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The Fat Duck

★★★ Michelin££££Creative

For more than three decades, Heston Blumenthal and his team have blazed their own idiosyncratic trail at this iconic restaurant, where emotions and memories play a vital role. The dishes bear all the Heston hallmarks: innovative, playful and multi-sensory – epitomised by ‘Beside the Sea’, where headphones play the sound of seagulls, and 'Off to the Land of Nod', a nostalgic dessert involving Horlicks, an eye mask and edible 'pillows'. Crucially, for all its originality, the cooking also showcases harmonious and utterly delicious flavours and textures. A large, charming team guide you through t

Waterside Inn

★★★ Michelin££££french

Set in a picture perfect spot on a bank of the Thames, this long-standing bastion of culinary excellence continues to go from strength to strength. Luxury is at every turn, from the finest crockery to indulgent ingredients, and this, combined with the effortless service, creates a truly memorable dining experience. The menu lists newer creations alongside the French classics, with the kitchen’s exceptional craft on display throughout – be it in a sublime lobster jus or a textbook 'quenelle de brochet à la Lyonnaise'.

Hand and Flowers

★★ Michelin££££Modern British

This flagship operation from Tom Kerridge – the king of British pub dining – provides exactly what you'd expect: classic dishes executed with such skill and precision that they soar to rarely seen heights. The menu is not overly long but it still proves hard to choose, as every dish sounds so appealing. The ingredients are exemplary, presentation is first-rate and the bold, natural flavours are given room to shine, resulting in memorable dishes like an outstanding banana soufflé. The beams add character to the room, while the friendly staff keep the atmosphere light and convivial.

Nut Tree Inn

★ Michelin££££Modern British

With its 15th-century origins and smartly thatched roof, this may look like a typical English pub, but it's no ordinary village local. Mike and Imogen bought the place back in 2006 and have since put Murcott on the foodie map, whilst also keeping their inn a friendly, welcoming place. Refined, elegant dishes are delivered in the form of a tasting menu or a simpler 'pub classics' selection, both of which showcase the kitchen's ability to deliver tried-and-tested favourites with great skill – just look at the textbook sauces and the superb choice of breads to start.

The Royal Oak

★ Michelin£££Modern British

There's no shortage of history at The Royal Oak; it's reputedly one of the oldest pubs in the country and Oliver Cromwell is said to have stayed here in 1642. A strong farm-to-fork ethos runs throughout the menu, pushing organic and wild ingredients to the fore, while game is often shot to order. Assured, understated dishes are created with obvious care and a delicate touch – most have just three or four components (cod, parsnip and dulse with a cider and tarragon sauce, for instance), which allows each first-class ingredient to really shine. Charming service helps things along nicely.

The Coach

★ Michelin£££Modern British

The Hand and Flowers' reputation goes before it, but not quite as many people are familiar with its younger sister, The Coach, despite 2025 having marked its 10th successful year. A cosy, compact pub it has a relaxed, informal vibe – and the sharing of dishes is positively encouraged. Lunchtime sees a set-priced menu, while dinner offers an extensive à la carte that includes everything from deep-fried cod with pease pudding or their ‘rotisserie of the day’ to sticky toffee pudding with beef suet. Cooking is of the highest order and the hugely satisfying dishes burst with punchy flavours.

Lumière

★ Michelin££££Modern Cuisine

In the centre of this charming spa town you’ll find an unassuming exterior concealing an elegantly stylish restaurant. Helen runs the service and she’s a natural host, so you’ll be warmly welcomed and well looked after. Her experienced husband Jon runs things in the kitchen and his overtly seasonal cooking demonstrates impressive classical technique and attention to detail, exemplified by the expertly cooked venison with a rich red wine sauce. His more playful side comes out in the crowd-pleasing signature 'Tequila Slammer' sorbet.

Le Champignon Sauvage

★ Michelin££££french

For over 35 years, David and Helen Everitt-Matthias have been serving the Cheltenham dining scene with this spacious restaurant. David is in the kitchen crafting technically sound dishes that, as the restaurant's name would suggest, have one foot firmly in France. Your visit will be book-ended by a terrific bread basket and a delicious dessert; the latter has long been a real strength here, so look out for a cheesecake or chocolate delice to satisfy your sweet tooth. The wine list has plenty of depth and, like the food, is pleasantly well-priced.

🕐 We-Sa 12:30-13:30,19:30-20:45

Artichoke

★ Michelin££££Modern British

At the centre of a picturesque market town sits this 16th-century red-brick house, where the interior blends historic touches and an inglenook fireplace with smart modern design. To start, sample the signature Chiltern Black ale bread, before dining from one of a variety of menus that showcase the experienced chef's accomplished cooking, where the well-measured flavour combinations have an understated complexity. Seasonality is to the fore, as evidenced by superb dishes like local lamb sweetbreads with first flush garden peas and morel mushrooms.

The Cross

★ Michelin££££British Contemporary

The front bar of this charming 19th-century, Grade II listed inn makes a cosy place for a beer, while the pretty, foliage-enclosed rear terrace is great for lunch and drinks on a warm day. For dinner, sit in the back room to watch the kitchen team in action, or in the bright, airy former classroom with its eye-catching wall lamps shaped like hand bells. Chef Adam Bennett creates bold, classically based dishes which champion local produce and have been re-mastered and refined to deliver well-judged combinations of flavours and textures. For the full experience, go for the tasting menu.

Hinds Head

★ Michelin£££Traditional British

Set in the Thameside village of Bray, this sweet, quintessentially English inn is best known as Heston Blumenthal’s informal dining option – but that doesn’t make it any less enticing. Concise menus offer time-honoured British dishes presented in a clean, modern style, with punchy flavours and the occasional playful element. The combinations work beautifully and dishes are executed with the utmost precision – look out for the delicious Bakewell tart in particular. Service is relaxed and friendly, and the atmosphere buzzes with the sound of contented diners.

The Yurt at Nicholsons

必比登££Modern British

If you’re after something a little different, head to Nicholsons Nursery to have lunch in this lovely yurt – which is fashioned from upcycled materials – or in one of the themed private huts alongside. The generously sized, Mediterranean-influenced cooking is unfussy in style but propelled by bold flavours and excellent technique from the kitchen; cider-cured chalkstream trout with a brilliantly made crab bisque is a wonderful example. The confident, bright and breezy service is a natural fit for a place where you can't help but find yourself smiling.

Horse & Groom

必比登££Traditional British

Offering a lovely overall package that includes bedrooms and a warming atmosphere, this cosy pub makes a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. The 19th-century building has been renovated into a fine-looking property, with a bar area where every local and their dog can have a relaxing drink. The cooking is generous in both size and flavour, with a roll-call of pub classics and stand-out desserts like the terrific apple and walnut crumble. Several themed evenings offer particularly great value for money, be it ‘pie night’ or ‘steak and a pint’.

The Oarsman

必比登££British Contemporary

Spend an hour or two at this lovely pub and you'll leave feeling a good deal happier than when you entered. The impressive kitchen and service teams will ensure you are looked-after and well-fed, inside the charming surroundings of their part-red-brick, part-timbered pub – which also boasts a lovely enclosed terrace. The cooking puts naturally delicious ingredients at the forefront and doesn't shy away from big flavours, like warming nudja with roasted poussin. Look out for the 'Steak Frites Night' and come midweek to make the most of the wallet-friendly pricing.

Jai Ho

必比登££indian

Smart, stylish and boasting an immaculate open kitchen, this charmingly run Indian restaurant – whose name means “let there be victory” in Hindi – is a younger sibling to Cheltenham institutions Prithvi and Bhoomi Kitchen. There is a more distinct street food influence here, with the well-priced menu offering sharing plates that arrive when they’re ready. Look out for the coal-roasted dishes, including unmissable lamb chops, and the regularly changing house biryani. The desserts don’t let the side down either, with the gulab jamun a particular treat.

🕐 Tu-Su 12:00-22:00

Goat On The Roof

必比登££Modern Cuisine

A former bank is now this bright and airy restaurant where plenty of natural light floods in through the large windows. There's an understated elegance to the décor and the counter is the place to sit if you want to discuss the concise yet quality wine list with the enthusiastic team. The appealingly varied cooking offers sharing plates that draw inspiration from multiple sources but are rooted in the British larder. The fish 'gilda' snack is a prime example, offering plenty of flavour in the harmonious combination of trout, quail egg and smoked haddock.

Killingworth Castle

£££Traditional British

There's a lovely pub ambience at this attractive 16th-century inn; the crackling fire is perfect for winter, while the landscaped garden comes into its own in summer. The chefs bake their own breads, butcher their own meats, and champion local and organic produce in comforting yet refined dishes. An array of menus lets you tailor your visit depending on the mood and occasion: bargain hunters should go for the great value set lunch; families can gather for a Sunday roast; and the tasting menu is there for special occasions. Bedrooms are available to extend your visit.

The Nest

£££Modern British

Just down the road from Blenheim Palace, this well-run restaurant is found inside the impressive Feathers Hotel. A gorgeously refurbished property, its elegant style extends to the chic dining room, where the building’s 17th-century features are blended with a light pastel palette. The assured cooking delivers expertly balanced flavours and textures in each enticing dish – just be sure to order a side of the terrific crispy layered potatoes with truffle salt and parmesan. The service team are engaging and attentive yet free of fuss and formality.

The Bull

£££Traditional Cuisine

The duo behind London pub hits like The Pelican and The Hero also run this 16th-century inn back in their native Cotswolds. The space oozes character, boasting flagged floors, timbered ceilings, plenty of exposed golden stone and twin open fires. There is a relaxed and intimate feel to the place, and an understated quality to the tersely described dishes that simply let the first-rate ingredients shine, such as cod with smokey kipper sauce and juicy leeks. The bedrooms in The Barn are the icing on the cake.

The Bell

££Modern British

The quaint village of Charlbury is the setting for this 17C pub, which looks gorgeous thanks to a lavish makeover. The bar and dining areas ooze charm and character, with exposed Cotswold stone walls and crackling log fires among the many appealing features. In summer, the garden and orchard come into their own with a covered terrace and even a small stream. Many ingredients come from their sister operation, Daylesford Organic Farm, and are used in comforting, full-flavoured dishes like Cornish fish pie. Tastefully decorated bedrooms complete the picture.

Pompette

£££french

Located in a lovely suburb is this neat, attractive modern brasserie run by an experienced chef and his welcoming wife. There are a few Mediterranean and North African influences on the menu, but the French basis is clear – as evidenced by classic dishes like fish soup with rouille, Gruyère and croutons. The cooking is honest, unfussy and full of flavour, and there's a good value ‘prix fixe’ on offer too.

🕐 Tu-Su 12:00-23:00

The Lamb Inn

££Modern British

Located at the heart of a pretty little stone-built hamlet, this 18th-century pub has a quirky, cottage-like charm, with low ceilings, exposed brickwork and an open fire in the bar. In the summer months, the large tiered terrace and garden are a great place to enjoy an appealingly straightforward menu listing modern British dishes alongside some pub classics. The unifying theme is high-quality ingredients cooked with the respect they deserve, with the chefs' impressive technique adding extra depth of flavour. The efficient service team work with a smile on their face.

The Duck on the Pond

££Traditional British

Parts of this attractive roadside inn reputedly date back to the 16th Century, providing a lovely setting for cooking based around local ingredients. Several of them come from the owners’ own smallholding and others from nearby producers who are named on the menu – sometimes alongside their distance from the restaurant. These ingredients are fashioned into dishes that burst with flavour and don’t overcomplicate matters, like bright, fresh-tasting roasted cod with mussel sauce.

Arbequina

££tapas, spanish

With its constant buzz of well-fed diners, relaxed atmosphere and bohemian feel, you can bet you'll have a good time at Arbequina. A simply furnished tapas bar, it occupies a former chemist's and features a vintage stainless steel counter. The concise menu of generous, authentic and flavourful dishes mixes Spanish classics (the 'tomatoes on toast' is a sure-fire winner) and a few Middle Eastern infuences, such as beetroot borani. For drinks, choose between cocktails, plenty of Spanish wines and a few natural wine options from around the world.

🕐 Th-Fr 17:00-22:00; Sa 12:00-23:30

The Wild Rabbit

££££Modern British

Just down the road from the Daylesford Farm Shop is the Bamford family’s stylishly modernised country pub. It's constantly packed with contented diners and it's no wonder why as this is an utterly charming place, looking every inch the quintessential Cotswolds inn. Accomplished cooking offers plenty of appeal, with the natural flavours of the farm’s superb organic ingredients underpinning the menu. Look out for the live music and occasional supper clubs, and if you want to continue your Cotswolds adventure then stay over in the luxurious bedrooms.

White Hart at Fyfield

££Modern British

There’s a lot to love about this imposing 15th-century chantry house. There’s the three-storey, vaulted dining room for starters, joined by a cosy open-fired bar and a minstrels’ gallery, while outside you’ll find a terrace, a vegetable garden and an outdoor kitchen with wood-fired oven. The cooking is guided by their own seasonal produce, with both British and Mediterranean influences on the flavoursome, carefully prepared dishes. The friendly service team run the restaurant well.

The Bat & Ball

££Modern British

From the same team as The Lamb Inn at Little Milton, this Oxfordshire pub is an object lesson in how to inject new life into the village local. The owners have brought some love to the place, retaining a pubby feel, real ales and a dart board so it remains a community hub for drinkers as well as diners. Whilst there is a lack of pretence, the kitchen team are serious about their cooking, sourcing top ingredients and cooking them with care. Well-judged Scottish cod with capers and beurre noisette is a prime example of the commitment to true, honest flavours.

Wild

££££Modern Cuisine

Doing something different for this pretty Cotswolds town, Wild offers an interactive dining experience in the uber-stylish Bull hotel, where Banksys and Damien Hirsts adorn the walls. The restaurant occupies a purpose-built marquee in the courtyard, with guests sat around a copper-topped counter and fire pit. The personable chef cooks over the flames in front of you while demonstrating an understanding that less is often more. That means dishes where finely balanced accompaniments marry well with their prime central ingredients, such as Indonesian butter with Orkney scallops.

Daylesford Organic Farm

££Modern British

There may be Daylesford cafés spread all around London now, but this is the mothership. Found in the heart of the Cotswolds, you enter this stylishly rustic eatery through the farm shop, before dining in a choice of areas: head to the Legbar for charcuterie and nibbles, the Old Spot for pizzas and wood-roasted specials, or the main Trough Café for something a bit more substantial. Everything is organic, with much of the produce coming from the on-site farm and providing a fabulous base for the well-executed dishes – the range of beautiful salads is often the highlight.

The Chandlers Arms

£££Modern Cuisine

It may sit within a 17C former pub, but there’s now more of a restaurant feel to this intimate family-run operation – where you’re guaranteed a warm welcome. The regularly updated menus showcase cooking that is well-balanced, thoughtfully composed and makes great use of the local larder. Flavour and texture combinations are both original and effective, in dishes largely served by chef Harry Flockhart himself. When the weather allows, head for the terrace.

The Fox

££Modern British

Sister to The Wild Rabbit in Kingham and the Daylesford Organic Farm, this immaculately refurbished 19C Cotswold inn is bursting with style and character, boasting flagged floors, exposed stone walls and an impressive wood-fired oven. The menu covers all bases – from pizza to Hereford sirloin on the bone – and uses top quality ingredients from their estate in unfussy, generously sized, tasty combinations. Make a night of it with a stay in one of their stylish bedrooms.

The Lamb Inn

£££Modern British

With its whitewashed exterior and thatched roof, this village pub certainly looks the part. Guests are welcomed by the relaxed team into a low-beamed room, where they can enjoy a full meal or a pint at the bar with nibbles. Pub classics run alongside more elaborate dishes, which are united by their well-sourced ingredients and careful preparation. While it may sound simple, the French onion soup sums up everything the kitchen does well – hearty, big-flavoured cooking that is both straightforward and skilful.

The Bell Inn

££Traditional British

Looking every inch the quintessential Cotswolds pub, The Bell Inn’s rustic charm is hard to resist with its cosy bar, impressive inglenook fireplace, stone walls and 16th-century origins. The appealing menu offers a mix of pub favourites – from a half pint of prawns to a choice of steaks – as well as restaurant-style dishes and homemade pizzas, which are all brought to the table by a friendly team. Nicely furnished bedrooms complete the picture.

The Old Butchers

££Classic Cuisine

For over two decades, The Old Butchers has been in the hands of the Robinson family – and they continue to provide first-rate hospitality in this Cotswolds market town. Louise will ensure you feel welcomed and at ease in the quirkily decorated former butcher's shop, while Peter heads up the kitchen. His menu is broad and enticing, with a feature made of the charcoal grill and a heavy helping of seafood, from Cornish scallops with piquant nduja butter to Dover sole meunière with textbook execution. It all adds up to one mightily appealing restaurant.

henne

£££Modern British

‘henne’ refers to Marsh Henne, the original name of the Cotswolds market town which has this likeable restaurant at its heart. Run by two friends, it's a place filled with passion and enthusiasm, with plenty of care put into dishes that are well described by the service team. Local produce is showcased on the surprise tasting menu, where the best courses have an appealing simplicity about them, like hand-dived scallops enhanced by pickled celery, apple and yuzu oil. Go for the wine pairing to complete the experience.

Bastardo's Trattoria

£££Italian

Situated right in the centre of this historic market town and encased within glass walls on three sides, this self-described ‘illegitimate trattoria’ is a love letter to straightforward Italian cooking, fused with seasonal British ingredients. In the day, it operates as the coffee shop and bakery Ferment & Flour, before the Italian vibe takes over in the evening. Start with a couple of cicchetti before one of the stand-out homemade pastas, be that casarecce with preserved wild garlic, truffle and parmesan, or well-crafted crab agnolotti. Add in friendly service and you have a winning formula.

The Bower House

££Modern British

An appealing mixture of the vintage and the contemporary lend a certain stylishness to the décor at this smart brasserie occupying two former shops in the heart of a small market town. The attractive dishes are packed with flavour and make the most of quality British produce, as with delicious, sweet Cornish crab turned into a simple, fresh-tasting tartlet. Sit in the larger room with its comfy banquettes and copper-topped tables, then treat yourself to a stay in one of the characterful bedrooms.

The Ox Barn

£££Modern British

This delightful barn conversion sits in an idyllic rural location in the heart of the Cotswolds, forming part of the sumptuous Thyme hotel and surrounded by Provençal-style gardens. A nature-to-plate philosophy runs through the menu, with ingredients from the kitchen gardens and farm regularly appearing. The pared-back, flavoursome dishes could include the likes of harissa mussels on toast or a wonderful 'Gateau Victoire' for dessert. The large communal table in front of the open kitchen is the best place to sit if you come with a group of friends.

Atrium

££££Modern Cuisine

Lords of the Manor is an appropriate name for a 17th-century Cotswolds hotel, and Atrium is an equally apt name for this restaurant located within the hotel's inner sanctum. A large skylight allows natural light to flood into the compact dining room, where diners are served a tasting menu all at the same time. The dishes come with attractive modern presentation and their greatest strength is in the natural flavours of the central ingredients, which are ably cooked by kitchen team. A wine pairing and overnight stay will make an event of your visit.

The Pilgrim

££Modern Cuisine

This appealing community pub is a friendly, welcoming place. It’s characterised by heavy timbers and an unpretentious feel; find a spot by the wood-burning stove in the cosy bar-lounge or out in the spacious beer garden. The carefully prepared, modern dishes are ideal for sharing, with 2-3 per person constituting a feast; the further down the menu the read, the larger the dishes become. Some of the ingredients are from their kitchen garden.

Fuzzy Duck

££Modern British

Siblings Adrian and Tania – owners of toiletries company Baylis & Harding – preside over this immaculately kept pub. It was once a boarded-up boozer, but these days a loving touch and keen eye have seen it reestablished as a welcoming, fashionably attired inn with bedrooms to match. The cooking mixes timeless British pub fare, like a prawn cocktail or a Scotch egg, with more modern and playful options like the 'quack and chips' – confit duck leg with a spiced gravy and refreshing carrot and sesame salad.

Five Little Pigs

££Modern Cuisine

Named after a novel by Agatha Christie, who lived at the nearby Winterbrook House, this neighbourhood restaurant is divided into three areas: the brightly coloured front resembles a modern bistro; a bar fits in the centre; and the rear sports an open kitchen pass and cosy booths. Sharing is encouraged, with larger plates such as roasted halibut and smaller ones like ‘spare bed tempura’ – using vegetables grown in the gardens of neighbours who have some space to spare. The wholesome cooking is joined by a range of local gins to keep enthusiasts happy.

The Howard Arms

££Modern British

Built from golden stone quarried in the village itself, The Howard Arms is very much a part of the local community. They open at 8am for coffee and breakfast, and hearty flavours are the order of the day on the appealing menu, where pub favourites are listed alongside dishes of a more global bent. Bedrooms come in a variety of styles.

Sir Charles Napier

££Modern British

This truly lovely spot has always had a certain quirky charm – and that remains true to this day, with the restaurant having undergone little change over the years and emanating a comforting familiarity. In summer, start with an aperitif in the delightful garden dotted with backlit sculptures; at other times, sit beside the log fire and get cosy among the eclectic décor. The kitchen makes good use of quality ingredients to create dishes whose flavours are punchy and pronounced, while the wine list is a labour of love.

Halfway at Kineton

££Traditional British

In a tranquil Gloucestershire village sits this 17th-century mellow stone inn, which offers a warm welcome and plenty of rustic charm, from its fireplace to its exposed timber. The appealing menu of hearty, well-cooked dishes is likely to include pies, fish & chips and a choice of locally reared steaks from the grill – plus a roast on Sundays. For desserts, expect modernised versions of classic recipes like steamed puddings and crumbles. Cosy bedrooms are also available if you want to explore the area.

Hollow Bottom

££Traditional British

It doesn’t take long after you enter this welcoming pub before you notice how fiercely proud it is of its horseracing links. Don’t be surprised to see the day’s runners and riders on the TV in the memorabilia-filled bar, where you can settle in for a local ale and the ‘Nap of the Day’ lunch deal. For more substantial fare, head to the beamed dining room for classic pub dishes ranging from Scotch eggs to gammon chop. For dessert, the black treacle and date pudding provides a delightful sugar rush that will have you hurtling over the finish line.

MO

££££Modern Cuisine

Situated inside the stylish Dormy House Hotel and tucked away behind its main restaurant is this intimate dining room that features just 12 seats around a U-shaped kitchen counter. The "chef's table" style experience is well-paced and anchored by the chefs, who serve and explain their dishes with an affable air. Top quality ingredients are at the heart of the colourful, creative dishes, with some well-chosen wine pairings to accompany. Confit egg yolk with parmesan custard is something of a speciality and ever-present on the menu.

The Back Garden

£££Modern British

The stylish Dormy House hotel hosts this chic and attractive restaurant; its floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the feel of the garden into the light and airy room. The concise menu offers a choice of modern dishes influenced by the Mediterranean. Locally sourced ingredients – including rare breed meats and garden produce – play their part in the flavoursome dishes.

Moda

£££Modern British

In a chocolate-box Cotswolds village, a former doctor’s surgery has been converted into the House of George W. Davies hotel, named after its fashion designer owner – the man who founded Next and George at ASDA. It’s no surprise, then, that the hotel’s restaurant has a certain style, with a modern country house vibe and a distinct Nordic feel to the clean, contemporary design. The cooking offers well-balanced dishes which may look simple but come with hidden depths, as with chicken breast enhanced by a buttery jus.

The Woodsman

£££Meats and Grills

Even in the dead of winter, you’ll likely find a big crowd and a lively buzz at this well-run restaurant. It’s easy to see why it’s such a busy place, as the attentive service is joined by hearty, satisfying cooking. Dishes often revolve around wood-fired produce, be it skate wing or partridge, and there’s a proper roast dinner served on Sundays. Shakespeare fans have an extra reason to visit, as the famed playwright’s childhood classroom is located just up the road and is open to visitors.

5 North St

££Modern British

In a typically charming Cotswolds market town, this long-standing neighbourhood restaurant occupies a pretty little period building that packs plenty of character into a small space. Run with a smile by a husband-and-wife team, it's a welcoming place that provides plenty of comfort with its generous cooking. British ingredients, from Salcombe crab to Cornish monkfish, underpin the well-executed dishes featuring classic combinations, such as Orkney scallop with pork belly. The concise wine list offers a nicely balanced selection.

The Golden Ball

££Modern British

An endearing couple bring plenty of charm to this pretty, cream-washed former pub in the rural village of Lower Assendon. Priya provides a natural warmth in the friendly service, while Ben incorporates Priya's Indian heritage into his modern British dishes – such as cod accompanied by 'potato chaat', spiced cauliflower and tamarind sauce. A local, seasonal approach adds to the appeal too, with chicken and beef from the surrounding area featuring in cooking that is confidently executed and suitably satisfying.

The Warwick

££££Modern British

The renowned Mallory Court – a classic English country house combined with a modern spa – is the setting for this wood-panelled restaurant that’s elegant and relaxed in equal measure. The part-Edwardian manor, built in a Lutyens style, also boasts a garden terrace which adds to the appeal in warmer weather. The cooking is ingredient-led, with exacting presentation and bold flavours in dishes like Hilltop Farm hogget with potato terrine, garden beans and salsa verde. The ‘Taste of the Season’ menu is an homage to local, seasonal produce.

Crockers Tring Chef's Table

££££Modern British

On the first floor of a Tring townhouse, behind a U-shaped counter, you'll find Chef Scott Barnard in his element. He visibly enjoys interacting with his guests and proudly explaining his dishes at this chef's table operation inside a striking, copper-walled room. Scott and his enthusiastic team craft creative, eye-catching creations, such as a Japanese-influenced dessert of chocolate, miso, sesame and yuzu. Arrive early to start your visit with a cocktail in the Cellar Bar.

The Three Tuns

££Modern British

Compact yet characterful, there’s plenty to love about this bijou pub overlooking the main square in Henley-on-Thames. It’s co-owned by Barry Wagner from the neighbouring Gabriel Machin butcher’s shop, which means there are plenty of his own high-quality meats on the menu. Keep an eye on the ever-changing Butcher’s Board in particular, for the likes of lamb chops or bavette steak frites. The underlying principle is unfussy food and an atmosphere to match, with a great relaxed vibe. In summer, arrive early for a drink on the terrace.

Hem

£££Modern Cuisine

In the market square of this historic town, you’ll find a lovely little restaurant. Named Hem in reference to previous incarnation ‘Tailors’ – which before that was an actual tailor’s – it’s a simple and unpretentious place, where long-standing friends Dan and Seb run the show with a smile. Dan is the chef of the pair, cooking hearty and satisfying dishes that are classic in their origins but executed with refinement and a playful touch – such as venison haunch with pear, walnut ketchup and bacon jam. Go for one of the carefully curated wine flights.

Cowley Manor

£££Modern British

This restaurant inside a glorious Cotswolds country house hotel offers bold, vibrant cooking that’s worthy of the rather lovely setting. Start with a drink in the sleek bar, before settling in the panelled dining room that cleverly fuses its original features with more modern elements. The cooking has Mediterranean influences and uses British ingredients well, in dishes like the house-made taglioni with Cornish lobster and pickled chilli. For dessert, their fresh-out-the-oven madeleines are hard to resist.

Orwells

£££regional

Named after George Orwell, who spent his childhood in the area, this 18th-century building has the appearance of a rural inn from the outside, but once indoors you'll see it for the modern place it really is. Choose between the tasting menu and the à la carte to enjoy dishes mining quality British produce and vegetables from the team's own smallholding. They make their own honey, too, which is used in the signature 'Mill Lane Honey Sponge' dessert – a real treat to end your visit on.

🕐 We-Sa 12:00-17:00, 19:00-00:30; Su 12:00-17:00

The Butcher's Tap and Grill

££Meats and Grills

A part of the ever-evolving Tom Kerridge stable, this is one of his busiest spots and it's easy to see why. Friendly and laid-back, it's a 'does what it says on the tin' kind of place where meats of undeniable quality are given pride of place on the menu and on the butcher's shop counter. There are some well-made snacks to whet the appetite, but really this is all about the main event: pop in for a quick burger or stay a while and enjoy the premium cuts cooked to your liking, which might include Aberdeen Angus beef, Blythburgh pork or Suffolk Texel lamb.

The Woodspeen

£££Modern Cuisine

It might be set within a restored 19th-century farmhouse, but The Woodspeen has a contemporary feel courtesy of its fine terrace and an airy, Scandic-style extension with a vaulted arch ceiling. Menus centre on the seasons and bring together ingredients from the kitchen garden and the surrounding area, in dishes that utilise big, punchy flavours – such as anchovy emulsion and wild garlic salsa with roast lamb rump. Arrive early for a drink in the intimate bar; the ‘25 Yards’ gin is crafted using botanicals from their garden.

Prithvi

£££Indian

A smart, stylish restaurant with smooth service from a welcoming team; start with a drink in the first floor lounge. Dishes are inspired by classic Indian flavours and textures but are presented in a deconstructed, eye-catching modern manner. The charming owner adds to the experience.

Purslane

£££Modern British

Located just off the main high street, this modern restaurant has a comforting neighbourhood feel – and the service is equally relaxed. Fresh seafood from Cornwall and Scotland is combined with good quality locally sourced ingredients to produce interesting, original dishes with effective contrasts of flavour and texture. The lunch menu represents great value.

The Vineyard

£££Modern Cuisine

This restaurant is temporarily closed for refurbishment.Situated within a glamorous hotel of the same name, this smart and stylish restaurant has wine embedded in its bones. Whilst not actually situated on a vineyard, there is one nearby – which provides some local sparkling wines – and the overall list offers a huge selection, including over 70 options by the glass. These serve as the perfect accompaniment to elegantly presented dishes that are elevated by the skilful preparation of the high-quality ingredients. The main restaurant serves an à la carte, while The Tasting Room offers a seasona

Memsahib's Lounge

£££Indian

There’s a certain style to this two-roomed basement in a smart Georgian terrace: the colonial-themed bar offers a good range of cocktails, as well as gin and vodka infusions, while the adjoining dining room has a clubby feel, with its charcoal portraits and sepia prints. The Indian dishes are for sharing, although the 'Experience' tasting menu is perhaps the best way to go, and there are also vegetarian and pescatarian versions. They even serve an Indian-themed afternoon tea.

🕐 Mo,Tu off; We,Th 17:00-23:00; Fr,Sa 12:00-24:00; Su 12:00-18:00

JOURNEY

£££Creative

The ‘secret’ location – revealed via clues sent to you 24 hours before your reservation – is just the start of the fun at this playful and unconventional restaurant. Once inside the exclusive-feeling dining room, sit back and watch the changing projections on the wall and let yourself be immersed as each creative, complex dish arrives. The chef’s travels are a heavy influence on the dishes, as are his experiences working at the likes of Ynyshir and The Fat Duck. Plenty of punchy flavours and relaxed, well-versed service ensure the experience is an enjoyable one from start to finish.

Bell

££Modern Cuisine

The Bell is not just a pub but a true village hub. A charming 300-year-old building, it comprises a bar, a restaurant, bedrooms and even a café to make itself useful no matter when you're visiting. The carefully executed cooking ensures the flavours of the high-quality ingredients shine through, be that in lighter dishes such as scallop ceviche with fennel or pub classics like beer-battered haddock and chips. The surrounding 19,000-acre Ramsbury Estate provides not just a picturesque setting but also much of the seasonal produce that powers the menu.

Bhoomi Kitchen

££Indian

You’ll receive a warm welcome at this sumptuous restaurant, run by the third generation of a family who settled here from India 50 years ago. The menu is mostly southern Indian, with a particular focus on recipes from Kerala, and the dishes prove to be bright and authentic. Options like the 'Chilli Chicken', combining succulent chicken breast with a rich tomato, chilli and garlic sauce, showcase skill and flavour aplenty. If you're celebrating or simply feeling indecisive, the 'Banquet' and 'Feast' menus are a great way to go.

Paris House

£££Modern Cuisine

A beautiful mock-Tudor house built in Paris and reassembled in an idyllic parkland location; enjoy a drink on the terrace while watching the deer. The seasonal tasting menu offers sophisticated, artfully presented dishes with creative texture and flavour combinations and subtle Asian influences.

The Crown at Burchetts Green

£Modern British

Experienced and capable Chef-Owner Dominic Chapman is at the helm of this charming pub serving food that is befitting of the setting. The rewarding, flavoursome dishes – like the delicious chicken liver and duck parfait with fig chutney – are a perfect match for the warm and comforting surroundings, while the kitchen adopts a seasonal approach to the produce used. For a great value option, go for the fixed-price 'village menu'.

Alford Arms

££Traditional British

Wind your way down a series of twisty country lanes and you will be rewarded with a visit to this attractive Victorian inn beside the village green. The charming interior comes with bags of character and a warming fire, while the summer months are best spent on the covered terrace, with cosy, sheepskin-lined benches on hand for when the sun sets. The cooking is unashamedly traditional and executed with a minimum of fuss but plenty of skill, resulting in hearty, robustly flavoured dishes like ox liver with mash and bacon. The friendly team will happily guide you through the menu.

The Greyhound

£££Modern British

Your visit here will be an instantly enjoyable one thanks to the genuine warmth and friendliness of owners Daniel and Margriet. They are natural hosts, providing attentive service while making all their diners feel at ease. The setting for their endearing hospitality is a charming 17th-century former coaching inn that retains many of its original features. The cooking itself consists of eye-catching dishes that are refined yet hearty, showcasing carefully crafted, classic combinations which burst with natural flavours – like the terrific prune soufflé with Armagnac Anglaise.

Seasonality

£££Modern Cuisine

What started out as a produce shop has morphed into a bright and airy restaurant, which is run with a lovely personal touch by Wesley Smalley as he cooks at an on-view island kitchen. As its name and history suggests, seasonal ingredients are the foundation of the cooking, put front and centre in assured, colourful dishes that carry an appealing clarity of flavour. Regular supper evenings offer tasting menus inspired by the produce of the moment, while they still offer the 'dine at home' boxes they've done since day one.

Roux at Skindles

£££French

You can't keep Alain Roux away from the banks of the Thames. Up the road from his famous Waterside Inn, he owns this contemporary brasserie and cocktail bar in a similarly pleasant riverside setting. The skill and confidence of the chefs is evident across the menu of traditional French and other European dishes, particularly in classical elements like the rich, meaty sauces. If you're lucky, there might be a fruits de mer chalked up on the blackboard specials. Arrive early for drinks on the terrace or in the cocktail bar.

Eckington Manor

£££Modern Cuisine

You’ll find this proudly run 13C manor house and its collection of characterfully converted barns located on a 300 acre farm. Attractive modern dishes showcase local ingredients in ambitious combinations – and for those who want to get hands-on there’s a cookery school. Bedrooms are stylish.

Malverleys

£££Modern British

Tucked away in what is surely one of England’s prettiest hamlets, dining here is like stumbling upon a hidden slice of paradise. Surrounded by beautifully kept grounds but also their own farm, the restaurant sits inside a gorgeous farmhouse alongside a bakery and shop. Take your seat in the dining room in full view of the open kitchen and feast on the seasonal dishes that make great use of the wood-fired oven. Grilled spatchcock quail with cherries from the estate is a prime example, succulent and full of gamey flavour.

The Braywood

££££Modern British

What was once the Royal Oak pub was the beneficiary of a lavish conversion from the team behind The Woodspeen, leaving it as this stunning restaurant. The original premises now act as an entrance into a modern, stylish cocktail bar, then to an understatedly elegant dining room that’s impressive in both size and stature. In the summer, there’s an equally attractive terrace awaiting your arrival. The cooking is based on the finest produce from around the UK, so expect luxury ingredients like Dover sole and chateaubriand to share – all accompanied by a serious wine list.

Crown

££French, Modern British

Charm and character can be found in every pore of this delightful 16th-century inn with low ceilings and a cosy atmosphere. Experienced chef Simon Bonwick is now at the helm, which means classical dishes packed with honest, hearty flavours and seasonal goodness, be that Salcombe crab with cashews and apple or Highland beef with his signature ‘rather nice sauce’. The entire experience is wholesome, welcoming and a simply lovely time. For something different, book the Troublesome Lodger private dining experience in The Snug, decorated with Bonwick’s own art.