All restaurants open for indoor dining from Monday unless otherwise stated.
EAST
The Moloko, Ipswich
What is it? A modern cocktail bar and restaurant bringing together Spanish Tapas and Italian Cicchetti.
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In the words of head chef Vas Illir Dashi: “My sous chef and I have many years experience of producing excellent quality Mediterranean dishes and working around the world. Expect fresh seafood and tapas.”
Mains from £13.95, themoloko.co.uk
The Bridge Restaurant, Norwich
What is it? Tuscan food, both traditional and modern, to break preconceptions of Italian food.
In the words of front of house manager Dominic Clarke: “We make sure everyone tries something new. Highlights include the cheese board or the tagliere Toscano, a selection of traditional Tuscan cured meats.”
Mains from £13, facebook.com/thebridgerestaurant.norwich
The Gatherers, Norwich
What is it? A relaxed European themed bar and restaurant with a drive towards sustainability and local produce.
In the words of owner Daniel Farrow: “We have a great range of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits and a stunning beer garden. The food we serve is traditional European fare, using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.”
Mains from £11.50, thegatherersnorwich.co.uk
Orbis, Stamford
What is it? Delicious gluten-free food.
In the words of Johnny Spencer, owner: “After launching in Oakham to great acclaim last year, we are opening a second restaurant offering small plate menus from around the world alongside an innovative cocktail list. Every dish is gluten-free, but you would never know if you were not told. My favourite is the maple syrup pork belly: crunchy and tender.”
Small plates from £6, orbisstamford.co.uk
SOUTH
Flint Barns Dining Room at Rathfinny Wine Estate
Caption: Flint Barns Dining Room Rathfinny Wine Estate Sussex Image via Amy Penfold Photographer: James Ratchford
What is it? A restaurant in a Sussex vineyard serving gastropub-style food.
In the words of head chef Chris Bailey: “You can expect hearty, comforting and generous dishes, such as South Coast battered fish with triple cooked chips, tartare sauce and peas.”
£32 for two courses, rathfinnyestate.com/flint-barns-dining-room
Shelter Hall, Brighton
Shelter Hall on Brighton Seafront (Photo: Max Langran)
What is it? Seven unique Sussex chef-led kitchens, including including Lost Boys Chicken, Kenny Tutt, CrabShack, Sugardough, VIP and Hanoi Kitchen, under one roof on the seafront, with live music and DJs.
In the words of Hanoi Kitchen founder Nigel Matthews: “We love that customers can mix and match complementary dishes from different traders. We have fried chicken, BBQ meat grill, pizza, salads and juices, pastries and coffee, local seafood, and Malaysian dishes. Main dishes include crabby loaded fries, 45 day aged hanger steak, and Hoisin mushroom bao buns with sriracha and lemon dressing.”
Mains from £7, shelterhall.co.uk
Burnt Orange, Brighton
Burnt Orange Restaurant Brighton (Photo: Georgina MacDougall)
What is it? A grown-up hangout that’s not quite a restaurant, not quite a bar – but blurs the line between the two.
In the words of founder Razak Helalat: “This is something different for Brighton – it combines great food and amazing drinks with the right music. The basis of the menu is well-sourced, high quality seasonal ingredients cooked predominantly over fire.”
Mains from £9, burnt-orange.co.uk
Pumproom restaurant in Copper Rivet Distillery, Chatham
What is it? A relaxed fine dining restaurant and bar in a vast Victorian pumphouse with spectacular views onto river Medway and Upnor Castle.
In the words of Stephen Russell, co-founder: “The menu takes inspiration from what’s in season locally and striking flavour combinations our chef has experienced through his life and travels. Anything goes, especially if it’s seasonal, has an attractive provenance and tastes amazing.”
Mains from £11.50, crdpumproom.com
Catch at the Old Fish Market, Weymouth
What is it? A quayside restaurant focusing on sea to plate, from the fishing boats that moor up directly outside.
In the words of owner Sean Cooper: “The vast majority of our food miles will be measured in feet and inches. Expect fresh fish and shellfish landed daily, local growers and producers, menus that change with the tide.”
Opens 21 June, menu changes daily, catchattheoldfishmarket.com
The Zebra Riding Club, Waltham Cross
What is it? A restaurant in an old barn at Birch, a project that’s taken over a 55-acre hotel and conference centre.
In the words of chef Robin Gill: “We’ll be offering farm-to-table dining which is as locally sourced as possible, cooking is straightforward and unfussy, featuring dishes like salt-marsh lamb and Wild Harbour Monkfish.”
£48 per person, thezebraridingclub.com
The Loch & The Tyne pub, Windsor
Caption: The Loch & The Tyne Old Windsor Image via Kate Garnett KG@redkitepr.com
What is it? A restaurant, pub and rooms in the countryside of Old Windsor, rooted in sustainable British luxury (inset above).
In the words of owner Adam Handling: “We use the vegetable and herb gardens on site to create a constantly changing sustainable menu of dishes such as balmoral chicken, asparagus and wild garlic and salt-aged lamb rump with black radish and goat’s cheese.”
Mains from £16, lochandtyne.com
Wilding, Oxford
Caption: Wilding Restaurant
Oxford Image via Georgina MacDougall Photographer: CHARLIE MCKAY
Copyright: CHARLIE MCKAY
What is it? Creative and unpretentious food with seasonality, local provenance and some foraged ingredients.
In the words of founder Kent Barker: “Our ethos is putting amazing wine and food at the heart of the space and ensuring its sustainable footprint is as strong as possible. We stock over 400 wines all available in the shop and restaurant and 50 of them are by the glass.”
Opens 26 May, mains from £10.50, wilding.wine
SOUTHWEST
The Barn at Pod Shavers, Bishop Lydeard
What is it? A converted old cattle milking barn in the countryside.
In the words of chef patron Jay Christopher: “My partner and I have converted this former cattle milking barn on a working farm into a restaurant over the past year. Surrounded by a Mediterranean courtyard, it retains many of the original features, with the main restaurant in the milking area. The food is modern British with a European twist, influenced by our years working in restaurants on the continent.”
Mains from £18. thebarn-restaurant.co.uk
Emily Scott Food, Watergate Bay
What is it? Chef Emily Scott’s pop-up goes permanent with a seafood and plant-based menu.
In the words of, chef Emily Scott: “We source from the very best local suppliers. We create dishes that follow the seasons. We gather the finest ingredients and combine them simply and instinctively. Dishes include Local hake, summer melon curry and cornish sole.”
Two courses £28 , watergatebay.co.uk/eat/emily-scott-food
Loki Poké, Bristol
What is it? Custom poké bowls with a view of Bristol’s harbour.
In the words of the Loki Poké team: “Our healthy, protein-packed, Hawaiian street food bowls are made with cubes of fresh fish, meat or vegan protein, pickled and fresh veg and umami-rich sauces, and a topping of crunch.”
Mains from £8.50, lokipokeuk.com
The Elder, Bath
Fallow deer at the Elder, Bath. Photo: Sarah Farnsworth Photography
What is it? An elegant new restaurant inside a truly spectacular Georgian building from one of Britain’s leading authorities on wild food and game. With a particular focus on game, owner Mike Robinson supplies all the wild venison himself through his company Owl Barn Larder. It is broken down at the restaurant at its very own butchery. Vegetables and herbs are grown in the garden on site.
In the words of owner Mike Robinson: “Expect authentic, honest and timeless British cooking in the truly beautiful and historic city of Bath. Sustainability, seasonality and locally-sourced wild produce is what we’re all about. Try the Bathurst Estate fallow deer served with red cabbage puree, heritage beetroot, dirty mash and sauce grand venuer.”
Mains from £22, theelder.co.uk
Sonny Stores, Bristol
Mary Glynn and husband, Pegs Quinn in Sonny Stores, Bristol. Photo: Emli Bendixen
What is it? A neighbourhood restaurant serving a seasonal Italian menu.
In the words of co-owner Mary Glynn: “We’ve created the type of neighbourhood restaurant that we love to eat in: seasonal food of exceptional quality and value, a finely balanced wine list, and friendly, unpretentious surroundings. Our dishes are flavourful and change daily.”
Mains from £12, sonnystores.com
LONDON
Hot Stone, Fitzrovia
Caption: Hot Stone, Fitzrovia
Restaurant Image via Harriet Richards Photographer: TONY BRISCOE
What is it? A Japanese sushi and steak restaurant, sister to the Islington original.
In the words of executive chef Padam Raj Rai: “We’ll be serving our signature Hot Stone Ishiyaki menu as well as freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and seasonally changing hot dishes such as 48-hour marinated black cod, homemade tofu certified Kobe beef.”
Opens Wednesday, mains from £15, hotstonelondon.com
Marugame Udon, Liverpool Street
What is it? Authentic noodles and freshly fried tempura.
In the words of head chef Kouhei Honkawa: “The menu is both exciting and accessible and includes a great selection of vegan dishes. Our menu includes Kama Age – the most traditional and purest way to eat udon – beef nikutama with sweet short-rib beef and a soft poached onsen egg on udon and broth, two pork tonkotsu and chicken katsu curry udon and, of course, freshly fried tempura.”
Opens July, mains from £3.45, marugame.co.uk
Pataka, Victoria
What is it? A restaurant is born from the delivery service launched in lockdown in February 2021, focused on quality, authentic Indian food.
In the words of founder Arjun Baljee: “We are now opening a restaurant which will serve modern and fresh Indian food, such as truffle and pecorino kulcha bread, butter chicken and wild mushroom rice.”
Mains from £12, patakaindian.com
The Last Talisman, Bermondsey
The atmospheric bar at The Last Talisman.
What is it? A cocktail bar and restaurant, with exhibition space, kicking-off with pieces by Maxim from Prodigy.
In the words of owner Eric Yu: “The affordable and delicious Asian grill menu, designed by Tim Ross-Watson, is launching with four dishes created exclusively by the world-renowned chef and restaurateur Ken Hom.”
Small plates from £3.30, thelasttalisman.com
Za’ta, Baker Street
What is it? A Lebanese eatery.
In the words of founder Francis Zahar: “All the food is freshly cooked and the dishes are based on my mother’s recipes. We serve a selection of hot and cold mezzes, meat and vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as breakfast snacks, organic coffee and sweet treats with a special focus on the famous Lebanese Man’oushe.”
Mains from £6, zata.uk
La Terrazza di Eataly, Spitalfields
What is it? A restaurant in the new Italian foodhall
In the words of Eataly CEO Nicola Farinetti: “Eataly was founded with a vision to bring the biodiversity, craft and different layers of culinary experiences of Italy together under one roof’. La Terrazza will be open all year round serving a selection of seasonal dishes.”
Mains from £8, eataly.co.uk/restaurants
Rudy’s Vegan Diner, Islington
Vegan fare. Photo: Kevin Rauzy
What is it? A diner serving up veganised versions of American junk food dishes, next door to their Vegan Butcher.
In the words of operations manager Max Patel: “Our signature dishes include the Ultimate Burger, the Rubenz and mac ‘n’ cheeze or our dairy-free freakshakes and cocktails on tap.”
Mains from £10, rudysvegan.com
SUMI, Notting Hill
SUMI in Notting Hill. Photo: David Robson
What is it? The more casual little sister to Michelin-starred Endo at Rotunda.
In the words of head chef Yasuda Akinori: “We have incorporated a sense of theatricality to our menu, helped by the open kitchen set up. We offer an array of handmade sushi and sashimi, alongside other Japanese dishes, focusing on quality ingredients and produce, showcased at its very best.”
Sashimi from £7, sushisumi.com
MIDLANDS
8 by Andrew Sheridan, Birmingham
The luminous 8 by Andrew Sheridan
What is it? Chef’s table with a twist.
In the words of chef patron Andrew Sheridan: “This is experience-led dining, a futuristic exploration of sensory indulgence. The menu not only reflects my career to date but also some of the finest produce the UK has on offer.”
£88 for eight courses or £44 for four courses, about8.co.uk/its-all-about-8
Pulperia, Birmingham
Empanadas with a twist. Photo: Stuart Manley.
What is it? Eye-opening Argentinian food
In the words of chef patron Aktar Islam: “There’s a common perception in the UK that Argentina’s cuisine is just slabs of steak and Malbec. We really want to do away with that and show how truly eclectic it is. From empanadas, to provoleta and some exquisite pastries, it’s got influences from all its migrant communities, each with a rich culinary tradition.” Mains from £17.95, pulperia.co.uk
WALES
Pasture, Cardiff
What is it? A second venue for the steak restaurant and bar group.
In the words of the Pasture team: “The restaurant is set for theatre with our open kitchen showcasing charcoal grills and dry ageing cabinets displaying whole cuts of beef. We’re proud to showcase local Welsh produce and have built great relationships with farmers and producers.”
Mains from £14.95, pasturerestaurant.com
Thomas by Tom Simmons, Cardiff
What is it? The MasterChef contestant’s first venture in Wales drawing on his Welsh roots and his Tower Bridge restaurant.
In the words of founder Tom Simmons: “Our ethos is to celebrate good, home-grown ingredients and the amazing local suppliers and farmer. The fish and chips is a must-try, or stop in on Sunday for a traditional roast with seasonal veg.”
Mains from £16.5, opens Thursday, thomas-pontcanna.co.uk
NORTH
Undisclosed, Sunderland
What is it? This will be the city’s first fine dining restaurant, inspired by chef Chris Spence’s experience of speakeasy bars and restaurants in Australia.
In the words of chef Chris Spence: “A key dish on the tasting menu is halibut cooked with bone marrow, served with wasabi ice cream”.
Mains from £11, restaurant-undisclosed.com
Purezza, Manchester
What is it? The latest restaurant from the popular group continues to serve prize-winning, planet-saving pizzas.
In the words of co-owner Tim Barclay: “All our pizzas are 100 per cent plant-based and made with sustainable and organic ingredients, while maintaining a commitment to crafting unique and exemplary flavours. Try the mozzarella, grilled stemmed artichokes, Kalamata olives, wild forest mushrooms and smoked beetroot carpaccio”.
Pizzas from £6, purezza.co.uk
The Forge, Chester
What is it? Mike Robinson’s latest restaurant, where all the food is cooked over wood and charcoal.
In the words of owner Mike Robinson: “We are using only British ingredients, with an emphasis on wild produce and sustainability. The open kitchen cooks over wood and charcoal, using amazing British fish and wild and locally reared meat, that is all aged on the premises.”
Opens Wednesday, mains from £20, theforgechester.co.uk
Nama, Liverpool
What is it? A Tokyo izakaya-inspired kitchen in the new GPO Food Hall in Liverpool’s MetQuarter development.
In the words of chef Luke French and business director Stacey Sherwood: “Nama, meaning raw, will use only premium quality, sashimi grade fish as well as responsibly sourced ingredients from the UK, EU and Japan.”
Opening this summer, instagram.com/nama_liverpool
Eleven, Ponteland
Caption: Eleven, Ponteland Restaurant Newcastle Image via Eleven Ponteland
What is it? A relaxed and informal modern British neighbourhood restaurant.
In the words of chef Danny Land: “Eleven is intended to be fun. Lunch is charcuterie, cheese and small plates designed for sharing. For dinner, there is a five-course modern British set menu with our interpretation of what best represents the season.”
Lunch plates from £4, five course dinner £55, elevenponteland.co.uk
Heft, High Newton
What is it? A restaurant in a 17th century inn serving a unique take on modern British food using a wealth of locally reared and farmed produce.
In the words of chef Kevin Tickle: “My rural Cumbrian upbringing is the underpinning of my intimate knowledge of the local landscape and its environment, both playing a major part in my cooking.”
Opens in the summer, hefthighnewton.co.uk
Khai Khai, Newcastle
What is it? Heritage Indian comfort food cooked with fire and smoke.
In the words of the Khai Khai team: “The story of every dish is rooted in India and then shaped by the hard work and passion of local UK suppliers. Together we celebrate punchy, spicy, smoky, nurturing flavours that speak to the soul.”
Mains from £7.95, khaikhai.co.uk
SCOTLAND
Aizle, Edinburgh
Aizle in Edinburgh.
What is it? Locally inspired and seasonal tasting menus in a refined dining room with a countryside vibe.
In the words of head chef Stuart Ralston: “The ingredients found on our surprise six-course tasting menu are constantly changing. We prepare many menu elements in-house, from the live ferment in sourdough to our hand-churned butter.”
Tasting menu £70, aizle.co.uk
Christie’s, Falkirk
What is it? A unique offering of staple Scottish favourites in tapas form, great for sharing food with family and friends in a fun interactive experience.
In the words of owner David Blackwood: “We are very passionate about creating jobs for the local community, and use local tradesmen and suppliers. Expect Scottish beef casserole with dough balls, haggis, neeps and tatties and more.”
Small plates from £5, christiesfalkirk.co.uk
Nonna Said, Glasgow
What is it? Napoli-inspired food with a Scottish twist.
In the words of the Nonna Said team: “If you’re feeling freaky, why not try our Burns’ Balls, dangerously good haggis-stuffed rice balls and whisky cream.”
Pizzas from £8.50, nonnasaid.com
Creel Caught, Edinburgh
What is it? Scottish fish and shellfish from MasterChef winner Gary Maclean.
In the words of founder Gary Maclean: “Thermidor mac and cheese, grilled langoustines with seaweed butter, and monkfish scampi with fries will all be on the menu.”
Opens this summer, creelcaught.com