Must-see restaurants in The Midlands & the Marches

  • The Cross

    Warwickshire

    One of England's culinary jewels, this Michelin-starred gastropub occupies a romantic 19th-century inn. Prepare to be dazzled by exquisite creations like…

  • A Rule of Tum

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Exposed brick, elongated wooden benches and a courtyard garden are the backdrop for brilliant brioche-bun burgers such as the Hereford Hop (pulled beef…

  • John's House

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Chef John Duffin was born here on 16th-century Stonehurst Farm, 8 miles north of Leicester. After working in Michelin-starred restaurants, he returned in…

  • Fischer's Baslow Hall

    Peak District

    This 1907-built manor house, 4 miles northeast of Bakewell, has a magnificent Michelin-starred dining room showcasing British produce (Derbyshire lamb,…

  • Simpsons

    Birmingham

    It's worth the 2.5-mile journey southwest of the centre to this gorgeous Georgian mansion in leafy Edgbaston for sensational Michelin-starred menus (kids…

  • Samuel Fox

    Peak District

    In the Hope Valley village of Bradwell, 2.5 miles southeast of Castleton, this enchanting inn owned by pedigreed chef James Duckett serves exceptional…

  • Old Rectifying House

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Worcester's hippest dining space has a candlelit, painted-brick interior and umbrella-shaded terrace tables. Its switched-on menu features dishes such as…

  • Salt

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Stratford's gastronomic star is this intimate, beam-ceilinged bistro. In the semi-open kitchen, owner-chef Paul Foster produces stunning creations…

  • Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop Cafe

    Peak District

    One of the finest places to eat in the Peak District, this bucolic cafe serves hearty breakfasts (eggs Benedict with Chatsworth-cured bacon or salmon;…

  • Hammer & Pincers

    The Midlands & the Marches

    For a mind-blowing meal, head to this idyllic gastropub set in bucolic gardens at the edge of the cute village of Wymeswold. Everything is homemade, down…

  • Bronze Pig

    Lincolnshire

    BBC MasterChef finalist Irishman Eamonn Hunt and Sicilian chef Pompeo Siracusa have taken Lincoln's dining scene by storm since opening the Bronze Pig…

  • Delilah Fine Foods

    Nottingham

    Impeccably selected cheeses (more than 150 varieties), pâtés, meats and more from artisan producers are available to take away or eat on-site at this…

  • Bridges

    Shropshire

    Some 5 miles northeast of Church Stretton, at the base of Long Mynd by the river, this is one of those secret country pubs revered for its Three Tuns ale,…

  • White Peacock

    The Midlands & the Marches

    The beautiful Grade II–listed building sheltering this fine-dining restaurant overlooks pedestrianised New Walk. Ambitious menus might start with…

  • Praza

    Birmingham

    The runaway success of Indian restaurant-cocktail bar Pushkar led the owners to open this sister restaurant in Edgbaston, serving its own signature dishes…

  • Purecraft Bar & Kitchen

    Birmingham

    Fabulous dishes created in the open kitchen of this craft-beer-lover's paradise come with suggested beer pairings. The menu changes monthly but might…

  • Mortimers

    Shropshire

    For fine dining, this is Ludlow's top table. Dark timber panelling and cosy nooks and crannies create a romantic backdrop for intricate dishes such as…

  • Monsal Head Hotel

    Peak District

    At the dramatic viewpoint of Monsal Head, its namesake hotel serves real ales and brilliant British cuisine, such as Cheshire cheese and horseradish…

  • Larder on Goosegate

    Nottingham

    Floor-to-ceiling windows fill this 1st-floor restaurant with light and provide bird's-eye views of busy Goosegate below. Blue goats cheese and beetroot…

  • Merchants

    Nottingham

    A stunning, coffered-ceilinged dining room sets the stage for some of Nottingham's finest dining. Knock-out combinations on its changing menu might…

  • Pushkar

    Birmingham

    Classy north Indian and Punjabi cuisine takes centre stage in this glass-fronted, white tableclothed, gold-trimmed dining room. The elegant presentation…

  • Ludlow Kitchen

    Shropshire

    Produce from the Ludlow Food Centre artisanal farm shop is served at its sunlit cafe. Fantastic breakfasts (granola with homemade yoghurt; full English…

  • Reform

    Lincolnshire

    Local, seasonal produce at this sophisticated restaurant in the Castle Hotel stars in in seasonal menus that might feature dishes like a twice-baked…

  • Adam's

    Birmingham

    Michelin-starred Adam's wows with intricately prepared and presented flavour combinations, such as lamb sweetbreads with goats curd, mint and radish,…

  • Tailors

    Warwickshire

    Set in a former tailor's shop, this elegant restaurant, owned and run by two hot-shot chefs, serves prime ingredients – guinea fowl, pork belly and lamb…

  • Dale End Café

    Shropshire

    This wonderful cafe is far and away the best place in the area for a light meal. Steaming soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas are all freshly made; take…

  • 1847

    Birmingham

    Occupying two levels in a gorgeous, heritage-listed Victorian shopping arcade, this chic spot proves that vegetarian and vegan food can be cutting-edge,…

  • Manor Farm Shop & Cafe

    Warwickshire

    Located 4.5 miles northeast of Rugby, this working farm raises rare-breed sheep, pigs and cattle, and grows fruit and vegetables that are sold at its shop…

  • Townhouse

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Immerse yourself in Stratford's historic charms at this lovely restaurant in a four-century-old timber building. Rare-breed steaks and seafood dishes such…

  • Mill Street Pub & Kitchen

    The Midlands & the Marches

    On Oakham's main shopping street, this handsome pub's dining spaces span a vaulted brick cellar, a glass conservatory and a sun-drenched terrace. Menu…

  • Café Vin Cinq

    Warwickshire

    French fare mostly figures on the menu (top-tier steak, roast sea trout with Pernod velouté), but desserts stick mainly to British home turf (such as…

  • Hercules Revived

    The Midlands & the Marches

    One of the joys of travelling through the Midlands is chancing upon a picture-perfect country pub serving top-tier food. And this one, in a 17th-century…

  • Pondicherry

    Shropshire

    Original features of this 1862-built former police station and courtroom include four lock-up cells (one's now the takeaway waiting area), the magistrate…

  • Swan

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Stafford's best place to eat, drink and sleep is a one-stop shop. In the centre of town, this former coaching inn has a brasserie-style restaurant, two…

  • Juniper

    Peak District

    Done out with juniper-berry-coloured walls and tartan-upholstered chairs, this chic little spot combines a gin bar stocking 40-plus varieties (and…

  • Trooper

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Idyllically situated 3 miles southwest of Lichfield in the tiny village of Wall, this gastropub prides itself on ingredients sourced from local suppliers…

  • Malthouse Cafe & Gallery

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Set back from the street in a cobbled courtyard, this ivy-draped building is a delightful spot for breakfast (such as poached eggs with a thyme, leek and…

  • Jack Rabbits

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Jack Rabbits' sunlit cafe is perfect for lazy grazing on internationally inspired dishes, from breakfast (Mexican huevos rancheros, French/American hybrid…

  • Old Coffee Tavern

    Warwickshire

    An 1880-built beauty with many of its Victorian features intact, this tavern was originally established as a teetotal alternative to Warwick's pubs. Today…

  • Stokes High Bridge Café

    Lincolnshire

    A Lincoln landmark, this soaring 1540-built black-and-white Tudor building is England's only one atop a medieval bridge (1160). Within its preserved half…