Throughout 2024 we’re asking Michelin or top chefs to pick their favourite cheap eats – a meal for two for less than £40 – in their part of the UK. We’ll add to this list every week…
Buckinghamshire
Recommended by Tom De Keyser, head chef at Tom Kerridge’s two-starred The Hand and Flowers: “It’s a fantastic coffee shop and spot for a lovely lunch. I always have the pastrami bagel which is brilliant, my wife loves the chicken shawarma salad, and my young daughter has a fluffy bowl of scrambled eggs. You can happily feed the three of us with a couple of delicious coffees for less than £40.”
The Butcher’s Tap and Grill, Marlow
Recommended by Sarah Haywood from the one-starred The Coach, in Marlow: “A great spot to pop in for some pub snacks or a fantastic burger, or for something a little bit special you can choose a cut from the butcher’s counter like a pork tomahawk or T-bone steak. The chefs will cook it exactly how you like it!”
Sarah Hayward, chef at Tom Kerridge’s The Coach
Cambridgeshire
Recommended by James Knappett, chef-patron of two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table in London: “I make sure to visit whenever I head home to Cambridgeshire. I’m from Soham, so Ely is the closest city and The Fish House has consistently served up great food over the years. My order is a small cod and chips, plus a battered sausage, mushy peas and curry sauce.”
James Knappett, chef-patron of two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table, in Fitzrovia
Cornwall
Recommended by Bradley Monk from the award-winning One Fish Street in St Ives: “Joel makes the most incredible focaccia sandwiches at this little spot in Penzance. The lightest focaccia you will try, with just the right level of saltiness.”
Bradley Monk says: “While being well known for their burgers – which are also delicious – it’s the rotisserie chicken I’m recommending.”
Bradley Monk says this is “is stretching the budget slightly, but it’s totally worth it as it’s utterly delicious”.
“The cocktails are sublime, the cheeseboard is by far the best in the area, and the ever-changing selection of small plates are always divine. The view from the window table doesn’t hurt, either.”
Cumbria
Recommended by Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the one-starred SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel: “This is my go-to brunch place of choice. Brunch is served til close and the menu has a variety of sweet and savoury options. My personal favourite is the Homeground Sarnie which includes both smoked back bacon and streaky bacon, a fried egg, smashed avocado, hash browns, caramelised red onion and leaves and is served in a sourdough ciabatta.”
“Their whole concept is around serving toasted sandwiches in Shokupan bread,” says Ollie Bridgwater.
“Shokupan is a Japanese milk loaf, which when toasted is the perfect bread for toasties – they bake the Shokupan on site daily so it’s the freshest it can be. They have a range of fillings, including plant-based options, and their teriyaki pulled mushrooms toastie with pulled mushrooms, teriyaki marinade, cheese, spring onion and sweet mayo is delicious.”
Ollie Bridgwater says: “Quite simply, a really good pub. It’s family-owned, has a varied food and drink offering that celebrates local produce and always guarantees a warm welcome for all – families and dogs included. It was even Cumbria’s best pub and bar in last year’s National Pub and Bar Awards.”
Devon
Recommended by Simon Hulstone, from Michelin-starred The Elephant in Torquay: “We can be fed well for £40 with authentic Thai food in a family-run restaurant. I am partial to the Thai flavours from many trips and slowly building up my chilli tolerance. Jun Jaow is as close as I can get to some local Thai cuisine.”
Simon Hulstone, one of the country’s longest-established Michelin-starred chefs
East Yorkshire
Drewton’s Farm Shop and Kitchen, Yorkshire Wolds
Recommended by James Mackenzie, from Michelin-starred the Pipe and Glass in South Dalton: “Nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, they serve a fantastic all-day breakfast using local ingredients, including their own craft sausages and Doreen’s black pudding. It certainly sets you up for a busy day.”
Laveracks, Holme on Spalding Moor and Pocklington
James Mackenzie says: “A butcher/deli that makes great sausage rolls that hit the spot if I’m out and about – they’re a generous size wrapped in delicious home-made pastry. The pies are chunky too, they don’t scrimp on the filling and the flavours are fab. They also offer a top-quality selection of meats – everything that a great butcher should be.”
Chef James Mackenzie. Photo by Tony Bartholomew.
Gloucestershire
Recommended by Jon Howe, from Michelin-starred and 4AA Rosette Lumiere in Cheltenham: “This cosy wine bar is our favourite place to go. There is a selection of fabulous cheeses and delicious charcuterie plus a couple of glasses of wine from their weekly changing list.”
Jon Howe says: “Run by Sam himself, who is a fabulous chef, Sam’s is a great place situated in Montpellier Courtyard and is perfect for lunch while browsing the shops. They offer a fantastic small plates menu and great service – try the braised pig cheeks with cannellini beans and crackling bits!”
“Nagomi offers a delicious mix of authentic Korean and Japanese dishes,” says Jon Howe. “With Yakiniku table grills, Nagomi always makes for an entertaining evening with friends and family plus they have the most fabulous value £10 lunch offer. My favourite is definitely the spicy tteokbokki and you just have to try the Seoul fried chicken.”
Humberside
The Hope and Anchor, South Ferriby
Recommended by Gareth Bartram, chef-patron at Michelin Guide-recommended Auction House in Louth, Lincolnshire: “A fantastic pub on the south bank of the river Humber. We always go for the home-cured charcuterie board and the burger made from the trim from their whole cow project is incredible.”
“If me and my wife manage to convince the grandparents to look after the kids, it has to be Hearth”, says Gareth Bartram.
“The restaurant and bakery is an amazing addition to the Hull dining scene with Ryan Telford cooking the majority of the menu over hot coals.”
Gareth Bartram, who is setting up his own restaurant after leaving Michelin-starred of Winteringham Fields
Kent
The Refectory in St Dunstan’s, Canterbury
Recommended by Stephen Harris, chef-patron at one-starred gastropub The Sportsman in Whitstable: “The food is brunch/breakfast but done in that Aussie style whereby it has restaurant standards. I often have eggs benedict or just scrambled egg on toast. The coffee is also top drawer. It is very busy and a queue often builds up, but it is worth the wait.”
Harbour Street Tapas in Whitstable
“I always have the Iberico ham,” says Stephen Harris. “We have been taking my son since he was about three and he has learnt how to go to restaurants through this place. The staff are great and we are lucky to have it at the end of our road.”
Lancashire
Recommended by Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef of the Michelin-starred Northcote: “I love Jungle on the high street. I go there a lot for brunch with my husband and my son. It’s great value for money and just has a really cool, relaxed atmosphere, and they serve really tasty food. They have things like sweetcorn fritters with chilli jam and shakshuka with a falafel scotch egg on the menu. The dishes always have a twist to them. It also feels great to be able to give back to the brilliant independents on the local high street.”
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, chef at Northcote
London
Read more:
Full list of London recommendations here
Recommended by two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling, of Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal on Regent Street: “Great value and well-cooked pasta. Main courses are all under £20. Michelin-star chef Phil Howard is behind it and his cooking technique comes through even in these casual dishes. I also love Bancone for pasta.”
The falafel truck, Portobello Road
Alex Dilling says: “This is a food truck near Soho House, it doesn’t have a website. There’s one they do with great tahini and fresh salad for £5. Very filling and a quick meal on the go for busy chefs.”
Two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling, of Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal on Regent Street
New Loon Fung Restaurant, Chinatown
Recommended by James Knappett, from two-starred Kitchen Table: “For dim sum – their steamed ribs, chicken feet, prawn dumplings and chicken and sausage claypot rice.”
James Knappett says: “A neighbourhood Turkish restaurant in Green Lanes that we often visit as a family of four – sharing a mixed grill platter between us. It’s great value for money and always open late, so I can usually get a grilled shish on the way back home after service too.”
Recommended by Sameer Taneja, executive chef at one-starred Indian restaurant Benares, in Mayfair: “The is my go-to eatery for Kolkata-inspired meat and vegetable wraps that are absolutely delicious. It’s always a treat to enjoy their excellent spicy wraps, a bottle of beer, and good old Bollywood music.”
Max’s Sandwich Shop, Finsbury Park
Recommended by Tom Brown, from Michelin Guide-recommended Pearly Queen in Shoreditch: “My all-time favourite cheap eat is Max’s Sandwich Shop, which has an amazing reputation – their classic Ham, Egg ‘n’ Chips sandwich is undoubtedly the best. I’m big on my football, and where it’s located in Finsbury Park, it’s a great spot to hit before Arsenal.”
For big portions and small prices, Tom Brown says: “They do a variety of fried dumplings served with delicious Nepalese curries – a personal favourite of mine is the cheese and vegetable momo. The food is divine. It’s big portions – the value for money is insane.”
Tom Brown from Pearly Queen and the Michelin-starred Cornerstone
Recommended by Pied à Terre owner David Moore: “Bring your appetite as portions are generous. I have a large salt beef on rye, pickles and mustard, £10 take away, a bit more to eat in. If dining in, try the Latka, fish balls and an excellent chopped liver, cucumber salad on side. No licence for booze… not a bad thing.”
“This tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot serves up some of the tastiest soups you will find this side of Tel Aviv, but it doesn’t stop there,” David Moore says.
“Falafel, £8.20; shakshuka, £8.20; and chicken schnitzel, £9.00, are my firm favourites. Everything is cooked fresh on the premises.”
Palms of Goa, Charlotte Street
“They have been on Charlotte Street close to 30 years, you don’t do that without solid regulars and good food,” David Moore says.
“My favourite is king prawn masala, £15.95, or lamb biryani, £15.95 – plus a couple of naans at £2.95 each and some tap water just to stay on budget.”
David Moore, the legendary owner of Pied à Terre in central London
Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel
Recommended by Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in Hackney: “I love Lahore Kebab House. I used to go with my dad – we’d get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu.”
“You can’t beat a ‘That Spicy D’,” Andy Beynon says.
“There’s just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It’s my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess.”
Andy Beynon’s “go-to for a kebab fix”.
“They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.”
Recommended by Meedu Saad, head chef and co-owner of Kiln in Soho – which as well as being in the Michelin Guide, was crowned the UK’s best restaurant in 2018: “This place specialises in tantuni, a meat wrap that originates from Mersin in the south of Turkey. It’s finely diced lamb boiled and then lightly fried with spices, topped with fresh tomatoes and parsley before being wrapped in lavash and served with a monster plate of pickled chillies and lemon wedges.”
Meedu Saad says: “A no-menu restaurant specialising in daily made soups and stews at very reasonable prices. My personal favourite is a soup by the name of kelle paca, which is a sheep’s head soup in a broth topped with garlic and ghee.”
Yipin China, Highbury and Islington
Specialising in Hunanese dishes and techniques, Meedu Saad says “they have a great selection of offal dishes and sour soup – one of my favourites being white fish and mustard greens.”
Meedu Saad of Kiln
Berenjak in Soho and London Bridge
Recommended by Sofian Msetfi, executive chef at Mayfair’s one-starred Ormer restaurant: “Berenjak offers a traditional Persian dining experience – I’d recommend ordering a charcoal grilled kebab for that tables plus a selection of the mezze-style sharing plates to accommodate a budget of £40 for two.”
BAO (with locations around London)
“It’s known for its creative take on Taiwanese street food,” Sofian Msetfi says.
“They offer some of the best bao buns in the city which start from just £6, plus there’s affordably priced small plates.”
Secret Sandwich Shop in Notting Hill
Sofian Msetfi says this place “elevates the humble sandwich to new heights – the sheer size of the Japanese Wanpaku sandwiches are incredible and so filling”.
Saint George Cafe (Chelsea and Charing Cross)
Recommended by Benjamin Ferra Y Castell from one-starred Pavyllon in London: “This is a French bakery offering delicious sandwiches made with high-quality products. Their bread is made by a French baker with a specially selected flour. The pastries are also amazing – using high-quality butter and the chocolate used in the pain au chocolate makes it one of my best sweet treats in the city. On top of all of this, their coffee is some of the best in London.”
Tachbrook Street Market in Pimlico
“This market is really affordable and convenient and away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Station,” Benjamin Ferra Y Castell says.
“Authentic Thai food made with love, available for less than £10 for a substantial portion.”
Another of Benjamin Ferra Y Castell’s favourites.
“Offers great Italian coffee with authentic products from different regions of Italy. You can try different sandwiches and they have an excellent burrata. They serve real coffee, how it should be made.”
Paul Rothe & Son in Marylebone
Recommended by TV chef Judy Joo, who co-owns the popular Seoul Bird in London: “Since 1900, they have been crafting some of the best sandwiches in London. My go-to is their famous pastrami and cheese, piled high with pickle, mayo, and mustard.”
Judy Joo says Trejo’s Tacos has crossed the pond, opening its first international outpost in London. “Founded by actor Danny Trejo, this canteen boasts a cult following in Los Angeles (myself included) and has quickly become my favourite spot for tacos in London.”
A London institution with multiple venues across the city, also remains a favourite of Judy Joo’s.
“Especially the original one Edgware Road. The chicken or lamb shawarma is the star dish, slow-cooked on vertical rotisseries, infused with aromatic spices, and expertly sliced off with sabers.”
“Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone,” Judy Joo reveals.
“I usually order the minced pork xiaomian – toothsome wheat noodles swimming in a red chili broth, then dressed with seasoned pork and fragrant spring onions.”
Judy Joo
Oi Vita Pizzeria, Stoke Newington
Recommended by Jun Tanaka, head chef of the Michelin-starred The Ninth: “This is my go-to place when I feel like a pizza. The service is super friendly and they focus on sourcing the best ingredients, so their pizzas are very good. I usually order the Diavola – tomato, mozzarella, spicy salami and basil.”
Jun Tanaka says: “If I get a takeaway it’s usually Vietnamese and this is my favourite. I pretty much order the same dish every time which is their original pho. Their beef marrow broth is very tasty, although I do like to add dried chill and chilli vinegar for the extra kick.”
“I love Shuk, especially during the warmer months when you can sit outside and enjoy the vibe of the market,” says Jun Tanaka. “You have to order their pitas. Everything’s delicious but if I had to choose a favourite it would be the spiced lamb meatballs with harissa, yoghurt, and herbs.”
Jun Tanaka, head chef of the Michelin-starred The Ninth in Fitzrovia, central London
Merseyside
Swan fish and chip restaurant, Southport
Recommended by Mark Birchall, chef-patron at two Michelin starred Moor Hall in West Lancashire: “It’s fresh fish, nice chips, lovely pies! A great one to visit on a family day out – kids all love it too.”
Mark Birchall says: “For a cheap burger, Five Guys is consistently great! Customise your own burger, simple but delicious. Cajun fries are excellent too.”
Mark Birchall, chef-patron at Moor Hall. Pic: Moor Hall
Recommended by Andrew Sheridan of 8 By Andrew Sheridan in Liverpool: “Me and the guys in 8 head there for lunch most weeks. It’s some great Asian food, amazing katsu.”
Andrew Sheridan says: “The place to go when you don’t know what to eat as they have everything you could wish for under one roof. What I love about this place is the guys in the kitchen love what they do and the food is super tasty and consistent.”
Andrew Sheridan says it has “super tasty Indian food and is around the corner from 8 in Liverpool. Nisha Katona, the founder, is an amazing businesswoman and has created a brilliant brand”.
Norfolk
Recommended by Galton Blackiston of the Michelin-starred Morston Hall: “A family-run restaurant which involves mum, dad, Joe in kitchen and James front of house. Open Wednesday through to Sunday, it has a great vibe on a Saturday evening and great food.”
“A tiny restaurant on the broads in Horning cooking lovely fish dishes,” Galton Blackiston says.
Final cheap pick by Galton Blackiston is the Parlour.
“They have a great restaurant and you put money into an honesty box for their local cheese from the village and raw milk from their farm – a great place to visit in Norfolk.”
Pic: Morston Hall
Recommended by Grant Cotton, head chef at Nest Farmhouse: “For a prawn roll – absolutely delicious and a wonderful spot to sit on a bench and watch the world go by.”
Eric’s Pizza or Eric’s Fish & Chips, Thornham
Grant Cotton says: “Great quality and great value. And you have the choice of both in same town.”
North East
Recommended by Nick Grieves, chef-owner of Michelin-recommended Ophelia in Gosforth, Newcastle: “I’ve been a long-time fan, the food there is incredible and worth the short train journey out of Newcastle. It’s all class but I’d seriously recommend the birria tacos (with the consommé), camaron tacos and pollo quesadillas. Time it right for Taco Tuesday or for Happy Hour and you’ll be well fed and watered for an absolute bargain.”
Nick Grieves says: “Excellent, authentic and incredibly reasonable Chinese food just down from Haymarket in the centre of town. The pork dumplings in hot and sour soup, braised lamb noodles and their pork burger are all incredible and my go-to when ordering. I’d definitely recommend just ordering lots and sharing it between you.”
North Yorkshire
Recommended by Shaun Rankin from Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall: “A traditional country pub nestled within the picture-perfect village of East Witton in the Yorkshire Dales. Enjoy a scenic walk through the surrounding countryside before stopping off for lunch – their light lunch menu includes personal favourites such as croque madame with a rocket salad and Black Sheep-battered fish and chips.”
Shaun Rankin says: “If you’re heading in to explore the characterful charm of Ripon, a trip to Oliver’s Pantry is a must. They do great coffee alongside a delicious all-day brunch, an array of sweet treats and their seasonal lunch menu packed with fresh homemade dishes.”
Chef Shaun Rankin
Recommended by Michael Wignall, of the one-star The Angel at Hetton, in Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales: “It’s in a great location, opposite the market square and a traditional, old-school place that I love. The food is very reasonable, and the service is brilliant.”
Paradise Food, at Daleside Nurseries
“The chef here is lovely, and we go back a long way,” says Michael Wignall. “It started as a pop-up at garden centre, and is now a full-time restaurant. They’ve had a really colourful career, a great chef, which is reflected at Paradise. They’re hard working and have core values that I really respect, and I just love coming here for a great meal. It is super popular.”
Michael Wignall says: “This is just over the tops, out of Settle and towards the Lake District. They are very famous and do our cheese for us. The team is super passionate, and a few years ago extended the cheese shop and built a pizzeria (among other things, like a museum). It is so good here, very cool and the views are just stunning. Our restaurant manager is Italian, and even she raves about it! That’s when you know it’s good. The toppings are a bit different, and it’s only 15 minutes away so we do visit often.”
Northern Ireland
Recommended by Stephen Toman, chef owner at the one Michelin starred Ox restaurant in Belfast: “There’s a great little pub not too far from me in Belfast that does great pub grub and an even better Guinness. It’s called Robert Stewart’s (or Bob Stewart’s to the locals). I recommend the peppered steak and a pint of the black stuff to wash it down.”
Stephen Toman says: “For in the city centre I recommend Ora. The perfect spot for small plates and wines by the glass. Super cocktails also. The bang bang chicken or the pork fritters never fail.”
Oxfordshire
Recommended by Tom Aikens, from one-starred Muse in London: “I’ve known the head chef Ronny for years as he is someone who worked with me when I was consulting on Soho Farmhouse. He is a great consistent chef and always produces amazing food. He does a really great homemade pork pie with the best piccalilli.”
Tom Aikens says: “One of Carole Bamford’s great pubs with a menu using homegrown produce from their farm nearby, creating an elevated British gastropub menu that has something for everyone. I would highly recommend the Wooton organic fried chicken tenders which are super tasty, and the steaks are always great, especially the T-bone steak.”
Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton
“I typically go on a Sunday for a good roast,” says Tom Aikens. “The Barwell Barn is a favourite for my children who love their pizzas.”
Tom Aikens, from one-starred Muse
Pompette in Summertown, Oxford
Recommended by Theo Randall, Saturday Kitchen regular and chef patron at Theo Randall at the Intercontinental: “One of my favourite places is Pompette. The Prix Fixe menu is £26 a head; I had to mention this as I don’t think you can find better food and service for this price anywhere else in the UK. Pascal and Laura Wiedemann run this brilliant restaurant and have a range of fantastic offers like Thursday steak nights where you can enjoy a beautifully cooked onglet steak with watercress, real (!) French fries and a glass of wine for £24. Amazing value!”
Theo Randall
Scotland
Recommended by Tom Kitchin, chef-owner at The Kitchin in Edinburgh: “I really enjoy The Fishmarket, down by the Newhaven harbour in Edinburgh. They offer classic fish and chips, done incredibly well, which you can either enjoy in the restaurant or to take away.”
Recommended by David Smith, head chef of Michelin-recommended The Dipping Lugger: “They serve fantastic local shellfish, and they do a fantastic haddock wrap.”
Xoko Bake House and Coffee Bar, Inverness
This is “another fabulous place to grab something from, including a delicious-filled croissant or a tasty sweet treat”, David Smith of The Dipping Lugger says.
Tom Kitchin. Pic: Marc Miller
South Yorkshire
Recommended by Dan Conlon, head chef at Michelin Guide-recommended Rafters in Sheffield: “This is a family run, traditional Italian restaurant serving classic wood fired pizzas using authentic ingredients. My go-to’s are nocellara olives for, then the new contadina vegetarian or the San Daniele.”
Sheffield’s The Notty House, Dan Conlon says, “is a down to earth pub serving pies, chips and mushy peas – a great selection of homemade pies at very reasonable prices, good student vibe”.
“The steak and stilton, and the chicken and sausage stuffing are my go-to’s.”
Dan Conlon says: “A long-established curry house in Sheffield, going from strength to strength. It’s not your run-of-the-mill curry – they have a distinct and inventive style.”
Staffordshire
Recommended by Great British Menu champ Tom Shepherd, from Michelin-starred Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield, picks his favourites in the city: “Great burgers, super tasty, filled with all the good stuff, a big selection of different toppings, cooked to order and they do some delicious sides too – from loaded fries to chicken wings and tenders.”
“Not only are the owners Nathan and Rosie a pair of absolute legends,” Tom Shepherd says, “but they can also bake!”
“The pastries, fancies and savoury breads here are absolutely delicious, people queue past the door of the restaurant every single morning, it’s heaving from 9am, their pastry ‘knots’ are incredible, and the coffee is good too.”
Tom Shepherd says: “A firm local favourite serving some delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch items – all their bread is sourced locally from Silvertree Bakery (I used to work with the owner, Kirk) and they make the most amazing sandwiches, eggs benedict and salads, a definite go-to if you’re in Lichfield.”
Tom Shepherd owns fine dining restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Lichfield.
Suffolk
Honey + Harvey, various locations
Recommended by Dave Wall, head chef at the UK’s number one ranked gastropub, The Unruly Pig in Suffolk: “A cracking spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. They have the most delicious coffee and a cracking full English, the vibe is super-chilled and laidback and I always feel so relaxed there.”
Dave Wall says: “A beautiful little independent restaurant with the most incredible selection of small plates and top-drawer cooking. Admittedly, I find myself spending a fair bit more than £40 at Lark because I love James Carn’s cooking so much that I end up going way over the top and ordering far too many dishes.”
Pic: Unruly Pig
Sussex
Recommended by Jean Delport from one-starred Interlude in Horsham: “When out and about in Brighton for the day, one of my favourite quick stops has to be Patty & Bun. Always guaranteed a great burger.”
Jean Delport says: “Great Neapolitan pizzas just down the road, I love great ingredients kept clean and cooked simply. A huge bonus is their lunchtime deal during the week, you can grab a pizza and a drink for under £11.”
Another one from Jean Delport, who says: “After a peaceful country walk, this classic pub hits all the notes for me. Great little menu cooked really well for any time of the day. Plus, they have a great little beer garden to catch the last of the summer.”
Wales
Recommended by Mark McHugo, head chef and owner of Michelin Green Star restaurant Chapters in Hay-on-Wye, Powys: “They serve great pizza, delicious wines and brilliant seasonal salads and starters.”
The cafe at Castle in the middle of Hay-on-Wye
Mark McHugo says: “Then, in the newly renovated Castle in the middle of Hay-on-Wye the cafe there serves really great lunches – plus Sunday lunch in the winter months, and their breakfast is pretty good too. It is the perfect quick stop off with great service and tasty dishes.”
Recommended by Tommy Heaney of the restaurant Heaneys Cardiff: “I love what they are doing with the Cardiff Market, we’ve been crying out for a permanent street food market for years! My go-to is Tokyo Nights, fill your boots with homemade Gyoza and a banging tonkatsu sando.”
Tommy Heaney says: “Another great spot that can be found in Newport, Barry and now Caerphilly. Leyli is one of the hardest working chefs I know, but more importantly she does a belting taco.”
Beales Fish and Chips in Porthcawl
“It’s about 20 minutes from my house,” says Tommy Heaney. “Head to the beach and just pig out in the back of the van.”
Warwickshire
The Straw Kitchen at Whichford Pottery
Recommended by Richard Craven from one-starred The Royal Oak in Warwickshire: “For brunch or lunch it has to be The Straw Kitchen. The kitchen offers classic brunch dishes with homemade relishes and home-grown leaves and super interesting and healthy salads with a great range of meaty and vegetarian options. My go-to treat would be the bacon sandwich.”
The Copper Grill, Shipston-on-Stour.
The second on Richard Craven’s list is the Copper Grill “which recently opened within our local, The Black Horse.
“The burgers are incredible. The bacon double-cheese burger is my favourite, but there are a great range that pair well with the selection of beers that the landlord, Gabe, keeps. They both support sustainable and regenerative farming and use the brilliant Tamworth pork from our neighbour Paddock Farm.”
West Midlands
Recommended by Aktar Islam, chef patron of Opheem – the first Birmingham restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars: “I’m a big fan of Tiger Bites Pig. Grab a counter seat and watch them smash out some of the best Taiwanese bao buns in the UK. My favourite is the chicken – it’s seasoned with Sichuan chilli oil and topped with chicken crackle. I could eat one every day.”
The best fried chicken spot in Birmingham, says Aktar Islam.
“Their Bonehead and Hothead seasonings are corkers. I usually get the burgers or the strips with a side of Nashville fries. If I’m feeling brave I’ll get a pickleback too, but they are punchy!”
“An Indo-Persian restaurant which takes its inspiration from the Indian subcontinent and uses spices and techniques rooted everywhere from Turkey to India,” Aktar Islam says.
“Marinated meat is grilled over charcoal, and often served in richly spiced sauces and broths. I’m a meat eater, so nothing makes me happier than a big plate of grilled meat and this is my go-to.”
Aktar Islam
Source: news.sky.com
