It’s February, but I still wanted to make this post because looking back on what I love(d) is one of my favourite blog posts to write. This post is going to feature my top five restaurants of 2019 which isn’t just local but from trips and stays away. Whilst I may not have blogged about them at the time, it’s always nice to see new places to visit and see what makes a lunch or dinner so special, it’s not always just the food but the occasion and service. So here goes!
p.s They’re in no order as I couldn’t possibly compare them as they’re all so different!
Murrays at Whittlebury Park, Northamptonshire
[gifted] Ah Murray’s, what a beauty it is. (Image above of one of the many dishes) This was my second visit to Murray’s, through Northampton Life and I have written a full review here. I have been extremely lucky to visit to try their exceptional tasting menu twice now (once in 2018 and 2019) and I have been blown away each time. Not only does Murray’s provide fine dining to the highest of standards but the service is flawless. We think the waiting staff are a credit to the restaurant and Harvey Lockwood who heads up the kitchen is such an incredible chef. The dishes that come with the tasting menu are exquisite and Murray’s makes the ideal anniversary dinner, birthday or special occasion. If you love fine dining or trying new food in experimental ways, this is a must-visit restaurant in Northamptonshire. It’s become one of my favourite spots in the county to dine.
Gastrono-Me, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
It’s always fun to go back to our home town’s because more and more indie, fun restaurants pop up. Gastrono-Me pleasantly surprised me this summer with it’s extremely fresh dishes, fantastic menu selection, cocktails and with the patio windows and doors open it was like being in a hot country! I couldn’t not mention the amazing Sante Fe bowl which really was a game changer. It was like all my favourite foods in one tortilla bowl. Dan had a hot dog which really wow-ed and I am desperate to return again. It’s always a busy restaurant so booking is advisable as it sits on the beautiful Abbeygate Street.
Soyokaze, Norwich City Centre
Oh sushi is one of life’s little luxuries. I have become obsessed with good sushi after having a lunch at Soyokaze in Norwich during our stay in the city last summer. My particular new favourite thing is a Ebi Ten Rolls (essentially a warmer sushi option with tempura prawn wrapped in rice). It is sooo delicious and even writing this makes me desperate for some more. I had to mention the sushi restaurant that is incredible for lunch or dinner but also makes the freshest, tastiest sushi. I love an independent, especially when it comes to international foods!
The Sheaf Inn, West Haddon, Northamptonshire
[gifted] Back to the local favourites and this was another work visit (oh it’s a hard life) and what a hidden gem this is. I’ve not seen as much press on this pub/restaurant as it deserves but you are seriously missing out, you’ve heard it here first. I reviewed this on Northampton Life here. So you can see what makes it so special over there, but my short summary is that pubs are changing. We know you get food in more pubs than ever before (except where I live but still) and the food coming out of the kitchen is overwhelmingly good. Chefs from fantastic kitchen backgrounds are bringing their skills and passion into villages and towns to make good food, local. I absolutely loved every attention to detail this pub brought to the table, the service was brilliant and had an extremely local feel to it. The scallops served in a shell were delicious – I think about them often!
Pear and Olive Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, Cambridgeshire
[gifted] Finally, but no means least, the Pear and Olive in Hildersham, just outside of Cambridge, offers the freshest most local menu we’ve had. The chef incorporates his French heritage into the food and it’s quite something. It’s fine dining without the ridiculous price and I cannot express how great it is to dine here. The service is incredible and the menu changes so often that you can keep returning to try something new. They really focus on seasonal veg and local food which is brilliant. We went when they did their walk on the wild side tasting menu but currently you can find their farm to table menu. Every course had it’s own amazing flavours, presentation and story. If you’re ever in the area, try it. Their Sunday roasts are on my list for this year too!
