It's sometimes said that British food isn't very good. Sure, it's not always high end. We like simple dishes, we're good at rustic cuisine. We get unfairly accused of producing nothing but overcooked meat and veg and lumpy gravy, and we can probably agree that the Brussels sprouts were a big mistake. But don't write us off entirely. We cover all of our desserts in custard. We have an entire meal that's basically just scones and tiny cakes [1]. There is nothing that we cannot do with a potato [2] (and if we can find a way to put more than one carb in a meal, you bet we'll try). And have you tried a proper Cornish pasty? Traditional British food is definitely something worth celebrating, especially at one of these fantastic restaurants.
Hawksmoor
The UK's best steak restaurant chain isn't just for Londoners. Hawksmoor [3] has a branch in Manchester, too. Look out for the grilled bone marrow and the beef dripping fries.
The Hidden Hut
The Hidden Hut in Cornwall [4] is so popular the owners have just released a new cookbook. Where better to get a Cornish pasty? There are also frequent "feast nights" where they cook one classic dish for everyone to share.
The Fordwich Arms
If you want a seasonal tasting menu that'll give you the best of British at a reasonable price, head to The Fordwich Arms [5] in Cambridge.
Quality Chop House
The Quality Chop House [6] is a gorgeous London restaurant that's now expanded to include a wine bar, a deli shop, and a butchers. Everything it serves is delicious (you have to order the confit potatoes at least once in your life), but we're always going to go for a bacon sandwich.
St. John
British restaurant St. John [7] in London specialises in "nose-to-tail" eating, which means every bit of the animal is used in the menu. If you're after a meat pie, you've come to the right place.
The Wigmore
The Wigmore hotel [8] has a classic pub, which serves up our favourites. Make sure you try the Scotch eggs, and order a metal tankard of real ale.
Number 16
Seasonal food, local produce, Number 16 [9] is your stopping point in Glasgow for modern and adventurous Scottish cooking.
The Green
We love the fish 'n' chips at The Green [10] in the London neighbourhood of Clerkenwell, but it's the little touches that make it more than just a pub: the bar snacks and homemade butter and the classic beef Wellington roast on a Sunday.
Petersham Nurseries
It's unusual to recommend a restaurant in a garden centre, but Petersham Nurseries [11] in Richmond has been knocking it out of the park with its classic British lunches (and excellent vegetarian choices) for years.
Howard St
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes. All of these add up to one of Belfast's most popular restaurants, Howard St [12].
Sticky Walnut
Chester's favourite restaurant, The Sticky Walnut [13], excels at British dishes. Sticky toffee pudding, anyone?
The Whitebrook
Michelin-starred The Whitebrook [14] near Monmouth in Wales takes British classics — like the apple crumble — and transforms them into modern and original dishes.
The Wolseley
Whether you go to a local greasy spoon for bacon and a fried slice, or you head to The Wolseley [15] for a fancy alternative, we will not hear a bad word said about our beloved English breakfast.
The Leaping Hare
The Leaping Hare [16] is in a 14th century barn in the middle of an English vineyard in Bury St Edmunds. The owners try and ensure all the ingredients come from within a five-mile radius. Then it's just a short journey into our mouths.
The Sportsman
Just outside of the charming seaside town of Whitstable, gastropub The Sportsman [17] is routinely voted the best restaurant in the UK. Make sure you book and go for the hearty classics. Leave some for us.
Claridge's
Traditional afternoon tea is a British institution. As is the jam/cream first debate! There's no better place to get into a heated argument than Claridge's [18].