them without creating challenging or modernist dishes. I want to bring a sense of familiarity and transfer those flavours to high-end restaurant dining.”

Farlam Hall has been a country manor for nearly 500 years, and for much of that time owned by the local gentry, the Thompson family. Created as a space to entertain family and friends, the current team are passionate about continuing its hospitable legacy with sumptious interiors, cosy fires and fantastic food and drink. 

The Cedar Tree Restaurant is the jewel in the hotel's culinary crown, boasting a Michelin star and hosting guests in a beautifully elegant space, overlooking the gardens with delicate, floral wallpaper and white tablecloths. Here, the team offer a fine-dining experience which seeks to highlight the very best of local produce and seasonal ingredients, with its heart firmly planted in Cumbria. 

Helmed by Chef Patron Hrishikesh Desai, the sample menu takes diners on a seven-course journey, starting with cod tartar in a crispy puff ball, with soya and honey dressing, carrot and cumin purée with garden cress, alongside an aubergine ‘Cornetto’ with smoked aubergine pickle and cheese mousse.

Across the main courses, enjoy dishes like fried fillet of cured hake with roasted pineapple and smoked sweet and sour sauce, as well as Aglionby Longhorn Beef tandoori ‘Wellington’ with tandoori spiced marinated beef fillet wrapped in classic mushroom duxelles, potato cream,  seasonal garden vegetables and tandoori jus.

For afters, enjoy Thompson’s farm rhubarb with vanilla pannacotta, rhubarb textures and orange cake, as well as dark chocolate delice with banana bread, caramelised hazelnuts and milk ice cream, and coffee and tea with petit fours. 

The restaurant is available to book for both overnight guests of the restaurant and visitors just for the day. For those making a Sunday booking, try the five-course Sunday lunch with dishes like poached Loch Duart salmon, crab dumpling and keta caviar beurre blanc, followed by sticky toffee pudding with dark chocolate and cardamom ganache with salted caramel ice cream.

The Boat Inn in Lichfield is an award-winning fine dining restaurant serving modern British cuisine from an open kitchen. Chef and owner Liam Dillon originally opened the gastropub in 2017, having previously worked in renowned kitchens including MARCUS at The Berkeley, where he quickly received high praise for his intelligent and thoughtful cooking. Despite it being located a little off the beaten track on an A-road in Staffordshire, that hasn’t stopped diners flocking to the inn to try Dillon’s menus. It’s currently serving lunch and dinner Thursday through to Sunday, with vegetarian menus available as well. 

If you’re dining for dinner there are only set menus available – choose from either the four-course or six-course offerings. Although the menus change with the seasons, examples of dishes you might enjoy include truffled Cotswold chicken with roasted squash and kombi honey, fish raviolo with apple, leek, Dorset crab and fish sauce and Cotswold fallow deer with beetroot, watercress and pine sauce. For something sweet, you might be treated to a chocolate parfait with white chocolate aero, lapsang and malt ice cream. Do note that there is an optional wine pairing available with its set menus. 

Alternatively, you can opt to choose a bottle of your choice from the wine list. The menu focuses largely on organic and biodynamic wines, in keeping with its sustainable ethos, and includes a selection from all over the world. If you don’t fancy a whole bottle, or want to try a few different wines, there are a number of varieties available by the glass instead. 

The Boat Inn also boasts a stunning alfresco terrace where guests can enjoy a selection of snacks and small plates with drinks. This might include pigs head fritters with burnt apple, charcuterie and cheese, and LFC hot chicken wings.  

Since opening originally in 2006, Hawksmoor has built a successful empire on expertly-sourced steaks served alongside more side dishes than you can count on one hand. Obviously, we know there’s more to its unrivalled popularity than that, but you can’t knock the people’s love for steak and chips, a truth that Hawksmoor has capitalised on exponentially. Now, with eight restaurants in London as well as multiple sites across the UK, this steakhouse giant shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.  

Hawksmoor Seven Dials can be found down a quiet street in the old Watney-Coombe brewery. Boasting a well-stocked bar where guests can slurp on signature cocktails (discover multiple twists on a Manhattan, highball and martini) before slouching over to one of its leather banquets to tuck into a meat (and fish) filled feast. The long dining room is decorated in a cosy art-deco style, with wooden parquet flooring, painted wood-paneled walls and a huge skylight above that floods the room with natural light during the day.  

Situated slap bang in the middle of Covent Garden, this branch occupies a prime spot for a quick dinner before heading to the theatre in the West End. Fortunately, an express two or three-course menu is perfect for pre or post-theatre dining.  

The a la carte menu, meanwhile, revolves around a selection of British-bred beef steaks and sustainably-sourced seafood. Go easy on the starters because the main event is guaranteed to be a feast! Kick off with smoked salmon with soda bread, or potted beef and bacon with Yorkshires and onion gravy before choosing your preferred steak. Larger cuts are generally 500g or more, perfect for two people to share, and include chateaubriand, T-bone and bone-in prime rib, while smaller options include fillet, sirloin and rib eye. Serve alongside a mix-and-match of sauces and sides – think tripled-cooked chips, mash and gravy, macaroni cheese and maple bacon.  

Moor Hall is a beautiful, grade II-listed country house with a surrounding estate of five acres and views out to the lake, set in the heart of West Lancashire. The property and grounds were taken over in 2015 by husband-and-wife team Andy and Tracey Bell, who oversaw a multi-million-pound renovation and transformation into the award-winning restaurant and rooms it is today.

While the Moor Hall Restaurant is the gem in the estate's crown, having been awarded two Michelin Stars, a Michelin Green Star, and 5 AA Rosettes, the Barn restaurant also sits on site and boasts a Michelin Star of its own, as well as a historic setting and gorgeous views. 

Just moments from the main house, the Barn was once a business man's carriages and horse's stables, and today flush with period features such as exposed brick walls and wooden beams overhead. It is helmed by patron-chef of Moor Hall, Mark Birchall, who describes this as a neighbourhood restaurant offering a seasonal menu and the best Sunday lunch of your life. 

It's important to the team that as much of the ingredients and produce are sourced as locally as possible, growing many of their own vegetables and herbs on site. Highlights from the menu include 60 day aged grass-fed ex dairy Jersey beef tartare with Jerusalem artichoke and nasturtium; Cornish cod, smoked onion, charred leek, bacon crumb and stem ginger panna cotta, blood orange, granola. And, as for those unmissable Sunday lunches, they say the roasted 40 day aged Longhorn sirloin with all the trimmings is the dish to try.

Guests are invited to enjoy either a set three-course menu for lunch from Thursday to Saturday, or for dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays. An a la carte menu is also available, allowing you to pick your favourite dishes from the curated selection.

In the last few years, London diners have witnessed the rise of local, neighbourhood joints that foster a sense of community. In well-heeled Chiswick, The Silver Birch is a local opening that has joined in on the action, setting up shop on the area’s bustling high street.

The Silver Birch serves up a string of modern European dishes as part of a menu which evolves with the seasons, while plates are crafted using ingredients that have been locally sourced where possible. With such an impressive commitment to fastidious pedigree, it should come as no surprise that the chef behind the food here is far from an amateur. Heading up the kitchen is Nathan Cornwell, who has previously worked at big hitters like Geranium in Copenhagen which has three Michelin stars and Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham which has been honoured with two Michelin stars.

Diners can start off with creations such as organic celeriac, Coolea cheese, hazelnut and celeriac broth or Devon smoked eel with Jersey Royals, chive and asparagus. Mains continue with the likes of Shetland cod with Swiss chard and chicken butter sauce, alongside lamb with wild garlic, glazed tongue, pickled cockles and sea herbs, and new season asparagus with pickled leeks.

To finish, guests can opt for a pear and brown sugar tart with gingerbread, brown butter chocolate delice, milk sorbet and caramelised white chocolate, or a summery dish of Gariguette strawberries, cream cheese and strawberry sorbet.

The dining room is a relaxed, pared-back space which exudes calm thanks to a mix of natural materials and unfinished textures. Olive green seating is complemented by the exposed brick and plaster walls, while a stream of dappled sunlight illuminates the room come afternoon. The Silver Birch also boasts a chef’s table which overlooks the open kitchen, if you would prefer a seat close to the action.

Dovetale is the flagship modern British restaurant at 1 Hotel Mayfair, overseen by two Michelin-starred Restaurant Story chef Tom Sellers.

Sustainability, seasonality, and a plethora of nature-inspired finishes are what the 1 Hotel Mayfair is all about. Situated (not by chance) facing Green Park, the venue's spaces, including signature restaurant Dovetale, are carefully crafted with an environmentally friendly approach. The hotel features living walls, which are irrigated by rainwater, sustainable materials used all across the building, and over 1300 plants, trees and shrubs plants across the grounds. 

Sellers works meticulously to embrace zero waste methods and source from eco-minded suppliers at Dovetale too. With a modern European à la carte menu, Dovetale offers dishes from the grill as well as from a raw bar, and there's a real focus on letting outstanding produce shine - emphasised by dishes like English burrata with Amardo Manni 'oil of life' olive oil. Elsewhere there's some celebration of classic French cooking and flavours, with a day boat-caught sole Veronique, where sole is gently cooked in a sauce of vermouth, cream, white grapes and tarragon. 

There are also tributes to old-school puddings in the dessert menu as well, as guests can choose from options including a Grand Marnier souffle with tonka bean creme anglaise, and a Knickerbocker glory, served tableside from a trolley for a bit of extra entertainment and theatre. 

If you fancy al fresco dining, there's Dovetale's outdoor terrace, which features a cozy copper fireplace and pergola, perfect spot for all seasons. And for an even more special occasion, there's a private dining room available.

The hotel also has a cocktail bar - the Dover Yard - perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. 

The Olive Tree restaurant is Bath's only Michelin-starred restaurant - set inside the magnificent townhouse at the Queensberry Hotel in Bath. This boutique hotel is one of the most popular in the city and sits just a stone's throw from famous Bath landmarks like The Circle, the Georgian Gardens and the Royal Avenue.

Under the expert command of Chris Cleghorn, The Olive Tree serves up a variety of contemporary menus that put seasonality in pride of place. Chris honed his skills while working with the likes of Michael Caines, and James Sommerin, also spending time at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck. His cooking is a reflection of each of these experiences - combining the precision of dishes at The Fat Duck with a style that honours local West Country produce.

Menus at The Olive Tree offer a ‘Taste of the Season’ with the option to go for a seven-course tasting menu, a selection of five dishes from the full menu, or set menus of two to three dishes. Whether for lunch or dinner, there’s something for every occasion. Each menu includes a ‘To Start’ course of Woolley Park Farm duck and a ‘To Finish’ course that features Oak Church Farm raspberries with puff pastry and 50-year-old balsamic or a milk chocolate dessert with miso caramel.

Of course, all dishes change according to the season and local availability, but for winter menus guests might expect plates of cured IkeJime chalk stream trout with fermented carrot and Miyagawa mandarin, Isle of Skye langoustines cooked over Japanese charcoal, or Cornbury Park fallow deer with black pudding and Cheltenham beetroot. There also are dedicated vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and dairy-free alternatives, so dietary requirements are no problem at all. Alongside a varied choice of new and old world wines as well as biodynamic, organic and vegan options, there’s also a brilliantly conceived wine pairing.

34 Mayfair is an up-market, glamorous restaurant in the heart of London's most fabulous postcode, as nodded to by its name. The central space is a smart dining room with polished wood flooring, red leather brasserie seating and a grand art deco bar. 

The outdoor terrace which sits along the front entrance is a pretty place for food and drinks in the summer, while indoors, large windows flood the space with light in the day and atmospheric lighting making the dining room a buzzy place to meet friends, colleagues or a date for lunch or dinner. 

On the menus, you'll find a breadth of modern European dishes, but the rotisserie and grill are certainly a talking point. The a la carte menu starts with small plates like seared scallops with soy glazed pork belly, dashi and shiso butter, alongside Robata grilled octopus with smoked black bean, aji amarillo and avocado, as well as Dorset crab tart with kohlrabi, green apple and yuzu jelly.

The main menu spans salads and fish dishes, plus signature meat mains off the rotisserie and grill. If you fancy something a little lighter, the 34 Caesar salad combines a smoked garlic and parmesan dressing with Ortiz anchovies and the option to add rotisserie chicken. There is also a raw bar, with dishes like salmon sashimi, steak tartare, and shrimp and seabass ceviche. Pescatarians will enjoy the likes of Indonesian BBQ sea bream, alongside Dover sole and the fish of the day, but if steak is on your mind, check out the Wagyu selection, sirloin, fillet, rib-eye, and cuts for two.

When it comes to drinks, wine connoisseurs will want to see the 'legends of wine' list with rare and vintage glasses from the cellar, while the cocktail selection has some creative twists such as an Old Fashioned inspired by banoffie pie. 

Tucked away in the heart of Liverpool, Vetch is a modern European restaurant run by head chef and co-owner, Daniel McGeorge, who has returned home to his native Liverpool with this debut solo restaurant. McGeorge has won many plaudits and awards during his career, including the Craft Guild of Chefs Restaurant Chef Award in 2022, and becoming Great British Menu Champion of Champions in 2021, so you know you're in safe hands here.

The restaurant itself is designed to be an intimate, calming space, juxtaposed against busy Hope Street outside. The dining room boasts a neutral palette of whites and creams, with big period sash windows that let in plenty of natural light. Expect a pristine dining space that matches each artfully-plated dish. 

Boasting menus of locally-sourced ingredients, Vetch offers the choice of a five or seven course tasting menu, with the option to add a drink pairing to each course. Taking international influence from all over Asia and Europe, you can expect exquisitely plated dishes such as char siu pork belly with sesame and pickled cabbage, smoked cod's roe with furikake and ponzu trout roe, and cod with kohlrabi, sake and sea beet. Things will be rounded off beautifully with milk chocolate paired with miso, caramel and rice. If that’s not enough, then an additional cheese course is available to add as an extra course to both menus.

If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, then diners have the option of popping in for a lunch, or an early bird set menu, offering a slightly reduced menu and price tag. Enjoy flavours of shokupan milk bread with sweetcorn and miso-cultured butter, and mackerel with turnip, elderflower and dill. Not looking for a full meal? A smaller, snack menu is available in the bar. Here, you'll find a similarly inspired menu, just in bite-size pieces.

As the name suggests, The American Bar at five-star The Stafford in St James’s pays homage to the illicit speakeasies that became renowned in London and Paris during the 1920s and 30s. To truly immerse diners in prohibition era England, the bar has been designed with a distinctively vintage feel, boasting subtle lamp lighting, a wooden bar, brown leather seating and an all-round cosy ambience. It’s also one of the longest surviving American bars in London, just to add extra gravitas to its aformentioned credentials.  

Both food and drinks are served here, but let's start with the former. Bar director Benoit Provost and director of mixology Salvatore Megna oversee the cocktail menu, which comprises a mix of signatures and classics, both old and new. Sure, there are other drinks too, such as vintage Champagne, premium spirits and a whisky collection to put all others to shame, but cocktails are its ‘thing’. Choose from the Equilibrium menu for a series of perfectly-balanced drinks which are sub-divided by earth, air, water and fire. You might find one called Nimbus for example, which mixes gin, mangosteen, akashi-tai yuzu, citrus, peach and Champagne, or Sonus made with mezcal, cantaloupe melon, grasshopper salt, green yoghurt and fino sherry.  

You can also find a selection of signature, classic and after-dinner cocktails, as well as numerous twists on a negroni for lovers of the punchy drink.  

Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen heads up the food menu, with the bar serving lunch, dinner and light bites throughout the day. Offering a selection of American-inspired dishes, smaller snacks might include BBQ Iberico pork ribs, sticky buffalo wings with hot sauce, sesame and soy, mini sausages with American hot sauce and loaded potato wedges. If you’re after a full meal, you can choose from main dishes such as a lobster thermidor sub, chicken parmigiana, a signature burger made with beef, cheddar and caramelised onions and a pastrami-cured smoked salmon bagel with soured cream and lemon.  

Bruce Poole was born in Guildford Surrey. After several years in hospitality, he started cooking at Bibendum, followed by The Square then Chez Max and finally his very own Chez Bruce in 1995. Since then, there have been many awards, recognising the culinary prowess of this Wandsworth restaurant. That being said, there is no resting on laurels at Chez Bruce. Poole, along with head chef Matt Christmas' sole focus is the business, and as such rarely appears in the media. It's an old school restaurant in the best of ways, where service is extremely efficient while remaining knowledgable and friendly. Regular staff tastings are key, so that every member of the front of house team knows the menu personally. So much so, in fact, that the staff offer other dining recommendations for London and further afield. 

You'll notice from the menu here that the menu is very much up to date. Starters might include miso-glazed aubergine with ginger, puffed wild rice, sesame, shiso and soy or a lobster ravioli with bisque, pickled fennel, brown shrimp and samphire. You will, however, see more traditional first course options like rabbit rillettes with Armagnac prunes and toast, or deviled lamb's kidney with crisp tongue. Similarly, main courses at Chez Bruce are traditional, featuring the likes of veal rump or stuffed pig's trotters. Unpretentiously, this Michelin-starred restaurant also offers options like steak and chips (admittedly a Chateaubriand with hand-cut chips). 

There are usually around seven dessert options like creme brulee, yoghurt parfait with blood orange and pistachio or Yorkshire rhubarb trifle, not to mention the famous 'grande assiette de fromage Chez Bruce'. There is a huge selection of wine here with plenty by the glass, ranging from affordable half-bottles to a magnum Chateauneuf du Pape. Head sommelier Victor Barre is more than happy to guide your choices. 

Nestled in the heart of beautiful Chiswick, you'll find La Trompette quietly minding its own business, and yet serving up some of the best food in London. The team don't feel the need to shout and advertise, but have been happily serving locals, regulars and those with a passion for food, since 2001.

The space itself received a full renovation in 2013 and today is an elegant and sophisticated set-up, with contemporary and yet classic furniture, atmospheric lighting and a calming colour palette of soft, earthy neutrals next to a hint of uplifting yellow. Walls are decorated with expressive artworks and the overall effect is cultured and in-the-know.

La Trompette is open from Wednesday onwards for both lunch and dinner sittings, with options to call the restaurant or book online, with planning ahead advised. If you're hoping to throw your own private little shindig, the La Trompette has a gorgeous private dining space with capacity for 10 to 16 people.

As for the food, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Greg Wellman who previously ran the sister restaurant, The Glasshouse in Kew, and also has experience working in Elystan Street and The Square. As a keen traveller of Australasia and South America, you can find dishes inspired by this time scattered throughout the menu. The menu seeks to uplift the best seasonal produce, meaning that dishes may change from day to day, but online you can find a sample with an idea of what to expect. For example, starters may look like chilled ajo blanco with charentais melon, pickled cucumber, elderflower and extra virgin olive oil, followed by mains like Cornish jumbo plaice with St Austell bay mussels, beurre blanc, baby lou potatoes, asparagus and chives.

As for drinks, the menu offers a playful Trompette Tropical Punch, or the team prefers to serve Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne. And, those with a sweet tooth will love chocolate, peanut and salted caramel delice with milk ice cream.

Where the river bends past Ravenscourt Park, you’ll find Potli, a laid-back Indian restaurant that has won the hearts of locals, bloggers and anyone else who visits. The space has buckets of charm, with vintage posters on the walls, nicknacks on the shelves and a well-stocked bar of spirits and liqueurs. It’s an ideal spot to catch up with old friends or celebrate with family. The wine list is well thought-out, featuring floral roses, punchy whites and rich reds - the perfect accompaniment to the food. Be sure to try the Soul Tree Sauvignon Blanc from the Nasik Valley in India. If you prefer beer, you can opt for the likes of Cobra or Kingfisher, as well as some smaller-batch IPAs.

At Potli, as with many restaurants of this ilk, you’ll likely start off with something crunchy. Aside from classic poppadoms, the samosa chaat is a great option, served with onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, chutneys and yoghurt. The starters are organised by cooking method, be it fried, grilled or clay oven-baked. Of these sections, highlights include spiced vegetable and paneer dumplings, Karara crab with dynamite sauce and a half tandoori baby chicken respectively.

Meat-eaters, pescetarians, vegetarians and vegans can all enjoy plenty of choice when it comes to the curries at Potli. Those who can handle their spice should try the wild boar vindaloo, while the lamb shank rogan josh is a milder meat option with plenty of flavour. From the sea, the Odia prawn curry is a must, packed with ginger, chilli, coriander and cumin, as is the classic Keralan fish curry. Veggies should try the rattan Manjusha kofta, comprised of nuts, jaggery, paneer and spinach, all simmered in an aromatic, cardamom-laced tomato sauce. Vegans, while they have probably had dal makhani before, should try it here. Cooked for 24 hours, this dal is one of the best in London.

Perched dramatically on the rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Mingary Castle is a striking 13th-century fortress steeped in Scottish history. Overlooking the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, the castle was meticulously restored in 2016 and reimagined as an award-winning fine dining restaurant with rooms in 2021. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and panoramic views, Mingary Castle offers a luxurious retreat that seamlessly combines its medieval grandeur with contemporary comfort.

Recognised as one of Scotland’s finest dining destinations, the castle boasts accolades such as the UK’s Best Restaurant with Rooms thanks to the AA guide and has three AA Rosettes for its exceptional culinary excellence. At the heart of Mingary’s restaurant is the talented Chef Patron, Colin Nicholson. With a passion for local, seasonal, and foraged ingredients, Colin has dedicated himself to showcasing the West Coast of Scotland’s natural larder. Drawing on experience gained from working in top kitchens across the globe, Colin curates daily-changing menus that blend classical techniques with a modern sensibility. Every dish is designed to celebrate the region’s finest produce, sourced from trusted local suppliers such as Tobermory Fish Co. and Great Glen Charcuterie.

The restaurant’s intimate 20-cover dining room provides an elegant setting for a culinary journey like no other. Guests can choose between a five or eight-course tasting menu, thoughtfully crafted to highlight the flavours of the season. A sample menu might begin with a welcoming amuse-bouche, followed by the delicate pairing of hand-dived scallops with Scottish asparagus and roe parfait. For the main course, tender rump of hogget is complemented by braised leg tartlet with wild garlic and anchovy. Desserts offer a refined sweetness, such as a yogurt panna cotta with poached rhubarb and caramelized white chocolate, concluding with a handmade bonbon.

To elevate the dining experience, a complimentary wine pairing is available, featuring both old and new world selections. With its rich history, breath-taking location, and exquisite cuisine, Mingary Castle promises an unforgettable fine dining experience that captures the essence of Scotland’s natural beauty and culinary heritage.

Upmarket Muse occupies an intimate 25-cover space in a renovated mews property in one of the most chi-chi corners of Belgravia. It’s the brainchild of chef Tom Aikens - one of Britain's most highly acclaimed chefs. Aikens was famously the youngest chef to ever win two Michelin stars when he achieved the feat at Pied à Terre at just 26 years old.

Muse is split over two floors of a characterful mews house, with each floor boasting a fully open plan kitchen which allows diners to see the kitchen team at work. The space has been designed by Australian interior designer Rebecca Korner, who has combined an eclectic mix of furniture with splashes of jewel-toned marbles and rich woods.

The restaurant primarily serves multi-course tasting menus, with Aikens drawing on his childhood memories and moments in his illustrious career to inspire dishes. The tasting menus evolve with each season and include stripped-back dishes which place an emphasis on one key ingredient or element. Unsurprisingly, the tasting menus come with an appropriate Belgravia price tag, however, a smaller tasting menu is available for under £100 for those on a slightly tighter budget. Muse also serves a three course seasonal lunch menu on Thursdays and Fridays. 

Speaking about the opening of Muse, Aikens said: “Throughout my life, I have been inspired and influenced by many different people, places, time and travels. My new home, Muse, pays homage to all of these and more.”

At Muse, Aikens works with British suppliers and farmers who are as passionate as the restaurant about provenance. These include HG Walter (an independent, family-run butcher), Flying Fish (who supply fish and seafood to the restaurant within 48 hours of being caught) and The London Cloth Company.

There are few restaurants across the country that really live up to the word iconic, but Cliveden House, a country manor in Berkshire with over 350 years of dazzling history, really does. Built in 1666, Cliveden was a gift from the second Duke of Buckingham to his mistress and since then, has been the site of roaring parties held by the likes of Winston Churchill and John Lennon. 

Within this stunning, sprawling Grade I Listed building you'll find The Dining Room, a lavish restaurant serving an a la carte, tasting, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea menus. The Dining Room was originally the house's drawing room and faces south with views overlooking the beautiful gardens. The huge windows fill the space with natural light and the sumptuous decor features impressive chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornicing. 

The food takes its cue from local, seasonal produce and throughout the year chefs take great efforts to ensure that the menus are at least 30% vegetarian and vegan friendly, showing off the work of nearby growers. All menus are available online and to get a flavour of what to expect, check out the a la carte which showcases stand-out dishes like confit lemon sole with brussels sprouts, ponzu and blood orange to start, slow-cooked guinea fowl with glazed wing, pickled grapes and white carrot for mains, and spiced pineapple with passion fruit, coconut sorbet and lemongrass for dessert. 

For a special occasion, it has to be the tasting menu with eight fabulous courses. We won't spoil all the surprises for you, but we love the sound of the seared scallop with pumpkin, rehydrated cranberry and lemongrass, as well as the Earl Grey crémeux with Granny Smith jelly. The team at Cliveden have also put together a brilliant selection of wines to go alongside, with options to go for the classic pairing, or sommeliers’ cellar selection.

Located inside Surrey's luxurious Pennyhill Park Hotel, The Latymer is a fine dining restaurant serving a choice of inventive menus designed by head chef Steve Smith. With a Michelin star to its name, The Latymer prides itself on providing only the highest level of service and a suitably formal atmosphere to best showcase the award-winning food. The restaurant is committed to showcasing only the finest local produce and also has a real focus on seasonality, which means that the menus change every day based on availability of ingredients.

Found in one of the oldest parts of the house, The Latymer's dining room boasts a snug yet grand feel with rustic exposed beams and opulent décor throughout. A mixture of brightly upholstered chairs and banquettes sit on a turquoise carpet while tables are topped with white tablecloths and wooden panels line the walls.

Taking on the position of head chef in 2020, Steve Smith has completely redesigned Latymer's food offering. The focus is on its discovery tasting menu which is available for both lunch and dinner. This is comprised of six regularly changing courses with guests recommended to allow three hours to experience the gastronomic experience. Examples of dishes might include Birxham crab salad and custard with mango and coriander to start, followed by Ventowyn Farm egg with peas, girolles and ham, and sea bass with Roscoff onion, smoked eel and mustard. Sweet dishes might include seasonal delights such as Yorkshire rhubarb with waina and pistachio.

When it comes to drinks at The Latymer, you can opt for a wine pairing designed by head sommelier Sergio Dos Santos to perfectly complement every dish on the tasting menu, or you can choose a bottle from the extensive wine list. There are also plenty of other drinks available for those who don't want wine and for non-drinkers.

The Victoria Oxshott is an award-winning British restaurant and gastropub located on Oxshott High Street, near Leatherhead in Surrey. Open for lunch, dinner and a roast on Sundays, The Victoria is a family friendly pub serving a menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes. 

The Victoria is a spacious modern pub with a large bar area and plenty of cosy seating areas and fireplaces. A green and gold colour palette is visible throughout the restaurant, and the interiors are luxurious but classic, with timber floors, wood-panelled walls as well as cosy rugs everywhere. There is also an expansive terrace and beer garden.

The main a la carte menu changes regularly. However, you may find dishes such as Sladesdown farm breast and leg of duck with hay baked carrot, Scottish girolles and apricot, and slow cooked pork, hispi cabbage, apple and black pudding crumb. Other classic dishes include traditional fish and chips, as well as a selection of steaks from the grill, all of which are served with roasted onion, chips and Bordelaise sauce. 

There's plenty in the way of meat-free options, including at the time of writing a cauliflower steak, torched corn and coriander. Save room for desserts like apricot Bakewell tart, yoghurt ice cream and banoffee pie souffle, or a cheese plate if you prefer. There is a large drinks menu, with an extensive wine list, as well as local beers and spirits. 

If you’re dining with younger guests you will find plenty of good options on the menu, such as cheese crumpets, fish and chips, and a mini Sunday roast. The Victoria is conveniently positioned within reach of Oxshott train station, alongside a number of shops, a delicatessen and a butchers. Keep an eye out for many seasonal specials, including The Victoria boxing day menu, and the New Years Eve menu. 

A true seafood institution, Bentley’s needs little introduction. Serving up the freshest seafood around for over 100 years will often have that effect. Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan for more than a decade, Bentley’s shows no sign of slowing down. This is a restaurant where diners feel relaxed, but every detail has been examined before anything leaves the kitchen. Specialising in not just oysters but all seafood, this is widely considered one of the best places to enjoy the fruits of the sea in the UK.

An essential start to a meal at Bentley’s is, of course, oysters. Here there are over ten varieties to choose from, available individually or by the half dozen. Purists can enjoy theirs as nature intended, while those seeking something more flavoured can opt for theirs dressed or garlic-baked. Oscietra, Cornish and Iranian Beluga caviar is available for those wishing to go all-out for their meal.

From the raw bar, the delights of the sea continue with options like langoustine with ponzu and pink grapefruit or cherry clam with tomato and horseradish. Classic dishes like shellfish cocktails are elevated to new heights here, featuring Cornish crab, Atlantic prawns, lobster and brown shrimp. Starters include further elevated dishes like lobster bisque with brandy and tarragon chantilly or Cornish crab and mussel soup with coconut, ginger and lime.

Those wanting something more relaxed for their main course can enjoy classic fish and chips with tartare sauce and mushy peas or fish pie. However, the decadence continues with options like pan-seared turbot with olive oil mash and langoustine sauce. Meat dishes like a herb-crusted rack of lamb are also available, but seafood is certainly the main event here.

There is an extensive list of wines by the glass as well as bottle so that the ideal accompaniment for each course can be chosen. There are plenty of sparkling options as well as larger bottles for extravagant celebrations.

With stunning views overlooking the tranquility of the Exe Estuary and the famed Jurassic Coast, five star Lymptone Manor might just be one of the most beautiful country retreats anywhere in the UK. This five star hotel boasts 21 stunning guest rooms and suites, six charming shepherd huts, a world-class wine cellar, and 28 acres of ground, including an 11 acre vineyard. Not to mention, of course, the presence of a true legend of British cooking - Michael Caines MBE - in the kitchen.

Michael Caines has become one of the UK's best known and respected chefs over his long career. His distinctive, modern British cooking - honed on classical French technique from the kitchens of legends like Joel Robuchon, Raymond Blanc and Bernard Loiseau - earned him two Michelin stars at nearby Gidleigh Park, an award that he held for eighteen years.

In 2017, Michael left to open Lympstone Manor, and he made an instant impact, winning a Michelin star just six months after opening. The menu is vintage Michael Caines - international influences, smart flavour combinations, all underpinned by old-school technique. Starters on the a la carte at the time of writing include confit salmon with honey and soy vinaigrette, wasabi yoghurt and a salmon consomme, and pan-fried duck liver with braised orange chicory, orange puree and anise-scented duck jus. Mains are a little more classic, like butter-poached Brixham turbot with braised leeks, poached scallops, truffle and chive butter. And who could possibly turn down a pistachio souffle for dessert, cooked by the master?

Aside from the a la carte there are two tasting menus available - the signature, and the 'Taste of the Estuary' that celebrates the best ingredients from the local area. And finally, appreciation of fine wine is also integral to the Lympstone Manor experience. The world-class wine cellar has over 600 bins representing some of the finest wine estates from around the globe.

Promising to bring the best of Barcelona to Manchester, Tast is a Spanish bar and restaurant in the centre of Manchester serving Catalonian twists on tapas dishes. Décor is modern and minimalistic, and the site is set over three spacious floors. Each floor boasts a slightly different atmosphere: the ground floor houses its buzzy bar and terrace, the first floor is where you'll find the main restaurant, while the top floor houses a beautiful private dining room. The restaurant has got a couple of big names behind it too. The kitchen is led by chef Paco Perez, who's won multiple Michelin stars throughout his career, while the restaurant is backed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

The food at Tast aims to be as authentic as possible, while only using the highest quality ingredients. The restaurant and bar both offer up a broad range of ‘tastets’, a Catalan word meaning ‘tasting plates’, and is intended to offer a Catalonian spin on tapas. Examples of these small and tasty dishes include roasted red pepper croquetas, octopus with potatoes, mojo rojo and mojo verde, and duck egg with fried squid, potato soufflé and tartar sauce.

Larger dishes, meanwhile, include a selection of Catalan-style rice and charcoal options, from lobster rice and coral mayo, to creamy mussel rice with mussel mayo. All of the rice dishes are finished off in a charcoal oven, to create the traditional caramelised glaze at the bottom of the dish.

Tast boasts a large selection of Catalonian wines - in fact, it's one of the largest collections of Catalonian wines in Manchester - which are ideal to accompany your authentic meal. There is also a range of international options if you prefer, plus plenty of cocktails and beers if you’re just stopping by the bar for a drink and a nibble.

In an enviable St James’s spot formerly occupied by Green’s restaurant and bar, Maison Francois draws inspiration from the grand brasseries of Paris, Lyon and Alsace with MasterChef: The Professionals 2018 finalist Matthew Ryle taking up the helm in the kitchen.

The name behind the venture is Francois O’Neill, whose pedigree in the restaurant industry should stand him in good stead. O’Neill’s father Hugh was co-founder of Brasserie St Quentin in Knightsbridge which later became Brompton Bar & Grill when Francois took over in 2008. Chef Matthew Ryle also has an impressive heritage, having trained at The Dorchester before becoming head chef at Mayfair fashion hangout Isabel at the tender age of 22.

Maison Francois serves a menu of French brasserie classics with a selection of fresh seafood, hearty terrines, patés and homemade charcuterie to keep patrons happy from lunch through to dinner. A wood-fired grill turns out cuts of meat and whole fish, with a poisson du jour as well as options for an entrecote of beef or poulet roti which can come as a quarter or a half.

For something sweet diners can look forward to the arrival of a traditional pudding trolley serving all the adored French classics: hazelnut Paris-Brest, an almond and raspberry gateau and a selection of seasonal fruit tarts. The restaurant also houses an in-house bakery serving breads and patisserie, available all day but perfect for breakfast.

The decor is equally traditional, with art-deco chandeliers suspended from the 20ft-high ceilings, mirrored arches and off-white drapery.

Downstairs, Frank’s wine bar offers up rustic sharing plates of cold meats and terrines with carefully matched wines and sherries. Both restaurant and bar are watched over by the eager eye of Ed Wyand, former maître d’ at Scott’s and owner of Verden wine bar, who heads up the front of house team.

Adam Handling has established himself as one of the brightest young talents on the London dining scene since opening his first solo restaurant in 2016. This Covent Garden restaurant and private dining room is the flagship for the Adam Handling Restaurant Group, which also operates The Loch & the Tyne in Old Windsor and Ugly Butterfly in Cornwall. Frog by Adam Handling is the chef's Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, serving curious and intriguing tasting menus.

Walk past at night when the restaurant’s glow spills out onto Southampton Row and you’ll be struck by the sort of convivial scene that makes you want to make a booking on the spot. The open kitchen is the focus of the dark and stark dining room, with chairs angled to give a view of the chefs toiling away and a counter for diners who want to get up close and personal with the restaurant theatre that unfolds over the course of a service.

You can, of course, ignore what’s going on at the pass and focus instead on what arrives on the plate. Start with a couple of ‘snacks’ while you peruse the menu: cured trout tart - a crispy tart filled wilth dill emulsion, ponzu, trout tail and fresh fennel salad or lamb tartare with kimchi - lamb trim tartare seasoned with red pepper and cauliflower kimchi, finished with kimchi emulsion

A pair of tasting menus offer Handling's signature dishes in miniature (including stunning lobster tail and claw cooked in Wagyu fat), which may be a better way to get the most out of Handling’s undoubted talent for bold brushstrokes of savoury flavour.

There are also various pairings available to order alongside the tasting menu, including a juice pairing, wine, premium wine, and Cali Burgundy Excellence.

No doubt one of Brighton's most celebrated restaurants, The Little Fish Market is true to its name - a small, 20-cover restaurant, run by Duncan Ray, who cooks a single tasting menu with a heavy lean towards south coast fish and seafood. Ray has worked under the likes of Marco Pierre White, John Burton Race and Heston Blumenthal in his career, before striking out on his own in Brighton.

Since opening in 2013, The Little Fish Market has scooped a bevy of awards, including a place in the Good Food Guide, the Michelin Guide, the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 and three AA Rosettes. These days, Brighton boasts a rejuvenated restaurant scene, but The Little Fish Market was there right at the beginning, and alongside chefs like Michael Bremner and Steven Edwards, Ray has done a great deal to put Brighton on the national culinary map.

You'll find the restaurant just off the main road towards Hove, where its unnassuming double-front sits neatly next to The Old Market theatre. This old building used to be a fishmonger, hence the name, and though it has smartened up a bit it still retains that rustic charm. Though Ray has experience in some very fine dining establishments, his cooking at The Little Fish Market is more classic and restrained.

The single tasting menu shows off a variety of fresh fish and seafood - whatever is best on each day - cooked in a way that shows it at its very best. The dishes are described in very few words - think 'Brill', 'Scallop' and 'Bream' - to keep a sense of mystery and surprise behind each one. While the accompanying wine selection is ably curated by Noble Rot's Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew.