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 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 Trinity?
4 The Polygon, London, SW4 0JG
Restaurant details
Trinity Restaurant Diner Reviews
"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!"
"Excellent and technically accomplished cooking served in a friendly and relaxed environment- come for lunch if you want value though…"
"Stuffy and self satisfied. Where has it all gone wrong?"
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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