Page 182 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

180  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

England has a flourishing restaurant scene, a classic English tradition, is still popular,
particularly along the South Coast, which especially in the West Country, which is
is home to a number of inspirational renowned for its cream teas. It is possible
celebrity chefs and cookery writers, from to eat well on any budget in larger towns
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in Dorset to and cities, where you will find places that
Rick Stein in Cornwall. Food stalls, beach serve food all day. Pub fare has perhaps
shacks, gastro-pubs and Michelin-starred undergone the greatest transformation,
restaurants make eating out an exciting with good-quality food found in all kinds
prospect. Even at the simplest places, you of establishments, particularly gastro-pubs.
can find fresh, seasonal produce prepared The restaurant listings in this guide have
with a contemporary approach, inspired been carefully chosen and feature some
by international cuisines. Afternoon tea, of the very best places to eat and drink.

Cafés, brasseries and bars often
stay open all day, serving coffee,
snacks and simple dishes, along
with a selection of wines and
beers (see p183). Alcoholic
drinks, however, may only be
available at certain times. The
atmosphere is usually young
and urban, with decor to match.
Destination restaurants serve
excellent food. They usually also
offer a handful of bedrooms.
These establishments tend to
be expensive and are generally
A selection of fresh, tempting salads on display at Ottolenghi, London located out of town.
On the Menu creating unusual but flavourful
In London, you can sample a combinations, such as sea bass
variety of cuisines, from the with ginger and mushrooms or
exotic – Ethiopian, Caribbean crab linguine with chilli and lime.
and Hawaiian – to the more There is also “Modern British”
usual – Mediterranean, Spanish, cooking, which adopts a light,
Mexican, Asian and Indian. You contemporary approach, in
will also find an exciting range contrast to the hearty stews and
of culinary styles in other cos- pies that comprise “Traditional
mopolitan southern English British” cookery. The best
cities, such as Brighton and cooking employs fresh, high-
Bristol. In traditional country quality, seasonal ingredients,
towns, the choices are usually cooked simply but creatively.
more limited. However, inspired
cooking can be found in the
countryside at award-winning Places to Eat Decadent champagne afternoon tea
gastro-pubs, where you can Eateries across southern at the Royal Crescent in Bath
expect beautifully presented England are extremely varied, Vegetarian Food
food in a casual environment. with brasseries, bistros, wine
It’s always worth making a bars, pubs, tearooms, tapas bars Most restaurants offer a few
special trip to rural destination and beach shacks competing vegetarian options on their
restaurants, such as Whatley with more conventional cafés menus, and there are an
Manor (see p176) and Gidleigh and restaurants. Some of the increasing number of places
Park (see p178). finest restaurants are located in that only serve vegetarian food,
One of the common culinary upscale hotels, which usually particularly in London, Brighton,
terms used by various restau- welcome non-residents. Dress Bristol and Bath. Those who
rants to describe their cuisine codes can be stricter in these want a wider choice could seek
is “Modern European”, which establishments and some out South Indian, Asian and
introduces international restaurants may expect men other restaurants with a
elements to traditional dishes, to wear a jacket and tie. tradition of vegetarian cuisine.

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