16 Restaurants in the UK That Showcase British Food at Its Best
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If you're planning a trip to the UK, you may not have high hopes when it comes to cuisine. It's often said that British food isn't very good. And it's true, it's not always high end. Traditionally, Brits like simple dishes, and are good at rustic cuisine. They get unfairly accused of producing nothing but overcooked meat and vegetables and lumpy gravy; tasteless, stodgy dishes without much flavor. But don't write off British cuisine. After all, they cover all their desserts in custard. They have an entire meal that's basically just scones and tiny cakes. There is nothing Brits cannot do with a potato (and if they find a way to put more than one carb in a meal, you bet they'll try). And have you tried a proper Cornish pasty? Traditional British food is more than fish and chips and roast dinners, and it's definitely something worth celebrating. So if you're heading to the UK soon, put these restaurants on your must-visit list!
Hawksmoor
The UK's best steak restaurant chain isn't just for Londoners. Hawksmoor has a branch in Manchester, too. Look out for the grilled bone marrow and the beef dripping fries.
The Hidden Hut
The Hidden Hut in Cornwall is so popular the owners have just released a new cookbook. Where better to get a Cornish pasty? There are also frequent "feast nights" where they cook one classic dish for everyone to share.
The Fordwich Arms
If you want a seasonal tasting menu that'll give you the best of British at a reasonable price, head to The Fordwich Arms in Cambridge.
Quality Chop House
The Quality Chop House is a gorgeous London restaurant that's now expanded to include a wine bar, a deli shop, and a butchers. Everything it serves is delicious (you have to order the confit potatoes at least once in your life), but we're always going to go for a bacon sandwich.
St. John
British restaurant St. John in London specializes in "nose-to-tail" eating, which means every bit of the animal is used in the menu. If you're after a meat pie, you've come to the right place.
The Wigmore
The Wigmore hotel has a classic pub, which serves up all our favorites. Make sure you try the Scotch eggs, and order a metal tankard of real ale.
Number 16
Seasonal food, local produce, Number 16 is your stopping point in Glasgow for modern and adventurous Scottish cooking.
The Green
We love the fish 'n' chips at The Green in the London neighborhood of Clerkenwell, but it's the little touches that make it more than just a pub: the bar snacks and homemade butter and the classic beef Wellington roast on a Sunday.
Petersham Nurseries
It's unusual to recommend a restaurant in a garden center, but Petersham Nurseries in Richmond has been knocking it out of the park with its classic British lunches (and excellent vegetarian choices) for years.
Howard St
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. All of these add up to one of Belfast's most popular restaurants, Howard St.
Sticky Walnut
Chester's favourite restaurant, The Sticky Walnut, excels at British dishes. Sticky toffee pudding, anyone?
The Whitebrook
Michelin-starred The Whitebrook near Monmouth in Wales takes British classics — like the apple crumble — and transforms them into modern and original dishes.
The Wolseley
Whether you go to a local greasy spoon for bacon and "a fried slice", or you head to The Wolseley for a fancy alternative, we will not hear a bad word said about the famous English breakfast.
The Leaping Hare
The Leaping Hare is in a 14th century barn in the middle of an English vineyard in Bury St Edmunds. The owners try and ensure all the ingredients come from within a five-mile radius. Then it's just a short journey into our mouths.
The Sportsman
Just outside of the charming seaside town of Whitstable, gastropub The Sportsman is routinely voted the best restaurant in the UK. Make sure you book and go for the hearty classics. Leave some for us.
Claridge's
Traditional afternoon tea is a British institution. As is the jam/cream first debate! There's no better place to get into a heated argument than Claridge's.