Must-see restaurants in The Midlands & the Marches

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Rooftop Restaurant

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Glorious views of the River Avon extend from the dining room and outdoor terrace of this restaurant atop the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Global flavours…

  • Bureau

    Birmingham

    While this gleaming marble ex-office building dating from 1902 serves stupendous cocktails (like hickory-smoked Bloody Marys), it's worth visiting for its…

  • Restaurant Sat Bains

    Nottingham

    Boundary-pushing chef Sat Bains has been awarded two Michelin stars for his wildly inventive tasting menus (no à la carte; dietary restrictions can be…

  • Aubrey's Traditional Crêperie

    Nottingham

    Traditional down to its savoury galettes made with buckwheat flour, sweet crêpes including salted caramel and its Breton ciders, this little hole in the…

  • Church Bar & Restaurant

    The Midlands & the Marches

    At this superbly converted old church, you can dine on contemporary dishes like British rainbow trout with tarragon butter sauce, whisky-glazed beef ribs…

  • Lisa Jean at Bennetts Brasserie

    The Midlands & the Marches

    A sumptuous champagne breakfast (served until 2pm, with options including eggs Benedict and devilled lamb's kidneys) is the showpiece of this elegant…

  • Annie's Burger Shack

    Nottingham

    More than 30 different burgers (available in vegan, veggie or meat versions) are on the menu at Annie's, a wildly popular joint in the Lace Market that…

  • Fourteas

    Stratford-upon-Avon

    Breaking with Stratford's Shakespearean theme, this tearoom takes the 1940s as its inspiration with beautiful old teapots, framed posters and staff in…

  • Mac & Jac's

    The Midlands & the Marches

    This Friar St outfit has a lovely deli downstairs and a relaxing cafe upstairs for caffeine, sandwiches with fillings like Brie and grape, and hot dishes…

  • Walkers

    The Midlands & the Marches

    For a quick lunch, you can't beat Walkers' towering pork pies. Walkers was founded in Leicester in 1824; it has since sold its famous crisp brand, but the…

  • Old Theatre Deli

    The Midlands & the Marches

    Artisan breads from the Midlands' renowned Hambleton Bakery, gourmet sandwiches, quiches, pies, salads and hot specials, such as corn-and-bacon fritters,…

  • Hereford Deli

    The Midlands & the Marches

    At this gourmet emporium with a clutch of tables, fantastic sandwiches are a steal. Combinations include curried free-range chicken with mango chutney,…

  • Columbine Restaurant

    Peak District

    On the lane leading down beside the town hall, this understated restaurant is the top choice among discerning Buxtonites. The chef conjures up imaginative…