One spot offers a two-course lunch menu for than £30
Four London restaurants have been named among the best in the UK at the prestigious AA Rosette Awards. First established in 1956, the ceremony recognises culinary quality and excellence, with a rating system of one to five.
Esteemed spots in Fitzrovia and Mayfair are the latest to achieve the coveted three Rosette status, an achievement thought to be equivalent to one Michelin star. This includes Bonheur by Matt Abé, located in the former home of legendary restaurant Le Gavroche, on Upper Brook Street.
Described as a “celebration of seasonality, community and craft”, the fine-dining venue was praised by AA inspectors for its keeps to a classic French style “put together in perfect harmony”. With menus titled ‘Journey’ and ‘Dream’, a dinner here will set you back around £165 – £225 per person.
Nearby, 74 Charlotte Street won acclaim for its ‘comforting and exciting’ dishes. Headed up by Brent Cross-born chef Ben Murphy, the dining destination “celebrates food people love to eat – refined yet full of warmth and character”, according to AA.
They offer a set menu at £35 for two course and £39 for three every weekday lunchtime and early weekend evenings. Also in the centre of the capital is The Cocochine, located just off Berkeley Square.
The AA’s description reads: “Whether you choose the kitchen counter seats on the first floor or the elegant ground-floor dining room, ingredients are all top drawer and intriguing Sri Lankan notes reflect chef Larry Jayasekera’s heritage,” with the food deemed ‘refined and modern’. While the signature dinner costs a hefty £189 per diner, the upmarket spot also offers a two-course lunch menu for less than £30.
Last, but by no means least, is Michael Caines effort within five-star hotel The Stafford. The celebrated West Country chef’s first foray into the big city boasts a number of his signature dishes imported from his flagship Lympstone Manor.
Inspectors recommend trying the Newlyn red mullet tartlet with brown crab custard, cucumber and seaweed relish followed by the beef, served with celeriac purée, king oyster mushroom, braised beef cheek, and red wine sauce.
Elsewhere, the two restaurants in the UK that earned four AA Rosette status are Home by James Sommerin in Wales and Sorrel in Surrey. The former was singled out for its “welcoming space”, while the latter earned praise for its technical skills and “first-class” presentation.
Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “Our Spring update and the latest set of award recipients once again highlights the strength of the British culinary scene. The talent, skill and commitment to quality we’ve seen this year in the backdrop of a challenging environment is incredibly inspiring.
See below for the full list of new four and three AA Rosette restaurants:
New four AA Rosettes
- Home by James Sommerin, Wales
- Sorrel, Surrey
New three AA Rosettes
- Bonheur by Matt Abé, London
- 74 Charlotte Street by Ben Murphy, London
- The Cocochine, London
- The Tudor Pass at Great Fosters, Surrey
- LOMA by Graeme Cheevers at Cameron House Hotel, Balloch
- LI~LY by Aiden Byrne, Cheshire
- The Plumicorn at The Tawny Hotel, Staffordshire
- Michael Caines at The Stafford, London
- Morston Hall, Norfolk
- Simply Wild Restaurant, Gloucestershire
- Sunlaws Restaurant at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso
- Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling at The Headland Hotel, Cornwall
More information can be found on the AA website.
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