Situated on the seafront of Aberystwyth, Gwesty Cymru is a Taste of Wales award-winning hotel and restaurant. Marcus Sedghi dropped by to find out what makes this restaurant win national honours.
The Tommyfield
From the outside, the Tommyfield certainly looks the part; smartly decked out in black, with large windows, and on a prominent corner plot, it’s very inviting. Like its sister venues, the Tommyfield offers good food and drink in smart, casual surroundings, delivered by friendly, efficient staff.
Imli, an Indian ‘tapas’ restaurant in London’s Soho
If you’re not in the income bracket that can afford to eat at Tamarind, the Michelin-starred Indian in Mayfair, you can at least afford to eat at Tamarind’s little sibling Imli in London’s Soho. Food here is light on the pocket but also light on the stomach.
Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner
The atmosphere is most unusual – part gustatory and part celebratory. A homecoming parade for the nation’s favourite bald chef. The first week at Dinner is a restaurant opening of a kind that’s never been seen before. Everyone wants to love it, and it seems that everyone totally does as there’s not a dry seat in the house. Not to be outdone Nick Harman also discovers that Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner is just his cup of tea.
Great British Eatery, Broadway Plaza, Birmingham
It may have been allegedly replaced in the nation’s affections by curry, but a well made portion of fish and chips still has the power to delight the discerning diner. Marcus Sedghi, a Birmingham boy, loves his local chippy and not just because it’s licensed either
Barbecoa London
Barbecoa, the restaurant Jamie Oliver opened in London with Adam Perry Lang, has been on the receiving end of a fair bit of critical flak since it opened yet it’s far from destroyed. On a sunny lunchtime with a hint of spring in the air, the sun blasting through the high windows and City people packing tables and tucking into attractive looking food, it seems a winner.
Byron Hamburgers
I liked Byron a lot despite my burger prejudices. From what I’ve seen they make each outlet appropriate to the building it’s in and don’t enforce homogeneity. The meat is well sourced and, I suspect, normally correctly cooked too. The idea that good burgers can be found in normal places with professional service, pricing and consistent quality may be anathema to the burger bloggers but Byron is a chain I can’t see breaking anytime soon
SIX at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts Gateshead
Annie Lund heads to the top of the BALTIC centre for dinner at SIX. It’s all capital letters but is it a capital meal experience?
The Fox and Anchor serves what may be the best Full English Breakfast in London
In search of a proper Full English breakfast to fuel his day, Nick Harman finds perfection on a plate in the classic surroundings of one of the few unsullied pubs in London. Just hold the beans, please.
Clos Maggiore – a restaurant in London’s Covent Garden
You’re not going to have a mind-bending gastronomic experience here, the food is not the star you are. Or rather you and your date. And there’s nothing wrong with that, too many restaurants ask you to bow down to their altar of food and say ‘I do’ to chef’s ego. Clos Maggiore is more concerned in marrying good food and a memorable experience for couples who want a special occasion