Harden's survey result
Summary
“A jeweled oasis” in the southeastern London ’burbs – this “exceptional venue continues to maintain the highest standards of hospitality” in an area a short drive from Bromley where there’s “not much competition”. Chef/Patron Andy McLeish trained under Nico Ladenis and has been at the stoves here since 2000 (with head chef Dean Ferguson joining shortly thereafter). “Reliably high-quality food” is provided in a “well-appointed” setting. Top Menu Tip – “jugged hare was a particular treat, not often seen on menus nowadays!”
Summary
This big-hitter on London’s southeastern fringe has established an enviable reputation for its “excellent food” under long-time chef Andy McLeish, who now owns it alongside a business partner – “have been dining here some 25 years and never been disappointed”. Following a refurb a couple of years back, it is, by all accounts, better than ever – “fell out of love with this restaurant, but am delighted to report that it’s back on top form”.
Summary
“On top form again” – chef Andy McLeish has run the kitchen at this culinary beacon near Orpington for more than 20 years, and purchased it with a business partner five years ago. Long an “outstanding destination” on London’s southeastern fringe, it is now “absolutely humming – both food and service very good and the tables well spaced”. “You’re always assured of a top food, service and ambience experience, for lunch or dinner”.
Summary
“Back to its best” – long-time chef Andy McLeish and his business partner purchased this well-known site in late 2017, and have re-established it as one of the major destinations on the fringes of south east London and beyond. “Dishes are beautifully presented and have substance as well as style” and service is “very efficient, slick and unobtrusive”. The only hitch used to be the “staid” and “old-fashioned” interior, but early 2019 saw a month-long, six-figure revamp, and early reports say “post-revamp, the dining room is buzzing” with “an atmosphere of contentment”. Top Tip – “special lunch menus continue to be a bargain worth travelling for”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Chapter One?
Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NF
Restaurant details
Chapter One Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Stylish with serious place settings and service. Good choice of wines by the glass from coravin system. Sunday lunch has additional starters - the scotch egg and celeriac remoulade a standout, as was the mushroom pithivier Despite the setting very reasonable and certainly worth stopping if you are heading back from the south coast."
"A consistent friend, never disappoints. Range of lunch time options. Dietary requirements professionally managed, allergen menu readily available. Portions are perfect, rarely need a side. Service professional and friendly. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £58.95 |  |
|
 |
Traditional European menu
| Pudding |
|---|
| £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Farnborough Common, Locksbottom, BR6 8NF
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm |
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