Leading Restaurants in Southern England

Goring-on-Thames, Berkshire

Idyllically tucked away between the Oxfordshire downs and River Thames, the Leatherne Bottel serves elegant food in polished surroundings. In summer, lunch is enjoyed on the... more

38 Wittering Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire

A former chandlery in a working boatyard, the view from the dining room is of the marina and boats delivering fish to this quayside restaurant. The roomy leather and wood clad... more

31 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

This gem of a neighbourhood restaurant has an intimate, colourful interior with white napery and comfortably seating. Chef-patron Michael Macdonald serves local, daily-sourced... more

71/72 Walton Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire

For most people, dinner at Raymond Blanc's temple of fine dining Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is reserved for special occasions only. But a meal at his casual French brasserie... more

24 Chalfont Road, Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

Since its tasteful transformation, not only has the quality of the modern British cuisine increased but the pub has become the hub of the local community once more, bringing... more

55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire

Like the opulent hotel that houses it, this slick, buzzy contemporary brasserie wouldn't look out of place in the middle of Manhattan. The fact that you're actually... more

Farnham, Blandford Forum, Dorset

This part thatched 17 century inn is a gem hidden in Dorset’ bucolic countryside, thanks to its charming bar and adjacent The Shed restaurant, a smartly kitted-out ‘barn’.... more

2 Westbrook End, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

With around 300 wines by the glass and one of the world’s top sommeliers in the form of John Gilchrist to guide you through them, this thatched gastropub close to Milton... more

5 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire

British, and when possible local produce is given a European twist in this contemporary restaurant with stripped floors, white washed walls and simple wooden furniture. Since... more

Hurley RoadHurley, Maidenhead, Berkshire

In one of the most beautiful parts of the Chilterns, the Black Boys Inn specialises in French home cooking as evolved by women chefs, the famous 'Méres de Lyons', over the... more

88 Chesil Street, Winchester, Hampshire

This handsome 18th century building used to be a pub. Exposed beams and brickwork and chunky wooden tables still give the place a homely feel, but the focus now is firmly on... more

High Street, Royston, Hertfordshire

This smart dining room of this beautifully preserved 16th century inn boasts beamed ceilings, open fireplace and comfortable seating. Former Fortnum and Mason executive chef... more

High Street, Droxford, Hampshire

Nestled in the picturesque village of Droxford, The Bakers Arms is pub dining at its very best serving hearty portions of good quality, locally sourced food in an atmospheric,... more

The Green, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

In the gentile honey-stoned surroundings of the Cotswolds, this impressive pub and hotel has earned a notable reputation for its quality food as much as its elegant... more

Newbury, Berkshire

'Wine… it’s what we do', our passion for fine wines is at the forefront of everything that we do at The Vineyard. The wine list features over 2,500 bins, yet is still thought... more

High Street, West Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire

The grounds and gardens of the Thomas Lord are beautifully well designed and the décor is stripped back and simplistic yet homely with a couple of log fires, well worn leather... more

Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset

All the elements that make up this seafood restaurant – its beachfront location, the sky blue walls, floor to ceiling windows– make it feel bright and airy. Although the white... more

Chandler's Cross, Hertfordshire

This no-expense spared restaurant within a Grade II listed building boasts fine views of lake and vale. The dining room features cream leather dining chairs, modern art and... more

Church Street, Ardington, Oxfordshire

Guests can chose from hearty, one-pot dishes in the bar or the more refined restaurant menu here. Fish is the chef’s passion and daily deliveries from Cornwall shape the menu.... more

24/26 George Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire

Jamie’s Italian shares many personality traits with its eponymous founder. It’s loud, busy, bustling, genuine and jolly. Windows are lined with trays of fresh pasta and hung... more

Village Street, Longstock, Stockbridge, Hampshire

This delightful dining pub with rooms almost defines the term “hidden gem.” Tucked away in a tiny Hampshire village in the Test Valley (England’s shooting and fishing... more

61 Banbury Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire

Founder of the Browns restaurant chain Jeremy Mogford’s restored grade II listed Victorian conservatory restaurant is something of an Oxford institution. The beautifully light... more

Stoke Green, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire

The 2 AA Rosette Garden Room at Stoke Place serves contemporary British cuisine created by head chef Craig van der Meer and his team. Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients... more

20 Dragon Street, Petersfield, Hampshire

Eponymous chef and wine connoisseur Jake Saul Watkins may have recently relocated along with his 800 wines from his tiny restaurant to a more spacious nearby converted pub,... more

Remenham Lane, Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire

This food-led pub, just over the bridge from Henley town centre, is a destination for all seasons. Cosy up beside the open fire in the attractively contemporary bar in the... more

Upton Scudamore, Warminster, Wiltshire

This 16th century coaching inn has been refurbished and transformed into a gastropub with rooms. The head chef believes in sourcing the best quality ingredients to produce... more

Beaulieu, Hampshire

The oak panelled Terrace restaurant in an 18th century country house hotel on the Beaulieu estate in the heart of the New Forest provides the stage for the prodigous talents... more

The Kings Hotel, 18 Castle Street, Christchurch, Dorset

The Kings Restaurant is set on the ground floor of the refurbished luxury boutique hotel - Located oppostie the quintessential Kings Bowling Green and Christchurch Priory - We... more

Toot Baldon, Oxford, Oxfordshire

Gary and Jenny Witchalls have lovingly refurbished this 300-year-old country pub with a sun soaked glass extension, chunky leather sofas, bear brick walls and terracotta... more

One Forbury Square, Reading, Berkshire

Forbury's Restaurant & Wine Bar has a modern, stylish interior offering European cuisine with a French twist. Regularly changing menus and a weekly market menu are available... more

Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire

Don your best bib and tucker (no trainers are allowed) to blend in with the very smart shades-of-beige dining room that looks out over the hotel’s 500 acres of parkland. This... more

Great Western House, 18/20 Station Road, Reading, Berkshire

Part of a nationwide group of glamorous, eccentrically designed boutique hotels, Malmaison Reading offers reasonably priced, modern European food right in the city centre. The... more

Ham Green, Holt - Wiltshire, Wiltshire

Housed in a charming 16th century local stone building, the interior of this gastropub is warm and welcoming with polished wooden floorboards, comfortable sofas and a... more

Lime Wood, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Understated style, guests love feeling comfortable wearing what they want and whatever makes them feel good, after all it's the food that really matters...think Ravioli with... more

Clay Street, Crockerton, Warminster, Wiltshire

Wood floors and open fires provide a welcoming atmosphere to this traditional country pub with rooms on the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire. Chef proprietor Dean Carr has the... more

Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Restaurant is overseen by Chef James Golding (ex Mark Hix – Ivy, Caprice, Sheeky’s and Soho House New York). James’s two key lieutenants won’t be his sous chefs but his... more

Old Burghclere, Newbury, Berkshire

Dew Pound is a 16th century country house restaurant located in the hamlet of Old Burghclere, some six miles south of Newbury. The period features and original oak beams are... more

Hambrough Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

With a menu more akin to a swanky London restaurant and with service to match, this stylish boutique hotel restaurant joins the increasing ranks of the Isle of Wight’s... more

Cottonmill Lane, Sopwell, St Albans, Hertfordshire

This magnificent Georgian house is the former country home of Lord Mountbatten. Now it’s home to the accomplished modern British cooking of chef James Chapman. With its... more

Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

A wonderfully restored Cotswolds manor house set in 12 acres of magnificent grounds is home to the luxurious Dining Room. Cream walls, floral fabrics and comfortable,... more

126 West Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

What was a run down local pub at the far end of the high street has become a culinary beacon for the delightful Georgian town of Marlow. With IPA on tap and big, chunky wooden... more

Hollington Cross, Andover Road, Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire

The Yew Tree Inn - It seems wrong to call it a pub when the very proper dining room comes complete with an Art Deco mirrored screen, linen covered tables and leather banquette... more

Station Road, Ivinghoe, Bedfordshire

Situated in beautiful, ivy clad 17th century building overlooking the village green, The Kings Head has plenty to recommend it even before you open a menu. The traditional... more

Shiplake Row, Binfield, Oxfordshire

Upcoming chef Ryan Simpson recently opened Orwells in an 18th-century Oxfordshire country pub. Inspired by its beautiful kitchen garden and views across the rolling... more

Baughurst Road, Baughurst, Tadley, Hampshire

Wellington Arms is a homely pub restaurant which serves good, honest, local food executed with understated finesse. Owners Simon Page and Jason King are living the good life... more

The Christchurch Harbour Hotel, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset

This purpose built timber, glass and steel restaurant has gorgeous views over Mudeford Quay near Christchurch Harbour; you couldn't ask for a more relaxing spot for a romantic... more

Lime Wood, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

The Scullery is modelled on an 18th century county house kitchen and offers an informal dining experience at the New Forest National Park’s only 5 star luxury hotel. A large... more

The Christchurch Harbour Hotel, 95 Mudeford, Christchurch, Dorset

The Harbour Restaurant is the main hotel restaurant open daily for Lunch and Dinner. The Head chef has created new yet traditional menus with a modern twist. His menus reflect... more

Macdonald Compleat Angler Hotel, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Aubergine at the Compleat Angler This handsome Thameside hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment and taken the opportunity to open a sister restaurant to long... more

Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire

For the serious ‘foodies’ among you, Cliveden presents Waldo’s Restaurant, where you will discover fine dining at its very best. The restaurant is named after Thomas Waldo... more