I travel around the country an awful lot. Here are some of my favourite places to stop for a bite to eat
London
Wahaca is a real favourite of ours. Not only is the food fresh, responsibly sourced and full of exciting flavours, but it is also fabulous for people following special diets. My sister is vegan and my boyfriend is gluten free, and Wahaca is a very rare find, where we can all go and eat, find something we can all have and thoroughly enjoy it.
One of the genius aspects of the menu at Wahaca, is how Tommi Miers has managed to create a wondefully delicious, varied menu of authentic Mexican dishes, but using as much UK grown produce as possible.
Top things to try are the hisbiscus mojitos, guacamole, pork pibil, chipotle chicken quesadillas and the dulce de leche ice cream
Benitos Hat is a great find. Their burritos are simply the best I’ve ever had – particularly the pork burrito. I haven’t found anywhere better than Benito’s Hat yet. Apparently, they are publishing a cookery book soon. I, for one, cannot wait!
Gordon’s is very retro, but really atmospheric for a catch up with friends, particularly in the winter. Don’t go if you fancy a G&T – they don’t even sell it. With a huge selection of wines on offer, and bread and cheese to accompany, it is a great after work stop of to catch up with friends. Be warned though, it does get very busy. There is outside space running down the side of Embankment Gardens, but I have consistently found it completely devoid of any atmosphere – inside every time.
Whilst working through a huge stack of receipts for my accountant, the true state of my addiction to Monmouth coffee was revealed. Monmouth sell the most wonderful takeaway coffees and beans, either whole or ground to suit your method of making coffee at home. I have converted my family to using their ceramic cones which work very well making good coffee at home. Monmouth have two branches open currently – try the Borough branch for breakfast – excellent coffee, bread, butter and jam. Perfect.
I had the best Flat White of my life so far here – but I have to say, I have never been impressed with the service. Still, a great find and much better than going to Caffe Nero if you’re in the area!
Neal’s Yard Dairy is simply the best place I have come across to by cheeses. Sourcing a superb selection of artisanal cheeses from all over the British Isles and afield, it is my go-to place for cheese. Their Stiltons, both pasturised and unpasturised are unbeatable, as is the way they put together a cheeseboard. We always go here on special occasions and Christmas for our cheese. At Christmas, we love to buy the Brogdale quince and damson pastes to accompany our cheeses too.
I’ve blogged about my love for Leon many times. When I am in London, I do find that they are by far the most reliable place for fresh food for lunch that I’ve found. I have a particular soft spot for their meatball rice boxes and their original superfood salad.
Bath
The Circus is a very nice restaurant located up by the Royal Crescent in Bath. The staff are very pleasant and they consistently serve up delicious food using British produce. An absolute must for lunch in Bath – we haven’t found anywhere better.
I’ve been visiting Demuths with my parents since I was a small child. A very nice independent restaurant which is very good for lunch and afternoon tea. The restaurant itself is fairly small and they do get very busy, so do book ahead if you can – otherwise, be prepared to queue. After many, many visits, some of their food can be variable, but it is, on the whole very good. A great choice for vegans.
Bristol
The Clifton Village Fish Bar is a distinctly better than average fish and chip shop – if that’s what you fancy, it is well worth a visit when you are in town.
The Cotswolds
Tetbury
Hobbs House Bakery is great for stocking up on fresh bread, sandwiches for lunch, and a pit stop for a good quality coffee if you’re in a rush.
The Veg Shed has a gorgeous selection of fresh, organic vegetables, grown on Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate.
Stroud
Just outside of Stroud, you’ll find Winstone’s ice cream. A family ice cream makers for four generations making sensationally good ice cream – well worth a detour if you’re in the area.
Avening
A very nice selection of independent food retailers. A very interesting (but expensive deli) on the main street is well worth a look
Crudwell
The Potting Shed – this is the best place we’ve found for a drink on a Saturday night
Cirencester
Cirencester Cupcakes make the nicest cupcakes I’ve ever bought. It’s run by Louise, who is one of the loveliest ladies you could hope to meet!
Reading
Picnic is a delightful cafe located in central Reading. Lovely salads, good coffee and cakes. Even if you are shopping at the Oracle, Picnic is well worth a visit.
Devon
Gidleigh Park. Simply unforgettable.
Cardiff
It would be easy to walk past Milgi, but it is well worth a visit. Really nice cocktails and food – it’s a great place for an early drink and bite to eat on a saturday night. Their bean burger is really good, as are their cocktails!
The Pot Cafe is a really nice independent cafe. Good for teas, coffees and lunch – they offer an imaginative menu. Well worth a visit.
