London offers a plethora of Michelin starred restaurants to choose from, but there is also a culinary boom happening outside of the capital, with an increasing number of Michelin stars being awarded to stately manor houses, country pubs and rural boutique hotels.
We’ve picked out our favourite fine dining eateries that reside outside of London and it’s not surprising that there’s a high proportion from the South West of England. The region’s abundance of fantastic produce, high proportion of foodie residents, and strong food tourism industry means that many some of the best chefs choose to make their name here.
Gidleigh Park, Chagford in Devon
Critically acclaimed, two Michelin Star executive head chef Michael Caines MBE has been at the helm of Relais & Chateaux property Gidleigh Park’s kitchen since 1994. Michael and his passionate team of dedicated professionals create dishes with modern European influences which are a celebration of West Country produce from land and sea complemented by vegetables and herbs picked from Gidleigh Park’s own kitchen garden.
With a regularly changing menu, sample dishes include a tartar of marinated tuna scallops and lime with Oscietra caviar, soused turnip and beetroot, wasabi cream, honey and soy vinaigrette and Cornish salt cod with Beesands crab, chorizo, tarragon and a lemon purée.
Matching the high standards in the kitchen, Gidleigh Park’s internationally renowned wine cellar accommodates over 1,300 bins and 13,000 bottles from around the world, overseen by Edouard Oger MS. Home to a selection of European, New World and Bio Dynamic wines, the cellar offers one of the most impressive wine lists in the British Isles.
Address: Gidleigh Park, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8HH
The Treby Arms, Sparkwell in Devon
The Treby Arms is a delightfully rustic country pub which holds a hidden secret. An exquisite freshly prepared menu is designed to tempt and delight anyone looking for a fine dining experience, no matter whether it’s for an intimate meal for two or a family friendly evening meal.
The Treby has something for everyone to enjoy. Head chef Anton Piotrowski (Master Chef winner in 2012) and landlady Clare Piotrowski run this humble Devon village pub and in 2014 achieved their first Michelin Star, which has firmly put The Treby Arms on the map as one of the South West’s leading gastro-pub’s, with a difference. With the attention to detail and an evolving menu at The Treby Arms it ensures only the freshest seasonal produce is served and you can also be sure that all their food is made from the best local produce available in our region – from locally caught fish to the freshest of fruit and vegetables.
It is clear that Anton and his kitchen staff have great passion for what they do, as the food is cooked to an exceptionally high standard and the presentation is second to none. The Treby Arms has the whole package and it means the establishment is now a ‘must visit’ destination for a unique fine dining experience.
Address: Sparkwell, Plympton, PL7 5DD
The Park at Lucknam Park, Chippenham in Wiltshire
Built in 1720, Lucknam Park, situated within a 500 acre private estate of parkland and woodland, is sumptuously furnished with fine antiques, reflecting its history as a private home until recent years. This 42-room Palladian mansion and proud member of Relais & Chateaux, is one of the UK’s leading country house hotels.
The Park restaurant offers fine dining in an elegant setting, with glorious views over the parkland. Before dinner couples can enjoy cocktails and canapés in Lucknam’s magnificent drawing room or charming library before going through to The Park with a choice of the A La Carte or Gourmet Tasting menu.
Executive chef, Hywel Jones, who has held a Michelin star at The Park since 2006, uses the finest organic ingredients to ensure the fullest flavours and wherever possible sources from local suppliers. Herbs are picked fresh from the extensive kitchen garden at the hotel which helps enhance the subtle flavours of the chef’s cooking.
Address: Lucknam Park , Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ
Drake’s, Ripley in Surrey
For over a decade, Drake’s, in Ripley, has retained its Michelin star and continues to receive plaudits. Privately owned, Steve and Serina Drake have sympathetically restored it over the years and a stylish blend of contemporary touches complement original oak beams and Georgian features. Drinks can be enjoyed in the oak panelled cocktail bar or pretty walled garden, weather permitting.
Steve’s food has an emphasis on flavour and texture. It can seem deceptively simple but behind the scenes, layers of preparation have gone into each dish. Dishes might include Lamb Loin, and Belly, Wild Garlic, Cumin, Pea and Onion or Jerusalem Artichoke, Veal Sweetbreads, Watercress, Cep Biscuit and there are always equally imaginative vegetarian menus available. Menus change seasonally and the lunch menu changes monthly.
The eclectic wine list offers yet another voyage of discovery; sommelier Michael Fiducia’s selection also embraces small-scale producers (including local English vineyards) and there is something to suit all tastes and budgets, plus a wide selection of wines by the glass. Service is relaxed, yet highly professional, as befits an establishment of this standing, but it is far from stuffy.
Address: The Clock House, High Street, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6AQ
The Driftwood Hotel, Portscatho in Cornwall
Set in a truly idyllic location, the Driftwood offers both laid back luxury and a taste of Cornwall’s beautiful south coast. But it is not just the epic views and peaceful grounds that make this a great Cornish escape. An outstandingly fresh, Michelin-Starred menu represents a rare treat for foodies who crave great food in a totally relaxed setting.
If the beach house styled hotel itself is a refreshing escape from the ordinary, the same could be said about the restaurant. Head chef Chris Eden is not so much inspired by Cornish food, but obsessed. Whether hand-dived scallops, a whole lobster or prime cut of lamb is your idea of heaven, Chris and his team hand pick the very best direct from source, combining seasonal flavours and fresh ideas to create exceptional food. Factor in perfect service, chic rooms and a private beach and you have all the ingredients for a delicious escape.
Address: The Driftwood Hotel, Rosevine, Portscatho, Cornwall, TR2 5EW
Paris House, Woburn Estate in Bedfordshire
Paris House is located in elegant surroundings that are steeped in history. Built in 1878 in a timbered mock-Renaissance style in Paris, the 9th Duke of Bedford then bought the house and shipped it piece-by-piece to the UK where he reconstructed it in Woburn Park. It has enjoyed a vividly colourful history on the estate before becoming a restaurant in 1983.
The stunning restaurant, which is set on 22 acres of picturesque deer park on the historic Woburn Estate, has successfully kept its place on the list of one star Michelin restaurants outside London, and is still the only Michelin starred restaurant in Bedfordshire.
Executive chef and restaurant owner Phil Fanning and his team have preserved the building’s colourful heritage, whilst introducing a relaxed, stylish ambience, introducing varied menus carefully combining the finest local and seasonal produce with modern culinary techniques.
Address: Paris House, Woburn Park, London Road, Woburn MK17 9QP
Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu in Hampshire
The Terrace restaurant at the Montagu Arms Hotel is an outstanding one Michelin star restaurant in the quintessential village of Beaulieu, Hampshire, headed up by innovative chef and previous winner of the Roux Scholarship, Matthew Tomkinson.
As the only Michelin Starred restaurant in the New Forest National Park, the Terrace offers guests an ever-changing seasonal menu which is intricately designed to highlight the wonderful flavours of the ingredients within, in the process gaining a reputation for sourcing some of the finest ingredients from around the New Forest National Park and the South Coast.
Combining world-class, award winning service, one of the most comprehensive wine collections in the south and the exceptional menu prepared by Matthew and his team, the Terrace restaurant has quickly grown to become one of the most sought-after places to dine for foodies from around the country.
Address: The Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire. SO42 7ZL
Pony & Trap, Chew Magna in Somerset
Situated between Bristol and Bath, the Pony & Trap is a Michelin starred gastro pub with unrivalled views of Chew Valley. Set in the lovely and picturesque countryside, guests will have a great view whether sat inside or outside in the garden which overlooks plenty of green fields and the new fruit orchard.
Brainchild of Michelin-starred chef and Great British Menu winner Josh Eggleton, it’s ethos is designed with a focus on British ingredients, quality and sustainability, with a menu that changes daily according to the ingredients that are in season and coming from just across the field!
Holding a Michelin star since 2010, the Pony is widely regarded one of the best places to eat in the South West, with some regular fans known to fly from Belgium for a meal from the chef!
Address: The Pony & Trap, Newtown, Chew Magna, Bristol, BS40 8TQ
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury in Wiltshire
Food at Relais & Chateaux property Whatley Manor bursts with flavour and originality, offering a choice of two high quality dining experiences as well as two bars, which are perfect for an aperitif before lunch or dinner. The style is classical French with a modern interpretation using the very best ingredients.
The two-Michelin starred restaurant, The Dining Room, delights all senses from the tiny amuse bouches through to the plates laden with decadent petit fours, with multiple courses in between – every mouthful is utterly delicious. Overseen by award-winning chef Martin Burge and wines matched by sommelier Andrea Domenicucci from an extensive list of well known and lesser known wines.
The brassiere, Le Mazot, evokes the warmth and relaxed ease of a Swiss chalet and serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. Children are very welcome. When the weather is fine, lunch and dinner are also served on the Kitchen Garden Terrace. Menus focus on seasonal produce, locally sourced whenever possible and are created by the same expert kitchen team as The Dining Room.
Address: Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB
Kinloch Lodge, Isleornsay on the Isle of Skye
Recognised by Conde Nast and The Sunday Times as one of the world’s best hotels, award winning Relais & Chateaux property Kinloch Lodge is Skye’s most historic hotel. The 16th century former hunting lodge of the Macdonald family sits on the shores of Loch Na Dal. Fusing old and new, it is the perfect highland getaway.
Having succeeded the hotel’s founder and food writer, Lady Claire Macdonald, Marcello Tully consistently serves up incredible dishes from Skye’s natural and delicious larder, he consider’s Scotland to be a true chef’s paradise. He first gained the hotel’s Michelin star in 2010 and has retained it every year since.
In the dining room, under the watchful gaze of Macdonald ancestors, whose portraits line the walls, crisp white linen napery and vintage silver cutlery provide the perfect backdrop to the exceptional food.
Address: Kinlock Lodge, Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, IV43 8QY
The Bath Priory, Bath in Somerset
The Bath Priory hotel brings all the joys of the country to its city setting. With traditional decor, a stately Michelin-starred restaurant and grounds fit for a country manor, you won’t guess you’re a 15-minute stroll from the centre of Bath.
Michelin-starred Sam Moody oversees the menu of Modern European food served in the formal Bath Priory Restaurant, which overlooks the verdant gardens. It’s traditional, with crisp linens, polished crystal, striped velvet chairs and jewel-coloured banquettes.
Don’t miss the confit Cornish cod with cauliflower and hazelnut couscous, Madgett’s Farm duck with rhubarb and pain d’épices, or the roast loin and croquette of local pork with a caper and anchovy crust.
Address: Weston Rd, Bath, BA1 2XT
The Whitebrook (Restaurant With Rooms), Wye Valley in Monmouthshire
The Whitebrook is a Michelin star restaurant with eight rooms, set in the blissfully peaceful and stunning Wye Valley. Chef Chris Harrod (ex-Le Manoir aux’Quat Saisons and The Grove) followed his ultimate dream of owning his own restaurant, and with his wife Kirsty, they took ownership in 2013 and within 11 months The Whitebrook was awarded a Michelin star.
Every dish boasts locally sourced ingredients, many of which are foraged within a short distance from The Whitebrook. Expect dishes such as Wye Valley asparagus hogweed, maritime pine, tintern mead; hand dived scallop, chicory, blood, aromatic nuts and seeds; and local strawberries, woodland sorrel, oats and caramelised almonds. The setting is out of a fairy tale book, perfect for walks, cycling, fly fishing, minutes from Chepstow racecourse, the impressive Tintern Abbey and Humble by Nature farm amongst others.
Lead in rates start from £214 and includes a three course meal, bed and breakfast for two. Or £238 for a seven course tasting menu, bed and breakfast for two.
Address: The Whitebrook, Whitebrook, near Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 4TX
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton in Oxfordshire
Many celebrity chef projects remain just that; a ‘project’, and not a labour of love from its eponymous creator. Raymond Blanc has made sure this isn’t the case with this superb weekend break destination, and has concocted a truly special blend of food and luxury.
Le Manoir is a 15th century Oxfordshire hotel including 32 individually designed rooms set in beautiful grounds. More recently, an orchard is being launched to further complement the gardens, of which the restaurant collects ingredients from the vegetable and herb gardens throughout 8 months of the year.
Le Manoir, a Relais & Chateaux property, caters to expert food lovers, with its two-Michelin starred menu and expert team delivering the freshest ingredients and delicious modern French cuisine. There is also a comprehensive wine cellar to complement any dishes chosen by guests. There are also many Cookery School courses throughout the year and places are highly coveted. These can be combined with hotel stay for the ultimate foodie holiday package.
Address: Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD
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Le Champignon Sauvage, Cheltenham in Gloucestershire
Situated within the historic spa town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, the two-Michelin star Le Champignon Sauvage is the perfect place to relax whilst visiting the Cotswolds.
David Everitt-Matthias and his wife Helen have been running the restaurant since 1987 and in that time have won a host of top culinary awards, including the Good Food Guide Chef of the Year (2014), the BMW Square Meal Restaurant of the Year (2006), as well as retaining two Michelin stars since 2000.
On entering Le Champignon Sauvage, guests will immediately notice an intimate feeling with a refreshing lack of pretension. The restaurant is warmly decorated with a display of bold modern works of art, generous table sizes and comfortable chairs. Helen’s graciousness, blend of informal conversation and professional discretion, creates a happy atmosphere with unobtrusive seamless service. Combined with David’s culinary confidence and imagination this will give you a most pleasurable experience.
David’s many awards reflect the esteem in which he is held as a chef. Recognised as one of Britain’s leading craftsmen, he is always in the kitchen and has never missed a service. He is also known for his tireless experimentation with anything from the most humble to the most expensive ingredients, and an “ability for making dishes taste more of themselves than the original ingredient”.
His food is a cross between the ‘terroir’ and modern French with very original touches. The menu changes seasonally with great care taken to source the finest local ingredients.
Address: 24-28 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 2AQ
The Elephant, Torquay in Devon
The Elephant is a two storey restaurant with the more informal brasserie on the ground floor and the Michelin starred, The Room on the first. The Elephant was the first restaurant in Torquay to be awarded a Michelin star which it maintains today. They aim to source all their ingredients locally and sustainably, many from their dedicated farm in Brixham. Run by chef proprietor, Simon Hulstone and his wife Katy, the restaurant overlooks the beautiful Torbay harbour.
Diners in The Room will be served the Michelin starred tasting menu. Expect friendly and knowledegable service without the formalities.
Address: The Elephant Restaurant, 3 & 4 Beacon Terrace, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2BH
