4 minute read
Culinary Delights
FROM FINESSED FINE DINING TO GLORIOUS GASTROPUBS, WE HOPE YOU’LL ENJOY OUR GREAT WEST WAY FOODIE ROUND UP.
1THE VINEYARD, STOCKCROSS, BERKSHIRE
Not only is The Vineyard a luxury five-star hotel and spa in a quaint country setting in Berkshire, it also has a 30,000-bottle wine cellar and a fine dining restaurant. Head chef Robby Jenks is at the helm of this 3AA Rosette restaurant. Diners can choose from an à la carte or a tasting menu where they can enjoy dishes such as veal sweetbread ravioli with pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin and brown butter sauce or roast brill, brassicas, caper berries and almond. → Stockcross, Newbury RG20 8JU
2 THE FAT DUCK, BRAY, BERKSHIRE
If you love theatre, Heston Blumenthal’s renowned eatery in Bray offers the perfect destination, serving innovative modern British cuisine in the most spectacular of settings. Heston has previously been described as the ‘Willy Wonka of British gastronomy’ and diners who would like to eat at his three-Michelin-starred wonderland pay £325 up front for a ‘ticket’ - providing them with access to the 17-courses on offer that showcase his multi sensory cuisine. → High St, Bray SL6 2AQ
3 THE WATERSIDE INN, BRAY, BERKSHIRE
Bray clearly is the place for foodies to be! The Waterside Inn which is under the leadership of chef patron Alain Roux has held three Michelin stars for over thirty years. Expect the most exquisite Classic French cooking coupled with the most impeccable service. → Ferry Rd, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT
4 CLIVEDEN HOUSE, TAPLOW, BERKSHIRE
Cliveden House has always been the place for ‘people in the know’ and since Meghan Markle spent the night before her wedding to Prince Harry there, its star continues to rise. This is largely helped by its varied food offering. Chef André Garrett’s innovative dishes and meticulous preparation and elaborate finishes showcase his exquisitely crafted creation. Produce is locally sourced and is highly seasonal - guests can choose between an à la carte menu or an eight-course tasting menu. → Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Berkshire, SL6 0JF
5 THE DINING ROOM, MALMESBURY, WILTSHIRE
‘Michelin’s European Young Chef of the Year’ Niall Keating showcases his skills as Executive Chef at this one Michelin star dining room restaurant at Whatley Manor Hotel. Serving seasonal British produce influenced by his worldwide travels. → Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB
6 BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS, SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE
Described as ‘Oxfordshire heritage meets French flair’, Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred chic restaurant has earned itself a global reputation for fine gastronomy and creative cooking. Diners continue to be charmed by both the setting (country-house luxe) and the delicious treats on offer which include the likes of spiced monkfish, ravioli of pumpkin and smoked trout amongst others. → Church Road, Great Milton, South Oxfordshire, OX44 7PD
7 THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD, GORING-ON-THAMES, READING
Despite its intriguing name, The Miller of Mansfield is situated in the sweet village of Goring-on- Thames. This 18th-century country pub has been given a contemporary twist and can be defined as ‘Modern European’ which has earned two AA Rosettes and offers refined modern British dishes from the freshest seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. → High Street, Goring, Reading RG8 9AW
8 THE HARROW AT LITTLE BEDWYN, NR. MARLBOROUGH, WILTSHIRE
Owned and run by Sue and Roger Jones, this Michelin Star gem has received worldwide accolades for its food and has also been critically acclaimed for its 900 bin Wine List. Offering three menus, to include an 8 course evening gourmet option, often changed to reflect the best seasonal ingredients. → Little Bedwyn, Nr. Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3JP
9 RED LION FREEHOUSE, EAST CHISENBURY, WILTSHIRE
Husband and wife team, Guy and Brittany Manning modestly describe themselves as “just a couple of chefs working to create a place with real soul”. Sourcing from the best possible producers, talent and hard work has earned the duo, and their team, one Michelin star status and a restaurant “where the food has personality, the surroundings are relaxed and the hospitality is warm and sincere”. → East Chisenbury, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 6AQ
10 HAND AND FLOWERS, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Nestled in the pretty Georgian town of Marlow, The Hand and Flowers is the only pub in the UK with two Michelin stars and with celebrated chef Tom Kerridge at the helm it is easy to see why. The restaurant has a rustic feel which is complemented by the refined British cuisine on offer. → 126 West St, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2BP
11 CASAMIA, BRISTOL
Casamia is a family run restaurant serving a multi-course tasting menu within an intimate restaurant setting of just nine tables. Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias and his team create dishes which are influenced by the individuality, multicultural and creative vibes of their home city of Bristol. His refined British dishes are served in his stylish restaurant with seasonally changing decor. → The General, Lower Guinea Street, Bristol BS1 6FU
12 BULRUSH, BRISTOL
One of the additions to the recently released Michelin Guide, Bristol-based restaurant Bulrush is certainly on many a foodie’s ‘must visit’ list for 2019. Chef Proprietor George Livesey’s imaginative and wellbalanced menu is chock-full of seasonal ingredients which are either organic or have been foraged. → 21 Cotham Rd South, Bristol BS6 5TZ
13 PONY & TRAP, BRISTOL
Run by brother and sister Josh and Holly Eggleton, this Michelin Star pub, with exceptional views of the stunning Chew Valley, offers an ever-changing menu that focuses on fresh produce which is locally sourced. Diners can choose from a tasting menu or from the dinner and lunch menus where they can enjoy dishes such as wood pigeon and ‘day boat’ fish. → Moorledge Rd, Newtown, Chew Magna, BS40 8TQ
14 OLIVE TREE RESTAURANT, BATH
Located in the renowned Queensberry Hotel, Olive Tree is a 3 AA Rosette restaurant in the heart of the beautiful city of Bath. It is a contemporary British restaurant offering informal fine dining under the direction of award-winning head chef, Chris Cleghorn. He has recently been awarded a Michelin Star in the 2019 guide and is the only restaurant in the city to be awarded this prestigious honour. Chris’s menu is quintessentially British with Mediterranean influences. → 4-7 Russell St, Bath BA1 2QF
QUEENS ARMS, EAST GARSTON, BERKSHIRE
Perfectly placed as a stop-over destination to explore on your Great West Way journey, in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet only 3 miles from the M4. This award winning, pub, restaurant and hotel (with its own private lodge) serves seasonal British cuisine. → East Garston, Berkshire, RG17 7ET
GREAT WEST WAY HIGHLIGHT
SAVOURING BATH
Savouring Bath (savouringbath.com) offer expert epicurean tours and experiences introducing you to the best of the city’s food and drink scene. Locally based, and passionate foodie guides will introduce you to the top food and drink hot spots and Bath’s hidden gems of yumminess along with some of the city’s famed history, while the food itself remains centre stage.