The Michelin Guide
The French by Simon Rogan (Manchester) pictured above
From the Beatles to the Beckhams, The French is a firm favourite amongst the glitterati in Manchester. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Midland Hotel, this fine dining restaurant delivers a true celebration of modern British cuisine. In January 1974 The French was awarded one of Britain's first Michelin-starred restaurants, with the publication of the first guide. Simon Rogan took over The French last year and transformed the restaurant to its former opulence – it can't be long before it gets its star back. With each dish Simon Rogan incorporates the finest seasonal produce and the latest culinary techniques to successfully marry exceptional flavours with wonderfully imaginative presentation, creating a unique gastronomic experience.
Price of average three course meal: £59
www.the-french.co.uk
Red Lion Inn (Stathern, Leicestershire)
Jack Clayton and his team are committed to sourcing local ingredients including meat and poultry from the village butcher, eggs from the local farm, wild garlic from the hedgerows, vegetables, herbs & salads from its own kitchen garden, village allotments and farms, as well as cheese and bread from nearby dairies and bakers. Awarded Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year 2015 in the Good Pub Guide, its menu changes daily, and its beers compliment the dishes served. Try one of their legendary country cocktails using local ingredients - strawberry vodka with cream soda is a firm favourite.
Price of average three course meal: 'Dine for less' menu at just £15
www.theolivebranchpub.com
The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, East Yorkshire)
Dating back to the 15th century, the Pipe and Glass Inn stands on the site of the original gatehouse to Dalton Park, still the residence of Lord Hotham. Owners James and Kate took over the pub in March 2006 and completely refurbished it; the bar has kept a country pub feel, while the restaurant is warm, welcoming and airy, serving excellent quality dishes made with the finest local, seasonal produce. The Pipe and Glass Inn was awarded East Yorkshire's first and only Michelin star in 2010 and has retained it ever since. It is also the Good Food Guide's County Dining Pub of the Year 2014.
Price of average three course meal: £45
www.pipeandglass.co.uk
Red Lion Freehouse (Pewsey, Wiltshire)
This Michelin-starred country pub is now the third best pub in the UK according to the Good Food Guide, August 2014. Menus are written for each service, each day and are ingredient led – they even make their own butter and ketchup! It has a national reputation for serving outstanding food and has roared into the consciousness of foodies and locals alike with its amazing drinks selection and outstanding cooking at reasonable prices within a quintessential English pub setting.
Price of average three course meal: £44
www.redlionfreehouse.com
The Porch House (Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds)
Formerly The Royalist tavern and the adjoining Eagle and Child pub, The Porch House is a property of two chic parts. The old Royalist area is a formal restaurant, decked with genuine antler chandeliers, and offers a well-conceived area for private dining. The old Eagle and Child section is a cosy, low-ceilinged pub, complete with beams and wooden tables. They pride themselves on offering hearty British cuisine - simple yet robust cooking using the best locally sourced ingredients. There's even 14 boutique suites upstairs if you can't bear to leave.
Price of average three course meal: £35
www.porch-house.co.uk
The Clockhouse Cafe & Tea Room (Upton, Nottinghamshire)
Located in the pretty Nottinghamshire village of Upton, The Clockhouse Cafe is a new venture by chef Edward Halls, who has previously worked for the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay. A relaxed experience is guaranteed, and the cafe is renowned for its homemade tarts, scones and cakes. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, The Clockhouse also offers a six-course fine dining Michelin-quality experience on the first weekend of every month. Don't miss the monthly cooking demonstrations where Edward Halls shares his food know how.
Six course set menu only £38 per person.
www.clockhousecafe.co.uk
The Hinds head (Bray, Berkshire)
Heston Blumenthal is known as the father of British molecular cuisine and is one of the most high profile chefs in the country. His signature restaurant, The Fat Duck has held three Michelin stars since 2004 and offers up quirky delicacies such as snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, but this comes with a hefty price tag. Pop over the road to Heston's pub, the Hinds Head, for a cheaper bite to eat. A scotch egg is £3.75, and a roast is £20. Nothing like your local but a fraction of the price of The Fat Duck. This 15th-century pub offers a combination of traditional seasonal cuisine and historic dishes. Heston's quest for excellence in taste and flavour is combined with Head Chef Kevin Love's respect and love of fresh seasonal produce, to create a menu of British favourites in harmony with the building's Tudor origins.
Price of average three course meal: £37
www.hindsheadbray.com
HIX Oyster & Fish House (Lyme Regis)
HIX Oyster & Fish House overlooks the harbour in Lyme Regis and boasts the most stunning panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast – this is easily one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy fresh English seafood. The Fish House is an informal, light and airy dining room with simple white wooden tables and chairs. The restaurant focuses on sourcing and serving the best produce and doing as little to it as possible, allowing the real flavour of the pure English ingredients to shine through.
Price of average three course meal: £35
www.hixoysterandfishhouse.co.uk
From the Beatles to the Beckhams, The French is a firm favourite amongst the glitterati in Manchester. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Midland Hotel, this fine dining restaurant delivers a true celebration of modern British cuisine. In January 1974 The French was awarded one of Britain's first Michelin-starred restaurants, with the publication of the first guide. Simon Rogan took over The French last year and transformed the restaurant to its former opulence – it can't be long before it gets its star back. With each dish Simon Rogan incorporates the finest seasonal produce and the latest culinary techniques to successfully marry exceptional flavours with wonderfully imaginative presentation, creating a unique gastronomic experience.
Price of average three course meal: £59
www.the-french.co.uk
Red Lion Inn (Stathern, Leicestershire)
Jack Clayton and his team are committed to sourcing local ingredients including meat and poultry from the village butcher, eggs from the local farm, wild garlic from the hedgerows, vegetables, herbs & salads from its own kitchen garden, village allotments and farms, as well as cheese and bread from nearby dairies and bakers. Awarded Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year 2015 in the Good Pub Guide, its menu changes daily, and its beers compliment the dishes served. Try one of their legendary country cocktails using local ingredients - strawberry vodka with cream soda is a firm favourite.
Price of average three course meal: 'Dine for less' menu at just £15
www.theolivebranchpub.com
The Pipe and Glass (South Dalton, East Yorkshire)
Dating back to the 15th century, the Pipe and Glass Inn stands on the site of the original gatehouse to Dalton Park, still the residence of Lord Hotham. Owners James and Kate took over the pub in March 2006 and completely refurbished it; the bar has kept a country pub feel, while the restaurant is warm, welcoming and airy, serving excellent quality dishes made with the finest local, seasonal produce. The Pipe and Glass Inn was awarded East Yorkshire's first and only Michelin star in 2010 and has retained it ever since. It is also the Good Food Guide's County Dining Pub of the Year 2014.
Price of average three course meal: £45
www.pipeandglass.co.uk
Red Lion Freehouse (Pewsey, Wiltshire)
This Michelin-starred country pub is now the third best pub in the UK according to the Good Food Guide, August 2014. Menus are written for each service, each day and are ingredient led – they even make their own butter and ketchup! It has a national reputation for serving outstanding food and has roared into the consciousness of foodies and locals alike with its amazing drinks selection and outstanding cooking at reasonable prices within a quintessential English pub setting.
Price of average three course meal: £44
www.redlionfreehouse.com
The Porch House (Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds)
Formerly The Royalist tavern and the adjoining Eagle and Child pub, The Porch House is a property of two chic parts. The old Royalist area is a formal restaurant, decked with genuine antler chandeliers, and offers a well-conceived area for private dining. The old Eagle and Child section is a cosy, low-ceilinged pub, complete with beams and wooden tables. They pride themselves on offering hearty British cuisine - simple yet robust cooking using the best locally sourced ingredients. There's even 14 boutique suites upstairs if you can't bear to leave.
Price of average three course meal: £35
www.porch-house.co.uk
The Clockhouse Cafe & Tea Room (Upton, Nottinghamshire)
Located in the pretty Nottinghamshire village of Upton, The Clockhouse Cafe is a new venture by chef Edward Halls, who has previously worked for the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay. A relaxed experience is guaranteed, and the cafe is renowned for its homemade tarts, scones and cakes. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, The Clockhouse also offers a six-course fine dining Michelin-quality experience on the first weekend of every month. Don't miss the monthly cooking demonstrations where Edward Halls shares his food know how.
Six course set menu only £38 per person.
www.clockhousecafe.co.uk
The Hinds head (Bray, Berkshire)
Heston Blumenthal is known as the father of British molecular cuisine and is one of the most high profile chefs in the country. His signature restaurant, The Fat Duck has held three Michelin stars since 2004 and offers up quirky delicacies such as snail porridge and bacon and egg ice cream, but this comes with a hefty price tag. Pop over the road to Heston's pub, the Hinds Head, for a cheaper bite to eat. A scotch egg is £3.75, and a roast is £20. Nothing like your local but a fraction of the price of The Fat Duck. This 15th-century pub offers a combination of traditional seasonal cuisine and historic dishes. Heston's quest for excellence in taste and flavour is combined with Head Chef Kevin Love's respect and love of fresh seasonal produce, to create a menu of British favourites in harmony with the building's Tudor origins.
Price of average three course meal: £37
www.hindsheadbray.com
HIX Oyster & Fish House (Lyme Regis)
HIX Oyster & Fish House overlooks the harbour in Lyme Regis and boasts the most stunning panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast – this is easily one of the most picturesque spots to enjoy fresh English seafood. The Fish House is an informal, light and airy dining room with simple white wooden tables and chairs. The restaurant focuses on sourcing and serving the best produce and doing as little to it as possible, allowing the real flavour of the pure English ingredients to shine through.
Price of average three course meal: £35
www.hixoysterandfishhouse.co.uk