Latest news with #Caldesi


The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Map reveals the top 10 best restaurants and casual dining spots in the UK for 2025
Britain is home to some of the best restaurants in the world and experts have narrowed down the UK dining scene into a ranking of the top venues. From fine restaurants to casual dining, the Muddy Stilettos editorial team has pitched, deliberated, and arm wrestled to bring you its National Winners. 4 4 Best Restaurants Winner - Caldesi in Campagna Caldesi in Campagna - an Italian restaurant in Bray, Berkshire - scooped up the number one spot from the Muddy Stilettos. The restaurant specialises in Tuscan inspired cuisine and is part of a small chain owned by chef Giancarlo Caldesi, who owns another restaurant of the same name in Marylebone. He also has cookery schools in London and Berkshire. Runner up - Alfredo's Just missing out on the top spot were finalists Alfredo's in Somerset, a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Somerton, serving a taste of Italy made from the finest local ingredients. Runner up - Linden Stores Also a runner up were Linden Stores, an intimate, relaxed wine bar and restaurant in Knutsford, Cheshire, that serves seasonal British food and exciting wines. Recent reviews say it's an "outstanding restaurant" and the chef's menu offers an "interesting wine pairing". Runner up - The Greyhound The Greyhound in Buckinghamshire, which offers guests an enjoyable dining and drinking experience in a beautifully designed Grade II listed building, was also a close contender. It also featured in OpenTable's Top 100 Outdoor Dining spots this year. Runner up - The Tasting Club Having first opened its doors in 2022, The Tasting Club in Derbyshire gives food lovers a memorable journey through ten wow-factor courses, with a welcoming atmosphere. It has a solid five-star rating on Google reviews, with the food being called "absolutely amazing" and the experience being "so much fun". Best Casual Dining Winner - Native Burger Native Burger, a Cornwall family run business headed by founder Luke and his wife Georgie, scooped up the number one spot for casual dining. Luke has buckets of experience after spending lots of years working alongside some of the county's best chefs. The restaurant partners with local farmers, bakers, and artisans who to offer handpicked cuts from Cornwall's best butchers to craft spirits from nearby distilleries. "Had the workout burger with tequila slammer fries and the house lager. 10/10 would recommend the food. "Additionally, our server, Charley, was outstanding and patient, especially with my daughter's picky eating habits. "This was a great experience and would recommend anyone visiting the area," wrote one reviewer on TripAdvisor. 4 4 Pub chain collapses into administration as SIX sites shut their doors for good and 159 job losses Runner Up - Alder Vineyard Kitchen + Bar Just missing out on the top spot were runners-up Alder Vineyard Kitchen + Bar in Devon, set in a stunning vineyard setting. They offer delicious local cheese & charcuterie platters, fresh open sandwiches and seasonal plates. And a range of treats from their signature stacked Devon breakfasts to eggs Benedict and smashed avocado topped English muffins. They also serve warming cups of Tamar Koffi and delicious homemade Devon cakes and sweet treats. And they were awarded the '2024 Gold winner for 'Best café + tearoom of the year' from the Devon Tourism Awards. Runner Up - Aurora Kusina Aurora Kusina in Somerset offers a modern twist on Filipino comfort food and were also finalists. Owned by husband and wife, Ross & Amber, the restaurant showcases a range of dishes inspired by Amber's childhood, cooked by her mother Aurora who was from the Philippines. They regularly travel to her heartland to discover new and innovative flavours from different regions. One reviewer said: "My first time visiting this evening and there is nothing I can say except WOW!! "The food was beyond amazing, never be afraid to try something new, especially this place, you will not be disappointed. Can't rate highly enough, will most definitely be back." Runner Up - Paradiso Burger Paradiso Burger in Londonis your go-to spot in the heart of London's bustling Soho district. Nestled in Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street, this vibrant venue offers a perfect blend of mouthwatering burgers, tantalising small plates, and expertly crafted cocktails. Every weekend, they serve up 90 minutes of unlimited drinks alongside your choice of burgers or small plates. From mimosas and prosecco to their signature cocktails, their Bottomless Brunch is made for lazy afternoons, celebrations, and spontaneous catch-ups. Runner Up - Rind Lastly, hidden away behind a renowned cheesemonger's shop in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales is a culinary gem known as Rind. Tucked away in the charming village of Austwick, the pizzeria is a delightful find for both locals and travellers alike. What sets this establishment apart is its ingenious use of locally sourced British cheeses, adding a delicious twist to every slice. As customers enjoy their Neapolitan-style pizzas, they are treated to breath-taking views of the rolling Dales countryside, enhancing their dining experience. One reviewer said: "We went here with friends for last night of holiday , with one kid , one baby and a dog. "The pizzas were delicious, beers great and fantastic views ! Highly recommend and would go again." You can find the ultimate guide to cheap kids' meal this summer and chains where kids eat free here. Meanwhile, Cadbury is launching a new Christmas advent calendar in weeks - and it's based on an iconic breakfast spread. The chocolatier is set to unveil the new Dairy Milk calendar at major retailers next month. Plus, a fast food restaurant has become the first in the UK to offer a dedicated quiet business area for remote workers. The branch has sectioned off part of its restaurant for laptop users to have it as a working space. Gusto will shut half a dozen locations that it says have become "economically unviable".


Time Out
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The best restaurant in Britain has been crowned for 2025 – and it's just one hour from London
When it comes to the best restaurants in Britain, there are all sorts of guides and people telling you which ones to visit. You've got the World's 50 Best, the prestigious Michelin Guide, and countless TikTokkers recommending 'hidden gems' and 'best kept secrets' (until said restos get spoiled by overcrowding). And of course, we at Time Out have our own meticulously researched list of the London's top eateries, which you can read here. If you could possibly need any more inspiration, a new ranking has named the best restaurant in the UK, and said resto is only one hour outside of the capital. Caldesi in Campagna, an Italian restaurant in Bray, Berkshire specialising in Tuscan cuisine, has been crowned Britain's best place to dine in the annual Muddy Stilettos awards. Every year, the lifestyle guide names 'the best of' businesses in the UK, including pubs, bars, shops, cafés, hotels and more. This year's winners, selected by a team of Muddy Stilettos editors, have just been revealed. The Italian joint in the top spot is part of a small chain owned by celebrity chef Giancarlo Caldesi. He also owns Caldesi in Marylebone and cookery schools in London and Berkshire. Opened in 2007, favourites on the menu at Caldesi in Campagna include pappardelle with beef and pork ragu, courgette flower carpaccio and Italian style doughnuts. The spot is also known as being a favourite haunt of the former PM Theresa May. Make of that what you will. Runner's up for the UK's best restaurant in this year's Muddy Awards were Alfredo's in Somerset, Linden Stores in Cheshire, The Greyhound in Buckinghamshire and The Tasting Club in Derbyshire. Time Out's guide to the best Italian restaurants in London.


Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Diabetes cookbook includes low-carb treats like this squidgy chocolate brownies recipe
Enjoy a range of delicious recipes that are low in carbohydrates, including these squidgy chocolate, date, and walnut brownies from this diabetes cookbook Dive into a guilt-free indulgence with The Diabetes Air Fryer Cookbook by Katie Caldesi, perfect for those managing type 2 diabetes without missing out on delectable treats. With over four million individuals in the UK battling type 2 diabetes, it's a common misconception that tasty food is off the menu. However, Katie Caldesi's latest culinary creation, The Diabetes Air Fryer Cookbook, is here to dispel those myths with mouth-watering recipes like squidgy chocolate, date and walnut brownies – all made in an air fryer. Katie Caldesi describes the brownies as having "minimal sweetness and maximum flavour". She suggests: "Leave these plain, top with whipped cream flavoured with vanilla or serve with Greek yogurt, crème fraîche or soured cream, and berries." Boasting 100 scrumptious recipes, The Diabetes Air Fryer Cookbook is a treasure trove of dishes ranging from breakfasts and quick weekday dinners to succulent roasts fit for family feasts, not forgetting the enchanting low-carb desserts and cakes, such as the featured brownies. "They are also full of fibre from the nuts, chocolate and dates," Katie points out. She highlights the benefits of toasting nuts, explaining, "Toasting nuts brings out the natural oils and gives them oodles of flavour. Smell them as they go into the air fryer and come out and you will see what I mean." Katie, alongside her husband Giancarlo, runs the esteemed Caldesi restaurants and cookery schools in London. The couple has penned several successful cookbooks, including the popular Diabetes Weight Loss Cookbook, inspired by Giancarlo's own journey with diabetes, reports InYourArea. The entire family switched to a low-carb diet, and the book is brimming with recipes they concocted. Giancarlo shed nearly four stone on this diet and managed to reverse his illness symptoms. Katie's newest book offers guidance on how to whip up delicious, simple meals suitable for diabetics and pre-diabetics, using an air fryer. It features this brownie recipe, crafted by the head chef at La Cucina Caldesi cookery school. Stefano's squidgy chocolate, date and walnut brownies: Ingredients: (makes 12) 75g walnuts 3 plump Medjool dates (approx 75g), pitted and roughly chopped, or 75g erythritol 100g dark chocolate (at least 85% cocoa solids) 60g butter, plus extra for greasing 3 eggs 50g ground almonds Method: Begin by toasting the walnuts on a baking tray at 160°C for three minutes. Allow them to cool before roughly chopping. If you're using dates, soak them in 75ml of freshly boiled water for a few minutes, then mash into a pulp with a fork. If using erythritol, dissolve it in 50ml of just-boiled water over a medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Set this aside. Next, line a silicone mould with baking paper. Melt the chocolate and butter together either in a bain-marie (a glass or metal bowl set over a saucepan of hot water, ensuring the bowl doesn't touch the water) or in a small microwave-safe bowl. Allow this to cool. Separate the eggs into two mixing bowls. Add the date or erythritol mixture to the egg yolks and mix well with a hand whisk or large spoon. Combine the chocolate mixture with the yolk mixture, adding the walnuts and ground almonds. Stir again to combine. Whisk the egg whites until they form firm peaks. Using a large metal spoon, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Pour this into the prepared mould and smooth the surface. Bake in the air fryer at 140°C for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownie is ready when the crust feels firm but still has a slight wobble; it will continue to set as it cools. Once baked, remove from the air fryer and allow to cool to room temperature before removing from the paper liner. Cut into 12 squares and serve at room temperature. Alternatively, once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep for a couple of days. Nutritional value: Per brownie with dates: 181kcal, 5g carbs, 2g fibre, 4g protein, 16g fat. Per brownie with erythritol: 171kcal, 3g carbs, 2g fibre, 4g protein, 16g fat. You can now save a third on The Diabetes Air Fryer Cookbook by Katie Caldesi (hardback), available for £14 on Amazon. Additionally, you might fancy this Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Cookbook by Vickie De Beer, Kath Megaw, and Prof. David Segal for £16.99 at Waterstones or £15.30 from Tesco.