Harden's survey result
Summary
“The place to be south of the river!” – Adam Byatt’s renowned destination by Clapham Common slugs it out in our annual diners’ poll with Chez Bruce 10 minutes away as the top culinary destination in these parts and comes strongly “recommended to South Londoners who don’t want to go into the centre of town” to find a “memorable” meal. “Adam Byatt frequently stops by for a chat” and under chef Harry Kirkpatrick (who joined in July 2023) there’s little but hymns of praise to the “excellent and technically accomplished cooking”, which is matched by “some exceptional wines”. Front of house staff “balance the formality expected with a Michelin star with easygoing friendly service and there’s a really relaxed feel to the place”, particularly now there are more “casual” options to eat here either at Trinity Upstairs (see also) or on the relatively newly added outdoor terrace.
Summary
“A perfect mix of fine dining and neighbourhood restaurant” – Adam Byatt’s celebrated flagship on Clapham Common has won renown as one of the most notable destinations south of the River, and a strong rival to Chez Bruce ten minutes away thanks to its “exquisite evolving menu” and “personal” service. But while still much-vaunted this year by very many reporters, its ratings slipped noticeably due to an unusual number of downbeat reports (“I can’t understand why Trinity is so highly rated… I found the experience underwhelming”; “expensive and can lack atmosphere”; “until recently, this was a favourite, but it’s now fallen out of my top ten”). In July 2023 – after our annual diners’ poll had finished – a former member of the team, Harry Kirkpatrick, returned to the kitchen after stints at a number of top establishments having been appointed as a new head chef. Taking into account owner Adam Byatt’s impressive track record here, our best bet is a swift return to form. And, still for the majority of diners in this year’s poll, this is “a place we go to again and again for special occasions and it never disappoints us”.
Summary
“You would pay a fortune to eat here if it was in Mayfair” – “Adam Byatt’s excellent flagship” near Clapham Common is “so much more than a neighbourhood local” and “perfect for a fancy meal, especially if you live in south London!” Often inviting comparisons with nearby Chez Bruce, with ratings tracking its rival’s closely, it is never quite as high in our ranking of London’s Top 40 most-mentioned destinations (and has taken a little more flak for “high prices” of late). “Tastefully decorated” – the fact that it’s “not pretentious, with just the right amount of friendliness from the staff” is key to its “pleasant” appeal, as, of course, is the “top-class food and wines”. Top Tip – a large outside terrace is a relatively recent addition.
Summary
Prince Charles was one of the first post-lockdown visitors to Adam Byatt’s “sophisticated and unhurried” Clapham HQ – a further hint that this “exceptional” venture in Clapham (complete with “tables outside on newly paved area”) is “so much more than a neighbourhood local” and “one of the best south of the river”. His “wonderfully inventive” (but not over-fussy) cooking, is served with notable “professionalism and charm”, alongside a “beautifully curated” and “fairly priced wine list”. “Tables outside on a newly paved area are fun” and add another dimension to a meal here. See also Upstairs at Trinity and Charlie’s at Browns.
For 34 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 Trinity?
4 The Polygon, London, SW4 0JG
Restaurant details
Trinity Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Lovely experience and lives up to it's one start Michelin rating. Menu is diverse and outstanding in quality. Huge selection of wines, from all price ranges. Best dining for the area."
"Never having visited this restaurant before I was lucky enough to be invited for lunch. What a great occasion. Wonderful food presented with great style and possibly the best presentation I've seen this year. Service was attentive, professional but also friendly and the dining room is a very pleasant place to be."
"It is difficult to criticise constructively, for such pleasant well balanced place, especially as we were guests in a table of ten. As such, we didn't see the menu, but the choice was faultless - our hosts live round the corner and are regulars. Lovely space and charming attentive service."
"A very good all around restaurant. The menu is approachable and seasonal, all seasoned well. I'm always particular about the welcome and this was great, saw to the table well and the dining room very tasteful with a lively atmosphere. As we went through the menu, each course as delicious as the last. The salmon a particular delight, I believe one of the restaurant and chefs signatures. Simple, and to the point. The one criticism I would say is a slight lack of excitement and adventure. The wine list particularly good, and matches the fayre well with some Mediterranean inspired dishes."
"Unvaryingly dependable cuisine and service of high quality delivered in a spacious dining area"
"Very enjoyable lunch for a birthday party of 6. The food was very good, service was brilliant. Overall a superb occasion. Highly recommended."
"One of the best restaurants in London. Service was excellent from start to finish, led by the exceptional Gavin. Food was equally excellent, with amuse bouche of parmesan sable, and mackerel crumpets, arriving soon after being seated. Every dish was generous and delicious, seasoned and cooked perfectly. The signature dishes of Warm semi smoked salmon, and Honey souffle were standouts. Ambience was good, restaurant decor simple but classy. Slightly noisy with a big group of 8 behind. Overall, an exceptional restaurant, deserving of more than just one Michelin star. Well worth the trip out to Clapham!"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £70.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £120.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 10.00% |
4 The Polygon, London, SW4 0JG
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12:15pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm |
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