8 Must-Visit Fine-Dining Restaurants in the UK

The UK's culinary scene is blossoming with restaurants that emphasize sustainable, locally-sourced, and organically grown ingredients. From the lush countryside of Cornwall to the historic streets of Somerset, these eight destinations offer more than just a meal—they offer an experience worth travelling for. Whether it's the innovative use of fermented foods or the revival of ancient grains, each restaurant brings its unique twist to the table.

1. Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire At Grantley Hall, Shaun Rankin dazzles with estate-foraged herbs and seasonal produce from his kitchen garden. His fermentation and pickling techniques, particularly using koji, are showcased in the Taste of Home menu, offering a nourishing journey through Yorkshire's finest ingredients.
2. Ox, Belfast, Northern Ireland Stephen Toman's Ox adapts daily menus based on the freshest local produce, incorporating Irish superfoods like oats and seaweeds. The intimate connection with local growers ensures that ingredients like fig leaves from Ballywalter Park enrich dishes with unparalleled freshness and flavor.
3. The Dining Room, Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire Whatley Manor's The Dining Room, a Michelin-starred gem, thrives on its commitment to sustainability and garden-to-plate philosophy. Executive chef Ricki Weston utilizes the bounty of the no-dig kitchen garden to create nutrient-rich, flavorful dishes, highlighted in their exquisite tasting menu.
4. Grace & Savour, Hampton Manor, Solihull, West Midlands Nutrition meets indulgence at Grace & Savour, where the Michelin-starred cuisine is infused with ingredients from the estate's regenerative farm. The focus on soil health and nutrient-rich produce is evident in their seasonal menus, offering a holistic dining experience that feeds the body and soul.
5. Crocadon, Saltash, Cornwall Dan Cox's Crocadon celebrates the organic bounty of its 120-acre farm with a menu that changes weekly, based on what's been harvested. Fermentation, smoking techniques, and open-fire cooking bring depth and innovation to dishes, making the most of Cornwall's rich agricultural heritage.
6. The Free Company, Balerno, Scotland Nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills, The Free Company offers a dining experience deeply rooted in regenerative farming. The menu, served in an old milking shed, features organic produce from the farm, showcasing the rich flavors and nutritional benefits of locally-sourced meat and vegetables.
7. Osip, Bruton, Somerset Merlin Labron-Johnson's Osip, a Michelin-starred restaurant, reflects the creative spirit of Somerset with a menu that changes daily. Ingredients are cultivated on nearby plots to ensure maximum nutrition and flavor, with dishes that celebrate the region's artisanal produce and culinary innovation.
8. Chapters, Hay-on-Wye, Wales In the literary town of Hay-on-Wye, Chapters focuses on clean eating with a menu that highlights wholefoods and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is evident in every dish, from bread made with ancient grains to starters enriched with locally farmed or foraged ingredients.

These restaurants not only offer a feast for the taste buds but also embody a philosophy of sustainability and respect for nature. They are destinations in their own right, promising an enriching culinary journey across the UK's diverse landscapes and cultures.