Watford, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Lucky Chiswick!” – “You can’t go wrong with a meal at La Trompette in W4!” – which, like its south London stablemate Chez Bruce, is one of the most enduringly popular restaurants in our annual diners’ poll and likewise also one of the most consistent. True, the Covid years were more tricky than usual, but many reports agree they are “back to where they were pre- pandemic”. A “comfortable” space just off the high street, its atmosphere is that of a “neighbourhood restaurant” but a “very civilised” one at that. Greg Wellman’s cuisine is “expertly prepared” and “faultless every time”: “from the sourdough bread to begin to the warm soufflé that’s a favourite to finish, all from a seasonally changing menu which provides nice variety” and which “leaves you feeling well wined and dined at a good price”. Service is “always polite, friendly and professional” and has useful advice to give, including on the “well-priced wine list”. “I just wish it were a bit more central”, notes one fan… who visits it from Cheshire!! Top Tip – “now offering no corkage if you BYO on Sunday nights to add extra pleasure”.

“A great range of fish dishes cooked to perfection” is the type of “excellent seasonal British cooking” that’s done best at star Irish chef, Richard Corrigan’s Mayfair flagship, just off Park Lane (whose stated focus is on ‘all that is wild, from the land, air and sea’). The experience is helped by “welcoming and involved staff” and in particular, it’s “spot-on for smart business lunches”. That it can seem “very expensive” was a more common complaint this year, although “the lunchtime set menu makes it just possible for retired folk”.

“One can never tire of Gavin Rankin’s discreet, restrained and brasserie”, “quietly located” in a Mayfair mews (“an institution that lives with the legacy that the late Queen visited it twice”). “You can start your meal with cocktails in the bar (next to the restaurant)” and then move to the dining room for “classic’ Anglo/French cuisine” that’s “comfortingly familiar” and “superb in its simplicity” (the harsh might say “staid and unadventurous”); and “good value too”. “Service is excellent – one always has everything one needs but is otherwise left alone”. For an “understatedly elegant” business occasion – perfect! Top Menu Tip – “outstanding value for money from the table d’hote menu”.

Oui Madame is an evenings-only modern European restaurant in Highbury and Islington, serving seasonal sharing plates and a thoughtful wine list in a cosy, intimate setting. Expect warm hospitality, confident flavours and an easy rhythm that suits everything from date night to ...

At 144 On The Hill, we celebrate bold flavours, the finest seasonal ingredients, and a touch of creative flair. Our menus change with the seasons, offering beautifully crafted dishes served in stylish surroundings. Dine in our swoon-worthy interiors, soak up the atmosphere on ...

“It’s not culinary fireworks but what they do works well” at this “competent brasserie in Marylebone”: “a comfortable, good-looking dining room with friendly and attentive service”. “Even if the food is not particularly memorable” (“a menu of classic dishes” that “appeals to all tastes”), practically all reports agree that “it is well made, presented and tasty”; so “an ideal place to catch up with friends rather than to come and be wowed by the (albeit perfectly good) cooking”. Top Tip – with its outside terrace “on a hot summer night this is a delight and it gets correspondingly busy”.

An “unexpected find in a quiet location” – this “gorgeous olde worlde pub with delicious food” and big dining conservatory is to be discovered in a leafy suburban street near Richmond Park’s Sheen Gate; and is “a great all-rounder”, run by TV-chef owner Paul Merrett. Other features include six boutique bedrooms upstairs, and a large kid-friendly garden.

Laurie & Jacqueline Gear’s “fabulous, classic restaurant in Old Amersham” has long been a hit in our annual diners’ poll and was in the top-40 most mentioned restaurants outside London this year. “Laurie’s personality shines in his delightful food” – “a remarkable range of menus (including brilliant vegetarian options)” with the entry-level offering being a three-course selection for £95 per person. Service is “really efficient and also very warm” and “wines are paired with intelligence and insight” (although “chatty sommelier” Valentin recently left the business).

“Sally Clarke continues to oversee her Kensington oasis and ensures high standards are maintained” as she has since 1984 at this paragon of enduring quality, just south of Notting Hill Gate. Inspired originally by her time at Chez Panisse in California in the late 1970s, “the focus on quality ingredients pays off in the dishes and everything is deceptively simply prepared and tastes amazing”. “It’s not flash but all the better for that – not cheap but worth every penny”. “Remarkably, Sally is still working front of house every night ensuring guests feel welcomed and at home” and – especially for older romantics – “there is no music; tables are well spaced; the lighting is great; one can whisper sweet-nothings without the next table overhearing; and it slightly feels like one has taken one’s lover home to meet the family (and your mum happens to cook a good dinner). It’s a class act!”. Top Menu Tips – “all tastes are catered for and vegetables swapped round from the menu to accommodate likes and dislikes”. Highlights among starters include “super fresh crab”, “pasta with grated black truffle and an excellent white asparagus”; among mains, “superb Dover sole” and “fabulous deer, perfectly medium rare with superb accompaniments”; “excellent cheeseboard, then delicious comice pear sorbets with amazingly good pistachio wafers”.

For a comfortable meal in an impressive space in Mayfair, this wood-panneled chamber has much to recommend it, and is one of the better-preserved traditional dining rooms (dating originally from the 1850s and made over in the 1930s). Chef Sofian Msterfi injects North African ideas from his Moroccan roots into some of the dishes on his five-course (for £95 per person) or seven-course (for £140 per person) menus. The odd reporter feels this is “too much concept” for their tastes, but for the most part it’s an approach that’s very well received.

“Good for business or a Sunday lunch” – this boutique hotel on the Hammersmith Road is converted from the Victorian former premises of St Paul’s boys’ school and its smart, small dining room overlooks the adjoining park. A range of menus encompasses breakfast, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch and there’s a brasserie-style menu served at other times. Top Menu Tip – “one of the largest selections of Malt and specialist Whiskies I have found”… there are about 600 available.

“Perfect for a romantic celebration” – this rather “grown-up restaurant” in a five-star property overlooking Kensington Gardens comes complete with dark wood panelling, leaded glass windows and candle-light and provides a comfortable and “very cosy” backdrop for a meal. Chef Daniel Putz’s modern European dishes are essentially traditional (Dover sole, Barnsley lamb chop) but are thoughtfully updated. Top Menu Tip – “excellent low-key afternoon tea”.