Dining gems
At the BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham in November 2006, the Enjoy England stand met hundreds of visitors from around the UK and quizzed them on their eating and drinking habits, and in particular their favourite establishments to visit; whether a restaurant, café, or bar. Some spoke of the high quality of the food, some waxed lyrical about the ambiance and setting, while others referred to that special magic that you can’t always put your finger on. All agreed that the places they talked about came highly recommended. Covering all the regions of England, here’s a selection of some of their favourites...
East Midlands
Situated in Leicester, The Case is a stylish restaurant with an emphasis on modern European food with an English accent, complete with Champagne Bar. It also hosts events from time to time and has welcomed Jools Holland, Ronnie Scott and the legendary George Melly through its doors! Certainly one for the more discriminating crowd, Nottingham’s Geisha is a bar and restaurant, offering an exciting menu of authentic, spicy fusion food, as well as a cocktail mixologist, ready to create for you some special liquid accompaniments. Situated in the pretty village of Clipsham, The Olive Branch manages to balance the appeal of a local village pub with a traditional and innovative pub menu in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere. The Olive Branch has won Michelin Pub of the Year 2008.
East of England
The Victoria at Holkham prides itself on using the freshest local produce, whether it’s crabs from Cromer, mussels from Brancaster or venison, beef, game and eel from the Holkham Estate.
The Walpole Arms, a traditional village pub and restaurant in Itteringham, Norfolk, has a simple philosophy: enjoying fine food and wine should be an adventure, a voyage of discovery! Boasting a traditional, yet inventive menu,
The White Hart in Ufford, Cambridgeshire provides a 100% fresh organic range of fruit and vegetables.
England's Northwest
With Italianate exterior and Mediterranean roof garden inspired by Richard Harding Watt, the award winning Belle Époque in Cheshire has been named Cheshire Life Restaurant of the Year and secured the Hi-Life Diners Club 'Special Contribution' Award during 2006. Located in leafy West Didsbury, Rhubarb is an intimate yet modern restaurant with a menu encompassing mainly European and Asian influenced dishes with the occasional foray into the cuisine of Africa and the Americas. Bringing a sense of style and cool to the seaside, The Warehouse in Southport is a creative blend of art deco and contemporary glamour, but with a twist of international elegance.
Heart of England
Promising a warm welcome and delightful cuisine in a relaxed setting, The Butchers Arms in Southam, Warwickshire, is the perfect place to visit, whether it’s for an evening drink or a Sunday roast. The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel is a 3 star quality Hotel and Restaurant with 2 AA Rosettes standing on the banks of the River Severn, which captures the charms of its original coaching inn days. Set in the heart of the Cathedral city of Lichfield the Olive Tree Restaurant offers the perfect combination of a relaxing, contemporary atmosphere with authentic high quality cuisine.
London
The Cinnamon Club in the heart of Westminster offers a unique dining experience, presenting constantly evolving menus and a carefully matched wine list - all designed to reflect an ethos of innovation and creativity. Another trendy London bar? Yes, and what a stunner.
Tabernacle's sleek and stylish NYC chic cover two floors of a Victorian warehouse with an airy ground floor bar, a spacious late-night lounge with DJ's and a 60-cover restaurant. Combining contemporary elegance, an intimate ambience and unparalleled service,
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay has the hallmark of true excellence honoured with three Michelin Stars. With no swearing at customers!
North East England
Situated in a restored 17th century building, Bistro 21 in Durham provides good food at reasonable prices in a delightful informal setting. The rustic farmhouse feel makes a great place for a party and the restaurant has good private dining facilities. Housed in a distinctive black and white building overlooking the harbour, the Magpie Café in Whitby is in a prime position to enjoy the fabulous views, at the same time as sampling their wide selection of meals. One of the busiest and most popular restaurants in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scalinis is frequented by both young and old and is the place to look for celebrity clientele.
South East England
Situated in the heart of Banbury, Hyltons prides itself on great value for money whether choosing the five course tasting menu or selecting from the table d'Hôte or a la carte menus. The Crown at Playhatch is a sixteenth-century cottage inn full of character. The Crown's secluded garden and conservatory are perfect for summer, and its several log fires make it perfect for a cosy drink or meal in the winter months. The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire is probably best known for its celebrity chef and proprietor, Heston Blumenthal, and his somewhat unorthodox culinary creations. Prepare yourself for a dining experience with a difference!
South West
Colleys Supper Rooms can be found in Bristol, Lechlade-on-Thames, Reading and Southampton, and unlike most restaurants, have no written menu. Their philosophy is based on quality and all efforts go into creating a finely tailored choice of imaginative and delicious dishes. Where better to buy your fish and chips than by the sea? Rick Stein felt the same way and so opened
Stein’s Fish & Chips in Padstow, Cornwall, where you can eat-in or grab yourself a takeaway.
The Blue Ball Inn at Triscombe is known as one of the best rural venues to dine in Somerset and was announced at The Royal Bath and West Show as the winner of Somerset Life's Best Dining Pub of the Year for 2006.
Yorkshire
The Wells Cafe is a small 25 seater cafe and bistro in Ilkley West Yorkshire and is as cosy and friendly as cafes should be. Situated in Whitby,
The White Horse and Griffin's speciality is based around fresh seafood, brought into the town daily by the local fisherman, whilst offering a wide range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Originally built in 1532 as a four-room cottage,
The White Swan Inn in Pickering, North Yorkshire has won a host of awards for its rich choice of menu, attention to detail and outstanding service.
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