Most Memorable Eateries?

[addicted]

Lots of posts on this forum dealing with places to eat. I was wondering what restaurants have  most impressed other members for whatever reason food (obviously) ambience maybe?  To start the ball rolling I would say The Belvedere in Holland Park is probably my favourite of all time although it's many years since I was last there.

 

 

Carole

[Gracie]

I had afternoon tea at the Ritz in London, very posh it was too, I think I may have looked a tad out of place in my ripped jeans though and they weren't very impressed when I asked for a mug The Bridge Inn, Acle for a three course meal, wine and the view, any day of the week

Grace

[ChrisB]

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire. 

For something a little less formal Ye Olde Bell at Hurley or The Bedford Arms at Chenies.

Just about the only places I now miss living in Norfolk! But Morston Hall makes up for the loss.

The problem I have is that I really have no appetite for dining alone as is my situation now. People have kindly said "Why don't you get away for a bit" not understanding that I spent my working life away, eating alone. It was one of the reasons I retired so early. 

 

[Chelsea14Ian]

Very rock and roll.But then you let it down with the mug.As I worked in two it has to be The Savoy and the Berekley hotels.A Resturant in France can't remember the time,Reims.My company tock us over for the weekend and we went to top Champagne houses.Marina and I had a meal,Fillet steak,red wine and truffle sauce.Close second a few years back in Switzerland,Swiss onion soup,spiced belly pork on soft polenta and creme brulee.On the broads the White horse Neatishead and the New Inn Horning. 

 

[ChrisB]

On a similar theme, many years ago when there were still borders, as such, we would go to a massive Truck park from our office in Lille that straddled the Belgium border there was one cafe there that did probably my favourite all time dinner. 

Escargot in the cley pot Burgundy style, followed by Cote de Veau and haricot vert. The sauce that went on the veal was to die for, and all for not a lot of money.

[ChrisB]

14 minutes ago, Chelsea14Ian said:

Very rock and roll.But then you let it down with the mug.As I worked in two it has to be The Savoy and the Berekley hotels.A Resturant in France can't remember the time,Reims.My company tock us over for the weekend and we went to top Champagne houses.Marina and I had a meal,Fillet steak,red wine and truffle sauce.Close second a few years back in Switzerland,Swiss onion soup,spiced belly pork on soft polenta and creme brulee.On the broads the White horse Neatishead and the New Inn Horning. 

 

There is a very famous horse meat resaurant in Reims, but never got to try it as I always spent too much time in the Caves at Epernay. If you are in the area a tour of the Mercier caves is not to be missed. It was always a dash for the hoverport at Calais then........happy days!

[Chelsea14Ian]

When we first arrived we went to one of the houses that supplied us and the house of lords.They gave us all there Champagne from the basic to there most expensive,followed by a buffet,brill

[addicted]

Another that made a memorable impression was in Princes street Edinburgh. We were on a short break, staying at the Edinburgh Residence and in advance of our arrival they phoned and asked if they could make make any arrangements for us. We said we would be celebrating our wedding anniversary on the Sunday and could they recommend a decent restaurant for dinner. They sent a booklet with several listed and we noticed one with the address 1, Princes Street. We decided that had to be the Ultimate Scottish address and booked it on that premise. It was actually part of the Balmoral Hotel and didn't disappoint. Being a Sunday night it was fairly quiet and the various staff had time to give us some special attention, which they did in spades! The cheese specialist was very informative and likewise the sommelier. It turned to be a thoroughly entertaining if excrutiatingly expensive  evening.

 

 

 

Carole

[Chelsea14Ian]

That's the great thing about food and drink.Its often the whole thing.It may not  be the food and drink,but that helps.Often the setting the people and the reason you are there.Sometimes even cheap plonk can taste like the best if the setting is good.

[ChrisB]

When I worked in the East End, I travelled Metropolitan line between Little Chalfont and Liverpool Street. However if late I would have to make my way to Baker Street but I then had  choice of trains diesel from Marylebone or underground type from Baker Street. On these late evenings I would treat myself to a fillet steak at the Angus Steak House that was between the two stations. It was always cooked perfectly. What ever happened to Angus? They were a cut above, not seen one for years. Furthermore as a young, mortgaged, two sons dad being able to put it on expenses for working late made it taste exceptional.

[Hockham Admiral]

We're off to Devon soon for a couple of weeks, just SW of Bideford. Any recommendations around there, please?   

[SwanR]

Went to a lovely pub once in Appledore, John. No-one else in the restaurant that evening so it was like our own private dining experience ... can't remember the name of the place ... but then it was 35 years ago on our honeymoon. 

[Hockham Admiral]

Thanks, Jean. Do any of these ring the bell, please?

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Bensons/@51.0253963,-4.2683831,8558m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!1m2!2m1!1srestaurants+near+Appledore!3m4!1s0x486c3dad3c509f8f:0xbd6d597d087484ee!8m2!3d51.0539826!4d-4.1909073

 

[SwanR]

Hmm ... no. And I certainly couldn't vouch for the food, must have changed hands in that time. Here's one possibility though. I asked hubby and what we can both remember is that we were looking across the estuary to the hotel where we were staying which you can do from this one.

http://theseagate.co.uk

Appledore and Instow are just north of Bideford. We stayed at a hotel in Instow called The Commodore which is still there and still charging quite high prices. They have a restaurant as well. The beach and the estuary views are beautiful. We have visited Instow again since then and I love that whole area around Bideford. 

http://www.commodore-instow.co.uk

[Hockham Admiral]

Thanks, Jean, we'll certainly try the Seagate.   

[MauriceMynah]

Perhaps one of the nicest meals I've had has been on the broads just 3 years ago.

The Mermaids Slipper on Stalham Staithe is a place well worth going for a treat. This is a place that "does what it says on the tin" It's not a gastro pub, it's a high end market eatery, a quality restaurant. It will therefore come as no surprise to find that it's not cheap. One day, I shall save up and go again, it was worth it.

[ranworthbreeze]

5 hours ago, Hockham Admiral said:

We're off to Devon soon for a couple of weeks, just SW of Bideford. Any recommendations around there, please?   

Hi John,

Although we have at some time visited that area, it is so long ago, if it was the South Hams then I could have been of help.

Regards

Alan

[MauriceMynah]

South Hams for me too, Especially Dartmouth and the Cherrub or the Carved Angel.

[ChrisB]

South Hams.....Cricket Inn at Beesands or fish and chips at the Start Bay Inn Torcross. The Greyhomes on top of the hill at the end of Slapton was super but is now holiday accommodation.

[JamesLV]

Hmmm, food, now that's a topic I can get on board with!

in the UK, the OXO tower brasserie is one of my top favourites, along with the ginger pig in Brighton (no relation to the eponymous London Butcher) and Cafe Caldesi in Marylebone.

overseas, a place called la bandita in Pienza, Tuscany.

[Wyndham]

In my years, there  are two places that have stood out.

One was along time ago, in Bath, a converted railway station called Green Park ( I think ) Live background music, great food, great service.

Another was in Salzburg, we were there during their Jazz Festival. Can't remember the name of the place but it is reputed to be the oldest restaurant in the world and we only found it by chance. Good food and some Dixieland jazz thrown in.

IMO what makes a place memorable is the overall experience.

On Sunday lunch Mrs W and I visited Leigh on Sea, The Peterboat, some of you will know it. It's just a pub, on an estuary but it's very busy and boy do they know how to look after their many customers. Good food too, no wonder they're busy.

[JennyMorgan]

One particular restaurant has always stood out in my mind and that was Scott's in London. We had gone to the Earl's Court Boatshow, it was a few years ago. Our coats were taken and we were sat down, serviettes placed on our laps and our orders taken. When all was ready hot plates were put before us and then several waiters came in, silver service, placing the most fantastic steak & kidney pie and many veg on our plates, only I didn't have a plate, not one of the waiters noticed! We all sat there deadpan and amazed, my father eventually indicating to the waiter that I had no plate! I thought him a spoilsport, he thought me a heathen! What the maitre dee thought we never did find out but his reaction was instant and deserved of the applause we all gave him & his team. The meal was out of this world but it was the lack of a plate that made it for me!

[Paul]

The Carnivore in Nairobi, a truly unique experience. Vegetarians need not apply! On the Broads the Recruiting Sergeant stands head and shoulders above all else, except perhaps the Crooked Barn at Ivy House, Oulton Broad, but they are very different concepts.

Nearby the Broads I love, love, love Stoke Mill.

On the no side? Fat Duck, Fat Yuck more like ........

[Guest ExMemberKingFisher]

On ‎27‎/‎08‎/‎2017 at 10:09, MauriceMynah said:

Perhaps one of the nicest meals I've had has been on the broads just 3 years ago.

The Mermaids Slipper on Stalham Staithe is a place well worth going for a treat. This is a place that "does what it says on the tin" It's not a gastro pub, it's a high end market eatery, a quality restaurant. It will therefore come as no surprise to find that it's not cheap. One day, I shall save up and go again, it was worth it.

The Mermaids Slipper gets my vote as well. Nice location and very handy if you manage to get a mooring on the staithe.

Only pipped very slightly by The Norfolk Mead. If you book ahead and book a mooring at the bottom of their garden, even better. You can take a stroll around the gardens before sitting down on the patio with a pre dinner drink, then look forward to an excellent meal, before a stroll back across the garden to the boat and a very peaceful nights sleep with no road noise.

[BroadAmbition]

China Rose - Bawtry

Auckley Friary - Auckley 

Raffles - Gibraltar 

The Bridge Inn - Acle

Our gaff when I'm doing Pheasant / Partridge / Rabbit 

Griff