to ask what your best dining experience was? (UK)

[polkadotty2]

We have a milestone anniversary coming up and I would like ideas for something a bit more special than "lunch/dinner at a nice restaurant" but I'm not even sure what.. hit me up with your ideas/experinces!

We did Teppanyaki years ago which was interesting but looking for something different this time.

What's your budget & where are you?

DH has just done a weekend's work experience with Ollie Dabbous at Hide in London. Hands down the best meal I've ever eaten and I'm not just saying that because of DS.

The lunch menu starts at £38 each for three courses and isn't skimpy portions either.

The Fat Duck was incredible, especially with the wine flight, but that’s real ‘push the boat out’ territory.

L'enclume!! Absolutely head and shoulders above anything. The Northcote is lovely too.

Really enjoyed lowdale falls in the lakes too, that was a great wrap around experience (spa / food / hotel).

The Waterside Inn, Bray

Another vote for l’enclume. The food is brilliant and the room is getting better and better as they grow.

The chef’s table at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Been twice now and the second visit was just as good as the first.

Le Gavroche, In a class of its own.

It's long gone but The Carved Angel in Dartmouth.

Am another fan of The Waterside Inn.

Set lunch (not sure I could justify the cost of dinner) at the Waterside Inn, Bray.

Le Manoir for me.

(I’m not a fan of the Waterside.)

Lots of fabulous places at all budgets, though - do you have a budget and preferred location, OP?

Following!

L'enclume or Roots in York.

Another vote for Le Gavroche. I'm vegetarian and it was still amazing!

Best ever was Petrus, one of Gordon Ramseys restaurants. But it wasn’t cheap. What’s your budget?

L’Enclume is fabulous.

Another vote for Le Gavroche - the tasting menu with wine pairings is amazing.

Thanks for all the suggestions! A rough idea of prices would also be helpful!

Anywhere from South Wales / Bristol / Reading :)
We have an unusual living set up at the moment (renting in London having not long bought near the Wales/England border )

@Zodlebud

The chef’s table at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Been twice now and the second visit was just as good as the first.

I definitely second this ..

What’s your timeline too, OP? Most of these places would need to be booked on the day they release the bookings, three months or so in advance.

The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye. Absolutely incredible. Stunning food, stunning location, gorgeous accommodation. Just beyond lovely.

Obviously not that easy to get to from most of the UK though. My other favourites would be Gavroche, L’Auberge Du Lac, Gilpin Lodge and Northcote Manor.

The Manoir in Oxfordshire, they do the all out a la carte, but also a really nice lunch or Sunday lunch menu.

I'm going to be honest my best dining experience was in a Spud-U-Like circa 1988 so I'm of no use to this thread!

Le manior and l’enclume are my top UK picks.

I hate to say it but Le gavroche isn’t quite the same league 😖 it’s just a different offering a sit were. Still delicious and I LOVE all the M Rouxs

Dinner is fine but I found the dining room awful and really lacking in ambience. I have only done lunches there so maybe better in darkness?
The chairs and table just seemed very…90s?

Paul Ainsworth, No.6

Easily the best meal I've ever had, having eaten in Michelin starred and other great restaurants all over the world from LA to Shanghai.

(Apologies, not meaning to be boastful but No.6 really is that good, in my opinion.)

Mid May is our anniversary (doesn't have to be precise to the date).

Are all of these suggestions fancy restaurants? Tasting menus? Anything particularly special?

Came across this: ynyshir.co.uk/restaurant
Private chef, michelin star, loud music, fire etc and beautiful setting but cannot justify spending £350pp!! Maybe in another 10 years..

I don't have a particular budget in mind (but it would eat into our annual summer holiday budget, which hopefully can finally happen again this year) happy for all suggestions, whatever you think is worth the expense...