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For dramatic London dining with a truly special feel you could do much worse than the OXO Tower Restaurant. This iconic eatery is found on the eighth floor of the oft-illuminated OXO Tower on London’s South Bank and affords diners some pretty spectacular views of the capital. Stretching out before you as you dine is the skyline of London, with the majestic St Paul’s cathedral just across the river being the centre of the scene.

The OXO Tower Restaurant is owned by Harvey Nichols and headed up by chef Jeremy Bloor who has a passion for cooking with the best of British ingredients, showcasing seasonal produce in his ever-changing menus. Starters might throw up combinations like Orkney scallops with a blood orange gel, arancini and monk’s beard or white bean soup with Beyond Meat and beetroot tortellini for guests who prefer vegetarian dishes. Mains include high-end cuts like Chateaubriand and venison haunch steaks as well as plenty of seafood options that showcase some of the UK’s finest coastal catches. Pudding brings classics like babas, panna cottas and cheese plates.

Wine at the OXO Tower Restaurant is as impressive as the food offering, having been chosen by Head Sommelier Diego Muntoni. Indeed, if you prefer you are welcome to enjoy a few drinks and snacks at the bar instead of a full three course meal. Elsewhere, the 250-foot terrace is the perfect place to watch as the skyline darkens on balmy evenings or can be braved in the winter with hot drinks, a good bottle or bubbly or a few rounds of cocktails with friends.

Throughout the year the restaurant often celebrates special occasions and holidays with carefully curated menus, marking days like Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Chinese New Year. There is also a beautifully laid out Afternoon tea each day.

Cheneston’s is a fine dining British restaurant located inside the Milestone Hotel just moments away from the stunning Kensington Gardens. Oozing plenty of traditional British charm and serving a comforting menu of refined classics, this elegant restaurant offers a sumptuous escape from the bustling streets of the city.

The traditional but luxuriously-dressed dining room boasts rich mahogany furniture, warm wood panelling, high ceilings and large windows which flood the space with plenty of natural light. This beautiful room is bursting with period features and character that’s guaranteed to transport guests to another world while they dine.

The kitchen team is headed up by executive chef Daniel Putz who has created a menu of warming signature dishes inspired by the hotel’s founder Beatrice Tollman. All the recipes have either been passed down in the family or discovered while travelling, adding a personal element to every dish. Examples of starters on the a la carte menu include Mrs T’s chicken noodle soup which is presented in the form of a pie, as well as H Forman & Son smoked salmon with soda bread. For main course, you might like to try Mrs T’s chicken pot pie, grilled dover sole with new potatoes, creamed spinach, lemon and caper dressing, or roasted loin of highland venison with celeriac, pear, hispi cabbage and red wine jus.

While dessert includes plenty of indulgent classics – think tonka bean custard tart with pear and amaretto reduction, and Mrs T’s baked vanilla cheesecake with strawberry compote.

There is also a Night Menu which serves food from 10:30pm for late-night diners, and includes a selection of light bites and starters, mains and desserts. Children are taken care of by way of a kid’s menu if you’d like to bring the whole family along.

Theo Randall at The InterContinental is a fine dining Italian restaurant by the chef of the same name. Inspired by his trips to Italy, Randall’s Mayfair restaurant offers a series of daily-changing menus that are dictated by the seasons in order to showcase the freshest possible produce from the market that day.

Theo Randall is a British chef and TV personality who regularly appears on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. He spent more than 15 years honing his craft at The River Cafe where he worked alongside cooking legends Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray MBE. It was under his guidance as head chef that the restaurant won a Michelin star in 1997. He left The River Cafe to launch Theo Randall at The InterContinental in 2006.

His eponymous restaurant is a modern, sleek operation that’s just as popular for special occasion meals as it is smart business lunches. There are both tasting and a la carte menus available, as well as set offerings and a Saturday brunch. For a flavour of what to expect, the four-course Signature menu showcases Randall’s simple, expertly executed cooking. This starts with antipasto such as cured beef carpaccio with wild rocket, shaved courgette, pine nuts, parmesan and aged balsamic vinegar. Primo follows: handmade pasta with slow-cooked duck, porcini and parmesan. Secondo might be roasted guinea fowl with parma ham, and lemon, thyme and mascarpone bruschetta, while dessert could be a light Amalfi lemon tart.

To drink, an extensive wine list comprises 90% Italian producers, although you’ll find a small section dedicated to wines from the ‘rest of the world’. English sparkling, Pet-Nats and vintage cuvees are also top choices if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

On the weekends, all attention turns to Saturday brunch, which includes an Italian ‘antipasti buffet’ with the option to wash it down with bottomless booze if you wish.

Tucked away inside the grand Royal Lancaster London you'll find Nipa Thai, an authentic Thai restaurant run by head chef Sanguan Parr and her all-female kitchen team. Nipa translates as 'shining light' in Thai, and this restaurant has certainly been a leading light when it comes to Thai food in the capital. In fact, the restaurant holds a Thai Select Award from the Thai government, awarded to restaurants that represent authentic Thai food around the world.

No expense has been spared when it comes to the interiors either - all the teak used to craft the restaurant has been sourced direct from Thailand, and it has been used to great effect in the furniture, as well as intricate decorative carvings on the walls. Combined with the patterned carpets and textured upholstery, it all gives Nipa Thai a slightly old-fashioned, comforting feel, without the restaurant feeling too stuffy. 

Meanwhile the menu reflects a similar approach to tradition and authenticity. Thai cuisine is all about balance, and the menu here shows that finesse across a wide range of starters, soups, curries, stir fries and rice and noodle dishes. The menu is pretty familiar for the most part, including the likes of crispy spring rolls with glass noodles, Thai fish cakes with sweet chilli, and deep-fried soft shell crab. There are authentic flavours seen less commonly in the UK too, such as steamed rice wraps with sauteed chicken, shallots and crisp lettuce. 

If you find the menu a little overwhelming in terms of choice, Nipa Thai offers a range of set menus as well, so you can sit back and enjoy the food without stressing about what to order. There's also a dedicated vegetarian set menu, and in general, there's plenty of choice for vegetarians here. 

A constantly evolving space, Artesian at the Langham is world-renowned for its award-winning cocktails served in a luxurious setting. Here, innovation is key, with the passionate team of mixologists coming up with new drinks list in line with the seasons, to keep things interesting. Indulging in a serve here is much more than the sum of its parts, it’s the collaborative experience of enjoying incredible service and world-class cocktails in one of London’s plushest hotels.

The drinks list changes theme from time to time, but currently cocktails at Artesian are centred around celebrating ingredients of the future - with 16 different cocktails that focus on an idea that ‘every sip tastes like a step towards a healthier planet and a better tomorrow’. For example, Soil cocktail is described as an earthy Artesian twist on the dry Martini, and includes the ingredients haku vodka, sake, soil scent and koji. There is also a cocktail called Insects, and is a take on a classic Whiskey Sour with dry and smokey tones; think bourbon, campari, nixta, crickets, chicatanas corn, coffee and lime.

A handful of timeless Artesian favourites are also available, including The Bridge (a favourite of head bartender Giulia Cuccurullo), which combines Patrón Silver tequila, Martini Ambrato, rhubarb cordial and tomato water, and The Godfather (Macallan 18 and Artesian’s Amaretto)

Alongside the accomplished drinks list – which includes additional wines, Champagnes, spirits and beers – there is also a carefully curated menu of snacks to help keep hunger at bay. Humble Chicken chef Angelo Sato has devised the latest menu, which delves into bold Asian flavours. Snacks on the menu include tuna tataki, smoked buttermilk chicken karaage, Humble Chicken katsu sando, and crispy pork bao sliders. This tasting experience menu can also be combined with a cocktail pairing from the Ingredients of the future menu.

Perched high in the sky on the 52nd floor of the Shard, GONG by Shangri La remains the highest bar in Western Europe. As a result it boasts absolutely jaw-dropping views of London - you can see the River Thames winding its way through London from up here, as well as making out iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the shimmering lights of Canary Wharf in the east. 

London's dramatic skyline makes the perfect backdrop for GONG by Shangri La's extensive cocktail menu, which includes bright and breezy lunchtime highballs as well as intense sundowners to enjoy against a London sunset, spread across multiple themed cocktail menus. The Voyager Zheng menu takes influence from Asia and the Far East, offering cocktails such as the Japan-inspired Onibasu Martini (vodka, shochu, sake, mirin, wine, soy and red spruce), and the Sri Lankan Dry Tai (Seedlip Grove 42, Bax botanics, lemon verbena, Orgeat, Gong citrus, pineapple and Aecorn Aromatic). The Deluxe list features Gong twists on classic cocktails, then there's the Tropical Oasis menu - devised in conjunction with Diplomatico Rum - where guest can sip on refreshing rum cocktails, and take a seat next to GONG's stunning sky pool. Naturally, this is also the highest pool bar in Western Europe too.

The interiors are suitably glamorous - this is certainly a place to impress a guest or a date. The sleek marble bar provides a focus for the room, whilst bar stools and lounge chairs are upholstered in striking scarlet fabrics, and mood lights shimmer off the smooth surfaces. 

There's always plenty going on at the bar, including regular DJ sessions where the beats continue late into the night. GONG also offers a Liquid Afternoon Tea, where tea-inspired miniature cocktails are pared up with sweet and savoury snacks.

Don’t be fooled by the seasonal moniker: The Summerhouse is open right through the year – by popular demand. Dreamily located by the banks of Little Venice at the Grand Union Canal, just a skip from its sibling The Waterway, this breezy venue offers canal-side dining 'with a Cape Cod influence' and sunny echoes of a Long Island beach retreat.

Inside you'll find a beach lover's paradise, resplendent in beachy touches and nautical decor. The colour theme of sea blue and white really leans into the theme, as do the navy and white striped banquettes and exposed brick white walls. There's even an impressive collection of beige and blue beach themed trinkets and statement pieces in the light and airy dining room. Exiting the main room onto the terrace provides an excellent view of the charming narrow boats. 

Seafood is the name of the game here and it's available in just about every shape and size you can imagine. Fish and chips here are legendary, as is the whole baked sea bass, served with green beans, almond butter and sauteed new potatoes, and the Mediterranean king prawns, which are pan fried with chilli and coriander butter. 

Kick things off with some of the famous traditional popcorn shrimps with sweet chilli sauce, or if you're not in the mood for sea snacks, opt for chilled Spanish tomato soup with iberico ham, or some irresistible burrata. There's then the option to choose between Mediterranean sharing plates, salads, shellfish and mains, before taking your pick from Eton mess, knickerbocker glory and a cheeseboard to round things off. 

The Summerhouse is the ideal way to get that summer feeling while remaining close to home. And if you feel more at home on the water, don't despair - you'll find that the restaurant even has its own moorings. 

Anise is a modern, spice-led cocktail lounge, situated next door to sister site Cinnamon Kitchen City. It’s part of the Cinnamon restaurant group, headed up by highly regarded Indian chef Vivek Singh.

Singh first made a name for himself as the chef patron of Cinnamon Club - an Indian restaurant situated inside the Grade-listed Westminster Library. The success of Cinnamon Club has spawned a group of restaurants that includes multiple Cinnamon Kitchen and Cinnamon Bazaar sites across London, as well as standalone cocktail bar Anise.

Inside, Anise feels slick and modern, decked out in earthy spice tones. Sprawling leather booths provide semi-private spaces for small groups who want a tiny bit of privacy, and there are stools up at the bar for anyone who wants to get the inside track on how Anise’s excellent bartenders mix up their unique cocktails.

The bar specialises in cocktails that have a unique spice-led angle to them, taking classic combinations and giving them an Indian twist. Cocktails have been designed in collaboration with iconic mixologist Tony Conigliaro, and include signature mixes like the Assam Manhattan, where Assam black tea is infused with Buffalo Trace bourbon and mixed with vermouth, maraschino and black cardamom. A classic Kir gets similar treatment, given an exotic edge with toasted coconut and coconut liqueur.

The drinks menu includes lots of other options, including a pretty extensive wine list, spirits, beers, soft drinks and more, making Anise ideal if you’re in the area for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. If you’re hungry, head next door to Cinnamon Kitchen, which serves well-priced, accessible regional Indian food.

Hinds Head is a destination dining experience curated and led by world-renown chef Heston Blumenthal, housed within a historic, 15th-century pub. Indeed, the building has acted as a place to gather and eat since the 1400s, and over the years has been featured in folklore songs, books and visited by royalty. The team are keen to preserve its storied past, with the pub's logo proudly featuring a female deer circled by a royal garter and their location, close to Windsor Castle. 

Blumenthal bought the property in 2004 and since then it has been recognised with a Michelin star for its traditional British cuisine. There are a few menus to choose from including an a la carte, set lunch and Sunday lunch. To get a feel for what you can expect, take a look at the example menus online, kicking off with some of the restaurant's now legendary snacks, including Devils on Horseback and Scotch Egg.

Starters look like pickled beetroot tart with smoked goat's curd and cider poached pears, alongside classic dishes like pea and ham soup, and crab soup and sandwich with tomato and fennel. For mains, take your pick from the big plates such as oxtail and kidney pudding with oxtail sauce, as well as market fish with samphire, brown shrimps and mustard sauce, plus pork belly with pearl barley, pickled onions, fennel and wheat beer. Then, there's the grill. Here, you can enjoy a selection of cuts sourced locally from Aubrey Allen Butchers, who have a particular fondness for Irish Hereford Prime, aged for a minimum of 28 days, cooked to your liking. 

The team are keen for you to enjoy the breadth of their unique beverage offering alongside the food, with signature cocktails such as the Apple Orchard with Broken Clock Vodka, Aker English Dry Aperitif, apple and orange blossom shrub and soda. There's also a selection of non-alcoholic options, beers and a curated wine list. 

Following huge success with Arbutus and the original Wild Honey, Anthony Demetre has taken his acclaimed restaurant from Mayfair to St James's, where it now resides in the Sofitel St James Hotel. The restaurant received rave reviews during its time in Mayfair, and the St James's iteration has been similarly well received, being awarded a Michelin star in 2022.

Demetre is a chef with a wealth of experience alongside luminaries like Gary Rhodes, Pierre Koffmann and Bruno Loubet, and at Wild Honey St James his menu combines classic French techniques with the finest British seasonal produce. As well as sticking with seasonal British produce whenever possible, The restaurant has a sustainable mentality - the kitchen operates in a nose to tail fashion, making sure to use every part of an ingredient to lower wastage. 

There are a number of menus available at the restaurant, catering to a variety of crowds, with menus for lunch as well as an evening tasting menu. If you make it in the early evening you'll find a very reasonable early supper menu on offer too. Dishes on the menu include grilled Hereford beef with slow cooked shin cottage pie and Roscoff onion, and Shetland halibut with mussels, Manitou potatoes, young leeks and white miso.

As per the name, Wild Honey also has its own wild honey, courtesy of a few hives on the roof of the hotel, as well as local providers Bermondsey Street Bees. Honey features in a number of dishes, including a Welsh lamb, roast sand carrot, January king cabbage and honey dish, and the wild honey ice cream with honeycomb and lemon madeleines.

As you'd expect for this sort of hotel establishment, the wine list is also extensive and varied, with a huge range of wines by bottle and by the glass.

Bath is blessed with good luck when it comes to brilliant restaurants and Clayton's Kitchen is one that should have long been on your list. Chef Patron Robert Clayton opened his name sake restaurant back in 2012 with a vision of creating an intimate, neighbourhood spot that celebrates simple, seasonal food.

Inspired by Mediterranean cooking and modern French cuisine, for over a decade now, Robert has been delighting both beloved regulars and tourists with plates that champion the freshest ingredients. And it's no wonder, too. Robert's impressive CV boasts time spent as Head Chef at Huntstreet House Hotel, where he became one of the youngest chefs to receive a Michelin Star. And, after moving to Bath Priory he was awarded yet another, which was maintained throughout his seven year stay.

As with any seasonal fare, the menu is subject to change but the website offers an overview of the different options on offer, which include an a la carte, lunch and Sunday lunch menu, as well as vegan and children's versions, too.

First off, guests are encouraged to begin their experience with a 'pre-dining tipple' such as a CK Fashioned with whiskey, Amaretto and Chambord. For those looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, the Drivers Negroni sounds delicious and mixes zero gin, lyre's, cranberry juice and bitters. Starters might look like slow-cooked lamb shoulder bonbons with ewes curd served with spiced apple puree, beetroot and mint oil, or pan-roasted Devon scallops with caramelised squash puree, roasted pork belly and apple and chive veloute.

For mains, we like the sound of the honey roasted free range duck breast complemented by dauphinoise potatoes, celeriac puree and cassis sauce, but you can also never go wrong with market fish, served with grilled asparagus, chive crushed potatoes and lobster sauce.

Finally, no meal at Clayton's Kitchen is quite complete without dessert, so why not tuck into the likes of salted caramel chocolate mousse with candied almonds, hazelnut ice cream, poached pears in Poire Williams syrup? Yum!

China Tang at The Dorchester Hotel is one of London's most recognisable Chinese restaurants, thanks to its iconic, opulent art deco dining room, and a huge menu of sumptuous Cantonese cooking. 

The huge basement dining room is inspired by pre-war Shanghai, and every inch of the room is embellished with elaborately-patterned carpets and floral upholstered seating. The walls are all dark wood, detailed with intricate carvings and illuminated by low-lit lamps, which cast moody shadows across the room.

China Tang’s menus feature a bevy of authentic Cantonese dishes - fear not if you're overwhelmed by the choice, because China Tang also offers set menus for groups. To start, try delicate tomato and egg-drop soup, barbecue honey spare ribs, or roast duck. There are platters of Cantonese roast meats, and then a host of classic dishes like lobster noodles and scallops with black bean, as well as more unusual dishes such as braised abalone with sea cucumber. As well as the a la carte, China Tang also offers vegetarian and halal menus too. The vegetarian menu is extensive, with dishes like golden crispy tofu, aubergine hotpot, and morning glory in garlic sauce making this a great restaurant choice for vegetarians. 

Dim sum is another big part of China Tang's success. The dim sum menu is split into specials, meat, seafood and vegetarian items, with a range of traditional and luxury treats in each section. Dim sum is available at lunch and dinner, and includes the likes of Dover sole crab rolls with caviar, Iberico pork siu long bao, scallop dumplings, sesame prawn toast, and spring onion cakes.

In the bar, the same menus are offered, along with fashion-forward cocktails like the Plum Cobbler (plum liqueur, peppermint and eucalyptus cordial, violet, Hennessy XO, pandan syrup, fresh pear, citrus) and the Sea Spritz (Seatrus Gin Acqua Di Mare, homemade cedro soda).

Sitting right in the heart of Bloomsbury, Roka Charlotte Street was the group’s first ever London site, and it remains one of the most beloved thanks to a combination of delicious Japanese cooking and sleek modern interiors. London is a city now obsessed with Japanese food, but Roka was part of the wave that really started it all, winning legions of fans with precise, delicious sushi platters and flavour-bomb dishes from the signature robata grill.

Inside, Roka’s contemporary styling has also won it many fans. The roaring robata grill (from which Roka borrows the first syllable of its name) sits at the heart of the restaurant, surrounded by counter dining spots on a gorgeous piece of carved wood. Floor-to-ceiling windows help to fill the whole space with natural light, which also lends the restaurant a rather glamorous evening atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Roka is beloved for its easy-going Japanese menu which has something for everyone. Sushi fans have long been coming to Roka for the excellent sushi and sashimi selection, that includes soft shell crab, cucumber and kimchi maki rolls with chilli mayonnaise, Wagyu tempura maki with karashi ponzu, and a spicy sashimi fish platter with cucumber shiso. You can also order sashimi and nigiri per piece, from a wide selection that includes shrimp, yellowfin, octopus and fatty tuna.

All that before you get to the robata grill section, which forms the heart of the Roka experience. Dishes like chicken skewers with spring onion, baby back pork ribs with sansho pepper, lamb cutlets with Korean spices and beef fillet with chilli and ginger are all cooked over the coals and flames. There are great seafood dishes too, including scallop skewers and Roka’s famous black cod marinated in yuzu miso.

Try the new Gadira tasting menu featuring tuna prepared in various ways. Designed for a minimum of 8 guests, this menu showcases the finest Barbate bluefin tuna sourced from the renowned fishing hub in Andalusia, ensuring a fresh and flavorsome dining experience. This tuna feast features mormo stewed for a few minutes, marinated tuna ribs accompanied by chips, a giant loin tuna steak cooked a la plancha, and lemon ice cream with a touch of salted dry air tuna's heart. An experience for real foodies. £100 per person.

Pizarro in Bermondsey is José Pizarro’s second in the area with his original tapas bar one block away on Bermondsey Street. The restuarant is an homage to José's grandfather who had a bar by the same name in Talaván in the West of Spain.

The restaurant brings traditional Spanish cuisine to the heart of London with its menu of small tapas plates—perfect for sharing—or more substantial options with a choice of starters and mains. Diners can enjoy quality, seasonal Spanish produce cooked in an open kitchen that shows off José Pizarro’s passion and Spanish influence. 

Up first on the menu is the selection of tapas dishes, titled Pica Pica. This includes daily changing croquetas, padròn peppers and Jamón Ibérico. Moving onto starters, there is a range of salads on offer as well as seaafood options including clams in a spicy sauce and grilled squid in a Spanish sherry sauce. Of course, the Spanish influence continues into the main courses with a vegetarian option of wild mushroom rice, apple, fino and soft sheep cheese. Ibérico pork makes another appearance in the main options as well as a sharing dish for two that features suckling lamb served with patata al caliu, yoghurt allioli and fresh herbs. 

If you're visiting in a large group of more than eight diners, Pizarro offers different set menus that can be pre-ordered. You can opt between a £50 or £60 set menu with both featuring an array of tapas dishes, starters, main courses and desserts. Pizarro also presents a set menu perfect for meat-lovers with its £100 suckling pick option that, of course, makes a feature of Jamón Ibérico, Spanish cold cuts, Catalan sausage and marinated pork. 

Alongside the range of desserts is a fantastic list of dessert wines that are selected to match each dessert choice. With a hugely extensive drinks menu, guests are spoilt for choice with the selection of Spanish wines, brandy, whisky and liqueurs. Non-alcoholic diners are not forgotten with a little selection of classic mocktails.

Winteringham Fields is an ingredient-led dining concept in North Lincolnshire; proudly the area's only restaurant with a Michelin Star. Located out in the grassy flatlands, the concept hinges heavily on nature, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local fisherman and growers, as well as produce reared on the on-site farm. 

The team say that from the moment you walk through the door, until your final sip of wine, visiting Winteringham Fields should be experiential. You can expect top-class service and innovative, intriguing dishes that inform as well as delight. 

The restaurant offers a range of tasting menus which are staggered throughout the day. While dishes change with the seasons, the website offers a flavour of what you might expect. For example, within the 18-course lunch menu, guests can enjoy aged wild turbot, Thirkleby duck, a BBQ chicken taco and a selection of desserts like Robert's rhubarb and chocolate delice. 

During the evening sitting, many of these dishes reappear joined by the likes of hand dived scallops, laksa and fennel salad and smoked eel with herring roe, chives and cucumber. Each menu comes with a suggested wine pairing and guests are encouraged to ask the sommelier’s advice if ordering by the glass. 

Winteringham Fields recently unveiled a new immersive experience as part of its offering, an additional space built around an open kitchen. Here, diners can be part of the chef's process and witness what goes on behind closed doors, an exciting event especially when celebrating a birthday or anniversary. 

And, for those who live further afield or simply desire to make a night out of their visit to Winteringham Fields, consider booking into one of the boutique hotel's charming rooms. Choose between the 16th century Main House with period features, the peaceful courtyard with individual balconies, and the quaint Dovecoats, just a few minutes away in the sleepy village.

Located within the luxurious South Lodge hotel in Horsham, West Sussex, The Camellia is a British restaurant headed up by chef Josh Mann that serves an ever-changing, hyper-seasonal menu. Its commitment to sourcing is second to none, with Josh and his team growing most of the restaurant's fresh fruit and vegetables in the hotel’s walled garden, while sourcing anything it can’t grow in-house from local Sussex suppliers. The restaurant is open for dinner throughout the week, and lunch on Sundays only.

Josh Mann brings a wealth of experience to The Camellia following various roles at Michelin pubs and restaurants across the UK. Now leading a young and aspiring team of chefs, including a number of apprentices and students, his aim is to nurture and inspire a new generation, working with them to create dishes which eventually end up on the menu.

The a la carte menu features a concise selection of starters, main courses and desserts. Examples of starters include lobster ravioli with charred broccoli, lobster bisque and lime, with the option to add Cornish Exmoor caviar if liked, along with a scallop scotch egg with house made black pudding, XO emulsion and sour apple. For main course, you might try roasted cod with potato rosti, housed cured ham, fermented kohlrabi, mustard caviar and Thermidor beurre blanc, or whole partridge with spiced pear, cavolo nero, Sussex honey parkin, duck liver, whisky and elderberry jus. While desserts include a rhubarb and ginger mille-feuille with poached rhubarb, stem ginger crème patisserie and rhubarb ice cream.

The wine list features over 300 bins with varieties from across the globe. An ever-changing sommelier’s selection is available by the glass, along with half size and full bottles. If you’re not sure where to start, the sommelier is on hand to offer recommendations that pair perfectly with your meal.

Richard Corrigan is synonymous with friendly service and comforting, modern British cooking in the capital. Corrigan's Mayfair is his eponymous restaurant in glitzy Mayfair, alongside Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in Piccadilly and Daffodil Mulligan in Old Street. 

Whilst Bentley's is famous for the thousands of oysters shucked and served on its premises every day, Corrigan's has a reputation as one of the finest game restaurants in the capital. Broadly speaking, Corrigan's is a celebration of seasonal British and Irish produce, but the restaurant is particularly proud to showcase game from across the British Isles, 'coastal and wild, furred and feathered,' as they say. The Glorious Twelfth (the name given to the start of the grouse hunting season) is an auspicious date in the Corrigan's calendar for that very reason, and the restaurant remains busy throughout the hunting season and beyond. 

Bookended by snacks and petit fours, the menu is packed with dishes that showcase classic French techniques and modern British flavour combinations with interesting twists. A salad of lobster is livened with taramasalata and yuzu, and a foie gras bavarois comes with gingerbread and pear. Mains include the likes of Hampshire fallow deer with cocoa, fig and crapaudine beetroot, and wild Shetland halibut with chervil root, autumn truffle and cavolo nero. If you still have room for dessert, try the apple tarte fine with hazelnut and vanilla ice cream, or a signature Corrigan's Paris-brest.

Corrigan's sommelier team hand-picks wine recommendations every season, but if you want to delve into the wine list you'll find an extensive collection by the glass and bottle from all over the world. Guests can also head to Dickie's Bar by the restaurant entrance for a cocktail whilst they wait for their table.

With the same old world romantic feel to it as its sibling, this central London restaurant is from the team behind The Wolseley, and you can feel it in the sumptuous decor and high standard of service. The Delaunay is a grand space in the centre of theatreland that is modelled on the grand cafes of Mittel-Europe and serves up a menu packed with classics.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a visit to The Delaunay is a welcome treat no matter the time of day. For lunch there’s a selection of sandwiches ranging from an indulgent lobster-filled roll to a stunning chicken schnitzel, and if you happen in later on in the day then you can enjoy heartier fare from the all-day menu - moules, schnitzel or confit duck, say.

Tables fill up fast so booking ahead is recommended, but there are always a handful of spaces reserved for walk ins, in case you fancy a spontaneous trip to one of London’s premier dining destinations.

Hawksmoor is a high-quality British steakhouse serving sustainable beef and seafood, with multiple venues across the UK including eight locations in London. This particular venue on Air Street is located in the West End, between Piccadilly and Regent Street, making it a prime spot for diners to enjoy some pre- and post-theatre dining.  

The large, art-deco dining room offers views over London’s iconic Regent Street, and is decked out in a typically old-school style synonymous with the brand. Expect green banquet seating, parquet wooden flooring, a backlit bar and warm, glowy lighting throughout.

Discover a menu for nearly every occasion, from set options to sharing, pre and post-theatre and of course its legendary Sunday roast. Although Hawksmoor is first and foremost a steakhouse, it's also teamed up with restaurateur, chef and author Mitch Tonks of seafood restaurant Seahorse, to manage the fish side of things, focusing on sourcing the freshest possible produce and cooking it simply over real charcoal.  

The a la carte menu kicks off with starters, such as Devon crab on toast, roasted scallops with white port and garlic and langoustine scampi, before moving onto the main event: steak! Guests are invited to choose their cut of choice (chateaubriand, fillet, rib-eye, sirloin, rump) along with their preferred sauce (highlights include anchovy hollandaise and bone marrow gravy). The sides are almost as important as the steak at Hawksmoor, with well over 10 options available including macaroni cheese, creamed spinach, beef dripping fries and buttered English greens. Of course, seafood dishes are also on offer including the likes of royal sea bream baked in garlic, rosemary and chilli, and monkfish cooked over charcoal. 

There’s a huge focus on drinks as well, with the wine list boasting reserve and fine wines, port and sherry, dessert wines and magnums. While an extensive cocktail offering includes multiple twists on highballs, martinis and Manhattans, along with plenty of signature and classic options.

Step into a realm of refined elegance at Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, where a journey into a charming era of sophistication awaits. The enchantment begins as you traverse the mile-long drive, flanked by majestic beech trees, leading you to the grand entrance of this establishment. Whether you choose to step through the magnificent drawing room or the charming Library for pre-dinner cocktails, the stage is set for an evening of elevated dining.

Under the helm of executive chef Hywel Jones, the restaurant has proudly held a Michelin star since 2006, offering guests an incredible dining experience each time. If you are in a group of ten or more, then your group will be classed as private dining. The restaurant is open from 6:30pm, with last orders at 8pm on Wednesdays, and 8.30pm Thursday to Saturday. In adherence to the restaurant etiquette, it’s worth noting that children under the age of 5 are unable to dine at Restaurant Hywel Jones.

Hywel's commitment to perfection is reflected in his meticulous selection of the finest ingredients, ensuring a symphony of flavours that will delight every guest. Whenever possible, the team sources from local suppliers, aligning with their dedication to quality and supporting the community.

For the tasting menu, expect to find dishes like the heritage beetroot tart with Somerset ricotta, and Cornish lobster with veronique. Then, you may taste the day boat turbot with cucumber chutney, sea vegetables and oscietra caviar, and Andrew Morgan's Brecon lamb with Wye Valley asparagus, morel mushroom and wild garlic. Lastly, you will be served a selection of British and continental cheese with homemade crackers, some charentais melon and sweet wine, and a delicious dish of white chocolate with yuzu and wild strawberry.

There are few restaurants that can claim to be situated in as beautiful of a location as Bybrook restaurant. Tucked away in the village of Castle Combe, that is a tourist destination purely for it’s quintessentially British feel, is The Manor House, where the restaurant calls home. The interior is homely with carpeted flooring, a cosy dining room feel, and stylish features such as exposed brick walls and large windows allowing light to flood through. But this is not a case of style over substance, as Bybrook has earned itself a Michelin star for its delicious seasonal dishes, which are enhanced by fine wines paired by an expert sommelier.
Ingredients come from a mixture of local suppliers and the kitchen garden where gardeners work hand in hand with head chef Rob Potter to create the menu. Using raised beds, poly tunnels and orchards, the team are able to grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and even create a microclimate to germinate seedlings.
Able to cater to meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike, the Bybrook focuses on what’s in season, to get the most out of each ingredient. Guests are able to enjoy a tasting menu with six courses and an optional wine flight. Think dishes like laminated brioche with cultured butter, Cornish wild turbot with white asparagus, Petrossian caviar and seaweed butter, and Herdwick lamb, morel, wild garlic and kohlrabi. For those who like something a little sweeter, you can expect immaculately presented desserts that showcase the best British fruits on offer at the time. With executive chef Rob Potter at the helm, it comes as no surprise that this restaurant has been able to gain a Michelin star in 2017 and keep it ever since, as well as an admirable 3 AA rosettes. There are already plenty of reasons to head to this picturesque part of the country, but Bybrook restaurant may just be one of the best yet.

Nobu London Old Park Lane first opened in 1997 and at the time, was the first European site for this now-iconic, luxury chain of Japanese restaurants, founded by world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Its nearly 30 years of history makes it a must-visit spot for fans of the chef, or Japense cuisine in general. Housed in a contemporary, art gallery-style building on the edge of Hyde Park, guests can enjoy London views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sleek, modern feel. 

As for the menus, there are plenty of options to choose from for both lunch and dinner. For an evening sitting, for example, you might start with padron peppers with yuzu miso, alongside a caviar and avocado nori taco and umami chicken wings. Speaking of tacos, this hybrid dish is a much-loved favourite with fillings like spicy salmon, lobster and wagyu beef. 

The menu highlights both classic and contemporary dishes thanks to the restaurant's long and storied reputation. Diners are encouraged to mix cold and hot plates, with cold dishes looking like miso chips with tuna or salmon, alongside salmon skin salad and seafood ceviche. While, hot dishes might look like the must-try black cod miso, rock shrimp tempura with three sauces, as well as beef toban yaki. 

Nobu specialises in Japanese grade A5 wagyu beef and offers a choice of new style, tataki, toban yaki, steak, ishiyaki and tacos. Another must try is the kushiyaki skewers with options like chicken, scallop and beef. Be sure to load up on sides, too. We like the sound of the grilled asparagus with dry miso and warm mushroom salad. Finally, for dessert there are sweet treats like the chocolate bento box, mango cheesecake and oat crumble with Thai basil sorbet. 

Nobu London Old Park Lane also offers sushi classes which are really fun to do with friends and will give you a whole new insight into the world of Japanese cuisine. 

Rotunda brings all-round great British food and drinks to the streets of Kings Cross. The restaurant's ethos claims that London's dining scene often overcomplicates food whereas the Rotunda offering is simple but sophisticated. Sourced from a remote farm in the heart of Northumberland, their meat supplies are fresh and organic with the animals free to roam over acres of farmland. Only quality meat and the most interesting cuts go on the menu, so with its farm-to-plate concept, you'll be treated to a succulent array of meat dishes.

The actual restaurant is bright and modern with accents of gold around the restaurant elevating it to a luxurious ambience. Out on the terrace, you'll find a garden alongside Regent's Canal, providing a calming setting that is a real hidden gem on a summer's day. Sip on a fruity cocktail like the pineapple and custard cream milk punch, or stay with the trend and try a glass of orange wine; both are perfect accompaniments to nibbles of olives and grilled sourdough while you wait.

Dine al fresco or in the main restaurant and start off with a creamy burrata, balanced out by pickled tomatoes and basil crisps. For the mains, the obvious choice is one of the special Corneyside Farm steaks, traditionally hand-reared and sustainably sourced to harness the best flavours from the meat. If you're not a red meat fan, other mains include grilled chicken, torched salmon or the vegetarian option of lemon, thyme and hazlenut gnocchi. 

For dessert, the menu combines tradition with excitement, offering up the likes of chocolate brownie or a tart alongside the intriguing orange and cardamom creme brulee with a rosemary shortbread.

Rotunda ensures your experience is full of British classics and a touch of excitement and decadence. This continues with the Sunday menu where fresh, organic meat joins beef fat roast potatoes, roasted root vegetables, seasonal greens and a Yorkshire pudding; all lovingly topped off with lashings of rich gravy.

TOZI is a much-loved Italian local in London's Victoria, perfect for both relaxed, long lunches with friends and yet glamorous enough for special occasions, too. The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday for all day dining, serving up a selection of menus devised by Chef Maurilio, inspired by traditional Venetian fare. Of course, its location is ideal, whether you're coming from central London or further afield, thanks to its position right next to the underground and train station. 

Venetian cuisine is famous for its cicchetti dishes which are typically served with drinks before a meal in bite-sized portions. TOZI re-interprets this idea by offering cicchetti-style plates across its menu, meaning you can try even more of the menu's flavour combinations. 

Smaller dishes include seared beef carpaccio and grilled artichokes, as well as zucchini fritti and Tuscan bean soup with spelt and rosemary oil. There's also a selection of options from the deli and salad bar; get stuck into octopus with chickpea purée, alongside burrata, roasted aubergine and dry tomatoes, and Umbrian wild boar salsiccia. 

If main dishes are more your thing, we like the sound of the slow cooked pork shoulder with cannellini beans and cavolo nero, as well as roasted cod with Castelluccio lentils and chard. For a special occasion, enjoy an impressive sharing dish like lobster linguine and 500g of 31 day aged beef rib with rosemary and garlic. For dessert, it has to be a traditional Italian sweet like pistachio tiramisù, pear and yoghurt semifreddo, toffee and hazelnut crumble, and the Tozi affogato. 

In terms of the space, expect calming, minimalist decor that ticks all of the aesthetic boxes. Neutral tones are paired with natural materials for effortless chic, while mid century chairs sit next to sinkable booths, perfect for both intimate dinners for two and socialising spaces for larger groups.  

Martin Wishart is an Edinburgh born chef who has honed his talent when training under such renowned chefs such as Alnert Roux and Marco Pierre White, that he has established himself as one of the most respected chefs in the country. Wishart worked in kitchens from a teen, and although he initially never planned to become a chef, he fell in love with the industry and is now well established as a multi award winning chef and restaurateur.

Wishart is exceptionally proud of his Scottish heritage and loves to focus on the very best ingredients he can source, saying that “the langoustines, scallops, crabs and lobsters always come live into my restaurant. I am very passionate about Scottish produce and use it as much as I can.” He was on the search for nearly seven years before he found the perfect property for his first restaurant in Leith, and has a great entrepreneurial attitude, these days owning three restaurants, a cook school and outside catering opportunities.

For lunch, try the three or four course option beginning with a gratin of white asparagus starter with smoked salmon and a poached hens egg, or the broccoli ravioli with smoked almond crumb and red pepper veloute. Your main course may be the Tweed Valley aged sirloin with braised short rib, black pudding and Roscoff onion, or the roasted halibut and pig's trotter.

Dessert includes the cherry beer baba with pistachio cream and sorbet, and there are additional options of a cheese board and coffee with petit fours. The tasting menu is vague, and leaves much to be discovered, just like many others. To start, you'll enjoy flavours of wild garlic and onion, before a ceviche of halibut with mango and passion fruit and Orkney scallops with vadouvan spice with squash, walnut pesto, sauternes and curry veloute. For dessert there is a pairing of gariguette strawberry with yoghurt mousse and pink peppercorn glass.

José Pizarro’s third London restaurant can be discovered in Broadgate Circle, just a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station. In classic Pizarro-style, the Broadgate resturant brings to life the bustling, vibrant experience of dining in a Spanish tapas bar. A relaxed vibe that includes an outdoor terrace provides a great location for group dining or an interesting date location. 

The tapas menu runs all day and features all of the traditional Spanish dishes. Starting with a selection of Pica Pica dishes, guests can choose between Jamón Ibérico, Padrón peppers, croquetas as well as a variety of cheeses and roasted vegetables. Moving onto a main course, José includes spanish omelettes, a variety of seafood dishes, including a squid sandwich with roasted garlic aioli and even some mini beef burgers with a Spanish twist of piquillo peppers and allioli. 

To finish, diners can treat themselves to a Spanish dessert, cheesecake with blueberries or a salted chocolate pot. The menu pairs each dessert with a specific Spanish dessert wine that compliments the flavours of each sweet option. 

Overall, the drinks list is, of course, a true example of fine Spanish wine with white, rose or red from a variety of different years. The Broadgate restuarant also features a choice of sherries as well as a selection of gins, beer and cider. If you're a fan of cocktails, the bar provides a selection that, indeed, includes the traditionally Spanish sangria. 

As a tapas bar is great for a group dining experience, the resturant has two set menus for group booking sover six people. Set at £25 or £37 per person, these menus have a great range from across the menu, with the more expensive menu also including a seafood paella. Diners also have the option to add extra dishes to tailor the menu to specific tastes. 

José Pizarro’s signature tapas style resturant features an outdoor terrace that extends the bustling vibe and allows guests to watch the city's social life while experiencing traditional Spanish cuisine. 

Located just off Regent Street, in Soho’s Golden Square, the iconic Bob Bob Ricard Soho serves a classic British and French menu in one of London’s most glamorous dining rooms. Here, French and British classics are reinvented with the finest ingredients to produce comfort food fit for a special occasion.

With interiors taking inspiration from the Orient Express and the Golden Age of travel, every table is a booth and each one is fitted with a ‘press for Champagne’ button. In fact, the restaurant is famous for pouring more Champagne than any other restaurant in Great Britain. The elegant restaurant is dressed in a rich palette of colours - royal blue, gold, and ivory. It’s majestic and elaborate with blue and white painted walls and pretty chandeliers sprinkling light all over the restaurant.

The Bob Bob Ricard Soho menu reads like an extensive list of luxury foodstuffs starting with small bach and reserve vodka shots to get you buzzing for rounds of Siberian caviar and Jersey rock oysters. The starters continue with all types of tartare from salmon to steak, and specialties of truffled potato vareniki and lobster pelmeni dumplings.

Once your taste buds have been thoroughly excited, you can move on to mains of chicken Kyiv, beef Wellington, and 28-day aged Aberdeenshire beef chateaubriand. The fish menu is equally decadent with lobster macaroni and cheese thermidor, and Loch Duart salmon en crute with a Champagne beurre blanc.

For afters, a shot of Limonnaya Vodka served at minus 18 degrees, a stunning strawberry and cream soufflé, and the signature Bob Bob Ricard chocolate glory all await your attention. Bob Bob Ricard might be about opulence, but over a decade ago, Bob Bob Ricard caused a sensation, famously capping the markup on fine wine at £75. The policy remains in place today. 

Hawksmoor Manchester is a modern and inviting bar and restaurant serving a range of fresh fish, meat and vegetarian British dishes.

Open daily, Hawksmoor Manchester is located in a late Victorian courthouse on Deansgate. The interior has been sympathetically modernised and restored, featuring a beautifully installed parquet floor, and panelling from Birmingham’s famous Sandwell College. The bar and restaurant is ideally located for those visiting Spinningfields, looking for a pre/post theatre dinner, or those stopping off for a mid-shopping break.

Hawksmoor Manchester serves lunch and dinner, alongside a bar menu, all of which are available at various times throughout the week and weekend. There is also a Sunday roast option, plus cocktails, sharing dishes, and a 2/3 course set menu available. If you’re looking for something special there is also a private dining option.

The main menu features lots of tempting-sounding dishes such as the Hawksmoor smoked salmon served with soda bread and the ash-baked beetroot salad served with pickled fennel, horseradish and hazelnut.

Main courses include dishes such as the whole native lobster served with garlic butter, and a herb-fed chicken dish served with bearnaise & lemon. There is also an impressive large-cut steak menu featuring a bone-in prime rib and a 350g ribeye, all of which are available with a choice of sauces and sides.

When it comes to dessert you will find plenty of favourites on the menu such as sticky toffee pudding and Bramley apple pie, as well as the option to go for ice creams, chocolates or Neal’s Yard cheeses.

Hawksmoor is ideally located close to all of the city’s theatres and popular venues. If you’re looking for an express-menu you can also ask for their pre/post theatre menu which features dishes such as potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires, and a 35 day aged rump steak.

Located just a two-minute walk from Hoxton station, Sager + Wilde on Hackney Road is a rustic-chic wine bar providing guests with an extensive and imaginative wine list alongside a modest selection of small plates and nibbles. This is the ideal spot for everything from post-work drinks and nibbles to a date night evening out sampling rare wine and enjoying the modern British sharing plates.

Inside, guests can opt to take a seat at the stunning bar-top of Victoria cast iron or at the lower wooden tables that are overlooked by a huge bottle rack lining the wall. The shades are often drawn slightly for an intimate and moody ambience but if you prefer, there is plenty of outdoor seating available too.

The food menu is limited and focuses on simple yet elevated flavours, designed to complement the wine, hence the amount of cheese you’ll encounter. Examples include duck rillette with cornichons and toasted sourdough, and marinated courgettes with muscatel vinegar dressing and wild thyme flowers. Alternatively, keep it traditional with the cheese and charcuterie plate featuring treats like Tomme de Savoie, Lou Nouste, mortadella and fig jam. If you’d rather not faff about with the small plates, there are a few cheese toasties on the menu, so dig into the cheddar and ‘Nduja toastie served with a pickled gherkin and you’re sure to be satisfied. If you’ll be stopping in briefly for a tipple and snack, try the truffle pecorino nuts or nibble on nocarella olives.

The star of the show at this location, however, is the outstanding wine list. This is everchanging and showcases the best of the best (with prices to match) alongside rare natural wines you might not have heard of and familiar favourites. Most of these are conveniently available by the glass but be sure to peruse the bottle list which features plenty of award-winning wines from world-class vineyards. There are also enticing cocktails and craft beer and cider on offer, so there’s something for everyone.  

A fixture of the Chelsea area since its opening in 2011, Medlar champions seasonal ingredients executed with accuracy and simplicity. Headed by Chez Bruce alumni chef Joe Mercer Nairne and front-of-house manager David O’Connor, this neighbourhood restaurant delivers satisfying food in a comfortable style. Executed according to French techniques, but with international influences, the menus feature dishes with a European tilt crafted with the very best produce from the British Isles and the continent.

Split over two floors, seating includes a small ground-floor terrace, main dining area, an upstairs bar and tables, and a private dining room. With French doors on the ground floor, and a skylight on the first, the building is light and airy, decorated in a parakeet-green colour scheme with leather banquettes and white-clad tables. From the ceilings hang floral arrangements and foliage interspersed with string lights.

Organised by set-menu courses dependent on lunch and dinner sittings, which are staggeringly reasonable for the King's Road, guests can expect a varied choice. Start with the signature crab raviolo served with samphire, brown shrimp, leek fondue, and bisque sauce; foie gras with Armagnac prune terrine, rabbit rillettes, chicken skin, and brioche; or push the boat out with crisped calf’s brains, merinda tomatoes, sauce ravigote, confit potato, and dandelion.

As for mains, look out for a rump of belted Galloway with cafe de Paris snails, portobello mushroom, shallot puree, and bearnaise; or sample an Asian-inspired chargrilled monkfish with ginger, shitake, salsify, shiso, and tiger prawn. If you can manage to save room for dessert, a warm chocolate mousse and salted caramel tartlet with milk ice cream and candied pecans or a poached pear financier with vanilla and cinnamon ice cream, pine nut brittle, and pear puree could be just the ticket. If not, a selection of cheeses is also available.

This understated Italian restaurant in Soho serves simple, high-quality and great-tasting fare, without the frills or fuss. It changes its menu twice a day, but always serves its staple fresh pasta plates, with each one based on a few, really good ingredients – in true Italian style. Some of its staff have been with the restaurant for over 20 years and, since opening originally in 1971 on Poland Street, has become something of a legend within London’s restaurant scene. For traditional Umbrian food and an old-school vibe, this is the place to head.  

The interiors exude the comforting vibe of a well-loved neighbourhood restaurant. All the furniture and lighting is from Umbria, while artwork from Italian artists (and occasionally guest artists) line the walls. Overall, the look and feel is modern and sleek, the simplicity of the surroundings mirroring the modest nature of the plates. For private events, guests can hire out The Glass Room, which has its own private bar and looks out across the main restaurant.  

Expect a succession of delicately rendered Umbrian dishes from the ever-rotating menu. Start with a selection of small plates, such as burrata from Puglia with cherry tomatoes and avocado, carpaccio of roast loin of pork with rucola, lemon, olive oil and pecorino and camorza (grilled smoked mozzarella wrapped in parma ham). For mains, opt for one of its fresh pasta plates, such as handmade tagliatelle with traditional Umbrian beef and pork ragu, and a hand-rolled vegetarian lasagne. While larger plates of meat and fish feature grilled fillet of swordfish with red pepper dressing, French beans and lentils, and Tuscan sausages, black truffles, pecorino, pancetta, carrots and cannellini. 

An all-Italian wine list explores the regions, while a couple of classic Italian cocktails, such as prosecco and white peach or a negroni, are also available. 

The Palm Court at The Langham is an afternoon tea lounge by day and a restaurant by night, set in glamorous surrounds. When it comes to afternoon tea in the capital, few places have more experience than The Langham. In fact, the much adored hotel has been serving this time-honoured British tradition since it first swung open its doors way back in 1865. These days, tea is served in The Palm Court, a glamourous, over-the-top space featuring metallic wallpaper, cosy velvet tub chairs and mirrored columns which bounce light around the room.

The Palm Court’s menu is designed by legendary chef Michel Roux Jr and The Langham’s executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, in an offering which celebrates all things British and takes inspiration from our nation’s favourite biscuits and baked tarts. The afternoon tea begins with a selection of traditional finger sandwiches, with varieties to try including Croast chicken with curried butter, smoked salmon with nasturtium butter and watercross, and roast cauliflower with anchovy relish and rocket.

Next up, tuck into your choice of plain or raisin studded scones which arrive fresh from the Palm Court bakery and are paired with Cornish clotted cream and seasonal preserves. The grand finale sees an assortment of sweet treats, which includes a rose-infused baba with lychee and mascarpone, and an Early Grey and Jivara mousse with a runny caramel centre. There are also a range of other afternoon tea menus, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and children’s afternoon teas.

Outside of afternoon tea hours, Palm Court is also where breakfast at The Langham is served. In the evening this majestic room becomes Chez Roux - Michel Roux Jr’s restaurant at the hotel, where he serves a menu inspired by his dual English and French upbringing.

Hawksmoor Spitalfields was ground zero for the now legendary, far-reaching steakhouse, and to many it remains the best embodiment of Hawksmoor's indulgent spirit. This original branch opened back in 2006 and it retains the same moody charm today, thanks to signature forest green leather banquettes, exposed brickwork and herringbone natural wood floors. Stained glass panels in the windows create dappled light on one side of the room, whilst a well-stocked bar props up the other corner. 

Truthfully though, no-one goes to Hawksmoor to admire the interiors - this is the epitomy of a restaurant where the food speaks for itself. Hawksmoor offers a wide variety of menu options to suit all comers these days, but the authentic Hawksmoor experience is still all about the steaks. Scan the blackboard as soon as you walk in to see what steaks are available - everything is priced per 100 grams, but each steak is weighed and then written up on the board, so you can pick the perfect one for you, whether it's a hefty slab of bone-in prime rib or a dainty fillet steak. All your favourite sauces are available too, alongside extras like grilled bone marrow, triple-cooked chips, creamed spinach and buttered greens. 

If you're not a big steak eater or you're just not feeling it, there's plenty on the menu besides. Hawksmoor's handy Spitalfields location attracts all comers, and the menu reflects that with plenty of other options, from sea bream with chilli, lemon and garlic, to ricotta dumplings with peas, broad beans and asparagus. Hawksmoor's puddings are also worth saving room for, not least the famous sticky toffee pudding, or the salted caramel rolos, which you can take away for later snacking. 

There are also Sunday roasts and set menus available at certain times, as well as an enormous wine and cocktail list. 

Rossella is a restaurant with a story, and a heartwarming one at that. Luca Meola, owner of Rossella is continuing his family’s love of food in this traditional Italian trattoria in the heart of Kentish Town. Here, he shares authentic cuisine and carefully selected ingredients in this authentic Italian dining experience. Luca first found his passion for cooking as a child when working under the tutelage of his father, Luigi. His family started the first Rossella in Benevento in 1960, before bringing this love of Italian cuisine to Ilford in 1978 when Luca’s father moved here and launched a new restaurant. Starting as a kitchen porter, Luca worked his way through to getting in on the action in the kitchen, learning the ins and outs of the business, before going it alone to open up his own space.

The restaurant is contemporary, light and filled with Italian deli products that you can buy during your visit, giving it an authentic flair. Beyond the packets of pasta and tomato sauce, you’ll see a wall of personal photos from Luca’s childhood, to remind guests that Rosella proudly remains a family run restaurant. On the menu, you'll find starters and small plates like fried pistachio and pancetta arancini, alongside cheesy aubergine parmigiana and garlic bread with indulgent extras like mozzarella, napoli sauce or caramelised onions.

Moving onto mains, we like the sound of sea bass fillet with baby prawns in garlic butter, or the Pollo Crema e Funghi which sees succulent chicken cooked in cream, mushroom and a white wine sauce. You can also expect an impressive selection of pizzas with a 'make your own' section, as well as fresh pastas like Tagliatelle alla Nonna with sautéed aubergine, courgettes and red onion in a classic Napoli sauce, topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella. Just ask the team about gluten-free and vegan options, they've gone through great efforts to find delicious alternatives that are just as enjoyable.

And, when you're not visiting Rossella yourself, you can order online for delivery - so remember that next time you're having a night in!

A plush bar, complete with open air terrace and lofty views across the rooftops of London? There aren’t many of those around, especially in the vicinity of Oxford Circus. Aqua Spirit is certainly one of the most impressive cocktail bars in the city, and that’s before you even get around to ordering a cocktail. 

You’ll find Aqua Spirit immediately to your right as you step out of the elevators - quite frankly, it’s hard to miss. The central bar is a monolith of golden tessellated fleur de lys tiling and smooth obsidian. Sliding doors hide the way to a private dining room for 10, and nearby Aqua Nueva - a Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar that has its own terrace and tapas bar. Step on through to Aqua Kyoto and you’ll find silk-lined booths and a stunning marble sushi bar, with chefs busily preparing sushi and sashimi platters. And further still, the Kyoto Terrace - which is both heated and covered for use all year-round.

Aqua Spirit is a cocktail bar at heart, but there are bar snacks available, like rock shrimp with chilli garlic sauce, or squid and vegetable gyoza, and you can always head next door if you want a sit down meal. 

Meanwhile, the cocktail bar is where the action is. Try Aqua Spirit signatures like the Pink Panther (Tapatio reposado, peach, Campari, Supasawa and Fever-Tree tonic) or the Negroni Royal (Tanqueray Royal, Roots mastic, dry vermouth and citrus), then head out onto the terrace and soak up the buzz of the city from five floors up. 

Whether you're a born-and-raised Londoner or you've been living in the city for years, there are certain views that still make you say 'wow'. And, looking out from the third floor of the Royal Festival Hall, across the Thames and over to some of the capital's most recognisable buildings is one of them. 

This is where you'll find Skylon, the Royal Festival Hall's in-house restaurant which takes its name from the original, iconic structure which was built for the 1951 Festival of Britain. Today, it's a stylish and well-to-do eatery, boasting huge, floor-to-ceiling windows and mid-century design details that nod back to that time, mixed with contemporary touches, too. 

In the heart of the restaurant there's a stunning central bar, often flanked by large vases filled with flamboyant floral schemes. Here is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink and soak up the buzzy atmosphere. It would be rude not to try one of the signature cocktails, such as the Southbank's Martini which mixes Cambridge Gin, elderflower, lime juice, fresh cucumber and lychee juice. There's also a lengthy selection of sparkling cocktails, as well as all the classics. Plus, if a bite at the bar is what you're after, there's a selected menu with nibbles such as an English cheese board, Nocellara olives and truffle parmesan fries. 

When it comes to food there are several menus available, beginning with a la carte which focuses on traditional British fare with some European influences, too. Here, you'll find mains such as crab and prawn linguine, Barnsley lamb chop and ale battered haddock. To be followed by puddings such as date and molasses sticky toffee pudding and English trifle. 

Other menus to try include the weekend brunch with prawn cocktail, smashed avocado toast and plenty of egg dishes, while the set and pre-and-post theatre menus offer deals on two or three courses. 

The Gurnard’s Head is a gastropub located near the stunning harbour town of St. Ives. Serving a simple menu of fresh dishes which changes daily according to what’s available, the pub is open for both lunch and dinner every day and is also a cosy spot to just come for a drink or two. Boasting a warm and relaxed ambience, The Gurnard’s Head is also surrounded by stunning landscape and situated moments away from the coast, meaning that it’s a wonderful spot to unwind after a day spent walking or lying on the beach.

It’s difficult to miss The Gurnard’s Head as you approach thanks to its bright yellow exterior, while the name of the pub is painted in bold white letters on its roof. The décor inside is slick while still maintaining a rustic charm; pale green walls contrast with flashes of exposed stone, and one room has a small wood burning stove, which crackles away in the evenings. A mish-mash of mismatching stools sit up by the wooden bar, and chairs and tables are dotted around the rest of the space. There is also a large beer garden out the back of the pub meaning that there’s plenty of outdoor space during the summer.

The regularly changing food menu is kept short and varies depending on what time of day you decide to visit The Gurnard’s Head. Expect light dishes such as crab with sourdough and aioli for lunch and on Sundays various roasts are also available. Heftier plates for dinner range from starters such as St Austell Bay mussels, in a white wine, garlic and parsley sauce, to main courses like duck leg with mashed potato and gooseberry chutney.

Beer and wine dominate proceedings when it comes to drinks at the Gurnards Head with over 20 wines available by the carafe, and a wide selection of beers on tap including three Cornish ales.

Fun fact: Libare Bar at Italian restaurant Sartoria is the only bar on Savile Row, so you don’t have to think twice if you’re in the area for a drink. Combining the charm of Mayfair with plenty of Italian style, this somewhat undiscovered spot is a best-kept-secret for those in the know. The interiors are beguilingly chic, as is the nature of any D&D venture, and offers comfortable seating, lots of natural light in the day, a glamourous bar area and table lamps dotted around the place to bring a sense of homeliness.  

Obviously, there are cocktails. Take your pick from four different types of Negroni as well as a selection of bespoke drinks inspired by Italian favourites. One named Little Venice, for example, combines lavender-infused Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, lavender bitter and prosecco, while Show Me The Way mixes Tanqueray gin, limoncello, fresh cucumber and mint. Refreshing! 

In fact, the word “Libare” in Italian means “to make a toast” and you can find plenty of drinks to do just that on the menu. There’s a full selection of wines available by the glass including bubbles, red, white and rose. While a range of spirits range from the familiar to the intriguing. There’s a bounteous selection of whisky, from Japanese to Irish and Canadian, or take your pick from a digestif at the end of the night that goes way beyond Limoncello.  

If you’re feeling peckish, guests can order from a relaxed menu of Italian favourites and regional cheeses, which are sliced to order at the cheese counter, to keep hunger pangs at bay. It’s also a great spot to enjoy your morning cappuccino, a light lunch from the daily changing bar menu or a freshly prepared salad from the cicchetti counter. 

Sartoria is a swanky Italian restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, brought to London by the D&D restaurant collection. It serves an all-day dining menu inspired by Sicily and the surrounding areas of Italy, bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to this elegant part of the city.  

Inside, the restaurant reflects the Italian heritage of the food. Sartoria heralds cutting design by acclaimed designer David d’Almada who wanted to evoke the romance and the glamour of 20th century Italy. Circular leather booth seats create cosy corners within the restaurant to evoke a sense of privacy, while neutral tones, comfortable seating and white tablecloths bring a sense of plush luxury to the room. The restaurant also boasts a heated terrace, destination bar, cicchetti counter, two private dining rooms and wine cellar. 

Looking at the menu shows that it isn’t afraid of simplicity with guests able to start with antipasti such as burrata, fennel and oranges or salami with buffalo mozzarella and nduja bruschetta. For the ‘primi’ course, there’s saffron risotto with roasted pigeon and spaghetti carbonara – because everyone loves a classic. For ‘secondi’, try home-cured black cod with liquorice, veal Milanese and wild turbot with clams, capers and tomato confit. To finish, insist on zabaglione.  

This is an all-day affair remember, so swing by for brunch served every Saturday from 12pm, where you can feast on the likes of smoked salmon with burrata and salsa verde or eggs with nduja and roasted peppers. There is also a four-course set menu that includes homemade tortellini and lemon basil panna cotta if you're feeling indecisive.   

A seriously impressive wine list from regions all over Italy will have you spoilt for choice, as will the series of Disaronno cocktails, perfect for a pre or post-dinner tipple.  

Located right next to Tower Bridge, Le Pont De La Tour is not just a restaurant, but also a bar, shop, wine merchant and bakery. Occupying the spacious ground floor of a warehouse building right by the edge of the Thames, this stylish venue is unsurprisingly home to some seriously stylish cuisine. 

Starters here tease what is to come with the likes of velouté, Devon crab with brown shrimp cocktail or foie gras with ceps, spiced plum preserve and toasted brioche. These dishes send a clear message: unpretentious French fine dining. For seafood lovers there are oysters from Mersea, Porthilly or Colchester, served with the traditional mignonette, as well as lobster, crevettes or cherrystone clams. Increasing in decadence still, we see four choices of caviar, served with sour cream and blinis. 

Main courses at Le Pont De La Tour's restaurant are again simple and elegant. Choose from lobster, sea bass, Dover sole, chicken, duck, pork, beef or cauliflower, each prepared in a traditional French manner but with modern updates. The Lake District pork cutlet, for example, comes with plum compote, seared lardo and red wine sauce, while the roasted lobster comes with garlic butter and sauce choron. For a romantic evening, or simply two guests who agree to share, there is a whole flame-grilled Cornish Turbot with hollandaise, or a 750g dry-aged Cumbrian fillet of beef with fries and béarnaise sauce.

Guests can round off their riverside revelry with French classics like crêpes Suzette, a selection of cheeses or, for a more simple dessert, house sorbet. There are extremely reasonably priced two and three course set menus for those not wanting to break the bank, and a children's menu too. The wine list doesn't focus entirely on France, although it is the epicentre, with plenty of red, white, rosé, sparkling and fortified options to accompany the food. 

Orrery is not just an award-winning French restaurant tucked away in the heart of Marylebone. It is also a luxury grocery, and has a bar and terrace, to offer guests a truly special visit. Huge arched windows bathe the indoor restaurant with light, offering diners a view of the outdoors from the comfort of their table. The terrace is all-season, with an awning and heaters for the winter months, and a panoramic view of the night sky in summer. For those who can't visit, Orrery also offers home kits, so everyone can experience its culinary delights. Head chef Igor Tymchyschyn shows his expertise and Michelin-starred background with every dish, each careful created to celebrate its components, and plated in such a way as to truly show them off.

The evening a la carte menu presents guests with up to date, modern takes on French cuisine, resulting in broader, modern European fare. Traditional French dishes appear in the starters, but with playful additions, such as the confit duck with foie gras ravioli and Madeira consommé. Season, warming dishes populate the mains, with the likes of wild mushroom risotto with autumn truffle, or fillet of turbot with artichoke purée and caramelised endive.

Guests can finish their visit with coconut panna cotta with passion fruit and Champagne jelly, Bakewell tart, Manjari chocolate cremeux or a selection of farmhouse cheese. Sweet wine and port flights are also available. 

The terrace is the perfect place for a cocktail or glass of Champagne with friends or colleagues. The list of classic cocktails is truly extensive, ensuring that all palates are satisfied, while the 23-page wine list offers bottles from almost every country, as well as a perfectly sufficient selection of wine by the glass for those wanting to mix things up. Orrery also boasts a private dining room that seats up to 16. 

Boisdale, in the heart of elegant Belgravia, is a celebration of Scotland’s heritage, with its decor, its drinks, and especially, its food. Paired with live music every night, a whisky bar, and a cigar terrace, Boisdale promises a lively and authentic dining experience.

Inside a grand Georgian townhouse, Boisdale boasts plush velvet turquoise seating, luxurious red walls adorned with old framed photographs, mahogany wood, and tartan carpets, which work together to create an old-school, intimate atmosphere that transports diners from bustling London to an exclusive Scottish club. With a commitment to only using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, the restaurant offers up classic Scottish fare with some innovative twists.

On the extensive menus (choose from a la carte, all-day dining, Sunday jazz lunch, a two-course pre-theatre menu, or a two-course set lunch), expect to find traditional dishes such as Dumfriesshire blackface haggis with neeps and tatties, creamy and heartwarming cullen skink, or steamed Shetland mussels. Top-quality dry-aged Scottish beef is also on offer, from sirloin and ribeye, to the sharing chateaubriand, all served with triple-cooked chips and hand-picked vegetables. Boisdale even recommends its own label claret as a wine pairing with the succulent steaks. Other dishes include oysters, cured fish, wild Scottish venison, and lobster in various forms.

Desserts are just as authentic, and indulgent, with the likes of sticky toffee pudding with a toffee and rum sauce, and Boisdale fruit crumble with English custard. If you would prefer a digestif, Boisdale has you covered, with an ample selection of Scottish malt whiskies, after dinner cocktails, such as a smoky old fashioned, wines, and spirits. You can also discover the secret terrace, where the finest Cuban cigars can be smoked with unique views of Belgravia. Stick around till the evening for live jazz, blues, and soul music, to complete the vibrant and sophisticated dining experience.

The Art School is located within Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, based inside the beautiful lantern room of a Victorian 1888 building, allowing plenty of light to flood in through the large windows. In the main dining room, there are 48 red chairs, along with a Champagne cellar bar that serves afternoon tea and the addition of a private wine tasting space. If you're looking for something special in the area, you may enjoy booking the Moriarty room, which was named after chef Askew's late mother, in recognition of their shared love of Sherlock Holmes. Paul Askew is regarded as one of the UK's pioneering figures in hospitality, and has been the chef patron and owner of The Art School for over nine years. Here, along with his team, Paul creates a classic yet innovative fine dining experience, whilst focusing on bringing the highest standard of gastronomy to Liverpool.

The tasting menu begins with a glass of Charles Heidsieck champagne with a selection of the chef’s snacks, before amuse bouche served with Art School breads and kombu and oak-smoked raw milk butter, and a trio of marinated Hooton beetroot with pickled golden saffron, blackberry and candy carpaccio with plant based soft cheese and winter leaves. Main dishes include the pan-seared Loch Fyne King and Queen scallops served in the half shell with buttered leeks and langoustine bisque, along with a roast breast of salt aged duck and miso spiced croquette of confit leg with braised mooli, sautéed January King cabbage, toasted sesame and red onion puree. Then, enjoy the butter poached lobster tail and sirloin of Longhorn dry aged beef with cordyceps, charred baby gem lettuce, romanesco, Ratté potato and cauliflower purée, before the optional course of cheeses, and lastly, textures and flavours of Valrhona ‘Manjari’ chocolate, and a dish combining the flavours of clementine, pine and cranberry.

Based on the King’s Road, the Chelsea offshoot of Thy Ivy is suitably decadent for its smart location. Housed in an impressive Georgian townhouse with a façade featuring three ornate bay windows, The Ivy Chelsea Gardens offers a sense of real occasion when it comes to both the ambience and the food offering.

The interior is made up of various different areas including a bar, a lounge, an orangery, and a huge garden out the back. The lounge is typical of all Ivy restaurants with its colourful décor, large booths and art hanging on all the walls – a great spot to enjoy a special meal or celebration. The garden however offers a real escape from the busy streets of Chelsea with greenery as far as the eye can see; the cushion-topped benches and chairs make it an idyllic al fresco dining destination during the summer.

The classic food offering begins in the morning with a breakfast menu which features dishes varying from pastries, to scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, to a full English breakfast depending on whether you want to start your day with a big meal or not. For the remainder of the day, the all-day menu provides well-cooked European comfort food.

For starters you might opt for a shellfish cocktail or perhaps a steak tartare. Main courses vary from a chicken Milanese to the signature Ivy shepherd’s pie. Options also include a selection of steaks as well as a short sandwich menu for a slightly lighter bite. If you still have room for something sweet, the dessert menu includes everything from crème brûlée to a blackberry ice cream sundae. There are vegan and vegetarian options available for every course too.

The drinks menu features a large list of wines by the glass and bottle as well as an impressive selection of cocktails.

In the heart of Petts Wood, Kent, you'll find Indian Essence, a fine dining Indian cuisine restaurant from twice awarded Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar. The restaurant's award-winning concept is based on highlighting traditional flavours from across India but in Kochhar's signature, contemporary style. 

Ideal for a special occasion, the restaurant's cream colour palette gives off a sophisticated vibe and smart tables are topped with white tablecloths, while large artworks adorn the walls. Indian Essence is known for its tasting menus (which is another reason to choose this restaurant for a celebration meal), and has options for pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan diners. 

The tasting menus span seven courses, starting with the likes of ratte and sweet potato chaat served with a 'splash of chutneys', followed by tandoori Cornish lobster tail with lobster malai curry and dakshin chicken with southern spiced chargrilled chicken supreme, Mangalorean sauce, cauliflower kempu bezule and lemon rice. 

If tasting menus aren't your thing, there are plenty of others to choose from including the set weekend lunch menu which gets you a starter, main, side and dessert. Highlights include the spiced prawns pepper fry with garlic chilli chutney, and lamb sukka with onions, crushed peppers and curry leaves.

No party is, of course, complete without good drinks and so whether you're dining in a small group or a large one, check out the expertly curated cocktail menu which boasts a long list of concoctions. We like the sound of the Spiced Kir Royale which offers an Indian-inspired take on the original with Chambord, Crème de Cassis, chilli chutney and champagne.

The Promenade is The Dorchester’s glittering lounge room where all dining occasions are catered for, from breakfasts that will set you up for the day in style, through to elegant lunches, indulgent afternoon tea and romantic dinners with top-class cocktails. Guests are invited to relax in beautiful surroundings, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a performance from the hotel’s resident pianist who will artfully wield the mirrored Liberace grand piano.

Mornings at The Promenade begin with indulgent breakfasts, from honey-drizzled buttermilk pancakes served with fabulous coffee and refreshing juices, to a lobster, bacon and avocado brioche roll. The menu is crammed with every possible breakfast item you could imagine, from porridge and chia bowls to cooked breakfasts and eggs any way you like.

Lunch, meanwhile, is just as generous, where everything from grills and hearty mains to soups, salads and sandwiches can be ordered and enjoyed. Or, skip the middle man altogether and go straight for afternoon tea. The Dorchester’s offering is a smile-inducing mix of dainty finger sandwiches, scones with cream and preserves, as well as delicate patisseries inspired by classic treats.

For dinner, you can expect a refined display of classic dishes, from a starter of smoked salmon with soda bread, crème fraîche and beetroot, to chicken and langoustine pie with mousseline potato, carrots and kale for main.

Art plays a starring role within the hotel and guests will find an extensive art collection on display at The Promenade, taking the beholder on an exuberant adventure through the British artistic tradition of landscapes. Adding to the room’s splendour are black and gold marble columns, studded sofas, ornate ceilings and beautiful light fixtures. It’s sure to make a spectacular backdrop at any time of day.

Located in the heart of the Cornish fishing village of Port Isaac, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is a more casual sibling site to the chef’s Michelin-starred flagship in the same area, Outlaw’s New Road. The Fish Kitchen finds its home inside a remodelled 15th century fisherman’s cottage, cooking and serving a set menu of dishes which are designed to be shared between the table and which promise to never compromise on quality or sustainability.

The dining room at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is a cosy and intimate space, with only a handful of tables to choose from. The room is decked out in calming coastal tones, including crisp white walls, wicker chairs and wooden beams running along the ceiling, while plump scatter cushions and framed portraits add an extra touch of cosiness. Because of the small scale of the restaurant (and it’s popularity), booking in advance is essential. Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, with a maximum of six guests per booking. It is also worth noting that each reservation is given a one hour and forty five minute window to dine, before the restaurant will require the table back to prepare for the next booking.

The menu at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen is fixed and dictated by what is available each day from local fisherman and suppliers. When you visit, you can expect to be treated to a parade of fresh seafood and fish dishes for the table, while vegetarian diners can be catered for upon request (please inform the restaurant of this when making your booking). Although the menus at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen change regularly, dishes you might come across include smoked cod’s roe with fennel and sourdough or cured monkfish with broad beans and ginger dressing. To round things off, expect the likes of chocolate marquise with walnuts and salted caramel.

The White Hart is a historic, traditional pub in Lydgate, Oldham, known for serving classic pub grub and a wide array of cask ales, beers and international lagers. In the quiet whispers of time, it would be incredible if The White Hart could share their tales. The journey of this proud establishment began in 1788, when local landowner John Buckley laid its foundation. Over the years, it underwent a captivating transformation — from serving as the local police station, complete with a makeshift prison, to transforming into a schoolhouse, then a weaver's cottage, and finally, finding purpose as a lookout point and bomb shelter during the tumult of the Second World War.

In 1921, the Buckley family relinquished their ties, passing the baton to the Gartside Brewery, a stewardship that endured until 1987. Fast forward to June 1994, and the narrative took a turn as Charles Brierley acquired the freehold. Under his visionary guidance, The White Hart Inn underwent a remarkable evolution, emerging as the distinguished and award winning venue it stands as today.

Step inside, and you'll find a menu that beats your expectations for pub grub — a delicious assortment of pub favourites crafted by the team’s award winning culinary staff, reinterpreting tradition with innovative twists. Exceptional ingredients meet skillful execution, ensuring a dining experience that exceeds the ordinary.

Venture to the bar, a spirited testament to plentiful options. Whether you're drawn to cask ales, craft beers, international lagers, cocktails, an extensive wine list, or an alluring array of gins that would delight even the most discerning connoisseur, the team at The White Hart have curated an ensemble to please every palate.

The charm of The White Hart isn't confined to its walls - it extends to every nook and cranny. Warmth creeps out from log burning stoves and coal fires, weaving an inviting tapestry. Familiar pictures adorn the walls, each telling a story, and the lively banter of friendly regulars at the bar completes the tableau. This isn't just a pub, it's a cherished spot for locals and visitors, where history converges with modernity, and every visit feels like a journey home.

Situated in the heart of Borough Market, close to some of London’s most iconic landmarks, Roast offers a contemporary take on traditional British dishes.  

The first thing to note about Roast is it’s beautiful setting. Located on the mezzanine floor of the market’s former floral hall, the high ceilings and large windows provide fantastic city views, giving diners a glimpse of the nearby Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral.  

Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, afternoon tea or Sunday dinner, the menus at Roast are put together using seasonal ingredients, with a real emphasis on fresh British produce. 

The Breakfast menu includes all the cooked favourites including a full English, smoked salmon and eggs Benedict. If you’re after something a little lighter, you could opt for smashed avocado, granola or porridge. Add something a little special to your breakfast with one of their ‘morning boosters’, which include Bloody Mary, Bucks Fizz and their signature Breakfast Martini!  

The a la carte menu offers a range of British favourites, with starters including Jersey Rock oysters, ham hock and caper terrine and seared Orkney Island scallops. The mains feature beef wellington, pork belly and roast hake, as well as a selection of steaks, sourced from the Lake District.  

On Sundays, Roast comes into its own, with the addition of a traditional roast dinner, with a choice of beef, chicken and lamb with all the trimmings.  

In addition, Roast also offer an afternoon tea menu, starting at £35 a head, including three courses of cakes, scones and finger sandwiches. You could always opt for the bottomless prosecco afternoon tea, for £55.  

Once named Michelin Pub of the Year, the Marksman Public House made a name for itself in an instant and has secured itself as many a Londoner’s favourite ‘local’ since.

This east London bolthole is less of a boozer and more of a classy gastropub, but all the same retains much of the charm of a nice neighbourhood spot. You can expect a dark wooden bar lined with all kinds of carefully chosen wines, spirits, and soft drinks. On tap you’ll find some lesser-known brews, like ale from Five Points – a local London brewery.

Chances are you’re interested in the Marksman Public House for its food as much as its drink. The a la carte is packed with crowd pleasing classics for starters like Scottish langoustine with homemade mayonnaise or a generous British seafood platter. Come mains there are incredible pies, sharing joints of meat like a succulent wing rib with wild mushrooms, and veggie favourites such as the Roscoff onion tart with goat’s curd and herb salad.

Aside from the main billing, there are also brunch, Sunday and feasting menus which complete the line-up. The weekend brunch menu pays the same attention to ingredient sourcing, seasonality, and providence as the main menu, but comes with the added benefit of a fantastic ‘hair of the dog’ offering. Think Black Velvet cocktails, Bloody Marys, and Mimosas. This time the wing rib of beef is served with onion rings, anchovies, and fried eggs, while sides like hash browns and ketchup keep things firmly in the familiar comfort food camp.

Come Sundays there’s also a three-course roast dinner for £40 per person. Starters might include crab soup with aioli while mains span from roast chicken with a roast tomato salad through to a whole plaice. Traditionalists are also catered for by way of the roast rump with Yorkshires and horseradish.

A fixture in lists of the best gastropubs in the UK, The Cornish Arms is set in the heart of Tavistock in the looming shadow of Dartmoor National Park. The postcard-perfect location isn't the only thing going for this cosy old inn - since opening in 2013, The Cornish Arms has also collected 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the outstanding quality and price of it's food. 

Chef John Hooker has a fantastic pedigree - he competed in the 2010 and 2011 series' of Great British Menu - but the focus of The Cornish Arms menu is on unpretentious food, fantastic beer and wine and great value for money. As a result, The Cornish Arms has managed to retain it's country pub atmosphere and ethos, despite the acclaim. The restaurant is smart but informal, without losing it's local boozer charm. 

There's no tasting menu here, just an a la carte packed to the gunnels with comforting, elevated pub dishes that you just want to eat. Starters include pheasant scotch egg, blue cheese and beer pickled onions, duck liver pâté with shallot chutney and candied hazelnuts, and Heritage beetroot salad with blue cheese and candied walnut salad. The mains kick off with a homemade steak and ale suet pudding - a rarity on pub menus these days. West Country meat and fish feature heavily in comfort dishes like pork chop and café de Paris butter, lamb belly with whipped feta and gravy, and the desserts section is packed with great British puds like sticky toffee pudding, treacle tart and raspberry trifle. 

The Cornish Arms offers vegan and Sunday lunch menus as well, and for those who don't fancy the journey home after three fine courses at the pub, there are welcoming seven rooms available for overnight stay.

Top gastropub The Ginger Pig serves traditional food sourced from Sussex’s finest suppliers. Upstairs, there are 11 en-suite double rooms for those who want to make a gastronomic getaway of it, but its ground-floor restaurant is without a doubt a dining destination in its own right. It's part of the wider Ginger Restaurant Group, which has a total of four restaurants in Brighton including The Gingerman, The Ginger Fox and The Flint House. The group is headed up by Ben Mckellar and wife Pamela, who were both born and bred in Brighton.

The Ginger Pig is the second restaurant to open from the husband-and-wife duo, located on Hove Street where it specialises in an ever-changing seasonal menu of simple and uncomplicated dishes. To start, you might expect to enjoy the likes of buckwheat cavatelli with cavolo nero, pistachio and tarragon pesto and pangritata, or tempura fish tacos with picked kohlrabi slaw, chipotle crème fraîche and jalapeños. Mains feature locally sourced meat and fish, including Wild Sussex brill with fondant potato, chard and cep butter, as well as chicken and smoked ham hock pie with braised carrot and mash. Desserts end things on an indulgent note with a milk chocolate and miso tart, dark chocolate ganache and hazelnuts.

Kick off your meal with a drink in the bar. Here, classic cocktails are complemented by ‘Pig Classics’, while a selection of Champagnes, wines and premium bottles offer a tipple for every taste. A number of coravin wines allows the restaurant to offer an even larger selection.

The Ginger Pig is open for all-day dining and as such offers breakfast and brunch. Think breakfast toasties with bacon, onion jam, Emmenthal and a fried egg, or shakshuka with hazelnut and almond romesco.

Set within the 16th century gothic building, Boswell’s Court, The Witchery is a modern European restaurant surrounded by orange decor and luxurious touches. The name of the restaurant, however, doesn’t have such a glamorous part. Instead, it is a reference to the hundreds of people labelled witches and condemned to die at the stake on Castlehill. The restaurant as it’s known today, has been around for 50 years and boasts carvings and features that reflect Boswell Court’s previous life.

The food at The Witchery is impressive, with an award-winning a la carte menu served all day. Produce is as local as possible, with seafood sourced from across Scotland and the finest cuts of Scottish beef are acquired and game direct from the Highlands.

For a truly indulgent start to your meal, begin with oscietra caviar, blinis and creme fraiche. The Witchery menu also includes starters like Cumbrae Scottish rock oysters, grilled hand-dived Orkney scallops, aged Scotch beef tartare with raw hen's egg and mustard mayonnaise, and a warm salad of charred courgette with broad beans, toasted walnuts and Spenwood cheese veloute.

Next up are the mains, with cutlet of Glenfeshie Estate red deer with a confit of hispi cabbage and pomme dauphine, roasted North Sea halibut with smoked eel, sea herbs, black garlic aioli and celery cream, and a grilled aubergine and jackfruit moussaka with pine kernels and herb oil. For two to share there's a cote de boeuf with roast shallots, dauphinoise potatoes and bordelaise sauce and lamb Wellington with roast garlic mash, pea puree and red wine jus.

The Witchery restaurant also offers a great selection of puddings, including iced bramble and cocoa butter parfait with maple granola and cinder toffee, pistachio frangipane with caramelised fig, milk chocolate namelaka, pistachio mousseline and yoghurt ice cream, and a cox pippin tart tatin with English custard and vanilla ice cream, for two to share.

The restaurant at the five-star Vineyard in Newbury is about as luxurious as it gets. Executive chef Tom Scade carefully crafts beautiful dishes, using almost entirely locally sourced ingredients. Scade trained under John Williams MBE at The Ritz, helping to maintain the restaurant's Michelin star. The plating at The Vineyard's restaurant is unpretentious, as Scade likes to let the food speak for itself. 

Starters at The Vineyard are a delicate affair, with seafood options including crab tortellini or Berkshire trout with Oscietra, cucumber and horseradish. There is an elegant house salad, or burrata with artichoke, truffle and hazelnuts for those who want to keep their first course vegetarian, and a game pie for those who don't. 

Mains offer a heartier, more meat-focused selection, with the option of Hereford rib eye with Café de Paris butter and beef dripping chips, Packington chicken with cabbage, celeriac and chestnuts or Berkshire rare breed pork with apple and sage. Pescetarians can enjoy a grilled monkfish, served with Delica pumpkin, almond pesto and burnt orange, while vegetarians can opt for a salt-baked swede with Pommes Anna and stout-braised onion. Those wishing to supplement their meal can add purple sprouting broccoli with pecorino, chips, brown butter carrots, heritage beetroot salad or French fries. 

Diners at the Vineyard can finish their meal with something sweet and decadent, such as a blackberry and white chocolate mille-feuille, which can be paired with an optional plum and sake liqueur. Other options include a cheese board, paired with a 1996 Portuguese port. 

The Vine Bar offers a large selection of small plates, charcuterie and cheese, each with optional pairings from The Vineyard's 30,000-bottle, 3000-bin cellar, with over 50 options available by the glass. The wine at The Vineyard features some of the very best wine in the world and is certainly not to be missed. 

Founded in 1991, Pied a Terre in Fitzrovia is the longest standing independent Michelin restaurant in the UK, serving innovative and creative tasting menus.

Pied a Terre is owned and run by David Moore, who previously worked at Le Manoir Quat’Saisons with Raymond Blanc for six years before opening his own restaurant. Executive chef Phil Kearsey, meanwhile, specialises in sauces, blending modern British cuisine with the use of classical French techniques. Ingredients here are uncompromising in their seasonality, ensuring everything is as high-quality as possible.

The dining room itself is decorated in dark colours, from charcoal walls to black leather booth seating, to create a unique and moody feel. The intimate restaurant is a cosy affair, so as to ensure every diner receives the best experience possible.

Guests can choose to dine a la carte, or opt for six-, eight- or ten-course tasting menus. There is also a fixed lunch tasting menu, as well as vegetarian, pescatarian and plant-based options available everyday, ensuring that everyone is catered for. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, why not pop in for the 'Lunch Express' menu, available from Thursday to Saturday, where guests can enjoy a lighter option of just four-courses.

The plates are elegant and expertly fuse French and British influences and cuisines. Examples of dishes include Cornish wild turbot with mussels, broad beans and fennel, or coal roasted langoustine with grapefruit and duck liver mignonette. Vegan dishes include the likes of roasted celeriac ‘scallop’ with pickled beetroot and caper leaves, or collard greens and basmati rice dolma with yellow carrot and star anise emulsion.

Meanwhile, a word for the wines, of which there are a staggering 800 varieties available and all are sourced from the finest producers. If an 800-strong list is a little too daunting to choose from, you will find expert sommeliers on hand to answer any questions and offer advice when it comes to the perfect pairing with your meal. There is also a wine pairing available with each of the tasting menus or, if preferred, guests are able to opt for the cocktail or alcohol-free flights to accompany their meals.

Established in 1740, The Beckford Arms is a traditional country inn and pub nestled at the edge of the Fonthill Estate parkland in the Wiltshire countryside. The pub specialises in refined British classics, elevated with outstanding produce procured from award winning suppliers from across the UK. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by a warm and friendly ambience and traditional décor including a wood burning fire, chalk specials board and candlelit tables. Outside there is a stunning garden space where guests can drink and dine during the warmer months.

The kitchen at The Beckford Arms is headed up by chef Johnny Sutcliffe, who has devised a seasonally changing menu showcasing British ingredients. All the meat and game is sourced from local farms, with fish coming from the Cornish coast and fruit and vegetables grown in the onsite garden just paces away.

Begin your meal with tasty nibbles like salt and pepper squid with chilli lime mayo, and taramasalata with toast, before moving onto starters such as beef brisket croquette with celeriac puree, apple and jus, and cured monkfish tail with avocado and date puree, ginger oil, coriander and a paprika tuile. There is a dedicated pub classics section if you’re after a more traditional main course and includes the house burger, and beer battered haddock with mushy peas, tartar and chips, but there are also more elevated mains such as pan fried sea bass with new potatoes, fennel velouté, and burnt orange pearls, and pork tomahawk with black pudding rosti, confit leeks, sage gremolata and a cider glaze.

The beverage menu at The Beckford Arms has been given real attention and comprises a great variety of drinks, from craft ales like the homemade Beckford Phoenix to gin cocktails sourced from local distilleries. The wine list has bottles from the establishments own shop in Bath and boasts a range of affordable options and renowned labels, available by the glass, carafe and bottle.

Australasia is a vibrant and contemporary looking restaurant serving a menu of Australian and Southeast Asian inspired dishes. Based in the heart of Manchester, Australasia is an elegant looking venue which has been decorated in neutral tones to reflect the Pacific Coastline.

The restaurant itself also has a cocktail bar and a resident DJ, you can head to the bar for drinks or take a seat and order from your table.

There is a lunch menu as well as an a la carte menu, you can also order afternoon tea. The main a la carte menu combines a blend of Indonesian, European and Southeast Asian dishes, which can be enjoyed “locally” which means choosing several small sharing plates to enjoy, or you can order “traditional” which means the starters are delivered to share but the main courses are individually plated.

Choose from popular dishes such as yellowfin tuna sashimi and peking duck spring rolls served with hoisin and spring onion. Other plates include dishes from the robata grill such as lemongrass chicken skewers with satay sauce, and garlic spiced prawns served with mango and lime.

Larger dishes at Australasia include a delicious sounding crispy suckling pork belly with pineapple curry, and a chicken randang spiced panco leg, served with bok choi and toasted coconut chips.

You will also find premium steaks on the menu, and plenty of sides to share such as Asian coleslaw and rough cut Kimchi chips.

Those with a sweet tooth may appreciate the chocolate coated coconut mousse, or the Fijian honey mousse cake served with black cherries, and milk honey ice cream. If you can’t decide between desserts why not go for the sharing taster selection which gives you a little bit of everything.

There is a large drinks menu which features a good selection of cocktails as well as wine, beer and soft drinks.

Simpsons, which finds itself in a Grade-II listed Georgian villa in Birmingham, is a traditional fine dining restaurant. It has won numerous awards for its culinary dedication including a Michelin star, while its chef-patron Andreas Antona has collected accolades like Chefs' Chef of the Year and International Chef of the Year at La Gastronomie. Simpsons not only offers private dining but also has a cookery school, Eureka. There, guests can enjoy a cooking and plating lesson with the kitchen staff, followed by a glass of champagne and three-course meal at the chef's table.

A ten-course tasting menu is the primary offering at Simpsons. On it, you will find simple, elegant dishes made using only the finest British ingredients. You might see starter-esque initial courses like black olive rolls with cod's roe and greek olive oil, sourdough with cultured butter or cured Loch Duart salmon with cucumber, oyster and horseradish. This is certainly a restaurant that knows its way around seafood, as shown by creations like Skrei cod with imperial caviar or Orkney scallop with winter truffle, sea kale and chicken jus. A typical meat course at Simpsons might be something like Somerset lamb with asparagus, wild garlic and green peppercorns, followed by desserts like Yorkshire rhubarb with ginger and white chocolate. Three-course meals are also available here, featuring similar flavours to the tasting menu, as well as lunch and even children's menus to boot.

Unusually for a Michelin-starred restaurant, there is a fully plant-based tasting menu available too. This features colourful creations like heritage beetroot with sorrel and wasabi or salsify with winter truffle and wild garlic. The wine list here is extensive, with plenty of options available by the glass. There is even ice wine on offer, which uses grapes frozen on the vine to create a dessert-wine-esque drink. 

The Fat Duck is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant by Heston Blummenthal who is best known for pushing the culinary boundaries with his experimental cooking. Located in Bray, Berkshire, The Fat Duck finds its home inside a 16th-century building, originally opening in 1995 where it used to resemble something a little more similar to a French Bistro. Over the years, Heston has added his special signature touch, with the restaurant receiving its first Michelin star in 1999, its second in 2002 and its third and final star in 2004 – the ultimate culinary accolade. In 2006, Heston received an OBE for his contribution to British gastronomy.  

The first thing to know about eating at The Fat Duck, is that it’s not a meal, but an experience. Heston’s unique approach to cooking is centred around science and experimentation with the aim of changing diners’ perceptions of food. Booking a ticket to experience the restaurant entitles guests to enjoy either The Anthology Menu or The Fable Tree Menu which features plenty of classic Fat Duck dishes. Signatures include Heston’s nitro-poached green tea and lime mousse, red cabbage gazpacho with pommery mustard ice cream, ‘Sound of the sea’ featuring tapioca sand, sea vegetables and foam, while the grand finalee might be a selection of petit fours named ‘Like a kid in a sweetshop’. 

Far from simply a gimmick, The Fat Duck has stood the test of time and is one of Berkshire’s most famous - if not the most famous - dining destination. The restaurant plays on playful memories and adventure from your childhood and the unexpected dishes are designed to bring back that awe and magic you experience as a child. 

The Fat Duck is a fairly intimate restaurant and can only cater for tables of 2, 3, 4 or 6. It recommends that diners allow around three hours in which to enjoy the full dining experience. 

The French Table has successfully nailed the elusive appeal of a neighbourhood restaurant, offering a knock-out menu of fine dining cuisine but in a relaxed, familiar setting. Sitting on Maple Road in the suburb of Surbiton, it has a prime location surrounded by other bars, restaurants and cafes. 

The French Table was established back in 2001 as the vision of Eric and Sarah Guignard who dreamed of opening a restaurant that celebrated their passion for the best French food and wine, as well as personable service. Over the last 20 years, they have certainly perfected their craft and the restaurant holds two AA Rosettes, marking the team's efforts as stand out in their area with continued consistency and quality. 

The menus take their cue from French cooking and the time of year, using as much seasonal produce as possible. Eric and Sarah have been careful to devise menus that can suit any kind of event - whether it be a quick business lunch or a big birthday, guests are welcome to let the team know whether they need to order quickly and scoot, or make a fuss of whoever is celebrating. 

There are two lunch menus; a three-course ideal for a 'lunch break' or a five-course taster menu for a leisurely affair. Examples here include rare breed chicken ‘Poulet Basseri’ with leg sausage, white bread purée, creamed leek and truffle feuilletée, as well as Scottish line-caught halibut with new season Jersey Royals, smoked eel with lovage oil and trout roe sauce. 

The evening sitting follows the same structure, offering a three-course meal or five-course taster menu. Some examples of the taster menu courses include Cold roast veal with baby artichoke, monksbeard, AND hazelnut pesto, as well as roast rump of new season Cumbrian lamb, navarin printanièr, crispy shoulder, and wild garlic mayonnaise, and caramelised banana mousse with spiced rum, peanut brittle,
passion fruit and chocolate ice-cream for dessert. 

Wine pairings are available for all taster menus and the team is also very happy to help advise by the glass or bottle from their carefully curated wine selection.

As one of the only Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in London, Trishna’s reputation precedes it. This refined restaurant on Blandford Street in Marylebone Village turns out beautiful dishes, to be enjoyed in the form of a tasting menu or a la carte. There are also extremely reasonably priced lunch menus for those wanting to enjoy the excellent food on a budget.

Start off with an elegant pre-dinner cocktail such as a Himalayan gimlet composed of Tanqueray 10, Himalayan cordial and Timur peppercorn. There is also a selection of gin and tonics, soft like lassis and sodas and beers, including the king cobra premium lager.

Those who have opted for a la carte can commence the meal with a quail pepper fry, soft shell crab varuval or telicherry squid and shrimps, among others. The blazing hot tandoor turns out grilled delights like bream, salmon, scallops, duck, lamb chops and poussin, with a mixed grill also available for those who can’t decide. Mains at Trishna include cashew and pepper chicken, mango prawn curry and Welsh lamb with pickled sorrel leaves, poppy seeds and Guntur teja chilli.

Biryani is also available here, with chicken, seafood and wild mushrooms as the respective core ingredients. Classic Indian sides here are elevated to new heights, such as lemon rice with cashew, mustard seeds and curry leaves or duck keema naan with pink peppercorn raita. Diners can end their meal with a truly lavish Indian dessert, with options like pear and saffron mousse, chocolate chikki and fig and cardamom kheer.

Every starter, main and dessert at Trishna denoted with a suggested wine pairing, while the tasting menu offers pairings too. The wine list offers a wide selection of bottles from all over the world, carefully chosen to match the food. There is also an extensive list of spirits from similarly global origins.

James Martin, Manchester, is located on a mezzanine floor within Manchester235 Casino. Serving award-winning, classic British cuisine, James Martin Manchester is a warm and inviting restaurant, set in the famously converted Great Northern warehouse which enjoys plenty of character and charm.

The menu is seasonal and varied, open daily from 5pm serving a tasting menu crafted using many of the UK’s top meat, fish and cheese suppliers. There is also an afternoon tea menu, plus Sunday lunch.

You will find dishes on the main menu such as salt aged ribeye steak, served with dripping chips and malt glazed Roscoff onion. Choose between a selection of sauces such as peppercorn, chimichurri or bone marrow and black truffle. Lighter dishes include hake served with tempura lobster, herb gnocchi and shellfish cream, and an Indian spiced cauliflower served with red lentil dahl, coriander mousse and potato flatbread.

There are plenty of tempting looking sides on offer including barbeque jersey royals, peas with smoked pancetta and braised carrots in a tarragon butter.

When it comes to desserts perhaps you’ll go for the hot sticky toffee pudding served with toffee sauce and salted caramel ice cream, or the white chocolate and whiskey croissant butter pudding served with whiskey ice cream and honeycomb.

There is also a cheese option, plus home made bon bons, and after dinner coffee.

If you’re looking to book afternoon tea it is served on a Saturday between 12.30 and 3pm. The menu includes James Martin’s original scone recipe, home-made jam, and a selection of pastries and breads made by the talented kitchen team. Tea is locally sourced, and carefully selected to complement the character of the afternoon tea. You may also wish to add a glass of champagne to your afternoon tea, or to choose the bottomless prosecco option.

Sometimes, it is the simplest of restaurant concepts which prove to be the most effective and this is certainly true of Glasgow’s long-standing Crabshakk. Found in the city’s trendy Finnieston district, Crabshakk is a simple seafood restaurant serving an uncomplicated menu which champions the very best of Scottish fish and shellfish.

The dining room boasts a ramshackle, thrown together industrial chic vibe, featuring bare wooden tables, benches with padded leather trim and a standalone bar flanked by stools that lend themselves to solo dining. SquareMeal readers often remark on the friendly and approachable nature of the service here, but it is of course the menu that keeps diners coming back for more.

The a la carte is made up of staple seafood dishes such as oysters, fruits de mer and Glasgow fish suppers (pretty much unchanged since Crabshakk first opened its doors in 2009), but things are kept exciting by twice daily-changing specials, which are written up on blackboards in chalk and served at lunch and dinner.

On your visit, you might begin by shucking half a dozen oysters, before moving on to the likes of tempura squid served alongside a soy and coriander dipping sauce or seared scallops with anchovies. Larger plates meanwhile include the homely likes of traditional fish and chips served with tartar sauce or a fish club sandwich accompanied by chips and salad, while the more upmarket likes of crab cakes and half or whole Scottish lobster are also available. You can pad out your meal with sides of garlic bread or chips, as well as an assortment of dipping sauces such as lemon or garlic mayonnaise.

If you would like to end your meal with something sweet, take your pick from Crabshakk’s simple selection of desserts - think a slice of chocolate cake or a lively fruit salad.

At Menu by Gordon Jones, you can explore diverse tastes, textures, and temperatures that have been influenced by English, Indian, and Asian culinary traditions. Gordon curates a variety of dishes for each service, collaborating with local suppliers to showcase inspiring seasonal produce. Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, the culinary offerings are a celebration of freshness and quality.  Due to the nature of the menu, pre-booking is essential, and the team are unable to accommodate walk-in guests. Bookings are accepted up to two months in advance, with a note that the restaurant observes closure on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, providing the best availability mid-week. For those seeking an exclusive setting, the restaurant is also available for private events or receptions, catering to a maximum of 20 people.

The tasting menus are carefully crafted, featuring the finest meat, fish, and dairy produce. And, because the kitchen team is committed to delivering the best possible dining experience, alterations or vegan/vegetarian options are not offered.

About his restaurant, Gordon Jones says “"I grew up in Buckie, Banffshire and money was tight. Everyone grew vegetables and cooked everything from scratch. But it wasn’t until I started writing menus and developing my own cooking style, I appreciated how much my upbringing had influenced my passion for food."

The food lover heartbeat of the hotel is this renowned 3 AA Rosette restaurant, commanding magnificent views across the award winning gardens. Here, you will take your tastebuds on a journey with the menu, carefully crafted to showcase fresh local produce, exquisite flavours, and a delicate balance. The modern French dishes reflect the essence of seasonal dining, ensuring a memorable experience at every visit. The exceptional wine cellar, curated by the head sommelier, adds the perfect pairing to your meal each time you visit. Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper, the pantry and terrace invites you to really enjoy what it means to indulge in a fine dining experience.

The a la carte menu begins with starters such as the squab pigeon breast with confit leg tart, chicory, cherry and Madeira jus, the Devon white crab meat with lime, mool and peanut chilli caramel, and last but not least, the Orkney scallops with squid-ink vinaigrette and Jerusalem artichoke. Main dishes are just as rich and includes the Wiltshire lamb loin with aubergine, pressed potato, beet, English wasabi and tapenade sauce, the Cornish wild turbot served with scallop mousse, girolle mushroom, sea vegetables, golden Oscietra caviar, miso and kombu tea, and a delicious dish of Himalayan salt chamber dry aged fillet of beef with a smoked brisket, salsify, lovage and red wine reduction. Dessert is always delicious, and includes a pot of hazelnut milk chocolate with butterscotch and passion fruit, a strawberry and vanilla parfait with strawberry compote, and apricot soufflé with milk oolong tea ice cream and almond sauce. If you’re not one to end on a sweet note, order the selection of local and British cheese, apple and walnut chutney, grapes, truffle honey, walnut and raisin toasted bread, and crackers

The Lido Restaurant in Bristol is as it sounds - a picturesque restaurant overlooking the 24-metre outdoor swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows to let the natural light flood in and give an airy feeling of space while still protecting diners from the elements. This award-winning restaurant is a relaxed and informal dining space where guests can enjoy an impressive menu in a fun and pleasurable atmosphere. 

The Lido restaurant menu offers hints of the Mediterranean with a strong Spanish vibe and all the ingredients are sourced on a small scale, handpicked with a strong emphasis on quality. When seated in the restaurant you will be able to catch a glimpse of the buzzing kitching, including the roaring wooden oven where the majority of dishes are cooked - offering an extra element of fun and entertainment to your dining experience.

The lunch menu is served from midday until 2.45pm and then you have a choice of the set menu or a la carte. Highlights include starters of wood roasted scallops served with garlic butter and sweet herbs or a vegan-friendly raw courgette, lentil and sweet herb salad. Mains include a roast leg of Somerset lamb and a vegan choice of wood baked bomba rice with violet artichokes, caramelised peppers and aioli.

The restaurant is open to the public as well as to swimmers. If you also want to enjoy a dip in the heated lido then you can choose the eat and swim package where you can have access to the pool and poolside bar before heading up for a relaxed and informal dining experience that offers an award winning menu.

Serene and peaceful, with shell motifs and an undulating wave-like ceiling pointing up the maritime theme, this Michelin-starred South Indian specialist is perfectly positioned under the mighty Taj Hotel in Victoria – a comfortable refuelling point for residents, local businesses and well-heeled visitors. Seafood is the undoubted high point of the menu, and dishes such as crab cakes gently spiced with curry leaves, ginger and chilli or giant juicy shell-on prawns cooked in an onion, tomato and coconut masala are well worth a trip across town. There’s also plenty for meat eaters and vegetarians: slow-cooked lamb shank, steeped in herbs and spices is meltingly good, while a dish of snow peas and asparagus, sautéed with coconut, mustard, curry leaves and chilli is supremely moreish. Service isn’t exactly slick, but it’s well-meaning, kind and enthusiastic. The wine list has been carefully designed to match the food – look out for plenty of aromatic whites and soft easy-drinking reds.

Magnificent arched windows, soaring stone ceilings and sophisticated decor provide a beautiful backdrop in which to indulge in Michelin-starred dining at Galvin La Chapelle. Like all Galvin outposts, La Chapelle provides high-quality cuisine designed by brothers Chris, Jeff and David Galvin alongside luxurious surroundings and warm and hospitable staff, making it a popular choice for celebrating special occasions.

Galvin La Chapelle majors in modern French cuisine crafted from produce sourced fresh every day from Covent Garden Market. Seasonality is of huge importance to the Galvin family, so expect ever-changing dishes on their range of menus, which include vegetarian, vegan, tasting and special menus for high days and holidays, such as Valentine’s and Father’s Day.

As you’d expect from a Michelin-starred French restaurant, the food here is exquisitely presented. Diners wax lyrical about the beautiful presentation of each dish before going on to praise the taste and textures. Wonderful combinations come together in starters like Dorset crab lasagne with beurre Nantais and pea shoots, and velouté of Ironbark pumpkin served with seared foie gras, Lyonnaise onion and bacon crumb.

Mains take the form of dishes such as grilled Cornish red mullet with cuttlefish, orange-braised fennel, pine nut purée and sauce vierge, or roast loin of Icelandic cod accompanied by crushed Charlotte potatoes, cauliflower and a warm raisin dressing, while desserts could be anything from blackberry soufflé and milk ice cream to mandarin parfait made with hazelnut, cocoa nib crumb and Valrhona chocolate ganache.

The set Menu du Chef offers excellent value when you consider Galvin La Chapelle’s Michelin Star credentials, though if you’re really looking to push the boat out, you ought to consider the Menu Gourmand – a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing that can be enjoyed in the main dining room or on the private dining mezzanine for that extra special experience.

Having been open since 1971, Ubiquitous Chip is one of Glasgow’s most established restaurants and has become somewhat of an institution. Located on Ashton Lane, in the city’s West End, it was founded by late restauranteur Ronnie Clydesdale, who wanted to showcase the fine selection of produce that Scotland has on its doorstep. Ubiquitous Chip still to this day serves a menu focused on provenance; local produce is treated with the upmost respect to create imaginative, contemporary dishes. Benefitting from an upstairs bar known as ‘The Big Pub’, and a mezzanine brasserie, as well as the main fine dining restaurant, Ubiquitous Chip has something for everyone.

The restaurant’s white, painted exterior which stretches above the cobbled streets look’s almost pub-like and provides little clue to what’s within. The cobbles continue inside and greenery surrounds the dining room; Ubiquitous Chip’s glass ceiling ensures that the restaurant is constantly flooded with light and makes the space almost feel outdoors. A staircase takes you up from the cobbles to the mezzanine level which features modern artwork on the walls and has a less formal feel to it.

With both a tasting menu and a la carte on offer, which change seasonally, there is plenty by way of choice at Ubiquitous Chip. Starters range from caramelised onion and cannellini bean hummus with Freedom Bakery bread to baked scallops with leek, bacon and parmesan. Main courses might include grilled mackerel served with yuzu koshu and radish, or venison haunch with confit pumpkin, chocolate and elderberry vinegar, while you can expect desserts such as a pear, caramel custard and almond trifle.

Ubiquitous Chip’s food offering is accompanied by an award-winning wine list which is comprised of both old and new world classics, and some more unusual modern bottles. The restaurant’s head sommelier and wine buyer even blend some of their own house wines. There is also a stellar selection of whiskeys, cocktails and soft drinks available.

Hartnett Holder & Co in Hampshire is the result of two world renowned chefs joining forces to create an experience that is more ‘fun dining’ than fine dining. The duo is made up of Angela Hartnett, the Michelin star chef famed for her successful restaurants Cafe Murano as well as appearing as a judge on Great British Menu, and Luke Holder, who has worked in some London’s most exclusive restaurants and 3 Michelin Tuscan restaurant Enoteca Pinchiorri.

Together, and with the rest of the team at Hartnett Holder & Co, they have curated a relaxed setting where Italian inspired dishes are served using local and seasonal ingredients.

Set within the Limewood Hotel, the interior is informal with wooden tables and mismatched crockery, whilst still injecting some Mediterranean elegance through a marble countertop bar and red leather stools.

On the menu, you can expect to find a variety of sharing plates and larger portions, each giving a nod to Italian traditions and flavours.

Expect to see dishes like Lake District rose veal tartare with crispy onion and truffle aioli, or roasted celeriac salad with pickled walnut ketchup, dandelion and crispy sage for anti pasti options. Then for larger dishes, think Mylor prawn risotto with spiced shellfish butter or West country venison loin with beetroot, gorgonzola picante and spiced plum. There are also a couple of sharing options available perfect for date night dinners.
On the dessert menu, you can find Italian classics like tiramisu, hazelnut praline cream puff and vegan meringue with New Forest plums and blueberries.

The wine list consists of a variety of options from around the world, including some Italian whites, reds and rosé. For those after a bit of fizz, you can find champagne, prosecco and even English sparkling options from Hambledon Vineyard that’s just a short drive away.

The Georgian has been serving lavish delicacies to London’s elite since 1911, showcasing some of the most luxurious takes on British cooking. Having undergone a recent makeover, The Georgian has entered its next era, while preserving Harrods’ rich heritage and status as a purveyor of quintessentially British luxury goods. In its newest chapter, The Georgian’s kitchen is headed up by Calum Franklin, formerly of Rosewood London’s Holborn Dining Room and Public House in Paris, and who is renowned for his ultra-refined approach to classic British cookery.

Recalling the roaring twenties, the time when the tea room first flourished, The Georgian’s makeover involved threading flashes of opulence throughout the space. Art deco original features have been maintained, illuminated by the 25 chandeliers gilding the ceiling. There’s also a live pianist, offering a jazzy soundtrack to the experience and all in-keeping with transporting guests to the height of the jazz age.

The afternoon tea menu is rooted in tradition, but is elevated by fabulous additions to old reliables. The amuse-bouche on offer is a classic recipe from 1960 - a tender slow-cooked short rib served with crispy potato and black-garlic caviar. ‘Savouries and sandwiches’ feature a Godminster cheddar and caramelised onion tart, a Faroe islands salmon sandwich, and a confit duck and orange marmalade sandwich, served on tomato bread. Sandwiches are far from simple here - a crispy treacle roast celeriac sandwich involves six-hour marinated celeriac, with tempura-style porcini, and served on Japanese milk bread. A tea sommelier accompanies afternoon tea, offering tailor-made blends.

The evening dinner menu brings snacks of Carlingford oysters and Oscietra caviar, followed by starters of smoked rabbit pate, Devonshire crab tart and a smoked-haddock Scotch egg. But the real star of the show comes with the pie selection. Chef Calum Franklin has garnered an international reputation for his inventive pies, packed with creative flair. This is showcased in the pie menu: take for example The Georgian Pie Experience - a slow-cooked shoulder of British lamb, encased in intricately decorated pastry, and served with ratatouille, anchovy tempura and sweetbreads, and served with a lamb consomme.

Since opening their doors in 2004, Amaya has been known as one of the most well acclaimed restaurants when it comes to Indian cuisine, influencing London's dining scene and inspiring restaurants worldwide. With its open kitchen concept and dedication to showcasing the rich diversity of grilling techniques in Indian cuisine, Amaya always delights guests. The heart of Amaya lies in its open kitchen, where the artistry of Indian grilling is on the centre stage, inviting diners to witness the magic unfold. The walls are decked with pink Agra sandstone and bathed in the soft glow of crystal lighting, the dining room transitions seamlessly from a vibrant daytime ambiance to an alluring evening atmosphere. And whether you’re basking in the sunlight or immersed in the evening's glow, Amaya promises an enchanting dining experience unlike any other.

The tasting menu is available from Monday through to Sunday and starts with the in house Amaya chutney tray, before including a crispy cabbage and noodle salad with sesame, almond and lemon dressing. Next up are the rock oysters, king scallops and tandoori black pepper chicken tikka, along with Navrattan vegetables, seekh kebabs and a smoked chilli lamb chop. There are also naans, shahi chicken biryani and boondi raita with pomegranate, before finishing off with a chocolate slice layered with hazelnut chikki dark and milk chocolate. If a tasting menu isn't your thing, enjoy the Amaya dinner favourites, like the mandarin and goat's cheese salad, the black pepper chicken tikka and tandoori ocean prawns. Also on the menu is the chargrilled aubergine tikka and angoori gulab jamun with salted caramel and ice cream. Whatever you order at Amaya, you’re bound to have a wonderful time.

Grand Pacific, Manchester is an Asian-inspired restaurant serving a menu of world-wide dishes from their grand grade II listed building on King Street. Grand Pacific is open for lunch, dinner and high tea. There is also a separate Sunday lunch menu.

There is a long and striking bar area, lined with seating, plus a restaurant area. It has an industrial look with large windows to one side, low hanging lanterns and feature lighting. It has been thoughtfully decorated and restored throughout with plenty of character and style.

If you’re visiting Grand Pacific for dinner perhaps you might kick things off with the glazed chicken skewers or the salt baked beetroot tian. When it comes to main courses you will find an Asian-spiced duck cottage pie served with pork crackling and home-pickled onion. There is also a spiced roast cauliflower dish which is cooked with chili, garlic and cumin.

Lighter dishes include a classic Caesar salad served with oak smoked bacon, and a spiced Nashi pear and walnut salad served with miso and lime dressing.

Sides include plenty of tempting options such as gunpowder potatoes, thick cut chips and mirin-infused sticky rice.

Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the dessert menu, with dishes such as coconut panna cotta, pineapple tarte tatin, and a yuzu crème brulee.

The drinks menu is varse, with a good selection of beers and wines. You will also find cocktails on the menu, take a look at the pomegranate mojito, or the Grand Pacific gin and tonic served with aperol, rosewater and lychee.

If you’re visiting Grand Pacific for high tea you will find both a savoury and sweet selection, plus the option to choose a vegetarian high tea. There is a loose leaf tea range, or the option to choose a sparkling wine or cocktail.