The Pride of Paddington

‘Rooted in Thailand, Uniquely British’ is the tagline of this joyfully run restaurant from John and Desiree Chantarasak – John is half-Thai, half-British, a duality that informs his cuisine. The exemplary ingredients – from crab to venison – are sourced from across the UK, including from Desiree’s family’s farm, but you can certainly expect more than British ingredients simply married with Thai flavours. There are reimagined and innovative dishes aplenty here too, such as Brixham crab with caviar and coconut ash cracker. Clever sourcing also extends to the furniture, with the tables made from

After many years working with Gordon Ramsay, Matt Abé finally put his name above the door with this restaurant inside the space which was once Le Gavroche – the famous basement dining room is now decked out with neutral tones and curved lines. The menu showcases Abé’s own style of cooking, blending classical dishes like celeriac royale with well-judged modernity. Throughout, his command of flavour – particularly in sauces – is exceptional, exemplified by a perfectly cooked scallop with a rich, buttery sauce and an array of citrus, all working together in total harmony.

As soon as you are welcomed with warmth and charisma by the outstanding service team, you know you're in for a special experience at this jewel of a restaurant. The chefs achieve a perfect blend of modernity and classicism, combining seasonal dishes that embrace Alain Ducasse's beloved 'naturalité' with a roster of his signature recipes – such as the peerless rum baba, a dessert that consistently delivers culinary ecstasy. Underpinning it all are outstanding ingredients, technical mastery and miraculous balance in dishes that can be at once intense and fresh, both rich and delicate.

From the charming welcome to the last of the delicious petit fours, Clare Smyth's elegant Notting Hill restaurant offers a superb experience. Start with a drink in the delightful Whiskey & Seaweed bar, before choosing between an à la carte or two tasting menus. 'Core Seasons' features more recent seasonal creations, while 'Core Classics' includes Smyth signatures like 'Potato and Roe' and 'Lamb Carrot'. Throughout, the eye-catching dishes take outstanding ingredients and fashion them into beautifully balanced, skilfully composed dishes with supreme depth of flavour.

‘Mexican soul, British ingredients’ is the tagline of this big, bold restaurant, and it proves an exhilarating combination. The kitchen adds creativity and impressive modern technique to hyper-seasonal recipes rooted in tradition, resulting in wonderful flavour contrasts and imagination in outstanding dishes like the signature langoustine taco with smoked chilli and sea buckthorn. The interesting wine list focuses on lesser-known choices from Central and Eastern Europe, while the final part of the tasting menu is served in the downstairs Mezcaleria, which is well-stocked with Mexican spirits.

A wood-panelled dining room within the historic Connaught Hotel might suggest an overly formal environment for Hélène Darroze’s London restaurant, but its soft furnishings and pastel colours give it a wonderfully cosy feel which helps put you at ease. The talented kitchen team bring outstanding technical mastery and attention to detail to the very best seasonal produce, while some of the accompanying flavours are informed by Hélène’s international travels, like the Isle of Mull lobster with tandoori spices. For dessert, the signature 'Baba' with a choice of Armagnacs from Hélène's brother Marc

Heston Blumenthal has announced that this restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel will close for good in early 2027, so now’s the time to see exactly why it has always been so highly rated. The menu may take inspiration from England's oldest recipe books, but there is still something decidedly 'Heston' about the creative dishes. The signature illusory 'Meat Fruit' epitomises his playful influence, while providing a reminder that superb flavours underpin his dishes – in this case it's a smooth, delicious chicken liver parfait. In another twist, guests are asked how much interaction