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North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website. The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint. "Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats. "Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce." The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options. "To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible. "Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events. "In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does." A post shared by Y Marram (@ The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'. The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar. "It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom. "Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week. "Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus." A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch) The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews. Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales". RECOMMENDED READING: 3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best 'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best 'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant. "My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand." Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection. "Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."

Leader Live
6 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website. The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint. "Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats. "Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce." The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options. "To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible. "Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events. "In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does." A post shared by Y Marram (@ The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'. The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar. "It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom. "Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week. "Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus." A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch) The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews. Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales". RECOMMENDED READING: 3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best 'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best 'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant. "My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand." Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection. "Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."

Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website. The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint. "Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats. "Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce." The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options. "To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible. "Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events. "In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does." A post shared by Y Marram (@ The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'. The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar. "It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom. "Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week. "Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus." A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch) The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews. Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales". RECOMMENDED READING: 3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best 'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best 'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant. "My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand." Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection. "Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."

South Wales Argus
17-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff and South Wales restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: — The Good Food Guide (@GoodFoodGuideUK) July 16, 2025 The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The 4 South Wales restaurants among the UK's best The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: Paternoster Farm, Hundleton (best in Wales) Y Marram, Newborough The Warren, Carmarthen Mesen, Cardiff The Shed, Swansea The Black Bear Inn, Bettws Newydd The Dining Room, Abersoch Casanova, Cardiff Y Polyn, Nantgaredig You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Mesen Mesen was one of four south Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. It has an overall rating of 'Good' on the Good Food Guide website and is commended for its "big-hearted sharing dishes from the grill". The website adds: "An attractive, modern-looking spot in a parade of shops in the heart of Rhiwbina (a suburb of Cardiff), Mesen offers a relaxed take on contemporary small-plate dining." Mesen also comes highly recommended by customers, with it boasting a 4.2 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 51 reviews. The restaurant has been described by visitors as a "little bit of magic", "a warm haven" and "unique and wonderful". Mesen has been described by visitors as a little bit of magic. (Image: Tripadvisor) One person commented: "We had a table of 8 and ordered everything on the menu. Everything was delicious and had a unique and thought out twist. "Staff were great, atmosphere 10/10." The Shed The Good Food Guide describes The Shed in Swansea as "cool warehouse dining with a true Welsh heart". It has an overall rating of 'Good' on the guide's website, while its 'uniqueness' score is 'very good'. The Good Food Guide says: "'A real asset to Swansea,' this local favourite occupies one end of a former grain store overlooking the steely waters of Prince of Wales Dock on the city's regenerated waterfront. "Inside, original features such as exposed brickwork, cement, tiles and some serious-looking riveted metal pillars are offset by bright and airy design flourishes, a theatrical open kitchen along one wall, counter seating and some cool, well-spaced modernist furniture – all overseen by a meticulous front of house team. "Executive chef/co-owner Jonathan Woolway is a Swansea boy who decamped to London for a long stint at Fergus Henderson's St John before returning to his hometown. "The menu is a hymn to top-notch Welsh ingredients, from Pembrokeshire crab and lobster to Gower asparagus and new season's lamb. "At times, the food is deceptively simple, but beneath the breezy presentation, individual elements are clearly carefully considered and the cooking is precise." The Black Bear Inn The Black Bear Inn, located in Bettws Newydd, also features among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. It has a 'Very Good' overall rating on the guide's website and is commended for "thrilling cooking in a remote, rural location". The Good Food Guide adds: "It's always reassuring to come across a rural pub in an area barely big enough to count as a village – in this case, a seductive corner of Monmouthshire in the rough vicinity of Usk. "The weekly changing, all-day menu is built around three each of starters and mains, but opens with an extensive range of snacks, which are definitely worth investigating." Customers also think favourably about the Black Bear Inn, with it scoring a 4.6 rating (from 163 reviews) on Tripadvisor. One visitor said: "One of the best meals I have ever had. The beef was to die for. Friendly service and superb cuisine. Well worth a visit to Monmouthshire." Casanova Casanova is described by the Good Food Guide as a "no-frills regional Italian trattoria", with an overall rating of 'good'. The experts add: "Traditional and delightfully untrendy, this trattoria has been serving up a slice of Italy to appreciative locals for more than 20 years. "Run by chef Antonio Cersosimo (from Calabria by way of Milan) and Neapolitan wine importer Luca Montuori, the proposition is a picture of regional Italian gastronomy, pairing premium Italian imports with bountiful Welsh produce. RECOMMENDED READING: "The concise menu, supplemented by a paper slip of specials, will transport you from the humdrum lookout onto an NCP car park, while charming service invites you to kick back and relax." The Cardiff-based restaurant also has a near-perfect 4.6 rating on Tripadvisor (from 922 reviews). Customers have described Casanova as "My Favourite Cardiff Restaurant", "a hidden treasure" and "top class".


Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Good Food Guide: The best restaurants across the UK named
These are the restaurants with the Good Food Guide's stamp of approval 🍴 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Good Food Guide has revealed its 100 Best Local Restaurants 2025 The prestigious list is now celebrating its 15th year anniversary The overall winner is Lucky Lychee in Winchester The Good Food Guide has announced its annual 100 Best Local Restaurants list for 2025. 2025 marks 15 years of the Good Food Guide's annual list, which celebrates brilliant, independently run restaurants that offer affordable and accessible dining across the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To choose the best 100 restaurants, the Good Food Guide accepted almost 60,000 public nominations, before anonymous inspectors visited each one to determine the best. In partnership with business technology platform Square, the Good Food Guide has revealed its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025, including its winner for every region and the overall winner. Samantha Hussain-Letch, executive director at Square, said: 'At Square, supporting the food and beverage industry is our top global priority, so we're proud to partner with The Good Food Guide to celebrate this exceptional list of restaurants. 'We're seeing incredible innovation and renewed optimism across the hospitality sector, and at Square, we're committed to being the best digital partner possible – so restaurateurs can focus on what they do best: delivering outstanding customer experiences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry.' The overall winner was Winchester's Lucky Lychee, which is a Malaysian restaurant run by married couple, James Harris and Nicole Yeoh. Here is every restaurant included on The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2025. South East Lucky Lychee, Winchester (Overall and South East winner) Mori Mori, Margate Pompette, Oxford Seasonality, Maidenhead Amari, Brighton Pulpo Negro, Alresford John Dory Wine, Sandgate JoJo's, Whitstable Fifteen Square Metres, Broadstairs The Goods Shed, Canterbury Med, Brighton Lovitaly, Ringwood Clay's Kitchen & Bar, Caversham London Ida, Queen's Park (London winner) Giulia, Shepherd's Bush Home SW15, Putney Les 2 Garçons, Crouch End Chuku's, Tottenham Lorne, Victoria Miga, Hackney Paulette, Maida Vale Brutto, Farringdon Mambow, Clapton The Lacy Nook, Walthamstow Slowburn, Walthamstow Cinder, St John's Wood Good Food Guide: The best restaurants across the UK named in prestigious list | Andrew Bayda - South West Counter Culture, Newquay (South West winner) New Wave Brasserie, Lechlade St Eia, St Ives Edie's, St Austell Post, Newnham on Severn The Seahorse, Dartmouth Wild Artichokes, Kingsbridge Brassica, Beaminster Root Wells, Wells Higher Farm, Castle Cary The Lost Kitchen, Chettiscombe North Street Kitchen, Fowey Bokman, Bristol Juliet, Stroud Little Hollows Pasta, Bristol Upstairs at Landrace, Bath Other, Bristol Central and East of England Fino, Cromer (Central & East of England winner) Fancett's Bistro, Cambridge Auction House, Louth Tropea, Birmingham Hitchen's Barn, Oakham Lark, Bury St Edmunds L'Hexagone Bistro Français, Norwich Chater's, Saffron Walden Little Brickhouse, Nottingham A Tavola Gastronomia Siciliana, High Peak Ebi Sushi, Derby Piccalilli, Nottingham North West Lupo, Prestwich (North West winner) Cibus, Levenshulme Stretford Canteen, Manchester Belzan, Liverpool Sé Anār, Blackpool Cantaloupe, Stockport Bar San Juan, Manchester The Yan, Grasmere The Spärrows, Manchester Yorkshire and the North East Long Friday, Newcastle upon Tyne (Yorkshire & the North East winner) Hearth, Hull Coin, Hebden Bridge The Small Canteen, Newcastle upon Tyne Skosh, York The Waterside, Ruswarp Bench, Sheffield Bavette, Leeds Isla, Durham Norman's Neighbourhood Kitchen, Kirkburton North, Sunderland Black Wheat Club, York The Nettle, Settle The Swine Bistro, Leeds Scotland Redwood Wines, Dunkeld (Scotland winner) Tide & Thyme, Tighnabruaich The Dory Bistro, Pittenweem The Gordon Arms, Selkirk Fin & Grape, Edinburgh Mara, Aberdeen Barry Fish, Edinburgh Leftfield, Edinburgh The Palmerston, Edinburgh Gloriosa, Glasgow The Free Company, Balerno The Whitehouse, Lochaline Pomelo, Edinburgh Wales Paternoster Farm, Hundleton (Wales winner) Y Marram, Newborough The Warren, Carmarthen Mesen, Cardiff The Shed, Swansea The Black Bear Inn, Bettws Newydd The Dining Room, Abersoch Casanova, Cardiff Y Polyn, Nantgaredig For more information on the Good Food Guide , please visit its website.