Farnham, French Restaurant Guide

This “superb” restaurant in “a beautiful country house in a small village” on the edge of Reading celebrates its 40th anniversary under its current name this year – and has gathered a large number of fans who say “we’ve been visiting for years and it’s brilliant”. The loss of its long-held Michelin star in 2022 has not dampened enthusiasm, with reporters in our annual survey praising the “well executed” meals sent out by young head chef James Greatorex – “it’s not cutting edge but very pleasant modern French-influenced cuisine”. “As with so many fine-dining restaurants, lunch is much more affordable than dinner: the 5-course lunch at £49 was excellent value”.

A “great little spot” in what was once a courthouse – though it’s not necessarily evident from the façade or the rustic interior either; the “husband-and-wife team (Nathan and Evi Marshall) work well together”, and the modern European food “continues to improve”, making it “a welcome addition to an area surprisingly thin on exceptional restaurants”.