Southwell, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

2024 Review: “Always a real treat to visit” – this well-established local institution is to be found near the castle in the atmospheric surrounds of the seventeenth century Newdigate House (also home to networking haunt the Nottingham Club), and – especially in summer when its terrace comes into its own – provides “a calm escape from the city streets”. Its rather ambitious food has proved “consistently good” over many years (and even “fabulous” on a good night) and reports this year suggest that it has attained a more consistent standard of late.

A “wonderfully atmospheric place, with idiosyncratic but comfortably plush surroundings” that was born when founder, the late Imogen Skirving, decided to open the doors to her family home three decades back. This country house oasis is now run by her granddaughter Lila Arora, with chef Gary Booth continuing their longtime focus on locally sourced produce, from Belvoir game to “truly delicious soufflés of the savoury and sweet variety”. Further praise this year for the “professional yet friendly service” – clearly this “quirky place knows what it’s doing” after all these years.

“Consistently top of the list for fine dining in Nottingham” – Alex Bond gives his former boss Sat Bains a good run for his money in this intriguing, subterranean Victorian brick-vaulted space, which sits just outside the centre in the desirable Park Estate, for which it was built as a coach house. All reports attest to a “hugely enjoyable" experience all round – “service is efficient but also with real style and joy de vivre” and the food is “stunning all-round” from either a three-course menu for £85 per person, or a seven-course menu at £140 per person. Top Menu Tip – “seafood and fish offerings are always top notch!”

2025 Review: In an “unassuming location adjacent to the A1”, this is a “great little restaurant” (with rooms) where the victuals – from nostalgic classics like prawn cocktails to burgers and pizzas – are never less than “steady” (and sometimes “delicious”, say fans). Top Tip – “the special themed evenings are particularly great”, and might take in tapas or surprisingly upscale Japanese and Indian tasting-menu nights.

2025 Review: Things look cute and ivy-clad on the outside, and properly quirky on the inside (copper kettles hang from the eaves, there’s comedy taxidermy and, most dramatically, an 18 feet-deep well between the lounge and restaurant), at this gastroboozer in one of the villages on the outskirts of Lincoln. The British pub grub (steak and ale pies, Grimsby-landed haddock) is largely locally sourced and was soundly rated.

“A truly world-class restaurant at the top of its game” – Sat & Amanda Bains create a “wonderful and truly memorable experience” for most visitors to their remarkable city-fringe hideaway, which is improbably located down a lane amidst the jumble of pylons, small industrial units, flyovers and concrete banks that announce your near-arrival at this converted motel, by the River Trent, on the outer fringes of Nottingham. In the evening, the choice is between the ‘Prelude’ or ‘Overture’ menus for £199 or £249 per person respectively for a multi-course tasting experience that’s “innovative and complex but richly fulfilling and not faddish”. That’s not to say that absolutely everyone loves it, and this year saw ratings dented a bit by a few more complaints than usual (e.g. “overly rich saucing…”, “unbelievable prices for the style…”). Still more common, however, are converts, such as a repeat visitor who noted “the second visit was even better than the first… if that’s possible… the food was perfection and the service pure class”. Top Tips – “the potato is always a standout”; “the winter offer complete with a stay in one of their rooms is an incredible bargain”.

“Aiming for high-end sophistication”, this first-floor venue in a striking looking property within the canal-side Island Quarter, launched in 2022, with open kitchen and glossy styling. A selection of Day Boat fish and Dry-Aged Steaks headline a short, straightforward menu and it’s recommended by locals as an excellent choice for business. That said, there is also the odd gripe about its pricing, and another reporter feels: “the bar area is lovely”, but “on two occasions now the food service has been slow and food not good”. BREAKING NEWS: In October 2025, Rhubarb Catering were appointed to look after the site, so change may be afoot.