If anyone knows about good food, it’s Simon Rogan.
L’Enclume – his two Michelin-starred restaurant and “Cumbrian hideaway” – seems to win The Good Food Guide’s Best Restaurant in Britain award every year, and he’s also claimed a star for Fera at Claridge’s too.
But where else should we be eating? Here are his top picks for foodie fanatics…
1. Jason Atherton at Pollen Street Social, London
Designed as an “urban meeting point”, Pollen Street Social is a place to eat, drink and socialise – and not just on special occasions. Taking the best produce from the British Isles, Jason Atherton and his team do a brilliant job at making Michelin-starred food more of a casual affair.
2. Restaurant Sat Bains, Nottingham
@Satbains1 The master at work, thanks Sat for a memorable birthday experience for @LynneSlater12 @RSBwithrooms pic.twitter.com/VumlqFE5yu
— Tim (@Tim2402) January 22, 2017
According to the Michelin Guide, Restaurant Sat Bains is a smart restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and slick service. Tuck into the seven or 10-course uber-original tasting menu and, for the ultimate experience, book a table in the six-seater Nucleus dining room to see the kitchen’s creativity.
3. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London
Named the Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef 2015, Hélène Darroze’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Connaught celebrates the taste and texture of fine French cuisine. Add an intriguing Solitaire board of 13 marbles, each bearing the name of an ingredient, into the mix, and your five, seven or nine-course meal is certain to shine.
4. Daniel Clifford at Midsummer House, Cambridge
Daniel Clifford runs the kitchen at Midsummer House as a team with head chef Mark Abbott – both Great British Menu favourites. The stylish restaurant is set on Midsummer Common and serves up an amazing five-course lunch. Be sure to sup on an aperitif in the first-floor lounge, overlooking the River Cam.
5. The Hand And Flowers, Marlow
Bubbling OnTo The Wine List #BTB @HandFMarlow @coatesandseely ?? #BeSmartDrinkEnglish pic.twitter.com/kjIal1gMKx
— Hand & Flowers Wine (@HandFWine) January 11, 2017
The only ‘pub’ to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Kerridge’s Hand And Flowers is a credit to the ever-shrinking chef, who’s now lost 11 stone. Combining unpretentious British flavours, as well as rustic French dishes, you can choose from an a la carte menu, a set lunch menu and the most amazing roast beef on a Sunday.
6. Bibendum, London
Okay, so this one is currently closed for a refurb, but based on his immense success at Hibiscus, when Claude Bosi re-opens Bibendum this spring, it’s going to be pretty special. Check the website for updates, and if you can’t wait that long, the Oyster Bar is still open to customers.
Simon Rogan is the chef and proprietor of the Umbel restaurant group and face of Landrover’s #Hibernot campaign.
