The Blythburgh chop with pork fat and smoked chilli relish at AngloThai
While British summer weather may be famously unpredictable, one thing is certain: The UK offers a dining scene that is anything but. For visitors drawn by world-renowned events like Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta, the country’s culinary landscape provides just as much spectacle — and far more consistency.
From Welsh wilderness to London rooftops, these nine exceptional restaurants showcase the UK’s rich culinary diversity, pairing inventive cooking with quintessential British charm.
Ynyshir at Snowdonia, Wales
The Singapore chilli crab with deep-fried buns at Ynyshir
In the heart of the wild, green Welsh landscape lies one of the UK’s most audacious culinary experiences. Two Michelin-starred Ynyshir, helmed by Chef Gareth Ward, offers a 29-course journey of immersive fine dining with an edge.
Think: DJ spinning hip hop, eating with your hands and a theatrical open-flame grill. Highlights include sweetbreads with caviar and Singapore chilli crab with deep-fried buns, all in a rustic hunting lodge setting that encourages an overnight stay.
The Angel Inn at Highgate, London
Porchetta with grenaille potatoes, carrots and cider jus
Reimagining the British pub for modern tastes, The Angel Inn in Highgate delivers comfort and class in equal measure. Morning brings smoked kippers and hearty breakfasts, while lunch and dinner feature pies, cocktails and craft beer. But it’s the Sunday roast that steals the show: Ruby roast beef atop a Yorkshire pudding flooded with gravy. Just remember — it’s walk-in only.
The Dining Room, Langdale Chase Hotel in the Lake District
Wild halibut with creamed leeks, tarragon and parsley butter sauce
Overlooking the glassy expanse of Lake Windermere, The Dining Room at Langdale Chase blends heritage charm with a flair for local produce. Chef Michael Cole’s standout dishes, like Dexter beef with crispy oyster and stout sauce, are best enjoyed on the terrace, where the lake and fells create an unforgettable setting.
Dorian at Notting Hill, London
Dorian’s signature caviar rostis
Still one of London’s hottest tables, Dorian in Notting Hill is a masterclass in refined yet unpretentious dining. Chef Max Coen delivers precision with personality in dishes like turbot with charred edges and green garlic, and pistachio ice cream crowned with caviar. With fans like David Beckham and a warm, candlelit bistro atmosphere, this is contemporary British dining at its finest.
AngloThai at Marylebone, London
AngloThai is slowly gaining popularity among the locals thanks to their bold, Thai-British fusion dishes such as monkfish in woodland curry or pork chops with smoked chilli relish and caviar-topped Carlingford oysters
Michelin-starred within three months of opening, AngloThai is the brainchild of John and Desiree Chantarasak. Their bold, Thai-British fusion showcases local produce transformed with heat and heart. Expect monkfish in woodland curry, pork chops with smoked chilli relish and caviar-topped Carlingford oysters — all in a chic, intimate space in Marylebone.
Moreish at Fairmont Windsor Park
One of Moreish’s signature dishes — the pan-seared scallops on a bed of snow peas
Tucked beside the royal landscapes of Windsor Great Park, Moreish offers relaxed luxury with a British twist. After exploring the grounds, diners are welcomed with dishes like roasted scallops over fregola and lamb rump with velouté. Desserts such as rhubarb and raspberry torte celebrate the best of British summer flavours.
Hyde Park Garden at Mandarin Oriental, London
The iconic ‘Meat Fruit’ is a dish where chicken liver parfait is crafted to look like a mandarin
Outdoor dining reaches new heights at Hyde Park Garden, where al fresco elegance meets royal pageantry. Guests enjoy views of horse-mounted guards and sample dishes from Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred kitchen, including the iconic Meat Fruit and triple-cooked chips. With rosé in hand, it’s summer in London at its most polished.
Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee House, West Sussex
Interlude’s Wagyu tartare topped with smoked Exmoor caviar and a consommé brewed with apple cider
A country retreat like no other, Restaurant Interlude offers an intricate tasting menu in the heart of 240 acres of botanical gardens and roaming albino wallabies. Chef Jean Delport fuses artistry with bold South African influences, plating tartare over chawanmushi and aged turbot with wild garlic. It’s an experience as surprising as it is sophisticated.
La Môme at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London
The Berkeley Rooftop Pool and Bar is London’s ultimate alfresco destination
Bringing the Riviera to central London, La Môme at The Berkeley swaps stuffy fine dining for effortless glamour. Diners enjoy live piano inside or bask in the sunshine outside, sampling seafood linguine and velvety tiramisu. The veal-tonnato is a nod to Italian roots, while the whole experience feels distinctly Côte d’Azur with a British twist.
From countryside estates to urban hotspots, these destinations offer more than just great food; they capture the spirit of summer in the UK. Whether it’s a four-hour feast in Snowdonia or oysters under the London sun, these nine culinary gems serve up unforgettable experiences alongside their extraordinary plates.
CNA
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