⦿ Jay Rayner of The Observer hit the jackpot with a visit to Riley’s Fish Shack, “two full side-access shipping containers fitted out steampunk-style” overlooking St Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth, near Newcastle, which he declared “the eating experience of the year”. “It is the pristine quality of fish cookery you always hope to find in one of those fancy, raised […]

Continue reading


⦿ Jay Rayner of The Observer sweated his way joyfully through a chilli-spiced dinner at Thai pop-up-turned-permanent Som Saa near Spitalfields Market, which he described as “an action movie full of crash, bang and wallop.” “The food wanders restlessly from north to south. It is a deliriously fearsome bash of fire and sour and salt and smoke.” ⦿ The Guardian’s […]

Continue reading


⦿ The Observer’s Jay Rayner, perhaps enjoying an August Bank Holiday at the seaside, moseyed happily into Hantverk & Found in Margate, “a tiny cupboard of a fish restaurant, half tiled in the sea green of a Victorian public convenience”. “There are 10 seats up front, plus a few in the garden, and a couple of people in the kitchen knocking out […]

Continue reading


Hackney was once the domain of artists, students and Londoners looking for cheap digs. All of which seems like a distant memory now that it has become not only Hipster Central, but also a booming borough with new businesses, restaurants and bars opening at a furious pace. It used to be Broadway Market, London Fields […]

Continue reading


It may come as a surprise to some that only one London restaurant is listed in our top 10 UK dining spots, and it isn’t some showy establishment helmed by a ‘celebrity chef’ either. It’s The Ledbury in Notting Hill. Perhaps it’s because head chef Brett Graham can still be found in the kitchen, rather than […]

Continue reading


The Editors’ review of Kurobuta The prices at this ‘relaxed’ Japanese tavern aren’t very informal, but the food is ruddy good   Blanchette knows how to please Jay Rayner  The Guardian critic eschews a pricier tasting menu spot for this down-to-earth, small plates affair (which we also gave a big thumbs up to)   Lee Westcott’s […]

Continue reading