The Weekenders - Search for weekend getaways around the UK.
Amazing Foodie Destinations
March 6, 2008
Far be it for us to say that a weekend away should be anything other than an excuse to get away from it all. But if there’s one thing that can make a break even more special, it’s fantastic food. From Michelin-starred wunderkinds to some amazing do-it-yourself delis, you can plan a whole weekend escape around the best tastes this country has to offer. We’ve picked some of the best places to head for if it’s a full, gastro-getaway you’re after - so start your stomach stretches now... Bon appetit!
The daddy of all UK food destinations, the gorgeous market town of Ludlow is a mecca for British gastro-weekenders. An oasis of restaurants, delis, markets and speciality food shops in the midst of the rolling Shropshire countryside, Ludlow has an unrivalled reputation for food and drink. It also just happens to be a fantastic destination in itself - described by John Betjeman as “England’s finest town”, its lovely jumble of architectural styles, narrow streets and restaurants, all watched over by the town’s own medieval castle, is the perfect place to while away a weekend.
Where to eat
Mr Underhill’s (www.mr-underhills.co.uk Tel: 01584 874431), is the stuff of Ludlow legend - a beautiful restaurant and winner of a Michelin star.
La Bécasse (www.labecasse.co.uk Tel: 01584 872325), opened and helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alan Murchison.
Koo (www.koo-ook.co.uk Tel: 01584 878462), has earned UK-wide praise for its authentic Japanese dishes and freshest-of-the-fresh ingredients.
Where to stock up
Ludlow Food Centre (>a href="http://www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk">www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk Tel: 01584 856000).
Mousetrap Cheese (www.mousetrapcheese.co.uk Tel: 01584 879 556)
The Chocolate Gourmet (www.chocolategourmet.co.uk Tel: 01584 879332)
When to visit
For real gluttons, you could do no better than visit in September for the mouthwatering Ludlow Food Festival (www.foodfestival.co.uk Tel: 01584 873957). Over 120 local producers set up shop in the market place, while demonstrations and tastings take place throughout the weekend.
Where to stay
Timberstone Bed & Breakfast
Fast becoming the culinary capital of the south, this little Georgian market town right on Chichester Harbour’s waterfront, is a great place to spend a foodie weekend. Despite its own Michelin-starred restaurant, cosy little bistros, pubs serving fantastic, fresh seafood, a great deli and annual Food Festival, Emsworth is a gastro-destination that is still a relatively well-kept secret. Add to that the obvious joys of being beside the seaside, including boat trips around the huge Harbour and a ferry to the long, sandy beach at West Wittering, and it won’t just be your stomach that’ll leave feeling thoroughly content.
Where to eat
Restaurant 36 on the Quay (www.36onthequay.co.uk Tel: 01243 375592) is a Michelin-starred local legend overlooking the harbour.
Fat Olives (www.fatolives.co.uk Tel: 01243 377914). A really cosy and super-friendly up-scale brasserie, within spitting distance of the waterfront.
Spencers (www.spencersrestaurant.co.uk Tel: 01243 372744) is an award-winning Emsworth institution, with a fine dining restaurant and bustling, vibrant brasserie.
Where to stock up
Emsworth Delicatessen (Tel: 01243 389181)
When to visit
Real foodies should aim for Emsworth in September, when the Emsworth Food Festival (www.emsworthfoodfestival.co.uk) comes to town (the next is in 2009) - an amazing three-day extravanganza of tastes and smells.
Where to stay
Charters B&B
Home to two of only three 3-Michelin star restaurants in the UK, this small village by the banks of the Thames, is bursting with foodie pedigree. Just 30 miles from London and on the edge of busy Maidenhead, Bray is nevertheless an idyllic English village, with its pretty village church, cricket club - the oldest in England - and, of course, lovely riverside walks. But it’s Blumenthal and the Roux Brothers that have really put this countryside retreat on the British gastro-map.
Where to eat
The Fat Duck (www.fatduck.co.uk Tel: 01628 580 333) – perhaps the most famous restaurant in the UK. Owned by Heston Blumenthal, this 3-Michelin-Star powerhouse has been named 2007 Best Restaurant in the UK and 2007 2nd Best Restaurant in the World.
The Waterside Inn (www.waterside-inn.co.uk Tel: 01628 620691), Michel Roux’s 3-Michelin-star restaurant, also in Bray, is elegance in the extreme.
The Hind’s Head (www.thehindsheadhotel.com Tel: 01628 626151) – another Blumenthal brainchild is a cut-above-the-average gastro-pub.
Caldesi Campagna (Tel: 01628 788 500) is a gorgeously rustic Italian restaurant specialising in Tuscan dishes and run by the effervescent Giancarlo Caldesi and his wife Katie.
When to visit
The famous Thames town of Henley, just 10 miles from Bray, holds the impressive Henley Food Festival (www.henleyfoodfestival.co.uk) in May each year.
Where to stay
The Chequers Inn
As if the stunning sandy beaches and pretty seaside towns of North Norfolk weren’t enough to make you head up there this very weekend, the area is fast becoming the perfect destination for foodies-in-the-know. From Michelin stars to the best fish-and-chips you’ll ever taste, there’s something for every palate - although any fan of freshly-caught seafood will be in heaven.
Where to eat
Morston Hall (www.morstonhall.com Tel: 01263 741041) is North Norfolk’s Michelin-starred wunderkind.
Dining at The Victoria at Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk/victoria Tel: 01328 711008) - Norfolk’s most luxurious hotel is home to an award-winning and super-romantic desination restaurant.
The White Horse (www.blakeneywhitehorse.co.uk Tel: 01263 740547) - a smart, but cosy gastro-pub in beautiful, seaside Blakeney.
Plattens (Tel: 01328 711249) in pretty Wells-next-the-Sea serves North Norfolk’s best fish and ships.
Where to stock up
Bakers & Larners (www.bakersandlarners.co.uk Tel: 01263 712244) in Holt - a veritable Fortnums & Masons on the Norfolk coast.
Where to stay
Captain’s House
Morston Hall
The Lawns
Dartmouth - a bustling country town with a beautiful backdrop to die for. From its colourful moorings, full of clanking masts, and its narrow, winding streets, to its romantic, woodland-fringed castle and famous Royal Naval College, Dartmouth is a weekender’s paradise. And now, its foodie credentials - great restaurants, fab delis and amazing fresh seafood - have made it an extra-special treat for anyone looking for some great gastro experiences.
Where to eat
Jan and Freddies Brasserie (www.janandfreddiesbrasserie.co.uk Tel: 01803 832 491) - a bright and stylish restaurant in the heart of Dartmouth.
River Restaurant at the Dart Marina Hotel (www.dartmarina.com Tel: 01803 832580) - fine dining with stunning views across the Dart Estuary.
Anzacs (www.anzacstreetbistro.co.uk Tel: 01803 835 515) - a simple, but elegant menu made with great local produce.
The Venus Cafe (www.venuscompany.co.uk Tel: 01803 770209) on nearby Blackpool Sands is beach eating at its best.
Where to stock up
Smith Street Delicatessen (www.smithstreetdeli.co.uk Tel: 01803 835 900)
The Good Intent (www.dartmouthicecream.com Tel: 01803 832157) - fantastic home-made ice cream
When to visit
Dartmouth’s Food Festival (www.dartmouthfoodfestival.co.uk) takes place in October and offers a fantastic opportunity to sample the best local produce, see local, award-winning chefs in action and take part in local cider tastings. Yum.
For a more regular event, visit Dartmouth’s great Farmers Market, held every second Saturday of the month
Where to stay
Fingals
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