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12 The Sportsman
Faversham Road, Seasalter, Kent,
CT5 4BP; 01227 273370 £ [25]
Serious food in a dressed-down boozer
Overlooking the bleak Kent marshes, this
shabby-chic boozer is home to Michelinstarred
gastro maverick Stephen Harris
- famed for his self-su cient cred and
full-on cooking. The menu is chalked on a
blackboard, orders are placed at the bar and
service is cheerfully informal. Brilliant breads
set the tone, while sh is as fresh as can be.
13 Midsummer House
Midsummer Common, Cambridge,
CB4 1HA; 01223 369299 ££ [11]
Dazzlingly creative cooking by the river
"A beautiful haven of comfort and isolation",
this Victorian villa is serenity itself - complete
with a conservatory dining room overlooking
the walled garden. Now into his second
decade as chef/patron, Daniel Cli ord
continues to deliver direct, unabashed
avours and distilled freshness - think stone
bass with razor clams, cucumber, wasabi
and sorrel. As be ts a two-Michelin-starred
kitchen, fabulous desserts are a joy to behold.
14 André Garrett
at Cliveden
Cliveden House, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire,
SL6 0JF; 01628 668561 £££ NEW ENTRY
Impressive food in a lavish country pile
Country houses don't come much more
extravagant than this amboyant Italianate
mansion, but Cliveden is also regaining its
reputation as a dream ticket for gustatory
satisfaction - thanks to the arrival of London
chef André Garrett. His contemporary French
cuisine is "guided by the seasons", whether it's
a superb roast game consommé topped with
Jerusalem artichoke cream or a voguish take
on classic sole Véronique. "You can still turn
up without a jacket and tie," notes one reader.
15 The French by
Simon Rogan
The Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, Manchester,
M60 2DS; 0161 236 3333 £££ [8]
Cumbrian star's Mancunian debut
It may have (controversially) missed out on
a Michelin star, but this is a must-visit for
Mancunians and Londoners alike. Rogan's
henchman Adam Reid delivers "intensely
pleasurable" food in his master's image:
smoked cod with pickled mushrooms,
marrow and garlic; Yorkshire rhubarb with
crab apple, Douglas r, oats and yoghurt.
The verdict? "A perfect balance between
deliciousness and innovation."
16 The Walnut Tree
Llanddewi Skirrid, Monmouthshire,
NP7 8AW; 01873 852797 ££ [13]
A Welsh icon that's back on £ ne form
We've always had great a ection for The
Walnut Tree and applaud what Shaun Hill
has brought to the party, winning back
its Michelin star and regaining a loyal
following - particularly among those who
appreciate honest, intelligent food in no-frills
surroundings. Cracking set lunches are a
bargain, while à la carte is "expertly balanced".
About me: I love
finding hidden gems
in Glasgow (and
beyond) and sharing
them, whether they
be restaurants, bars,
places or products.
girlaroundglasgow.
Favourite restaurant: La Lanterna,
Glasgow. Luca's award-winning food
never fails - from homemade risottos
and ravioli to steaks. The restaurant has
old-school charm, a fantastic wine list
and the staff treat you like old friends.
"AMAZING
RESTAURANT,
PURE CLASS"
EDWARD
FITZPATRICK ON
ANDRE GARRETT
Blogger favourite
LAURA SIMPSON,
GIRL AROUND GLASGOW
About me:
finding hidden gems
in Glasgow (and
beyond) and sharing
them, whether they
be restaurants, bars,
places or products.
girlaroundglasgow.
"BEAUTIFUL FOOD"
SUSIE TRAVERS ON THE FRENCH
1 Clarkes Peterborough 2 The Company Shed West Mersea, Essex
3 The Jews House Lincoln 4 Titchwell Manor Brancaster, Norfolk
5 Turners Restaurant Birmingham
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MIDLANDS � EAST from Square Meal's 2014 reader survey
Midsummer House