There’s something about leafy, laid back Chiswick that makes you feel like you’ve truly left London, the West London neighbourhood’s village-cosplay extending from its name (the Old English for ‘Cheese Farm’) all the way to Strand-on-the-Green, where riverside pubs have perfected their pastoral performance.
A little smug, maybe, but undeniably beautiful all the same. And when the West London light hits the river just right, there really is no better place to be in the capital than here, staring at those refractions through a two-thirds full pint glass.
Chiswick is also a fine place to dine. These days, while the monthly cheese market still draws crowds to the High Road, W4’s culinary credentials extend far beyond curds and whey – though we’d strongly recommend timing your visit to coincide with that dairy-fuelled Sunday session if you can.
This is a part of London that manages to feel both connected and removed from the capital’s frenetic energy. The broad pavements of Chiswick High Road host a parade of independent cafés, artisan delis and restaurants that wouldn’t look out of place in Paris or Rome, while the quieter streets that branch off it harbour both ‘hidden’ gems and fine dining heavyweights.
With all that in mind and the scene somewhat set, here’s our rundown of the best restaurants in Chiswick.
La Trompette
Ideal for Michelin-starred dining without pretense…
Under Greg Wellman’s steady hand, La Trompette continues to deliver the goods that earned its Michelin star back in 2008. Part of the same esteemed restaurant group behind Chez Bruce and the now-closed Glasshouse (RIP – what a place that was), the dining room strikes an elegant note without fuss – crisp white tablecloths and golden banquettes setting the scene for cooking that sings. Come summer, the front terrace with its fold-back doors offers a delightful spot for lunch.
Wellman’s menu (a refreshingly straightforward £89 for three courses, with six choices for each) draws deeply from the well of British ingredients while casting occasional glances further afield. A recent visit brought a sweet, earthy Jerusalem artichoke veloute, garnished with little nuggets of chorizo picante, followed by a masterclass in meat cookery – perfectly pink Devonshire duck breast with celeriac puree and braised red cabbage. In autumn, the kitchen shows particular prowess with game – their roast grouse deserves circling on the calendar, quite frankly.
The wine list stands among London’s finest, particularly strong in Burgundy and the Rhône. Sommeliers here wear their knowledge with a refreshing lightness, as happy to guide you to a £7.50 glass as they are to discuss grand crus. Indeed, La Trompette proves that serious food doesn’t need to come with a stuffy attitude – perhaps exemplified by the recent reintroduction of their set lunch menu, which sees three courses (a little less choice admittedly) priced at just £39.50 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. That’s some mighty fine value for the calibre of cooking here.b
Ideal for modern British cooking that’s not afraid to get indulgent…
Chef Nathan Cornwell (nope, not Nathan Outlaw of Cornwall – must stop skimming), who cut his teeth at prestigious restaurants Le Champignon Sauvage and The Barn at Moor Hall, has turned this understated High Road restaurant into one of West London’s most downright enjoyable dinners. In keeping with the whole soft-pedal sophistication of Chiswick, the space whispers rather than shouts – natural woods, neutral tones, and dried flowers providing subtle punctuation marks.
Cornwell’s cooking lets ingredients take centre stage. His Devon crab with apple and dill on house-made sourdough crumpets demonstrates a delicate touch that’s increasingly rare in a dish that’s become ubiquitous, but even better is when the kitchen takes the brakes off and lets a certain opulent streak take over. Dare we say that there’s a sense of indulgence at The Silver Bitch that’s left the London food scene at large, best exemplified in a gorgeous plate of crisp, bubbled Iron Age pork belly. The breed, a cross between a Tamworth sow and a Eurasian wild boar, is prized for its thick layer of fat, and you know what that means? More crackling. The addition of a slab of foie gras on the plate isn’t necessary, but christ it’s welcome.
Even the bread service demands attention rather than resentment for filling you up too fast. Here, Guinness sourdough with cultured butter sets the tone and gets the crowds cooing. The wine list offers plenty by the glass for under a tenner, which is always appreciated in this economy, in this neighbourhood. Book ahead – tables here are increasingly hard to secure.
Walking into Villa di Geggiano feels like stepping through a portal to the Italian countryside. The imposing villa seems to have materialised from a Tuscan hillside, complete with a gated terrace that provides welcome separation from the High Road’s bustle.
Inside, a sense of craftsmanship takes centre stage – custom furnishings and curated artwork (including some dead strange trophy mounts) lend an atmosphere that feels just a little regal, though fortunately, the tones are anything but hushed in here. It’s a boisterous kind of place, full of braying toffs, sure, but also families and folk who simply like to have a spirited conversation. The restaurant has its own coat of arms for some reason…
Images via @villadigeggiano.co.uk
It would all be a bit much if some reheated schiacciata (must see a doctor about that) hit the table within a minute of ordering, but fortunately, the kitchen delivers Tuscan specialities with conviction, with the wild boar pappardelle a faithfully rendered version of a classic. A 1.1kg bistecca alla Fiorentina is served confidently with just a green salad and some pan juice. For £120 and enough to feed several, it’s not bad value in this part of town. If you are looking to blow the budget, there’s even a section of the menu dedicated to the region’s revered truffles.
The wine list leans heavily into Italian regions, unsurprisingly, with several bottles coming from the restaurant’s own Tuscan estate. For summer dining, the terrace here is one of Chiswick’s finest spots – especially with a glass of their house Chianti in hand and a conversation about the rising cost of second homes in Salcombe on the lips.
Michele Pascarella didn’t need his 2023 Global Pizza Maker of the Year award to prove his worth – the crowds at this modest Devonshire Road spot already knew that something remarkable was happening with flour and water at Chiswick’s Napoli on the Road. Further confirmation arrived late last year when it was named the best pizzeria in Europe (outside Italy) by the influential 50 Top Pizza list, but like we said; the locals didn’t need it confirming.
A lemon tree bursting through the floor tiles and a central wood-fired oven provide the backdrop for pizzas that redefine expectations. Pascarella’s dough achieves that magical combination of lightness and character, emerging from the fierce heat of the oven with just the right amount of char. Sure, the space is small and can get noisy, but that’s part of the charm.
While the benchmark margherita is pretty much as-good-as-it-gets, there are some more creative touches that show Pascarella’s growing personality as a pizzaiolo first hand. The ‘Cheesewick’ sounds like it shouldn’t work – five cheeses (ricotta, fior di latte, stracciatella, parmesan crisps and Stilton) unified by Vesuvian cherry tomato jam. Yet somehow it achieves perfect harmony and, remarkably, isn’t too heavy. That’s down to Pascarella’s absurdly digestible dough, no doubt.
The pizza fritta (fried pizza) section is worthy of your time, too, with the double pepperoni and hot honey something of a revelation. Save room for bocconcini – the fried dough balls with Nutella and pistachio will live long in the memory.
Ideal for sophisticated pub dining in a storied setting...
With a crime rate so low there seemed no point in keeping it going, the 1872 Chiswick police station has found an unexpected new calling under the guidance of JKS Restaurants (the increasingly ubiquitous group behind Gymkhana, Hoppers, and BAO). That new calling is The Hound, a gastropub with a humble mission statement; to nail the minutiae of the ‘gastro’ part of gastropub, and to get all the things we love about pub dining just right.
The Victorian architecture provides a dramatic backdrop to this humble goal, with the space cleverly divided into distinct areas – a proper pub floor for casual drinks, two private dining rooms, a covered courtyard, and a sun-trap front terrace that’s worth booking ahead for during warmer months. There’s even footy on the tele.
Executive chef John Sparks, working alongside two Michelin-starred James Knappett of Kitchen Table, has created a menu that celebrates (even elevates, though we’re not meant to say that anymore) pub classics without stripping them of their comfort. Plates are marked out by their attention to detail: the lacy batter on the fish and chips that’s several shades bronzer than your chippy; the choice of Oxford sauce (homemade, of course) with the black pudding scotch egg; and the frankly cartoon-perfect hot dog, here made with Highland wagyu, and topped with house sauerkraut and Ogleshield cheese.
The Hound is still proudly a pub at heart (at least, in the marketing material) so rotating cask ales sit alongside craft beers, while the wine list offers genuine interest at each price point, with several drops available by the glass and carafe. They pour a decent Guinness, too; pretty much a prerequisite for any self-respecting gastropubs in the capital these days.
Don’t let the modest frontage on Turnham Green Terrace and the canteen-like interior within Sushi Bar Makoto fool you – this tiny spot serves some of West London’s best value Japanese food. The space itself barely seats 20, which means weekday lunches offer your best chance of securing a table without a wait, but it’s worth the queue if you do pitch up at a busier hour.
The quality of fish here is impressive given the prices. Nigiri arrives precisely formed, each piece dressed appropriately – a touch of nikiri here, a whisper of wasabi there. The sashimi platters showcase the kitchen’s expertise with knife work (two chefs work continuously behind the counter, which is a reassuring testament to the freshness of the fish here), while the donburi bowls offer excellent value for lunch (most hover around £12-15).
Image via @sushi_bar_makoto
Beyond raw fish, their karaage chicken achieves that perfect crisp-juicy balance, while the teriyaki dishes demonstrate proper technique – the sauce glazed onto the fish or meat rather than simply poured over. Green tea comes with free refills, and the service moves at a pleasant clip without ever feeling rushed. What’s not to love?
The transformation of Chiswick’s former fire station (getting a bit concerned about the lack of emergency services here now) into a restaurant could have gone wrong in so many ways. Fire stations present unique challenges for restaurant conversion – their cavernous engine bays can feel cold and impersonal, their industrial fixtures and fittings can clash with dining ambience, and their heritage-protected status often limits renovation options.
Instead, No. 197 has turned these potential weaknesses into strengths. The soaring ceilings and dramatic arched windows now create an airy, elegant atmosphere, while the vast space has been thoughtfully divided into distinct zones that flow naturally into each other, centered around an impressive oval bar that’s worth visiting even if you’re not staying to eat.
Recently acquired by the Portobello Pub Company, No. 197 is part of the Darwin & Wallace collection – and no, we don’t mean the collection of letters, manuscripts, and other materials related to naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, but rather, a collection of unique neighbourhood bars with nine locations across London including Battersea and Clapham.
The Chiswick outpost is a bright space that calls for an equally breezy menu, and the all-day menu here proves consistently reliable, if not groundbreaking, food. Brunchis the restaurant’s trump card. Their sweetcorn and courgette hash topped with a perfectly poached egg is a winner,, while the full English shows an understanding that this humble breakfast relies so much on sourcing – the bacon comes from HG Walter butchers just down the road, and the sourdough is from Bread Factory.
Later in the day, the menu shifts gear. Small, nourishing plates like roast squash with carrot and turmeric hummus make wholesome companions to their well-crafted cocktails (the house spritz, at £9, is particularly good value). More substantial dishes such as their chicken schnitzel with caper butter demonstrate the kitchen’s ability to handle classics with care and an unpretentious lack of frippery.
The hidden terrace at the back is one of Chiswick’s finest outdoor dining spaces – book ahead for weekend brunches, especially during summer months. The acoustics can get lively when busy, but tables in the back dining room offer a quieter experience.
Tucked away on South Parade and fittingly for a district named after some cheese, Le Vacherin captures the spirit of a neighbourhood Parisian bistro without falling into pastiche. It feels almost too perfect, too apt, too carefully-marketed, with its retro affiches années vingt, draping white tablecloths and burgundy leather banquettes lining the western wall. It’s probably known as ‘our own little slice of Provence-en-Thames’ by some of the more insufferable denizens of Chiswick.
All of this feels like it’s building up to a disappointing experience on the table, but Le Vacherin delivers on the French bistro classics in considerable style. From a commendably tight menu of just five starters and five mains, the cheese soufflé is no doubt a signature, arriving puffed and golden, light as air but rich with flavour, and more than deserving of its keen £12.50 price tag. Things get more interesting when Le Vacherin strays tentatively into more experimental territory; a technically precise foie gras and pheasant terrine comes with poached kumquats and pickled mooli, all light and shade, lift and vigour against the unabashed, earthy indulgence of the terrine. It’s superb.
The wine list leans heavily French but strays to ‘our neighbours’ when quality or intrigue demands it. There are several bottles hovering around the £30 mark, which isn’t bad going in 2025 London. Weekday prix fixe menus offer particularly good value – two courses for £29.50 or three for £36.50 at lunch, and a little more in the evening. That set menu includes classics like onion soup, snails with garlic butter, coq au vin and a Toulouse cassoulet. Whichever way you play it, don’t skip dessert; the pastry section here, unsurprisingly, possess impeccable tekkers.
The concept of what defines a ‘holiday’ has undergone a remarkable evolution in recent years. No longer content with merely sunbathing, today’s adventurers are instead looking to test their limits across the world. This shift reflects a cultural reassessment of what constitutes true luxury in our hyperconnected age.
For a generation raised on ‘gram-perfect beach resorts and incessant images of shimmering Dubai, the authentic currency of travel has become transformational rather than transactional. These extraordinary challenges offer something precious: a complete fitness holiday that delivers genuine achievement, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to disconnect from digital demands while reconnecting with our fundamental capabilities.
Whether tackling Vietnam’s misty mountains on two wheels or confronting one’s innermost thoughts during days of enforced silence, these experiences provide stories worth telling and personal growth impossible to find through conventional leisure.
The West Highland Way, Scotland
Distance: 154 kilometres Difficulty: Moderate Time It’s Likely To Take: 5-8 days
Winding through Scotland’s wild heart, this legendary trail beckons walkers with promises of mist-shrouded mountains and mirror-like lochs. Beginning in Milngavie’s suburbs, the path gradually sheds urban trappings as it ventures northward, eventually delivering hikers to the dramatic Highland landscapes that have inspired poets for centuries.
The trail’s magic lies in its accessibility. Speckled with villages offering warm beds and warmer welcomes, walkers can tackle the route at their own pace, retreating to cosy pubs each evening where tales of the day’s adventures flow as freely as the local ale. Rannoch Moor’s vast wilderness and Glencoe’s brooding majesty provide the backdrop for inner contemplation, while camaraderie blossoms among fellow wayfarers sharing the path.
Upon reaching Fort William, the satisfaction of traversing Scotland’s backbone by foot brings a sense of achievement—often celebrated with a dram before boarding the famed West Highland Line railway for a scenic journey home.
Distance: 4.5 kilometres Difficulty: Challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 1-2 hours (plus training months)
Following in the wake of ancient mythology, this formidable open water swim crosses the strait separating Europe from Asia—the very waters where Leander reportedly swam to reach his beloved Hero, and where Lord Byron cemented his poetic credentials in 1810.
The Hellespont crossing is available exclusively through organised events, with SwimTrek being the sole provider of race places for non-Turkish residents. Swimmers must prepare meticulously for months, building their endurance and cold-water tolerance to tackle the fierce currents that have humbled Olympic champions while navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
What makes this aquatic challenge so alluring is its marriage of physical exertion with living history. As your arms slice through the turquoise waters of the Dardanelles, each stroke connects you to centuries of human endeavour across this iconic boundary between continents. The moment your fingers touch Asian soil after departing from Europe delivers a thrill that no pool-based accomplishment could match.
This iconic swim often tops the bucket list of serious open water swimmers worldwide, offering a perfect balance of organised safety with genuine personal challenge.
Distance: 1,000+ kilometres (customisable) Difficulty: Moderate to extremely challenging (depending on route) Time It’s Likely To Take: 10-20 days
Once the lifeline that sustained North Vietnamese forces, this legendary network of jungle paths has been transformed into an epic cycling adventure. Modern riders trace history through mist-wrapped mountains, rice paddies and remote villages where tourists remain a novelty rather than the norm.
Unlike the predictability of European cycling routes, this journey promises daily surprises. You might find yourself sharing the road with water buffalo, accepting impromptu dinner invitations from curious locals, or sheltering from tropical downpours under canopies of emerald foliage. The route’s flexibility allows cyclists to customise their challenge—hardcore enthusiasts can tackle the mountainous western branch, while those seeking cultural immersion might prefer the coastal route with its French colonial architecture and pristine beaches.
The bicycle becomes more than transportation here; it’s a passport to authentic experiences inaccessible to conventional tourists. As your legs strengthen under the Southeast Asian sun, Vietnam reveals itself layer by layer—from the war-scarred central highlands to the limestone karsts of the north.
Distance: Internal miles only Difficulty: Mentally gruelling Time It’s Likely To Take: 10 days (minimum)
Perhaps the most demanding challenge on our list involves no physical distance at all. Instead, participants journey inward through ten days of absolute silence at a traditional Vipassana meditation centre in India—the spiritual birthplace of this ancient practice.
From the 4 a.m. wake-up gong to the strictly vegetarian meals eaten in contemplative silence, every element of the experience is designed to facilitate self-examination. Mobile phones, reading materials, writing implements and even eye contact are prohibited. For ten consecutive days, meditators sit cross-legged for up to ten hours daily, observing their thoughts without judgement while battling the physical discomfort that inevitably arises.
The first three days typically bring mental rebellion as the constant chatter of the untrained mind becomes apparent. By day five, many report breakthrough moments of clarity punctuating periods of boredom. The final days often deliver the promised rewards—insights, emotional release, and a recalibrated relationship with one’s inner dialogue.
While many retreats worldwide offer modified versions, traditionalists insist the authentic Indian experience in places like Dharamsala or Igatpuri provides the most transformative experience.
Mount Toubkal Winter Ascent, Morocco
Distance: 30 kilometres round trip Difficulty: Technically challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 3-4 days
North Africa’s highest peak transforms into an entirely different proposition during the winter months. Snow-draped and frequently battered by ferocious winds, Toubkal’s 4,167-metre summit demands respect and preparation beyond its relatively straightforward summer ascent.
Setting out from Imlil’s walnut groves, winter climbers soon swap walking poles for ice axes as the trail steepens and hardens. Crampons bite into crystalline snow, creating a rhythmic crunch that accompanies laboured breathing in the thinning air. The mountain refuge, a spartan stone building perched at 3,200 metres, offers respite from the elements, though sleep proves elusive for many first-timers at this altitude.
Summit day begins in darkness, headtorches carving narrow light paths across virgin snow. The mountain’s winter persona reveals itself: cornices sculpted by winds, ice formations glistening like crystal architecture, all bathed in pure light.
Standing finally atop this African giant, with the Sahara stretching southward and the Atlantic shimmering westward beyond Marrakech, winter mountaineers experience a moment of perspective—dwarfed by nature yet elevated by their own determination.
The Alcatraz Escape, San Francisco, USA
Distance: 2.4 kilometres (swimming) Difficulty: Extremely challenging Time It’s Likely To Take: 30-60 minutes (plus training months)
While prisoners once dreaded these frigid, current-swept waters, adventure swimmers now willingly plunge into San Francisco Bay to conquer one of the world’s most iconic open water challenges. Unlike organised events with safety kayakers and precise timing, DIY swimmers face additional logistical hurdles—securing permits, studying tide charts, and assembling a support team.
The swim itself is all juxtaposition: the notorious island receding behind as the magnificent San Francisco skyline grows ahead. Beneath the surface, powerful currents constantly threaten to sweep swimmers toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific beyond. The bay’s temperature, typically hovering between 10-15°C, attacks the body with precision, while frequent cargo ship traffic adds another layer of complexity.
What distinguishes this swim from others is its psychological dimension. As your limbs grow numb and breathing labours, the island’s abandoned cellblocks seem to whisper stories of those who attempted similar crossings with freedom—not glory—as their prize. Upon reaching the shores near Aquatic Park, swimmers experience a unique triumph—part athletic achievement, part historical connection to one of America’s most harrowing legends.
The Rickshaw Run, India
Distance: Approximately 3,000 kilometres Difficulty: Mentally and physically demanding Time It’s Likely To Take: 2-3 weeks
Part endurance test, part cultural immersion, and entirely unpredictable—the Rickshaw Run challenges participants to traverse the Indian subcontinent in perhaps the least suitable vehicle imaginable. The humble auto-rickshaw, a three-wheeled contraption with the engine capacity of a lawnmower, becomes both transport and home during this adventure.
Unlike organised motor rallies with support vehicles and predetermined routes, this challenge celebrates chaos. Participants chart their own course between fixed starting and ending points, navigating India’s notoriously anarchic traffic, from congested city streets to near-impassable mountain passes. Mechanical breakdowns aren’t just possible—they’re guaranteed, forcing impromptu immersion in local communities while seeking repairs.
The physical toll accumulates gradually: constant vibration rattles bones, monsoon rains soak through inadequate covering, and the perpetual assault of dust and pollution tests respiratory endurance. Yet these discomforts fade against the backdrop of experiences—sunrise prayers at riverside ghats, impromptu cricket matches with village children, sharing chai with truck drivers at roadside dhabas, and negotiating passage through wedding processions that have commandeered entire highways.
The Bottom Line
What unites these challenges isn’t merely the physical exertion, but the sense of personal evolution they catalyse. Far removed from the sanitised environment of fitness studios and package holidays marketed as ‘wellness retreats’, these adventures strip away pretence, revealing capabilities previously undiscovered.
The beauty of DIY challenges lies in their accessibility—requiring determination more than disposable income. Whether swimming between continents, sitting in contemplative silence, or rattling across India in a mechanical contraption of questionable reliability, each journey offers transformation impossible to find within the confines of ordinary existence.
Battling with that oh-so-unergonomic chair at home? Or perhaps you’ve been summoned back to the office by anti-remote work policies and are finding the daily commute utterly draining?
In these increasingly turbulent times, it’s only natural to be struggling with stress. Most of us are holding so much tension in our backs, shoulders and heads that we resemble limp, prone puppets barely able to hold ourselves up without the help of someone working the strings.
While some of us have tried turning our bathrooms into private spas, there’s still nothing quite like a day spent at a real, genuine spa, let’s be honest. Spas, the undisputed Queens of all wellness trips, offer the perfect sanctuary for pampering, rest and relaxation. To ensure you go in spa savvy, here are some expertly curated hacks for the best spa day ever.
Take A Tour
When you arrive at your chosen spa day destination, it’s a good idea to ask for a tour of everything and everywhere that’s on offer. Knowledge is power, after all, and it’s most economical for your time and wellbeing to know the ins and outs of all the facilities before you agree on your schedule with the spa team. A short tour presents the ideal opportunity for you to get a feel for the place and plan out your time perfectly.
Ask specifically about any hidden gems – many spas have secluded relaxation areas, meditation spaces, or sensory rooms that aren’t immediately obvious but can elevate your experience significantly.
Call Ahead
Though it might seem a bit fussy, it’s important to call ahead and determine if there are any steps you should take (or rules to follow) before your spa session.
Indeed, using the wrong skin-care product the day before, overeating in advance of a back massage, or not being aware of treatments that have exfoliation or shaving requirements can make or break your relaxing spa day. And let’s face it; not knowing such things tends to result in breaking, not making, it.
Owing to the importance of such foresight, spas will generally call you in advance to complete a small, verbal questionnaire about your expectations of the day, and provide you with some preparatory advice.
For facials, avoid using retinol products 48 hours beforehand. For body treatments, gentle exfoliation the evening before can enhance results. For massages, stay hydrated but avoid heavy meals within two hours of your appointment.
Save On Your Spa Experience
Is there anything more relaxing than knowing you’ve saved yourself a pretty penny while luxuriating at a spa? Thrifty kings and queens, stand up! If you’re keen to enjoy a discount or special offer, then there are some simple ways for you to do so:
Sign up to mailing lists and newsletters — Many spas send emails offering last minute discounts and cut price sessions to customers who can attend an unbooked slot at short notice.
Become a regular — Equally, many spa venues reward loyalty with deals and deductions for regular clients.
Alternatively, the dedicated spa website Spa Seekers details deals and packages in your area.
Consider a package — Many spa venues offer packages to entice new custom, often in the form of a group deal. This might be a ‘hen do’ or ‘stag’ package, a 2-for-1 deal, or an ‘all inclusive’ package that covers the cost of your drinks and food at the venue, too.
Spa gift card schemes — Many spas offer gift card programmes with added value—buy a £100 spa gift card and receive an additional £20 credit, for instance. These often run during quieter periods and can be a brilliant way to stretch your wellness budget.
Timing Is Everything
If your schedule allows for flexibility, take advantage of off-peak times for a quieter, more affordable experience.
Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends — children are in school, most people are busy at their places of work, and generally, folk feel less inclined to treat themselves on a Tuesday afternoon, in case it ends up feeling a little too indulgent. But if you can’t treat yourself to a spa day during a dreary week, then when can you?
For an even more tranquil experience, book early morning slots when facilities are freshly cleaned and at their quietest. Alternatively, late afternoon appointments (around 4pm) often mean you can linger into the evening when day guests begin to depart.
Stay Hydrated
Here’s something they don’t always tell you; spas can be thirsty work. That complementary glass of bubbles, time spent in the hot tub, sauna and steam rooms, and hour spent face down without fluids — it’s all too easy to get dehydrated at the spa.
Indeed, saunas and steam rooms make you sweat and even if you don’t realise it, hot tubs do the same (ew), which can cause dehydration. Prolonged spells can even lead to dizziness and nausea, so keep yourself hydrated at all times to mitigate this. Most spas, of course, have complementary water — be sure to take advantage of this. Or, bring a bottle of water with you.
If you are going to partake in bubbles, then it’s recommended you don’t drink before your spa experience as alcohol increases the risk of dehydration massively. Moreover, the booze can decrease your awareness, stability and mood, which can ruin your attempts to get zen and forget your troubles for the day.
Drink at least one glass of water between each heat experience (sauna, steam room, hot tub) and aim for about 500ml per hour during your stay. Some spas offer infused waters with cucumber, lemon or berries—these count towards your hydration goals whilst adding a touch of luxury.
Carry A Cotton Tote
We mentioned bringing a bottle of water with you, which sounded cumbersome enough. But bring a whole bag with you into the spa? Really?
Really. In that handy little bag of yours, you can carry a book, a magazine, bottled water and anything else you need to make you happy and relaxed during your spa day. We recommend bringing a snack in your tote, too. It’s important to let all your worries disappear while at a spa, so make sure you don’t go hungry and let tummy rumbles interrupt your relaxing day.
Consider packing some extra essentials: lip balm (heat facilities can dry your lips), hair ties, a small facial spritz for cooling down, and perhaps your own favourite facial oil to apply post-treatment. Many luxury spas provide these items, but having your own trusted products can enhance your experience.
Mind How Much You Eat Beforehand
Many people indulge in a spa experience because of the reputed health benefits; a massage can provide muscular relief, a hot tub may improve circulation, saunas could bring cardiovascular benefits, and the whole thing can most certainly destress mind and body.
However, if you’ve had a big meal just before beginning your spa day, some of those benefits will be wasted, as blood rushes to your digestive system following a meal. If you’ve eaten beforehand, wait at least an hour before using the sauna and longer still if you’re planning on having a massage. If you’re going to snack during the day, keep it light and healthy. Delicious, fresh fruit is often provided; make the most of it!
For optimal treatment results, eat a light, balanced meal approximately 90 minutes before your spa visit—perhaps a small portion of lean protein with vegetables or a nutrient-dense smoothie. This provides energy without the digestive heaviness that can detract from your experience.
Swimsuits & Towels x 2
Spa day connoisseurs swear by doubling up on both their swimsuit and their towel, bringing two of each along. You can’t relax in a wet swimsuit or wet towel, after all. So, take two swimsuits with you and ask the staff for two towels. Simple.
When selecting swimwear, opt for comfort over fashion—this isn’t Instagram, it’s your wellbeing. Dark colours tend to maintain their appearance better after exposure to spa minerals and treatments. For towels, request one for your body and one specifically for your face to maintain hygiene throughout the day.
Communicate With Your Therapist
During your massage or facial treatment, the worst thing you can do is suffer through it, should something feel uncomfortable. If your therapist becomes heavy-handed and applies too much pressure, or if the treatment tickles, don’t just grin and bear it — say something. It’s perfectly acceptable and normal etiquette to say if pressure is too much during a massage, but sometimes, our British reticence means we keep silent.
But that’s not all you should be more vocal about. According to Skift.com, one of the most distracting elements of any spa day is the sometimes irritating music they play. Not everyone can relax to the sound of pan pipes and mating whales, and if it doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to ask for something different, particularly if you’re in a solo treatment room. If you have a favourite spa sound, then ask if you can listen to it while you have your treatment. Perhaps not Slipknot or any DnB, though…
Remember to communicate any specific concerns before your treatment begins: sensitive areas, injuries, pregnancy, or simply areas you’d like them to focus on. Most therapists appreciate guidance—it helps them deliver a better experience tailored precisely to your needs.
Thermal Suite Strategy
The thermal suite—comprising facilities like saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and experience showers—deserves a thoughtful approach to maximise benefits:
Start with the least intense heat (tepidarium or warm pool) and gradually work up to hotter environments like steam rooms and saunas. Between each heat experience, cool down completely—whether through a cold shower, plunge pool, or ice fountain—to stimulate circulation properly.
The ideal sequence: warm room (10-15 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), steam room (5-10 minutes), cool down (2-3 minutes), sauna (8-12 minutes), extended cool down (5 minutes). Rest for at least 15 minutes before repeating the cycle, and limit yourself to 2-3 full cycles per visit.
The Art Of Digital Detox
One of the most transformative aspects of a spa day can be disconnecting from technology. While it might feel instinctive to document your experience or check emails, consider committing to a complete digital detox.
Many premium spas now provide secure lockers for mobile devices, encouraging guests to surrender their phones upon arrival. If yours doesn’t, challenge yourself to keep your phone switched off and tucked away. The psychological benefits of disconnecting—even for just a few hours—can significantly enhance your relaxation response and mental rejuvenation.
Bring an actual paper book or magazine rather than an e-reader, and rediscover the pleasure of being unreachable, if only temporarily.
The Bottom Line
With these enhanced strategies in your wellness arsenal, you’re thoroughly prepared for the most restorative, indulgent spa experience possible. Remember that the true luxury of a spa day isn’t just the treatments themselves, but the permission to prioritise yourself completely—something we could all benefit from incorporating into our regular routines. Happy relaxing!
A helicopter’s blades slice through crisp mountain air as it ascends above jagged peaks dusted with pristine snow. Below, not a single track mars the powdery landscape. This is heli-skiing—the ultimate expression of alpine freedom that trades crowded resort queues for untouched wilderness.
Yet behind this seemingly ‘simple’ concept—using helicopters to access remote slopes—lies a sophisticated global industry catering to those seeking skiing’s purest form. And, let’s face it, its purest snow…
What Exactly Is Heli-Skiing?
Heli-skiing emerged in the late 1960s when Austrian guide Hans Gmoser began flying small groups into the Canadian Bugaboos, transforming what was previously accessible only through days of arduous hiking into a morning’s adventure. Today, while certainly not for novices—participants should comfortably handle black diamond runs in variable conditions—the experience has become more accessible to strong intermediate skiers with proper guidance.
Unlike resort skiing where slopes are groomed and avalanche-controlled, heli-skiing operates in the raw backcountry, requiring specialised equipment, knowledgeable guides, and respect for mountain safety protocols. The reward is skiing that bears little resemblance to the traditional resort experience: untracked powder, runs that can stretch for thousands of vertical metres, and a profound immersion in white wilderness.
British Columbia: The Original Heli Haven
The mountainous province that pioneered the sport remains its undisputed capital. Serious powder enthusiasts have long recognised British Columbia for heli skiing excellence above all other destinations. The region offers the perfect combination of reliable snowfall, varied terrain, and operational expertise built over decades.
The Coast Mountains receive staggering snowfall totals—often exceeding 15 metres annually—creating an incredibly consistent powder experience. The interior ranges, including the Selkirks, Monashees, and Purcells, typically receive slightly less precipitation but feature lighter, drier snow and more reliable weather windows.
What makes British Columbia particularly compelling is its terrain diversity. A typical week might include skiing through old-growth cedar forests, across vast alpine bowls, and down glacial corridors—sometimes all in a single day. The province’s immense scale means operations rarely encounter each other, creating a genuine wilderness experience despite decades of established heli-skiing.
British Columbia’s proximity to the Pacific moderates temperatures, meaning skiers rarely battle the extreme cold found in more continental locations. The season typically runs from December through April, with January and February offering the deepest powder, while March brings more stable conditions and longer days.
When extreme skiing emerged as a recognisable discipline in the 1990s, Alaska’s Chugach Mountains became its spiritual home. The distinctive maritime snowpack adheres to slopes that would be unskiable elsewhere, allowing descents of near-vertical faces with remarkable stability.
The terrain around Valdez features countless north-facing couloirs where snow accumulates to exceptional depths, with runs often descending more than 1,500 vertical metres. Further west, the Tordrillo Mountains offer more varied aspects and generally stabler weather conditions, though slightly less dramatic pitch.
What sets Alaskan heli-skiing apart is the combination of scale and steepness. The mountains rise dramatically from near sea level, creating massive continuous descents. The area’s unique weather patterns generate a snow composition that bonds securely to steep faces, enabling confident descents of 50+ degree terrain that would slide elsewhere.
Alaska’s season runs later than most, from February through May, with April offering an ideal combination of stable spring snowpack and extended daylight. Weather delays are common—industry experts recommend booking at least seven days to ensure enough flying time and building flexibility into travel arrangements.
The Himalayas: High Altitude, High Adventure
The Western Himalayas, particularly in India’s Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir regions, offer skiing at oxygen-diminishing altitudes up to 5,000 metres. This unique alpine environment combines extreme elevation with the cultural richness of one of the world’s most fascinating regions.
The experience begins with necessary acclimatisation, as the elevations involved are significantly higher than most ski destinations worldwide. Once adjusted, skiers access terrain with descents sometimes exceeding 2,000 vertical metres—among the longest continuous runs in the heli-skiing world.
The snow conditions differ markedly from other destinations, with the high elevation and continental climate creating exceptionally dry powder. The mountain architecture is equally distinctive, with broad, open faces predominating rather than the tighter couloirs of Alaska or the gladed terrain of British Columbia.
The cultural dimension adds particular richness to Himalayan heli-skiing. Between descents, skiers might pass Buddhist monasteries or remote Hindu villages rarely seen by outsiders. The accommodations often incorporate regional architectural elements, and evening meals feature northern Indian cuisine that perfectly complements active days.
The season runs from January through March, with February typically offering optimal conditions. Political sensitivities occasionally affect the Kashmir region, making advance research essential through Foreign Office advisories.
South Island, New Zealand: Southern Hemisphere Salvation
When northern mountains slumber under summer sun, New Zealand’s Southern Alps offer cold-season salvation. The terrain surrounding Queenstown and Wanaka provides access to remarkably varied skiing featuring both glacial zones and descents through native beech forests.
A distinctive aspect of New Zealand heli-skiing is the terrain diversity within relatively compact mountain ranges. A descent might begin in alpine bowls, transition through rocky terrain, then finish in forest—all within one continuous skiing experience. The maritime snowpack typically stabilises quickly after storms, making steeper terrain safely accessible with relatively modest snow depths.
Runs average 500-900 vertical metres—shorter than North American counterparts but offering remarkable variety. The season runs from July through September, with August typically providing optimal conditions. New Zealand’s accessibility is another advantage: visitors can combine heli-skiing with Queenstown’s renowned dining scene, wine touring in Central Otago, and numerous adventure activities.
The Southern Alps experience rapid weather changes, making flexibility essential. The proximity to the Tasman Sea means conditions can shift dramatically within hours, but the same maritime influence creates snow that stabilises quickly, allowing access to steeper terrain sooner after storms than in more continental climates.
While mainstream heli-skiing remains prohibited across much of Western Europe due to environmental regulations, Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains have emerged as the continent’s premier destination. Here, Soviet-era restrictions have given way to operations accessing Europe’s highest peaks.
The terrain surrounding Gudauri offers remarkable versatility, from high alpine bowls to perfectly spaced tree runs. The elevation—runs typically begin above 3,000 metres—ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the winter, while the region’s position between the Black and Caspian Seas creates a unique meteorological environment producing consistent snowfall.
What particularly distinguishes Georgian heli-skiing is the combination of exceptional terrain with distinctive cultural elements. The area’s cuisine—featuring khachapuri (cheese bread), khinkali (dumplings), and excellent local wines—provides perfect sustenance after active days. Accommodation options range from modern mountain lodges to renovated Soviet-era properties with surprising charm.
The season extends from December through April, with February typically offering optimal conditions combining adequate snowpack and increasing daylight.
Chilean Andes: South America’s Powder Frontier
The Chilean Andes have quietly built a reputation for exceptional powder skiing during the northern summer. The central Chilean region around Santiago offers the most reliable conditions, with operations accessing terrain comparable to the European Alps but with substantially fewer skiers.
The terrain features steep volcanic peaks with distinctive features not found in other heli-skiing destinations. Perfectly concave cinder cones provide consistent pitch, while lava flows create natural half-pipes and terrain features. The snow tends toward lighter, drier powder than might be expected at these latitudes, owing to the region’s unique geography and weather patterns.
The season runs from July through September, with August typically providing the most reliable conditions. For northern hemisphere enthusiasts, this offers a valuable mid-year ski fix without the extreme travel distance required for New Zealand.
The Andes’ remarkably consistent weather patterns provide more reliable flying conditions than many competing destinations, with operations averaging more flyable days per week than their counterparts in maritime climates. The altitude requires some acclimatisation, but the terrain is accessible to strong intermediates comfortable in variable conditions.
A Little Professional Guidance Goes A Long Way
For first-time heli-skiers, certain considerations prove universal across destinations. Beyond skiing ability—most operations require guests to confidently handle ungroomed black diamond terrain—physical stamina is equally important. The typical heli-skiing day involves 8-12 descents, each potentially longer than the longest runs at conventional resorts.
Insurance requirements are another crucial consideration, as standard travel policies rarely cover helicopter-accessed skiing. Specialist providers including Global Rescue and World Nomads offer appropriate coverage, which should be arranged well before departure.
Weather contingencies represent perhaps the most overlooked planning element. Even top operations might experience ‘down days’ when helicopters cannot fly due to visibility or wind constraints. Leading companies offer partial refunds for missed flight time, but understanding weather guarantee policies helps manage expectations.
Advance booking is essential, particularly for prime-season weeks at established operations, which often sell out 12-18 months ahead. Packages typically include accommodation, meals, guiding, safety equipment, and a guaranteed amount of helicopter flight time—usually measured in vertical metres skied rather than days or runs.
For those willing to venture beyond resort boundaries, heli-skiing delivers the essence of alpine adventure: untracked snow, dramatic landscapes, and the profound satisfaction of carving first tracks down pristine mountain faces. In a world of increasingly predictable travel experiences, it offers genuine discovery with each helicopter lift-off.
Every day across the United Kingdom, thousands of emergency service workers respond to crisis situations, provide life-saving care, and keep our communities safe. These dedicated professionals—from paramedics and firefighters to police officers and NHS staff—often work long, unpredictable hours in challenging conditions.
In recognition of this vital service, restaurants throughout Britain offer small but special discounts to emergency service personnel. These gestures of appreciation not only help stretch tight budgets but also create welcoming spaces where frontline workers can recharge between shifts or unwind after demanding days.
The Blue Light Card and valid emergency service ID have become keys that unlock these dining discounts across Britain’s restaurant scene. From high street favourites to local independents, establishments nationwide offer meaningful savings to those who serve on the frontlines. Let’s explore the current landscape of these offers and how emergency service workers can make the most of them.
High Street Favourites
Nando’s has established itself as a reliable supporter of emergency services, offering a verified 20% discount to Blue Light Card and Defence Privilege Card holders. The discount applies to the cardholder’s meal only, making it a practical option for those grabbing lunch during breaks or unwinding after shifts.
Pizza Express extends a generous 20% discount to Blue Light Card holders Saturday through Thursday, making their restaurants welcoming spaces where emergency service teams can gather over Italian classics without breaking the bank. This covers both food only, it should be noted.
The McDonald’s approach is more localised. There is no nationwide emergency service discount policy, but individual franchises may offer their own arrangements, particularly with complimentary hot drinks for uniformed staff. These offers vary significantly by location, so it’s worth checking with your local restaurant.
Burger King offers a 20% discount at participating locations for Blue Light Card holders, though terms vary by restaurant. Similarly, some Subway franchises provide discounts to emergency service personnel, but as each store is independently owned, these offers aren’t standardised across the chain.
The Blue Light Card has transformed how emergency workers access discounts, creating partnerships with numerous restaurant chains. While the specific terms may change, current Blue Light Card partners include:
Prezzo
Bella Italia
Café Rouge
Las Iguanas
Zizzi
Frankie & Benny’s
Discount percentages typically range from 20-25%, with most excluding peak weekend periods. These partnerships provide substantial savings during weekdays—often when emergency workers are navigating unusual shift patterns.
For the most current and accurate information on specific discount terms, visiting the Blue Light Card website is recommended, as these offers can change frequently.
Mid-Range Chains
The independent restaurant scene offers some of the most generous discounts, though these are also the most variable and subject to change.
Many London establishments have established emergency service discount programmes. Dishoom, Honest Burgers, and Franco Manca have all been known to offer special rates for NHS staff and emergency service workers at various times. However, the specific discount percentages may fluctuate, and these offers aren’t always publicly advertised.
Similar patterns exist in other major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with independent eateries creating their own ways to support emergency service personnel. These arrangements often reflect personal connections between restaurant owners and local emergency service communities.
Due to the dynamic nature of independent restaurant offers, it’s always advisable to enquire directly about current discount policies when visiting.
Seasonal Recognition
Certain dates typically see enhanced discount offerings across the restaurant industry:
Emergency Services Day (9th September) is officially recognised in the UK and often features special promotions
International Nurses Day (12th May) frequently brings focused appreciation for nursing staff
Christmas period generally sees increased recognition for those working through the holidays
These seasonal variations acknowledge that emergency workers often sacrifice traditional holiday experiences, working when others are celebrating.
The Bottom Line
The value of these discounts extends beyond their financial worth. They represent a tangible form of societal appreciation, making quality dining experiences more accessible to those who often work unusual hours for modest compensation.
For restaurants, these programmes foster loyalty and help maintain business during quieter periods. Emergency service workers frequently become regular customers, often visiting during off-peak hours and generating consistent revenue.
The relationship proves mutually beneficial—restaurants gain reliable patrons during less busy times, while emergency workers find welcoming spaces where their contributions are acknowledged.
While this guide offers a general overview of what’s available, it’s always best to verify current discount terms directly with restaurants before visiting, as policies can change without notice.
For Britain’s emergency service workers navigating demanding schedules, these healthcare support, fire service and police discount offers aim to transform ordinary meals into moments of appreciation—a reminder that their daily commitment to public service is valued.
Note: Information current as of early 2025. All discount information should be verified directly with individual establishments before visiting, as policies may change.
Once dubbed the ‘Mother of Wales’ for its fertile fields that fed the mainland, Anglesey has evolved into one of Wales’ most exciting culinary destinations.
Cross the Menai Bridge today, and you’ll find yourself on an island where centuries-old farming traditions meet increasingly innovative cooking, where pristine seafood is celebrated using both time-honoured techniques and more contemporary flourishes, and where the next great meal is never far away.
From Michelin-recognised heavyhitters to relaxed beachside bistros, here’s our pick of the best restaurants on Anglesey.
Sosban & The Old Butchers
Ideal for an extraordinary, intimate dining experience where innovation meets Welsh ingredients…
Just moments after crossing the Menai Bridge, you’ll discover one of Wales’ most acclaimed dining destinations, tucked away within a historic butcher’s shop, no less. This is no ordinary restaurant – Chef Stephen Stevens (great name) has created something truly unique here, holding a Michelin star for the past seven years, as well as an impressive four AA rosettes, for his bold, creative cooking.
The dining room sets a certain scene: covered windows add an air of exclusivity, while inside, Welsh slate walls, sheepskin-covered chairs and hand-painted animal tiles pay homage to the building’s butcher shop heritage. The space is an understated one – just a handful of wooden circular tables with dining chairs positioned at intimate 45-degree angles to one another, and a kitchen work bench where Stevens can be seen working solo, orchestrating each dish with precision.
There are no menus here. Instead, guests embark on a nine-course tasting experience (£175 per person) that showcases the wealth of North Wales ingredients in surprising and delightful ways. Stevens’ cooking demonstrates an innate understanding of technique and flavour – expect dishes like cod with fermented onion fudge and liquorice, or confit lamb’s tail with mustard custard (next up: goat float? brisket biscuit?) and coffee, each one demonstrating his ability to combine unexpected elements into something truly memorable.
Sosban & The Old Butchers is only open for dinner, Thursday through Saturday, with the evening kicking off at 7pm for the 16 diners lucky enough to secure a booking.
Indeed, do book months in advance – with limited seating and growing recognition, securing a table at this distinguished little place requires foresight and patience.
Ideal for waterfront dining that casually celebrates North Wales’ finest produce…
Since opening their doors in 2012, Dylan’s has grown from a single waterfront restaurant into one of North Wales’ most beloved dining institutions, with a total of four now operating across the region. Their flagship restaurant in Menai Bridge, housed in a striking modern building, offers a dining room where floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia beyond.
Crowned ‘Welsh Food & Drink Champion’ in 2023, Dylan’s has made it their mission to celebrate “the local produce, character and natural beauty of North Wales.” This isn’t just marketing speak – their kitchen maintains strong relationships with local suppliers, from award-winning butcher Edwards of Conwy to the region’s fish merchants.
And what a pantry they have to work with. The menu spans from properly crisp mac ‘n’ cheese bites made with Snowdonia Cheddar to their signature moules marinière, until recently sourced from Scottish waters while local Menai stocks recovered (a commitment to sustainability that speaks volumes about their approach), but now back using those grown on the Menai Strait seabed.
The restaurant undulates in energy across its expansive opening hours (11am to 10pm), with different crowds bringing a different vibe to the room as the day progresses from coffee to wine to digestif. The drinks menu gives prominence to local ales and Welsh spirits, a commitment that extends to their desserts; the Wild Horse Brewery ale sticky toffee pudding is one of Anglesey’s best desserts.
With additional branches now in Criccieth, Llandudno and Conwy, plus their own general stores, Dylan’s has become a standard-bearer for Welsh hospitality while remaining true to their original vision of championing local produce. We love it.
Ideal for creative British small plates with global influences…
Named after Ren Gill’s song and album Freckled Angels, this globetrotting restaurant has been charming diners in Menai Bridge for nearly a decade. Recently relocated to Dale Street, the dining room is a bright, breezy affair that manages to feel both Scandinavian and chapel-like, with wooden floors, angelic motifs and large windows flooding the space with marine light from the Straits. Sure, those windows may look out on a car park, but what a car park it is!
Anyway, at the helm is Bangor-born chef Mike Jones, who worked his way up to head chef at Hotel Portmeirion by age 23 before opening Freckled Angel. His menu magpie-picks inspiration from across the globe while maintaining proud Welsh roots and is heavily influenced by a certain style of small plates that’s sometimes referred to as modern global. We’re not bothered with labels if it hits the spot…
When it comes to those small plates, the twice-baked Perl Las soufflé with balsamic grapes has become the restaurant’s signature dish, no doubt, but there’s plenty of joy to found in the spicier numbers, too, whether that’s in the honey and soy cured salmon with wasabi and apple, or the Korean fried chicken with cucumber salad.
A standout during our recent visit was the restaurant’s take on ‘dippy eggs’, which saw salt beef and unami-rich parmesan toast, served with with a crispy duck egg – a masterpiece of texture and taste. The egg is expertly prepared to achieve that coveted contrast: a golden, crispy exterior giving way to a luxuriously runny yolk. It’s a real mouth-coater, make no mistake.
The small plates are priced keenly at around £8 to £11, making the Angel a great value meal for the quality. And it is quality; the restaurant has recently been featured in the Good Food Guide and named the winner of the North Wales Young Business Award for food and hospitality. There are even bottles of wine starting below £30.
Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend dinner service, when regulars and visitors gather in this intimate 30-cover restaurant to sample Jones’ creative cooking. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm to 10pm.
Ideal for supremely fresh seafood in one of Wales’ most storied coastal restaurants…
Since 1946, when John and Frieda Wilson first transformed their cottage Glan-Yr-Afon into a café serving lobster teas, The Lobster Pot has been an essential part of Anglesey’s culinary landscape. Now run by brother and sister team Adam and Ceri Griffiths (Adam as head chef, Ceri as restaurant manager), this Church Bay institution continues to celebrate the freshest local seafood, just as it has for over 75 years.
The restaurant’s sense of deep authenticity stems from its unique position – it sits right next door to its own seafood supplier, meaning the lobsters and crabs quite literally go from tank to plate. That celebration of all things clawed is evident in signature dishes like their Lobster Thermidor (£37.95) and Lobster Mornay, where sweet, fresh meat comes bathed in a Welsh cheddar cheese sauce.
Beyond lobster, the kitchen serves up whatever the local boats bring in – perhaps pollock, sea trout, cod or turbot, depending on the season. There’s also excellent mussels in either traditional white wine sauce or a fragrant Thai broth, while the menu extends to carefully selected Welsh beef and lamb dishes for those not feeling the seafood (perhaps don’t come here if that’s the case, actually!).
Crucially, the emphasis remains on letting the quality of ingredients speak for themselves, with a simple, almost prosaic preparation that enhances rather than masks natural flavours. Yep, even that cheddar sauce duvet manages to keep things polite and on good terms with the lobster meat resting below.
The dining room is relatively intimate, though a covered outdoor terrace has expanded capacity somewhat. The garden makes a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink in summer, with views across Church Bay adding to the sense of place that makes The Lobster Pot such a special destination.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm to 9:30pm. Early booking essential.
Ideal for elevated pub dining with stunning coastal views…
Saved from closure in 2007 by the Timpson family (of key cutting and prison reform fame), The White Eagle has been transformed into one of Anglesey’s most cherished dining destinations. This white-rendered building, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and extensive elevated terrace, makes the most of its enviable position overlooking Borth Wen Beach and the sweeping views across to Bardsey Island.
Now part of the Flock Inns group (operated by Roisin Timpson), the pub’s seasonal menu reflects the richness of Welsh produce. The kitchen excels at refined pub classics – think locally-sourced steaks with triple-cooked chips, fresh fish pie topped with potato and garden pea mash, or their signature sweetcorn chowder loaded with mussels and smoked haddock. The drinks selection is equally thoughtful, with local cask ales from Conwy Brewery alongside a tight, keenly priced wine list
The spacious beer garden is a particular draw in summer months, while dogs are welcomed with open arms (and treats) both outside and in designated indoor areas. For those wanting to extend their stay (or, you know, roll into bed after one too many pints), there’s even a luxury four-bedroom apartment above the pub called The Nest, offering those same spectacular views.
Open daily, noon until 8pm from Sunday to Thursday, and an hour later, until 9pm, on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ideal for modern gastropub dining with mesmerising coastal views…
Originally built as a marine cottage in 1924, The Tavern on the Bay has been transformed into one of Anglesey’s most visually arresting venues. The restaurant offers a mesmerising 270° panoramic view that sweeps across the Anglesey coastline to the Great Orme, best enjoyed from their wooden-beamed dining room with its striking copper pendant lights and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Once again, elevated pub classics are the name of the game here – fresh market haddock in cask ale batter, Welsh lamb barmarked from the grill… You get the picture. Whilst it’s not the most groundbreaking food on the planet (or, indeed, on the island) there aren’t many better views to frame your dinner with than here. The regular ‘Piano on the Bay’ evenings further convey it’s a special kind of place.
Open daily, 11:30am until 9:30pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:30pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Ideal for contemporary British cooking with global influences…
Named after Joseph Heller’s novel (a reference to the owners’ bold leap from secure jobs into restaurant ownership), Catch 22 has become one of Anglesey’s most respected dining destinations since opening in 2017. Recently named among the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2024, this modern brasserie is the creation of chef-owner Neil Harley-Davies, who runs the restaurant with his wife Melissa and sister-in-law Ellie.
After training as an accountant, Neil switched careers to follow his culinary passion, working his way through Cardiff’s kitchens and a Michelin-starred run in Berkshire before returning home as the first head chef at the aforementioned Dylan’s in Menai Bridge. Now at his own venture, he combines high-quality local produce with culinary expertise to create contemporary British dishes with global influences.
The menu showcases produce from an impressive roster of Welsh suppliers – from Halen Môn sea salt (more of them in a moment) to Menai Oysters, Llefrith Cybi dairy to Anglesey Fine Foods. Their Singapore-style chicken curry has become a signature dish, while the legendary Snickers Trifle (a sybaritic concoction of malt panna cotta, peanut caramel and chocolate ganache) has been dubbed “the best pudding in the world” by the adjacent dining table and, in so many words, the Good Food Guide.
The modern two-story building, with its striking wooden façade, houses a dining room that can seat up to 120 guests. Spring 2025 will see the addition of a first-floor cocktail bar and lounge, adding another dimension to this vibrant establishment. Despite what the name might suggest, seafood is just one part of their broad, appealing menu that caters to all tastes.
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30am until 9pm (8pm Sundays). Booking recommended for weekend service.
Ideal for coffee and homemade treats with spectacular strait-side views…
What began in 1997 as a pan of seawater boiling on an Aga has evolved into one of Wales’ greatest food success stories. Halen Môn’s sea salt, now protected by PDO status and served everywhere from royal weddings to the White House, provides the backdrop for this charming café on the edge of the Menai Strait.
Opened by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and visited by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Tide/Llanw makes the most of its exceptional setting with panoramic views across to Snowdonia. The outdoor seating area, protected by a sturdy Welsh ‘pabell’ (canopy), offers the perfect spot to sample their carefully curated menu while soaking in the vista.
Images via @halenmon
The café champions quality local produce – expect Coaltown speciality coffee alongside homemade cakes that often feature their famous sea salt. Their toasted sesame and sea salt flapjack has become something of a signature, best enjoyed with a flat white or, for those feeling festive, an ice-cold Jin Môr (their own gin).
Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30am until 2:30pm. No booking required. Dogs welcome with treats provided. The café forms part of the larger visitor centre, where you can tour the salt-making facilities, browse their design-led gift shop, or even try their innovative wild seaweed bathing experience.
Any Thai food fanatic worth their fish sauce should already be well versed in the unrestrained beauty of Southern Thailand’s culinary tradition. But for the layperson, here goes; owing to its location with the Gulf of Thailand to the east and Andaman Sea to the west, it’s a cuisine which makes use of the ocean’s bounty at every turn of the rod’s reel.
Expect crab, shrimp and its fermented paste, and both heavy use of fresh chilli and coconut cream, the latter growing abundantly down South. Non-glutinous rice is the staple here, and influences abound from nearby Malaysia and Indonesia.
Anyway, you could’ve just read all that on Wikipedia, right? Should you find yourself in Bangkok, then it won’t take you long to notice just how popular the region’s food has become in the Thai capital. The country’s foodierati just can’t get enough of this lip tingling cuisine, and if you’re keen to join them, then here are the best Southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok.
Sorn
The first Thai restaurant in the world to hold three Michelin stars, and proudly, resolutely Southern to their soul, we had to start here, at Sorn. Now open for seven years, this place has been the talk of the town – no, country – for nearly as long. Sourcing ‘99.9%’ of their ingredients from the south, and supporting countless farmers and fishermen in the process, as well as cooking most of the food in clay pots, you’d be forgiven for thinking this traditional ethos wouldn’t translate into a super-twenty course tasting menu of fine dining.
You’d be wrong; this, quite simply, is some of the finest Thai food in the world, period, Southern or otherwise. The restaurant’s commitment to the techniques and heritage of the region extends beyond recipes and sourcing, all the way to their use of specific cooking vessels and methods – their clay pots are sourced from traditional craftsmen in Nakhon Si Thammarat, while their charcoal grilling uses mangrove wood selected for its particular smoking properties.
Each dish in their tasting menu represents a specific aspect of Southern Thai culinary heritage, from the coastal fishing communities to inland farming traditions. It’s immersive, respectful, celebratory, and utterly delicious. While the menu of course moves with the south’s seasons somewhat, some killer classics remain (even after the recent revamp of the whole menu that arguably finally sealed the deal with Michelin); the famous ‘gems on crab stick’, the pretty-as-a-picture khao yam (rice salad), and the big, generous sharing spread complete with coconut curries and roti grilled to order are – thank the good lord – ever-presents.
Sure, you’ll have to run over hot coals to get a table, but if you’re lucky enough to do so, it’s worth burning your feet for. And mouth; the food is spicy, and all the better for it. Than hai im, na khrap!
Lovers of spicy Southern soul food in Bangkok have been raving about this hugely popular, increasingly ubiquitous Southern Thai restaurant group for years now. It’s safe to say that Khua Kling Pak Sod has certainly played a major part in the city’s love of the region’s cuisine, with its inclusive vibe, keen pricing, and faithfully rendered classics irresistible to Bangkokians of all stripes.
It all started in one beloved family-run joint in downtown Sukhumvit, using family recipes and a faithful connection to the producers of the south, and the formula worked superbly; it has led to several more in Bangkok, the restaurant’s instantly recognisable yellow logo now a familiar sight in the sois and shopping malls on the city.
That’s not to say Khua Kling Pak Sod doesn’t keep things consistent; in every outpost, these classic Southern Thai dishes are unapologetically spicy. Each morning at Khua Kling Pak Sod begins before dawn with the preparation of curry pastes, following recipes that have been in the owner’s family for generations. A chorus of pok-pok’ing, just as much as the morning suat mon, reminds you exactly where you are.
The chillies here come from specially chosen farms in the south that grow varieties known for their intense heat and fragrance. The restaurant maintains relationships with particular fishing communities in Chumphon, ensuring they receive the freshest seafood daily via overnight transport.
The restaurant’s namesake dish – the khua kling; a minced pork curry, stir fried with red curry paste and served dry – throbs with local prik kee noo chillis to an almost nuclear level, and is all the better for it. Their yellow coconut milk curry of crab meat, served with thin kanom jeen fermented rice noodles is another belter; offering less respite from the heat than the name suggests and, though we may be repeating ourselves, is all the better for it.
Perhaps steer clear if spice isn’t your thing. Even with the South’s reputation for chilli addiction, this restaurant does things hot, hot, hot. But if it is your thing, you’ll find Khua Kling Pak Sod to be one of the best restaurants in Bangkok.
If you’re seeking Southern Thai food at its most democratic, make your way over to the Thonburi side of town, and to Wang Lang street for this no-frills spot that’s been feeding hungry locals, medical students from nearby Siriraj Hospital, and the occasional wandering food obsessive, for decades. This is raan khao gaeng (rice and curry shop) dining at its finest – a row of stainless steel trays brimming with curries, stir-fries and soups that get ladled over rice with admirable efficiency.
The selection varies daily but is always resolutely Southern – expect to find the full firepower of the region represented in staples like gaeng tai pla (fish entrails curry) and the aforementioned khua kling. The gaeng som (sour curry) here deserves special mention, particularly when made with tender young taro stems which soak up the sauce just right.
Indeed, the kitchen isn’t toning down the flavours for farang palates here (it’s not an area with many tourists) – locals queue from dawn onwards for their breakfast hit of spice, and you’d do well to join them, as the best dishes tend to sell out by early afternoon. Don’t miss their excellent stink beans with prawns when in season, and if you spot the salted fried fish topped with crispy shallots and bird’s eye chillies, make the appropriate enthusiastic gesture – it’s a perfect foil to the curries.
The beauty of Ruam Thai is in its accessible price point, with most dishes hovering around the 50 baht mark. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that some of Bangkok’s finest food isn’t found in fancy dining rooms but in shophouses that have been quietly going about their business for generations.
Perhaps best of all, just next door you’ll find Phensri, a traditional Thai dessert shop where jasmine-scented sweets provide the perfect ending to what can be an assertively spicy meal. Now that’s what we call thoughtful neighbourhood planning.
Word of warning – sometimes you’ll find this place closed without warning. Best to have a backup nearby.
Phuket is perhaps Thailand’s premier foodie destination outside of the capital, and in a country of such rich, varied and uniformly delicious food, that’s truly saying something. One of the leading Southern Thai restaurants in the city is Raya.
So popular, in fact, that it’s spawned sister restaurants in Phuket in the form of One Chun and Chomchan, and an outpost in Bangkok, named Prai Raya. We’ll pull up a chair here, then, rather than hopping on a flight to Phuket, ordering their wonderful, black pepper heavy (prominent in the South’s cuisine, and reflective of the historic spice trade through Phuket’s ports) moo hong, a dish of stewed pork which is the restaurant’s signature.
Another intriguing find here is the Phuket-style relish of roasted peanuts served in fresh coconut milk. Served with rice crackers for dipping and dredging, it’s a dish that confirms not all of the south’s food needs to have the spice-levels dialled up to 11.
The nahm phrik gapi (shrimp paste relish) is perhaps even better, here infused with a real sense of the south through a variety of citrus fruits – both zest and juice – native to the region. It sings with vivacity, much like the region, and country, itself.
While the restaurant’s Sino-Portuguese interiors might resemble a simulacrum of the original in Phuket, there’s no denying that the Sukhumvit rendition, complete with a garden ready for the brief Bangkok winters, is an agreeable place to unwind in.
If you weren’t fortunate enough to secure a seat at Sorn, then firstly, join the club. But more importantly, don’t fret; you can still sample superstar chef Supaksorn Jongsiri’s take on the food of his childhood at Baan Ice, a more affordable, less exclusive sibling to Sorn.
This certainly doesn’t mean flavour has been compromised or that faithful sourcing of Southern ingredients sacrificed. Oh no, it’s all very much present and correct here. The restaurant maintains relationships with specific producers, including using budu (fermented fish sauce) from a particular producer in Pattani and dried fish from traditional fishing communities in Songkhla. Their curry pastes are made fresh daily using recipes passed down through Chef Ice’s family.
Their stir fried sator bean and shrimp is pungent and punchy in just the right way, whilst ‘grandpa’s’ khao yam is delicate, delicious and (whisper it) almost as good as the version found at their accolade accumulating sister restaurant. What’s more, the gaeng tai pla is as good – no, honestly – as it sounds, and steadfast to the uncompromising, relentless flavours of the south.
With 5 branches of Baan Ice open all day, from 11am to 10pm, seven days a week, you’ll have no trouble securing a seat here. Savour it.
In a city approaching Southern Thai banger saturation point, Janhom stands apart through a sheer, unwavering dedication to tradition. For over two decades, Chef Poonsri ‘Auntie Baew’ Sarikarn has been serving up some of Bangkok’s most uncompromising Southern fare from this modest but totally perfect restaurant in Wang Thonglang.
The gaeng luang (sour yellow curry) here is as good as it gets (both the dish and life). Somehow resist the temptation to order this one with big chunks of crab (defer that temptation for the yellow crab curry, which is ace) and instead have your gaeng luang with chunks of barramundi, poached in the curry on the bone, and coconut shoots, which have the remarkable ability to soak up all that broth whilst retaining crunch and structural integrity. It’s one of the best curries in the city – assertive but nuanced, and with enough chilli heart to dust off the very worst of Bangkok hangovers.
Indeed, unlike many Bangkok riffs on the region’s food that may sweeten their curries to appease local palates, Auntie Baew’s version remains steadfastly true to its Surat Thani roots – bracingly sour, properly salty, and carrying enough heat to remind you that you’re very much eating Southern Thai cuisine. The curry pastes, hand-pounded fresh daily in-house, provides a depth of flavour and ’roundness’ that simply can’t be replicated with commercial alternatives. Or, indeed, a blender…
Don’t miss the deep fried fish with crispy turmeric and garlic (pla tod kamin), a welcome, neutral, fatty counterpoint to all the chilli-forward dishes on the table. The flesh remains tender while the exterior crackles satisfyingly, the earthy notes of turmeric providing a perfect counterpoint to the delicate meat. If it’s on, the deep-fried frog version is even better.
Another much-needed balancing dish that’s essential for your table is the stir fried melinjo leaves with egg (pak liang pad khai), which soothes the most bracing notes of those dishes orbiting the rice. When all paired together, it’s such a harmonious spread, which grips you and pulls you in, not letting up until the final, gratis chilled watermelon hits the table to cleanse everything that’s just happened.
Janhom is somewhat out in the sticks (relatively speaking) and isn’t reachable by BTS, so take the opportunity for a well-earned snooze in a Grab taxi to wherever you’re going next.
Tucked away beyond Chatuchak in Bangkok’s northern ‘burbs, in an area few farang make it to, Beer Hima Seafood presents a strong case for making the journey with its fish tanks and live crabs on display by the entrance, and the promise of fresh seafood within.
Drawing on family recipes from Nakhon Si Thammarat province, the restaurant specialises in Southern Thai seafood preparations that showcase the region’s bold flavour combinations and love of anything that wears a shell as a jacket or house.
The stir-fried clams with chilli paste and sweet basil are beautifully balanced, a rare thing in a dish that often falls too far on the sweet side. The signature prawns with sator beans demonstrates why this often-misunderstood ingredient is so beloved in Southern Thai cuisine – when treated with respect, as it is here, the bean’s robust stank perfectly balances the sweetness of prawns and the rich undertones of roasted shrimp paste.
Many Bangkokians, however, make the journey for the mantis shrimp with crispy garlic alone. They stay for the restaurant’s creative take on frozen beer – served slushy-style – which provides welcome relief from the heat of the dishes. Sure, this isn’t the kind of place you just stumble across, but it’s certainly one you’ll stumble out of.
If you’re looking for a fine dining take on Southern Thai food but you found Sorn’s prohibitively expensive (or, you know, prohibitively full), then Chinatown’s Phukej will see you right.
Sitting pretty in a renovated shophouse five minutes off Yaowarat Road, Phukej (no [sic] required here; that ‘j’ is simply styled after the island’s historical name) offers a contemporary take on Southern Thai cuisine that pays homage to the port city’s unique culinary heritage, weaving together influences from Thai, Chinese and Malay cooking traditions, reflecting Phuket’s history as a maritime trading hub. At the stoves, chef Thapakorn ‘Korn’ Lertviriyavit, formerly of Michelin-starred Nahm and Aksorn, exerts considerable command over the city’s classic dishes, bringing the finesse of those kitchens to the fore.
All of that naturally leads to some seriously fine seafood dishes, perhaps best enjoyed in the signature 11 course set menu – available only at lunch and priced at an eminently reasonable ฿1990 (around £47) per person. A Hoikaddo scallop in a coconut cup (a kind of kueh pie tee/khanom krok mashup) kicks things off in some style, the whole, caramelised bivalve hiding a nugget of fresh pomelo that lightens and lifts the bite. Another early highlight is the golae style mussels, brought to the table mid-grill over individual tao burners and giving off the most enticing aroma of gently caramelising coconut cream. It’s impossible to resist, and worth burning both your fingers and your mouth for.
From the larger plates, the crab curry with betel leaf delivers all the complexity and heat you’ve come to love from the region’s cuisine, but it’s actually a meat dish that represents the restaurant’s signature. Phukej’s interpretation of moo hong (pork belly stew) is that signature – here, the cubes of pork belly are first stewed until tender, and then deep-fried to create an irresistible contrast of textures. It’s an interesting take on a classic, and this far down our roundup, a welcome change from resolutely authentic takes on the Southern Thai repertoire.
For dessert, don’t miss Phukej’s riff on a local favourite – a granita Aiyu jelly with lychee and rose that offers a refined conclusion to what was already an exceptional meal. There’s even a solid wine list for those seeking a break from Singhas on ice.
In a city blessed with so much excellent Southern Thai food, it can be hard to narrow it down to just a handful of places you should bless with your Baht. But we’ve eaten around the city, and endured (it’s a tough job) the fire, to bring you our favourites. Now, what are yours?
First things first; Bangkok can give you the meal of your life on almost any street corner, for just a few sheets of Baht. But with a metropolis of this size, pace and pollution, eating that meal on that street corner may not always result in the most laid back of dining experiences.
Though the idea of going to restaurants and spending relative big Baht on food in Bangkok sometimes feels a little frivolous, this is one sophisticated city, with a culinary scene that’s just as comfortable dishing out multicourse tasting menus as it is pink plastic plates of spicy wonder.
From time to time, it’s nice to take that little big longer luxuriating in this city’s glorious cuisine. In an air conditioned room, back supported and upright in a chair, with a glass provided for your beer, or even, perhaps, with a glass of wine. To take stock of the country, the city and its alluring cuisine. For that, we won’t judge you.
So, with all that in mind, we’ve taken on the unenviable task of eating through Bangkok to give you, in our view, the most essential, scene-defining restaurants in the city. Here is our IDEAL 22; the best restaurants in Bangkok.
Samrub Samrub Thai, Silom
Ideal for a singular, masterful expression of Thai food both past and present…
This intimate, chef’s table experience might boast a Michelin star and a just-announced 29th place on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, but accolade chasing really doesn’t feel like the point at Samrub Samrub Thai.
Instead, expect a deep dive into historic Thai recipes and a regularly changing tasting menu that places fresh focus on a region, season or simply a vibe with each new menu, whether that’s a celebration of a long-lost Southern Thai seafood recipe book or a whole evening of food inspired by the poetry of the Kingdom of Lanna.Though the influences are idiosyncratic, the result is a singular, masterful expression of Thai food both past and present.
At the stoves here is chef Prin Polsuk, who has some serious roots in Thai fine dining, having been the head chef at Nahm in London when it won its Michelin star, the first Thai restaurant in the world to have done so.
On the plate (and in the glass – there will be numerous gratis shots of chef Prin’s homebrewed liquor handed out!), Samrub is all about generosity, with the main sharing spread at the centrepiece of the tasting menu the perfect embodiment of Thai hospitality.
That generous spirit exemplifies the family-style nature of this brilliant restaurant, with Polsuk’s wife Mint running the front of house operations, and chef Prin happily sharing a little background on the dishes you’re eating, as you eat. An appearance on the Apple TV docu-series Omnivore last year seemed to cement their position as a place that means business.
Right now, the January to February 2025 menu feels really special, even by the restaurant’s usual lofty standards; a celebration of Thailand’s less explored Eastern seaboard and its cuisine, which stands in contrast to its neighbours further north in its use of a slightly sweeter, milder flavour profile. Seafood as always plays a prominent part, with a braised abalone, dried bamboo shoot and scallop dish aptly demonstrating the restaurant’s creative, explorative spirit, and just sounding so bloody enticing.
To our mind, this is the best Thai restaurant in Bangkok and, by rights then, the world. The fact that the menu changes so regularly and so emphatically is starting to seriously worry our bank manager!
When is Samrub Samrub Thai open? Samrub is open from Tuesday to Saturday for two dinner servings, one starting at 5:30pm and one at 8pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking well in advance is recommended, which you can do so on Table Check. You’ll have to pay for the tasting menu in advance, by way of a deposit.
How much should I expect to spend? The tasting menu here is priced at ฿3900 (around £85), excluding service charge and VAT.
Closest BTS/MRT? Sala Daeng BTS is a 5 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for precise, Kingdom-spanning plates from one of Thailand’s most exciting young chefs…
Fresh from winning Tatler Best New Restaurant In Asia for 2024, Khaan represents the next step in chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn’s impressively precocious culinary journey. Having earned her stripes (or should we say stars) with a Michelin-starred tenure at Saawaan, the Young Michelin Chef 2021 winner has created something rather special here: a Thai fine dining restaurant that feels both fresh and worthy of a special occasion.
While new Thai tasting menus that ‘elevate’ the world’s most satisfying street food dishes into fiddly little bites are ten-a-penny in Bangkok these days, Khaan is in a different class to the vast majority of them. There’s real skill and craft emanating from the glass-panelled kitchen, visible as you pitch up Soi Som Khit, a young team working away with both precision and beaming smiles. It looks like an agreeable place to work, which is always reassuring when you’re settling in for the evening.
The name ‘Khaan’ – meaning both ‘tiger’ and ‘proclaim’ in Thai – feels apt for a restaurant that roars with such confident delivery. In a sumptuous, red velvet-clad room, Chef Aom serves an 11-course tasting menu that changes regularly, but rather than focusing on one region, each dish aims to celebrate a different element of Thailand’s rich culinary diversity. It’s ambitious, but it pays off.
This is immediately apparent in the opening quartet of snacks that traverse the country, with South, Central Plains, North and East all represented. Though dainty, they pack a proper punch, particularly the genius crab and egg yolk curry that arrives as a single spoonable bite in an egg shell – assertive with chilli heat yet tempered by its decadence. It’s a fine way to start any meal.
Considering the variety of techniques and ingredients that span from northeast to deep south, the menu maintains admirable cohesion despite its geographical breadth – a testament to chef Aom’s delicate touch.
The menu progresses thoughtfully, with an Andaman tiger prawn with homemade pickled lime and tomalley cracker setting the tone early. Designed to reflect familiar tom yam flavours in an interesting way (mission accomplished), it gives way to the meal’s highlight – rice paddy crab with sticky rice. Peel back the grilled banana leaf to reveal smoky rice within, perfect for swiping through a relish of paddy crab presented in its tiny shell. It’s a rich, luxurious, complex affair where rice somehow still manages to be the star of the show, just as it should be.
The tom kha with Barron point and Surat Thani oysters masterfully balances coconut cream’s (and the oyster’s) inherent richness with sharp, aromatic elements, whilst the headlining Khao Yai duck with Paka-Um-Pun rice and five spice curry arrives dexterously seasoned, its rectangle of blushing meat sporting perfectly lacquered skin. A sausage of the duck’s offal underscores chef Aom’s no-waste philosophy. It’s a triumph.
Indeed, sustainability and zero-waste practices are central here (keep an eye out for Plearn, Chef Aom’s casual eatery opening soon which will repurpose surplus ingredients from Khaan). In a neat bit of cyclical theatre, the petit fours revisit the opening snacks in another country-spanning quartet, again highlighting Thailand’s distinct, diverse (and delicious) regionality. It’s a difficult balance to strike, but one that’s achieved with real panache here.
For those keen to forgo any autonomy and just enough the ride, the thoughtfully curated wine pairings (available in both four and six-glass options) and the unique tea pairing programme offer well-judged accompaniments to this culinary sashay across the Kingdom.
When is Khaan open? Khaan is open exclusively for dinner service, from 5pm onwards, every day except Monday, when it’s closed.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking in advance is recommended.
How much should I expect to spend? The 11-course tasting menu is priced at ฿3,850 (around £85).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phloen Chit BTS is a short walk away.
Ideal for whole roast suckling pig, designed for sharing…
Right in the heart of Chinatown, just off Yarowat Road, is an old school institution that’s stood here for more than a century…
…I mean, there are probably hundreds of places that could follow-up that introductory sentence and feel perfectly at home doing so, such is the history and culinary clout of Bangkok’s most food-focused neighbourhood.
Not all of those century’s old institutions in Bangkok’s Chinatown are doing quite such an iconic, photogenic, banquet-worthy dish as Tang Jai Yoo, though. Specialising in Teochow cuisine and famed, more specifically, for its suckling pig, this is a dish (and restaurant) that it’s almost criminal not to try when visiting Yarowat. The fact it deserves a party of six to take it down shouldn’t be considered an obstacle; it’s a sociable place on the streets here, so crack open a beer, make some friends, and bring them along for the ride.
Or, you could simply tackle the whole piglet – splayed open, bronzed and burnished – solo, and then die happy. Either way, it’s one of Bangkok’s must-try dishes, and has a real sense of ceremony to it.
Once ordered (in the past a pre-order was necessary, but no longer), a suckling pig – splayed on a spit – is brought from the kitchen and out to the front of the restaurant, where the charcoal is already burning in a drum. A chef spins the spit frantically over raging hot charcoal, brushing it with oil using what looks like a rag on a stick. Even if you don’t eat here, it’s quite the spectacle to watch as it progressively crisps and crackles.
It’s then brought back inside palanquin-style to audible gasps from the dining room – each and every time. A skilled chef then proceeds to deftly remove the crackled skin with a cleaver before portioning it into bite sized pieces and adding it back onto the pig, like a comprehensive, successful skin graft. It’s all very theatrical and just a little bit macabre; we love it.
By Thiradech via CanvaBy thaloengsak via Canva
The whole pig is then placed in the centre of circular banqueting tables, aboard a lazy susan alongside pancakes, cucumber, green onions and hoisin sauce, the harsh lighting of the dining room only serving to illuminate the main event and hammer home that this is an old school sort of place.
The idea is to wrap only the crisp skin and its suggested adornments in the pancakes. Once those pancakes have been eagerly dispensed with and the skin finished, the suckling pig is then taken back to the kitchen, where the flesh is chopped up into cubes and stir fried with chilli and garlic.
What a glorious affair this all is, but there’s plenty of other bits on the menu to get excited about too, including oyster omelette (arguably better than that version), black olive fried rice, deep-fried mantis shrimp and an intriguing selection of complex, reviving soups. Singhas and whisky flow freely, as if the deal needed anymore sealing.
Closest BTS/MRT? Tang Jai Yoo is a 3 minute walk from Wat Mangkon MRT.
When is Tang Jai Yoo open? Tang Jai Yoo is open from 11am to 2pm for lunch, and 4:30pm to 10pm for dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can make a reservation over the phone only, which requires Thai or Chinese to be spoken. Alternatively, you can pitch up and still get a table – the restaurant has rows of chairs set up outside for customers waiting their turn. Those tables, despite the convivial nature of the place, get turned fast.
How much should I expect to spend? Right now, the whole suckling pig and its accouterments is ฿2500 (just north of £50). It’s well worth the money.
Ideal for an ultra-modern Thai dining experience anchored in tradition and family…
Close to the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bang Kapi, Baan Tepa is one of Bangkok’s most exciting – yet also comforting, soul-nourishing – restaurants. We say restaurant, but Baan Tepa is billed as a ‘culinary space’, home to a chef’s table, a larger dining room overlooked by an open kitchen, a tea experience, and an organic culinary garden of which much of the 9 course tasting menu is built around (ask for a tour; it’s a fascinating living library of herbs, flowers and spices).
Enough of the fluff. Under the pioneering stewardship of chef Chudaree “Tam” Debhakam, the world’s first Thai female chef to be awarded two Michelin Stars and fresh from just winning Asia’s Best Female Chef 2025, the menu at Baan Tepa is a celebration of organic, small batch Thai producers and the country’s rich biodiversity, an ethos inspired by chef Tam’s time spent at the legendary Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Expect highly intricate but ultimately satisfying dishes, each telling a story of chef Tam’s extensive travels across Thailand and beyond. Highlights of our recent meal here included a reimagining of classic Issan chicken liver skewers and jaew, here presented as a smooth parfait but still boasting the heady, earthy flavours of white pepper, garlic and coriander root that makes up the traditional marinade. Alongside, an incredible sourdough brioche whose starter is made from wild rice was complex and crisp. Gorgeous.
Later on, a show-stealer; the signature ‘anatomy of a river prawn’ featuring a whopper sourced from Ayutthaya and its smoked head juices, which was brought back to the street with possibly the best nahm jim seafood we’ve ever encountered. It’s this anchoring of ultra-modern technique with recognisable, faithfully delivered elements that makes Baan Tepa so captivating.
As with several of the restaurants on our list, there’s a personal connection to the space, too; chef Tam’s family grew up here, with the space owned by Chef Tam’s grandmother, Lady Suwaree Debhakam. The space still retains many of its original features, and its warming, welcoming soul. When combined with some of the most innovative expressions of Thai food you’ll find anywhere on the planet, it’s a highly alluring experience.
When is Baan Tepa open? Baan Tepa’s tasting menu experience is dinner only, available from Wednesday to Sunday in two sittings each evening, one at 6pm to 9:30pm, and one at 7pm to 10:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You’ll likely need to book at least two weeks in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? A sprawling 9 course affair is ฿7300 (£168). This price is exclusive of service and VAT. You’ll have to pay for the tasting menu in advance, by way of a deposit.
Closest BTS/MRT? There are no BTS or underground stops close to Baan Tepa. Best get a taxi to this one!
Opposite Democracy Monument, step into the gently faded grandeur of Methavalai Sorndaeng and you’ll find the essence of traditional Thai fine dining celebrated with a grandiosity reminiscent of the nation’s royal heritage.
An iconic restaurant if ever there was one, and now in its seventh decade, the dishes here are delicately presented but full of flavour, with the coconut curries particularly well balanced. Despite its luxurious ties to regal splendour and sophistication, Methavalai Sorndaeng offers an accessible dining experience.
Though once Michelin-starred (they inexplicably lost theirs in the 2024 edition of the guide) The prices are surprisingly modest, with most main courses not exceeding 500 THB (approximately £12), and a selection of others priced even more kindly. The wine is presented with an easy-going charm – a straightforward choice between red or white, always served by the glass – underscoring the exceptional value. The nightly live 80s Thai music seals the deal.
When is Methavalai Sorndaeng open? Methavalai Sorndaeng is open every day from 10:30am to 10pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Though the restaurant can usually squeeze you in, it’s wise to book a day in advance for this one.
How much should I expect to spend? You can eat very well here and drink very merrily, ordering from the a la carte menu, for around ฿3500 (£75) for two people.
Closest BTS/MRT? Sam Yot MRT is a 15 minute walk from the restaurant. Alternatively, owing to the restaurant’s position close to the Chao Phraya river and canals (khlongs), you can shimmy up to the restaurant via Bangkok’s waterways. The closest canal stop is Panfa Leelard Pier. The closest ferry terminal (along the Chao Phraya) is Phra Arthit.
Instead, ingredients and spice levels remain resolutely ‘Southern’ to their soul, with unfiltered fish sauce, premium quality shrimp paste and, yes, mouse-shit loads of chilli all present and correct on the expansive tasting menu.
Right now (as of December 2024), the restaurant has recently returned from a break which saw the space renovated and the chefs take an extensive research trip down south. The new menu is looking refreshed and updated, the doors are now open again and the kitchen is on song.
Dishes that weren’t on the previous menu include an opening gambit of rice cracker with river prawn that’s so much more than its prosaic description, a complex soup of freshly pressed coconut milk and melinjo leaves that’s finished with crab oil, and an extravagant crispy omelette – all puffed up and lacy like an Elizabethan neck ruff – that’s filled with poached lobster. Yep, this new iteration of Sorn is looking even better (and certainly mroe luxurious) than the last – and that’s saying something!
For those keen to try the team’s cooking at a fraction of the price, chef Supaksorn’s more casual Southern Thai eatery Baan Ice has several outposts across the city, and is ace.
When is Sorn open? Sorn is usually open for dinner only every day except Saturday, with service starting at 6pm, although right now it’s closed for research and renovation.
Do I need to book in advance? At Sorn, reservations can be made a month in advance as announced on our social media platforms. Getting a table requires precision planning and setting your alarm. Check their socials for more information.
How much should I expect to spend? The full tasting menu is currently priced at ฿7200 (£156), tax and service excluded. With the third star recently dropping, we expect prices to rise somewhat in the near future.
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 15 minute walk from Sorn.
Ideal for a faithful Roman trattoria experience in the heart of Bangkok’s business district…
Of course, modern day Bangkok’s culinary scene is also home to some of the region’s best international restaurants, and if you’re after Italian food in the Thai capital, then you should look no further than Appia.
Standing as a tribute to the authentic Roman trattoria experience, since opening in 2013 on the bustling Sukhumvit Soi 31 (where you’ll find a couple of the other restaurants on our list, incidentally), this heartfelt homage to Rome has been packed out every night of the week, with diners seeking solace in the iconic Big Four pasta dishes that are synonymous with the Eternal City, as well as the everpresent porchetta that turns slowly on a spit in the window, beckoning diners inside. You’ll find us thoroughly beckoned at the counter more often than we’re proud to admit.
When is Appia open? Appia is open everyday, for lunch and dinner, with the restaurant open all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking in advance is highly recommended, which can be done over phone, email or Line.
How much should I expect to spend? A bowl of pasta at Appia is ฿400 (£8.70), a glass of house wine is around ฿300 (£6.50).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 15 minute walk from Sorn.
Ideal for one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed dim sum lunches…
Located in the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok (and with two other outposts in the city), Chef Man is one of the city’s most popular joints for fans of the food of Southern China.
Master Chef Wai Yin Man, a Hong Kong native, brings his expertise and passion for Cantonese cuisine to the forefront here, his meticulous Peking duck preparation the restaurant’s obvious centrepiece (more than 30’000 have been served across the city since Chef Man pitched up in 2011) but certainly not the only reason you should head here.
For us, the dim sum at Chef Man is the real highlight. Served from 11am every day, this is our favourite brunch spot in Bangkok. The ha kao shrimp dumplings are plump and squeaky fresh, and the signature yam cake – appearing looking a little like a deep-fried coronavirus – reveals an oozing salted egg yolk centre. It’s a real indulgence, with the frenetic energy of the broad open kitchen only adding to the fun. An extensive tea selection is also available.
Arguably the city’s most popular dim sum spot, you’ll want to book well in advance for this one.
For reservations, call Chef Man (the restaurant, not the actual fella) on 02 212 3789, 02 212 3741 or email [email protected]
When is Chef Man open? Chef Man is open everyday for lunch and dinner, from 11am to 2:30pm, and 6pm to 10pm, respectively.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations a few days in advance are necessary, which can be made via phone or email.
How much should I expect to spend? A dim sum feast for two, with tea, will set you back around ฿1000 (£22) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Surasak BTS is just a 2 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ojo is the crowning jewel of Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper, the King Power Mahanakhon, a Mexican restaurant that somehow lives up to its lofty billing with a fully-flavoured, tastefully opulent dining experience. Helmed by chef Francisco Paco Ruano from the acclaimed Restaurante Alcalde in Guadalajara, the restaurant takes its name from the word ‘eye’ in Spanish, and it’s an apt epithet, seeing as the dining room casts its gaze over Bangkok so seductively.
Drag your eyes away from the skyline and into the dining room, which straddles a real sense of glam with something more tastefully refined; the work of designer Ou Baholyodhin, whose sense of suave and drip seemingly knows no bounds. On the plate, things are equally beautiful, with dishes clearly crafted to taste as good as they look. All of this adds up to a sense of narrative and unity that manages to be totally satisfying rather than shallow. At 76 floors up, you’d certainly hope it wouldn’t be the latter.
When is Ojo open? Ojo is open everyday for lunch and dinner, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, and 5:30pm to 11:30pm, respectively. The sunset slot, around 6pm onwards, is highly recommended!
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations can usually be made on the day.
How much should I expect to spend? Ojo isn’t cheap, with starters between ฿500 (£11) and ฿1000 (£22), and main courses in the region of ฿2000 (£43). Wine is equally lofty.
Closest BTS/MRT? Chong Nonsi BTS is just a 2 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for a bookish, beautifully rendered spread from ‘the godfather of Thai food’…
Inspired by the Thai cookbook authors of the 1940s and 1950s, Aksorn takes pride both in its location on Charoenkrung Road, an area that once buzzed with retail and entertainment and is now home to some of the best restaurants in Bangkok, and in its setting, once a former bookshop.
The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of Thai culture and heritage, offering a regularly changing, single-set selection of dishes that reflect the remarkable transition from a rich Siamese past to modern Thailand.
David Thompson, considered by many as the world’s leading authority on Thai cuisine, is at the stoves here (quite literally, on the night we visited last year), drawing inspiration from historical archives and his profound expertise for a menu that offers both comfort and a few surprises. See; the first bite of sardines on toast; heaving with white pepper and adorned with gossamer thin slices of shallot and coriander leaves, it seems to bridge the city and the chef’s disparate elements poetically.
There are more recognisably Thai dishes, too. Expect expertly conceived, highly-seasoned curries that sing with freshly squeezed coconut cream and Thai aromatics at their peak, as well as sweet and salty desserts that are surely some of the very best in town. Thompson is known for his sweet tooth, and this is just the place to indulge in the glorious marriage and sweet and savoury that Thai food is so celebrated for. Pair it all with a chilled, slightly sweet (of course) Australian Riesling, and you’ve got yourself one of the most well-rounded spreads in the city.
When is Aksorn open? Aksorn is open everyday for dinner, from 6pm to 9:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations can usually be made on the day, though you’ll want to book in advance for the weekend.
How much should I expect to spend? The set menu at Aksorn is currently priced at ฿3400 (£74) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 10 minute walk from the restaurant.
Ideal for Thai drinking food and creative cocktails…
Err is the brainchild of the dynamic chef duo Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and her Australian-born husband Dylan Jones. Both chefs are renowned for their commitment to preserving Thai food heritage, with the pair’s globally renowned restaurant Bo.lan considered one of the world’s top Thai restaurants in its pomp.
The couple bring their expertise to Err in Thonglor, focusing on Thai drinking food classics and traditional dishes with a twist. The deep-fried whole chicken skin is unmissable, arriving still fully formed and needing nothing more than a little house sriracha sauce for dipping. It’s one for the ‘gram, sure, but it’s also bloody delicious.
Even more lip-smackingly good with a cold one is Err’s take on fermented pork, neam. A Northern Thai classic, here sticky rice-cured pork arrives wrapped around skewers, its gnarly edges grill-marked and caramelised, its body juicy, rich and full of savour. It’s a truly glorious take on one of our favourite foods in the world.
Of course, Thai drinking food needs drinks, and some serious thought has gone into Err’s. Go for The Laabtini, a unique cocktail blending tequila with laab spices. Created by the team’s no-waste cocktail bar Wasteland, it’s already a classic.
When is Err open? Err is open 11am until late On Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, and 5pm until late on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
Do I need to book in advance? Err is walk-in only.
How much should I expect to spend? The majority of snacks and dishes here are priced at around ฿250 (£5.50).
Closest BTS/MRT? Thonglor BTS is a 5 minute walk from Err.
Garima Arora, the Mumbai-born culinary genius behind Gaa, is the first Indian female chef to be awarded a Michelin star, with a historic second following earlier this year.
Having already honed her skills at Copenhagen’s world famous Noma, in 2015 she moved to Bangkok to work as a sous chef at Gaggan, the highly creative Indian restaurant run by Gaggan Anand that has topped the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list several times.
With the blessing of the big man, Arora struck out on her own, opening Gaa in Bangkok in 2017, with the aim of blending ingredients and cooking sensibilities from the Indian subcontinent with the odd Thai flourish, reflecting her diverse culinary experiences to dramatic, alluring effect.
Having recently moved to a new location close to BTS Thonglor and just round the corner from the aforementioned Err, the restaurant is going from strength to strength, capped off by that second Michelin star a few months ago. We can’t wait to see where they go next.
When is Gaa open? Gaa is open daily, for both lunch and dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book Gaa for the following day, though tables are a little more scarce at the weekend.
How much should I expect to spend? The Gaa experience is currently priced at ฿4900 (£115) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Thonglor BTS is a 5 minute walk from Gaa.
Ideal for a thoughtful, forward-thinking reflection of Bangkok’s Chinatown…
Standing slap bang in the middle of Bangkok’s Chinatown, Potong pays homage to the city’s rich tapestry of Thai-Chinese heritage through its innovative cuisine. This avant-garde restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Pam, the current Asia’s Best Female Chef (whatever that means), who has skillfully woven her family’s century-old recipes with a modern twist, creating an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
The ambiance of Potong is a seamless blend of the past and present, with decor that reflects the elegance of Shanghai in the 1920s, yet pulses with the contemporary beat of Bangkok. It’s a match made in heaven.
Exciting news for 2025: Chef Pam is expanding her culinary footprint with Khao San Sek. This new venture celebrates the five pillars of Thai cuisine – rice, chili, coconut, fish sauce, and palm sugar – reimagining these foundational ingredients with her signature precision. Following the success of her Michelin-starred POTONG, Chef Pam’s latest restaurant promises a fresh perspective on Thai culinary heritage.
When is Potong open? Potong is open Thursday to Monday, for dinner service only, 4pm to 11pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You will need to book a table for Potong, via Chope, several months in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? Potong’s new 5 senses, 5 elements ‘revolution’ tasting menu is priced at ฿6300 (£150) per person.
Closest BTS/MRT? Wat Mangkon MRT is a 5 minute walk from Potong.
Ideal for elite soba noodles you’ll have to set your alarm for…
You better set your alarm bright and early if you want to sample a bowl of some of Bangkok’s best soba noodles. Not because No Name Noodle – suitably mysterious in its moniker – opens early doors, but because you have to pre-book your bowl (one of only 35 made each day) in a kind of Glastonbury T-day scramble for one of seven stools and a satisfied slurp. Only furthering that comparison, it happens to be 9am every Sunday that the chaos unfolds online.
It’s well worth hammering that F5 button;chef Shinichiro Kondo is a master of his craft, with every bowl given immaculate care and attention, a glorious blend of innovation (there’s some sous vide work here) and respect for tradition.
Images via @nonamenoodlebkk
There are only two menu options here; Tokusei Shio Soba, a noodle soup with a seafood base and various toppings including pork and chicken chashu, and Tokusei Kombusui Tsuke Soba, a dish with noodles dipped in kombu dashi and a side of shoyu tsuke soup. Both dishes are crafted with over 30 ingredients, and diners are invited to customise their bowls with additional condiments for that touch of the personal.
Regardless of which bowl you go for, the soba noodles are the star of the show here, a labour of love that boast just the right amount of bounce, chew and earthy grounding. There are fewer more satisfying bowls in a city full of them.
When is No Name Noodle open? No Name Noodle is open every day except Monday for lunch, between 11am and 3pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Oh yes, and it’s one hell of a process.
How much should I expect to spend? A bowl of noodles at No Name Noodle clocks in at around ฿800 (£19).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Ideal for a modern curry and rice restaurant that’s really so much more than that…
Bangkok’s historic Talat Noi neighbourhood, sitting pretty on the outskirts of the city’s Chinatown, is one of the most thrusting in the city, where seemingly not a day goes by without a new cocktail bar opening or an art installation popping up.
Charmgang, now in its fifth year and the recent recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand, exemplifies this new sense of cool in the area, a restaurant that’s both traditional and forward-thinking in its approach, and one of, quite simply, the best places to eat in Bangkok.
Conceived by a trio of ultra-ambitious chefs – Geravich ‘Mew’ Mesaengnilverakul, Aruss ‘Jai’ Lerlerstkull, and Atcharaporn ‘Aew’ Kiatthanawat – who met at world renowned Nahm, the restaurant is nominally a ‘curry shop’, and true to this billing, the curries here are gorgeous, a skilful blend of Thai culinary tradition and the occasional modern technique, all to be enjoyed in a tastefully furnished, artistically minded dining room that shares its energy with the open kitchen which overlooks it.
Yep, you’ll hear the clatter of the wok and the pok-pok of the pestle and mortar while you eat, the perfect seasoning for a graceful, elegant spread. Do not miss the beef cheek panang curry, a celebration of fresh coconut milk as much as it is of chilli and perfectly braised, surrendering beef. Desserts are fabulous, too, so do try to save room.
The team’s success with Charmgang led to the late 2023 opening of sister restaurant Charmkrung just up the road. Taking over the top floor of a nondescript office building (the night-time views of twinkling Bangkok on high are stirring), this natural wine bar and small plates restaurant sees chef Jai eschewing the by-the-book Thai cooking he champions so brilliantly at Charmgang for a more playful approach, focusing on small bites and medium-sized mains that riff on aaharn kap klaem (Thai drinking foods). As the chef himself puts the difference between his two restaurants; Charmkrung “goes with drinks,” Charmgang “goes with rice”.
Highlights on the menu include Jai’s take on kanom krok, here filled with a silky chicken liver pâté and topped with pomegranate seeds and a little wedge of boiled egg, and an exquisitely balanced smoked and pickled tomato salad, adorned with satisfyingly complete batons of crab leg and a load of crunchy stuff.
The fish curry with a pleasing slab of pomfret is served with raisin-studded roti, a nod to the chef’s Southern Thai heritage, while the deceptively simple but flavour-packed grilled cabbage follows a recipe taken from his school canteen. All are matched brilliantly with an inspired drink list, ranging from cocktails that incorporate Chinese herbs and spices to funky natural wines from small-scale labels that are hard to find elsewhere in Bangkok.
The space is playful and fun, with both tables and bar counters making the restaurant equally suited to large groups, dinner dates and solo diners perched at the counter watching the kitchen at work. A refreshingly undogmatic wine list completes the package, mixing both traditional styles and regions with more progressive and experimental wines, while always keeping a keen eye on the wines’ ability to match the complexity of contemporary Thai cuisine.
A year in from opening, and it’s clear Charmkrung is another winner from a team who have an inimitable grasp of what Bangkokians want from a modern Thai restaurant.
When are Charmgang and Charmkrung open? Charmgang is open daily for dinner, from 6pm to 10:30pm. It opens for lunch, too, on Saturdays and Sundays. Charmkrung is open from 6pm to midnight daily. Do be aware that the kitchen closes at 11pm.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations for Charmgang are highly recommended, and usually required for a week or two in advance. Charmkrung is a more sprawling, casual space, and bookings are less essential but certainly still recommended.
How much should I expect to spend? A full spread of curries, soups, salads, relishes and the rest at Charmgang will set you back around ฿3000 (£65), before booze is added. At Charmkrung, small plates range from ฿90-290 (£2-6.50), with larger dishes between ฿190-720 (£4-16). Genuinely interesting glasses of wine are available from around ฿300.
Closest BTS/MRT? Hua Lamphong MRT is a 10 minute walk away from both. It’s just a couple of minutes walk between Charmgang and Charmkrung if you fancy tackling both in one indulgent night.
Ideal for perfectly poised marriage of Mexican-Indian cuisine from one of the world’s most recognisable chefs…
Even those not conversant in Bangkok’s culinary landscape might recognise chef Gaggan Anand, perhaps having seen him on Chef’s Table, or on a a TikTok reel traversing Bangkok via tuk tuk with Ed Sheeran or, you know, having read the entry on Gaa just a few paragraphs previously.
At Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh’s, chef Anand tells the culinary story of a ‘’love affair between a Mexican hometown girl and an Indian city boy’’ via a perfectly poised marriage of Mexican-Indian cuisine that the restaurant has dubbed ‘fantasy cuisine’, realised here by the two head chefs Hernán Crispín Villalva and Roshan Kumar. Trust us on this one; it works.
Here, diners can savour Anand’s signature crab curry, which is now ingeniously paired with Goan poee bread, ideal for pulling through the intricate sauce. The menu also features keema paneer quesadillas, bursting with the robust taste of mutton and toasted spices, followed by pork vindaloo tacos accompanied by a tart pineapple salsa, striking an intoxicating yet strangely comforting balance of flavour and texture.
Both are part of the latest tasting menu, offered at an attractive price of 6000 THB (£130) for two, and served in the fresh setting of the second floor of the eponymous Gaggan Anand restaurant. The atmosphere is laid-back and whimsical, with the interior design drawing inspiration from both Oaxaca and Jodhpur, creating a lively and colourful ambiance.
Echoing this playful spirit, guests are greeted by a bright neon sign as they step into the restaurant, boldly stating that “love should never be mild.” The dishes served here not only match this bold statement but also reflect Chef Anand’s continued passion for creating food that’s as spirited and joyous as ever.
When is Ms Maria and Mr Singh open? Ms Maria and Mr Singh is closed on Mondays, and open for just dinner (6pm to 11pm) from Tuesday to Fridays. The restaurant also opens for lunch at the weekend.
Do I need to book in advance? Reservations are highly recommended, and usually required for a week or two in advance.
How much should I expect to spend? The tasting menu for two here is priced at ฿6000 (£130)
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Inspired by Japanese izakaya style dining, Aunglo by Yangrank is a paean to the grill (‘aunglo’ is a type of charcoal grill in Thai), expressed via a procession of blistered and burnished sticks of seafood, meat and root vegetable that are as delicious as any aunty’s moo ping you’ll find outside any BTS station. And that’s the highest praise we could bestow on a place…
The counter bar here faces an open kitchen where chefs glaze and rotate a series of skewers, all whilst maintaining a decent side of conversation and good cheer, the intermittent licking of flames the perfect clarion call that the glaze is doing its job. Not exactly harming things in the flavour department, that glaze is often a thick, reduced coconut curry, a massaman-coated, barbecued squash a delicious case in point that demands re-upping several times.
Sure, you’ll have to factor in leaving absolutely humming of smoke, but it’s well worth it for the delicate kiss of charcoal that every dish at Aunglo by Yangrak has received, even the desserts.
When is Aunglo by Yangrak open? Aunglo by Yangrak is closed on Tuesdays, and open every other day for both lunch and dinner.
Do I need to book in advance? You can book a spot via direct message on their Instagram, but it’s not often full.
How much should I expect to spend? The big feast of skewers, sides and beers for two won’t top ฿3000 (£65)
Closest BTS/MRT? Saint Louis BTS is a 10 minute walk from Aunglo by Yangrak.
Ideal for neo-Indian fine dining with genuine green credentials…
Billed as Thailand’s first urban farm and zero-waste restaurant (a bold claim that’s a little tough to verify, perhaps), neo-Indian fine dining restaurant Haoma certainly wears its sustainability chops proudly on its sleeve, with a biophilic dining room that merges the outdoors and in succinctly, and a tasting menu built around on-site hydroponically grown produce (you’ll get a tour of the fish ponds and gardens when you arrive) and organic ingredients sourced from their sister farm in Chiang Mai.
It’s an approach where each discipline of the restaurant – the food, winelist, ambience and hospitality – feeds into the next, creating a homogeneous, self-sustaining feel that you can’t help but admire. Both a Michelin star and Michelin green star for sustainability have followed.
That’s not to say that this is purely branding; Chef Deepanker Khosla certainly puts his money where his mouth is. Following a hugely successful, altruistic pandemic project called the #NoOneHungry campaign that has given more than 500’000 meals to those most in need in Bangkok, the chef has now opened Bangkok’s first permanent soup kitchen. Legend.
On the menu back at Haoma, just two choices; a tasting menu of meat and seafood or a vegetarian version, and 15 courses or 11. In the lean, green spirit of the place (smells like green spirit?), we went for the shorter vegetarian option at Haoma, but certainly didn’t feel short changed. This is a precision procession of loosely Indian, pretty-as-a-picture plates that felt both clean and indulgent, avant garde but anchored, the storytelling behind each dish helped along by a series of postcards and artefacts that rest on your table as you eat.
At 3500 THB (around £75) for the ten courser, Haoma also represents an absolute steal for a restaurant that’s surely due a second star in the coming years.
When is Haoma open? Haoma is closed on Mondays, and open for dinner (5:30pm to 11pm) Tuesdays to Fridays. At the weekend, it’s open for lunch too, from midday to 2pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book a table at Haoma the day before.
How much should I expect to spend? The Chefs Tasting menu of 10 courses is currently priced at ฿4990 (£117).
Closest BTS/MRT? Asok BTS and Sukhumvit MRT are a 15 minute walk from Haoma.
Ideal for a meticulous meeting of the Med and the Chao Phraya…
When it was announced that a globally celebrated chef would open a fancy French restaurant in a 5 star hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s culinary cognoscenti could have been forgiven for wondering if another such place was really necessary.
But such is the quality of Côte by Mauro Colagreco, and the unique skills of head chef Davide Garavaglia, that those doubts died down almost as soon as the restaurant had finished its first service, with the spot now arguably the city’s destination fine-dining restaurant for those not in the mood for Thai (fools).
Of course, the pedigree here is undeniable. Mauro Colagreco, whose illustrious career’s highlight is the three Michelin-starred Mirazur on the French Riviera, has brought a slice of the Mediterranean to Bangkok, with a tasting menu that imbues traditional French technique with the odd Thai flourish to great effect. Here, it’s a nine course tasting menu (there’s also a shorter lunch affair) which see the diner put complete trust in the chef.
Whilst we wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise here, the restaurant has a wicked way with seafood, a dish of local sea urchin and textures of cauliflower landing as one of the best dishes we’ve enjoyed in the city, a perfect marriage of sense of place and the chef’s own idiosyncrasies. The panoramic river views certainly do no harm.
When is Côte open? Côte is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and open for both lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
Do I need to book in advance? You can usually book a table at Côte the day before.
How much should I expect to spend? The full nine course tasting menu is currently priced at ฿7800 (£184). The shorter four course lunch menu is ฿3300 (£78).
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 15 minute walk away.
Ideal for Thai comfort food given a respectful, ridiculously delicious reinvention…
The dynamic chef duo Napol ‘Joe’ Jantraget and Saki Hoshino are responsible for some of Bangkok’s most genuinely enjoyable upscale restaurants, from their work at the innovative 80/20 just up the road to their recently opened celebration of Central Thai food at Nawa.
You’ll find that innate sense of hospitality at Samlor, too. Meaning ‘tricycle’ in Thai, it’s a name that hints at the more homely vibes this place exudes, complemented by its bare bricks interior and chalkboard specials menu.
The signature dish here is without doubt the Samlor omlette, an obscene looking thing with a soufflé-like rise, crispy top and runny centre. Served simply with a little fish sauce and chilli, it’s no doubt a knockout, but certainly not the only dish that deserves your attention (of useful note; it can be ordered in a smaller, more manageable version for a third of its usual price).
Even better, we think, is the slow-cooked wagyu beef krapow. Perfumed with deep-fried holy basil leaves, it’s an absurdly satisfying riff on Thailand’s favourite comfort food, which pretty much sums up the restaurant’s strongest suit, we think. Pair it with that omelette in place of your usual frilly fried egg, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect meal. As long as there’s plenty of jasmine rice to hand, of course…
…but to order so conservatively would be to miss out on some of the other highlights, including smoked pork ribs with jaew and a genuinely exciting take on the Laotian salad naem khao tod.
With a local craft beer (of which Samlor has a fine selection) this order will give you change from 1000 THB (£21). That’s some serious value.
When is Samlor open? Samlor is closed on Tuesdays, and open for dinner only (6pm to 10:30pm) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. At the weekend, it’s open for lunch, too, between 11am and 1:30pm.
Do I need to book in advance? You’ll want to book Samlor a week or two in advance, via their Instagram.
How much should I expect to spend? The omlette and pad grapao are priced at ฿300 (£6.50) and ฿400 (£9), respectively.
Closest BTS/MRT? Saphan Taksin BTS is a 20 minute walk away.
Ideal for Bangkok’s most acclaimed omakase experience…
This exclusive traditional omakase sushi bar is the work of Chef Masato Shimizu, a culinary virtuoso whose journey began in Japan and soared to new heights in New York City, where he became the youngest chef to be honoured with a Michelin star at the tender age of 29.
Sushi Masato, tucked away off Soi Sukhumvit 31 (there it is again) behind an unmarked door, brings the chef’s meticulous craft from over 20 years of experience to the forefront, showcasing both his skills and his impeccable sourcing directly from the fish markets of Tokyo to a first-floor chef’s counter. Though that first floor is chef Shimizu’s domain, for a more laid back, languid experience, head upstairs to Raw Bar Masato, where you can order a la carte sushi of the same premium quality as the full experience below.
Securing a reservation at Sushi Masato requires some effort; seats are released on a month-by-month basis, precisely at 00:00 hrs on the 15th of every month for the following month. Amazingly for a restaurant of this pedigree and poise, there’s a takeaway menu of sorts at Sushi Masato; via their website, you can order a bespoke mini omakase box to be delivered to your door for the princely sum of 2500 THB.
When is Sushi Mataso open? Sushi Mataso is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open for both lunch (midday to 2pm) and dinner (5pm to 10pm) Wednesday through Sunday.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, indeed, and it’s something of a scramble On the 15th of every month at midnight, new seat slots for the following month are released.
How much should I expect to spend? The lunch omakase is ฿4000 (£87), the dinner ฿6000 (£130).
Closest BTS/MRT? Phrom Phong BTS is a 10 minute walk away.
Ideal for consistently brilliant Southern Thai food…
‘Do you like spicy?’. The familiar question fired at a farang upon ordering. Sometimes it’s more of a warning: ’very spicy’, or words to that effect. Here, the waiter’s words of caution were conspicuous in their absence; when you come to Khua Kling Pak Sod, you know what you’re letting yourself in for. This is Southern Thai food and as such, unashamedly pungent, ferocious and, best of all, delicious.
The namesake khua kling – a dry pork curry – is unreal. And hot. Abundant ‘rat shit’ chillies are used as garnish and are as forthright as their nickname. All this bravado shouldn’t detract from how good the food is though – it’s brilliant. The blue swimmer crab yellow curry is just masterful. Make sure to order lots of rice to smooth out those rough edges, and you’re set. In a city with new Southern Thai restaurants seemingly opening daily, Khua Kling Pak Sod still stands out as one of the very best.
There’s an art to asking for what you want without actually asking. Whether it’s gently steering your partner towards that perfect birthday present or tactfully suggesting to a flatmate that their music is just too darn loud, the ability to drop hints effectively is a social skill worth mastering. Here’s how to do just that.
The Domestic Dance: Addressing Household Habits Without Conflict
Living with others—whether partners, flatmates, or family members—inevitably leads to friction over differing standards of cleanliness and organisation. One person’s ‘comfortably lived-in’ is another’s ‘unbearable chaos.’ If your housemate’s or partner’s housekeeping falls short of your expectations, the challenge lies in communicating your needs without fostering resentment or coming across as controlling.
Direct criticism (“You never clean the shower” or “Why are you so messy?”) often leads to defensiveness and conflict rather than changed behaviour. Instead, these situations require particular finesse to improve the environment while preserving household harmony.
The preemptive strike: “I’m going to give the bathroom a quick clean before my parents visit tomorrow” gives them the opportunity to volunteer without direct criticism.
The mutual commitment: “Should we set aside an hour on Sunday mornings to get the flat in order together?” frames it as a shared responsibility.
The specific appreciation: “The kitchen looks brilliant when you’ve wiped down the counters—it makes such a difference” reinforces positive behaviours rather than criticising negative ones.
The gentle gesture: Buying attractive storage solutions or cleaning products suggests improvement without verbalising criticism.
The Gift-Wish Whisper: Steering Others Toward Presents You’ll Treasure
When it comes to presents, many of us find ourselves torn between the pleasure of surprise and the disappointment of receiving something we don’t quite fancy. We’ve all experienced that moment of feigned enthusiasm upon unwrapping a gift that completely misses the mark—the novelty tie that will never see daylight, the perfume that triggers a headache, or the kitchen gadget destined for the back of a cupboard.
Yet directly asking for specific gifts can feel demanding and removes the thoughtfulness from the exchange. The solution lies not in direct demands but in the subtle deployment of hints that guide without dictating.
Of course, you could simply share your birthday wish list, which works well for some. There’s still an element of surprise, but it’s guided rather than random. Alternatively (and a lot more fun!), the key is creating breadcrumbs of information that can be followed:
The casual mention: “I saw the most gorgeous leather journal in that shop on the high street. It made me think how I haven’t had a proper place to write since my last one filled up.”
The strategic browse: Open relevant tabs on your shared computer or tablet. The digital equivalent of leaving a catalogue around with corners folded.
The enthusiastic commentary: When watching television, comment on items you love: “That handbag is exactly what I’ve been looking for—simple but elegant.”
The helpful history lesson: “You know what I miss? That scarf you gave me three years ago. That was such a perfect gift—I wore it until it practically disintegrated.”
The Colleague Conundrum: Navigating Workplace Etiquette Gracefully
The office environment presents unique challenges when it comes to addressing behaviours that affect your working experience. From the colleague who microwaves fish in the communal kitchen to the teammate whose loud personal calls disrupt concentration, workplace annoyances can significantly impact productivity and wellbeing.
Yet workplace hints demand the greatest delicacy, as professional relationships can easily be damaged by perceived criticism. The stakes are higher—your career and daily working environment depend on maintaining positive relationships with people you may not have chosen to associate with. Finding ways to address problems without creating awkwardness or hostility is essential for workplace wellbeing.
The general announcement: “I’ve noticed some strong food smells lately. Perhaps we could all be mindful of particularly aromatic lunches?” addresses the issue without singling anyone out.
The policy proposal: “Would it be helpful if we had some guidelines about kitchen use?” allows the issue to be addressed at an organisational rather than personal level.
The positive redirection: “That meeting yesterday ran so smoothly when we all had the agenda in advance. Should we make that standard practice?” frames your hint as praise for good behaviour.
The helpful ally: Sometimes, having a manager or HR representative address issues can remove the personal element entirely.
The Personal Grooming Guidance: Supporting Wellbeing With Sensitivity
Sometimes, the people we care about might benefit from gentle encouragement regarding self-care practices that affect their wellbeing and comfort. This isn’t about criticising appearance or imposing personal preferences, but rather about helping loved ones when patterns of self-neglect might indicate underlying depression, health concerns, or simply oversight.
Perhaps a partner has been working long hours and neglecting restorative routines, a close friend might be unaware that their new fragrance triggers headaches in others, or a relative could be experiencing a health issue affecting their usual habits.
These situations call for compassion rather than judgment, as changes in personal care often reflect other life challenges. When someone close to you might benefit from renewed attention to self-care, approaching the subject with warmth and genuine concern for their wellbeing preserves both your relationship and their dignity.
The wellness gift: Self-care items like aromatic bath salts, a massage voucher, or a subscription to a meditation app can encourage relaxation and renewal. “I thought you might enjoy some time to unwind—you’ve been working so hard lately.”
The shared experience: “I’ve been trying this new morning routine that’s really helped my energy levels—would you be interested in trying it together?” frames self-care as a mutual journey rather than a one-sided suggestion.
The supportive check-in: “You’ve seemed a bit overwhelmed lately. Is there anything I can do to help you carve out some time for yourself?” acknowledges that self-neglect often stems from stress or time constraints.
The genuine appreciation: When someone does prioritise their wellbeing, acknowledge the positive effect: “You seem so much more relaxed since you started taking those lunch breaks—it’s lovely to see you making time for yourself.”
By Africa images Via Canva
The Gathering Guide: Setting Expectations For Social Events
Social occasions—whether you’re hosting or attending—present their own set of hint-dropping challenges. As a host, you may need to guide guests toward appropriate behaviour without making them feel unwelcome or judged. This could mean encouraging punctuality from the perpetually late friend, discouraging excessive drinking from an enthusiastic party-goer, or setting boundaries around phone use during meals.
As a guest, you might need to navigate unfamiliar social expectations or gently redirect conversations that have veered into uncomfortable territory. In both roles, the art of the hint allows for course correction without the awkwardness of direct confrontation or explicit rules that can dampen the convivial atmosphere of social gatherings.
The specific invitation: “Dinner will be served at 7:30 sharp” rather than “Come round about 7” sets clear expectations.
The gentle boundary: “We’re trying to keep this a phone-free dinner so we can all connect properly” establishes rules without targeting individuals.
The helpful hint: “The venue is quite formal, so most people will be dressing up a bit” guides without dictating.
The gracious request: “Would you mind bringing a bottle of something non-alcoholic? We’re trying to be inclusive of everyone’s preferences” steers behaviour without criticism.
The Relationship Reciprocity: Communicating Needs Without Demands
Romantic relationships thrive on attentiveness to each other’s needs, yet directly asking for emotional support or changes in behaviour can sometimes feel transactional or nagging. Whether you’re seeking more quality time together, desiring increased physical affection, or hoping for better communication during conflicts, expressing these needs requires nuance.
The challenge lies in conveying your desires without making your partner feel inadequate or criticised for their natural patterns of behaviour. Romantic relationships require particularly delicate hint-dropping around emotional needs and expectations, as the intimacy of the connection means feedback can be felt more deeply than in other relationships.
The appreciative approach: “I really love it when you text during the day—it makes me feel connected to you” is more effective than “You never text me.”
The clarifying question: “Would you prefer more space at the moment?” can open a conversation about needs without accusations.
The future-focused suggestion: “I’ve been thinking it might be nice to have one evening a week where we properly catch up without distractions” proposes solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
The vulnerable share: “I sometimes feel a bit insecure when I don’t hear from you for a while” expresses feelings without blaming.
The Family Framework: Reshaping Long-Established Patterns
Family relationships come with decades of established interaction patterns and power dynamics that can make direct requests for change particularly challenging. Whether it’s a parent who still treats you like a child despite your successful adult life, relatives who make inappropriate comments about your appearance or life choices, or siblings who revert to childhood rivalries during family gatherings—these deeply rooted behaviours rarely respond well to direct confrontation.
Family dynamics often involve patterns established since childhood that require especially mindful hint-dropping. The emotional stakes are high, as these are typically our longest-lasting and most significant relationships, yet they can also be the most resistant to change precisely because of their longevity and the roles that have become comfortable over time.
The gentle redirection: “Mum, I’d love to hear your thoughts on my new job rather than my weight” sets boundaries without confrontation.
The strategic seating: Placing certain family members apart at gatherings can prevent conflict without explicit discussion.
The advance planning: “Dad, I’ve made reservations at this restaurant that I think you’ll love” prevents defaulting to the same problematic places.
The selective sharing: Giving certain family members edited versions of your life details can prevent unwanted advice or commentary.
The Golden Rules Of Graceful Guidance
Successful hint-dropping adheres to five principles:
Lead with empathy and kindness: Remember that most people aren’t deliberately trying to annoy you.
Focus on the positive: Reinforce good behaviour rather than criticising the negative.
Provide solutions: Don’t just identify problems—make improvement easy.
Choose your battles: Not every irritation requires intervention.
Consider directness: Sometimes, after diplomatic hints have failed, a kind but clear conversation is necessary.
The finest hints are those that feel like caring suggestions rather than veiled criticisms. Master this balance, and you’ll navigate social waters with newfound grace and minimal awkwardness—a skill that benefits both the hint-dropper and receiver alike.
Remember, the art of the hint is not about manipulation but about creating the space for others to make positive changes while preserving their dignity and your relationship. When done with genuine goodwill, it’s an act of kindness rather than criticism.
Perched on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Newquay offers far more than just surfing. While Fistral Beach pulls in wetsuit-clad enthusiasts from around the world, the town has a genuine Cornish character that goes well beyond its reputation for waves. Fishermen’s cottages and Victorian terraces sit on cliff edges above sweeping bays, and in the cosy harbourside pubs, you’ll hear maritime stories over pints of local ale.
You’ll find a real mix of people here. Early morning surfers grab breakfast alongside pensioners planning their coastal walks, and the seafood restaurants serve everything from traditional Cornish dishes to modern cuisine. Life runs at a different pace in Newquay – more in tune with the tides than the clock.
A weekend gives you enough time to get to know the place, but don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer – many visitors do once they discover how Newquay blends outdoor activities with Cornish charm.
Day 1: Beaches, Breaks & Coastal Views
Morning: Surf and Breakfast
Start your day like the locals do – with an early trip to Fistral Beach. Get there at dawn when the beach is quiet and the waves are often at their best. If you want to try surfing, the Quiksilver Surf School has lessons for everyone from complete beginners to experienced surfers, with friendly instructors who know these Cornish waves inside out.
After your surf lesson (or for those preferring to remain dry, a bracing coastal walk along the headland), it’s a comfortable 15-minute walk to Box & Barber Coffeehouse on Fore Street. This speciality coffee haven serves expertly crafted flat whites alongside proper Cornish breakfast fare. Try the Maverick – featuring chorizo, refried beans, hash browns, scrambled eggs, Baja cheese, spinach and chipotle aioli. It’s made using Cornish St Ewe eggs and pork from a nearby farm. The café’s stripped-back interior, with its reclaimed wood and hanging plants, offers the perfect vantage point for people-watching as Newquay comes to life.
Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium deserves unhurried exploration. Situated dramatically on Towan Beach, the aquarium showcases marine life from Cornish waters and beyond, with its underwater tunnel offering mesmerising close encounters with native sharks and rays. The informative staff provide engaging insights into conservation efforts along Cornwall’s increasingly fragile coastline.
For lunch, it’s just a five-minute stroll down to the harbour where The Boathouse serves the morning’s catch with minimal fuss and maximum flavour. Their crab sandwiches – featuring hand-picked Newquay crab meat, homemade mayonnaise and a whisper of lemon – have achieved legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Paired with a crisp Camel Valley white wine (produced just 14 miles away), it’s a quintessential Cornish dining experience overlooking the working harbour. Do be aware that The Boathouse is seasonal and closes for winter, reopening in March.
Afternoon: Town and Tidal Pools
Newquay’s compact town centre is easy to explore on foot. Bank Street and Fore Street are home to lots of independent shops selling everything from surf gear to locally made Cornish crafts. Make sure to pop into Northshore, where you’ll find locally shaped surfboards and eco-friendly beachwear.
As the afternoon advances, time your visit to Lusty Glaze Beach (bit of a weird name) with the outgoing tide. This stunning natural amphitheatre – a horseshoe-shaped cove accessible only via steep steps – reveals expansive tide pools perfect for gentle exploration. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the town centre, but the journey offers lovely cliff-top views. Young naturalists will delight in discovering shore crabs, anemones and the occasional starfish, while adults appreciate the sense of seclusion despite being just minutes from town.
Evening: Sunset and Seafood
As daylight begins to fade, position yourself at The Fort Inn and, if the weather permits, its terraced garden, where panoramic views capture Newquay Bay in all its glory. The establishment dates to 1815, and while its food offering remains solidly in the realm of well-executed pub classics, it’s the location – and locally brewed Doom Bar ale – that draws crowds for sunset appreciation.
For dinner, book well in advance at The Fish House on Fistral Beach. Allow about 20-25 minutes to walk there from The Fort Inn, or consider booking a local taxi if you’re watching the sunset until the very last moment. Chef Paul Harwood’s seafood-focused menu celebrates Cornwall’s maritime bounty with dishes like Newquay lobster linguine and whole Cornish sole simply grilled with brown shrimp butter. The restaurant’s unassuming appearance belies its culinary credentials, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the beach where much of your meal was sourced just hours earlier.
Begin your second day with breakfast at the Pavilion Bakery, where sourdough enthusiasts prepare exceptional pastries and bread from organic Cornish flour. Their breakfast menu changes seasonally, but the constancy lies in quality – eggs from Trerethern Farm, mushrooms foraged from nearby woodland, and coffee roasted in small batches in Penryn.
Afterwards, take the short 10-15 minute drive to Watergate Bay beach, where two miles of uninterrupted golden sand await. Join the South West Coast Path here for a spectacular cliff-top walk towards Mawgan Porth. The route offers breathtaking vistas across the Atlantic, with swooping guillemots and occasional seal sightings providing natural entertainment. Allow approximately two hours for the round trip, navigating gorse-lined paths where coastal wildflowers create a stunning backdrop in spring and summer.
Head back to Newquay for something different at Fistral Beach Surf School – not surfing this time, but coasteering. This combines cliff jumping, scrambling over rocks and swimming in the sea. It’s worth noting that if you’re tired after the morning’s walk, you might want to save this for another day as it takes quite a bit of energy. The qualified guides will keep you safe while you explore the rugged coastline from a completely different angle.
Treat yourself to lunch at The Colonial, part of Tolcarne Beach Village on Cliff Road. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Fistral Beach, crossing through central Newquay. Here, fresh local seafood meets global influences. Their Cornish crab linguine and beer-battered fish tacos showcase the day’s catch with creative flair, while the restaurant’s sun-drenched terrace offers sweeping views across Tolcarne Beach. The relaxed atmosphere perfectly suits Newquay’s laid-back ethos, with friendly staff happy to share tales of the town’s evolution from fishing village to surf haven.
Afternoon: Newquay’s Creative Side
Newquay’s creative community thrives somewhat beneath the tourist radar. Discover local artisans at Circle Contemporary, a gallery showcasing Cornwall-based artists whose work reflects the county’s unique light and landscape. The thoughtfully curated exhibitions change regularly, while the small shop offers ceramics and prints that capture Cornish essence more meaningfully than standard souvenirs.
Continue your cultural immersion at Newquay Orchard, a community-led environmental project spanning seven acres just minutes from the town centre. The volunteer-guided tours illuminate how this former wasteland has transformed into productive gardens supplying local restaurants, while teaching sustainability practices to both residents and visitors.
A Perfect Final Evening
For your last night, start with drinks at Tom Thumb, a great little cocktail bar that uses spirits from Cornwall’s local distilleries. Try their Cornish Negroni made with Caspyn gin from St. Ives and local botanicals – it’s the perfect way to kick off your evening.
Secure a reservation at Cove 24 for your farewell dinner. Chef Andy Appleton, formerly of Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, crafts a menu where Italian techniques meet Cornish produce in dishes like hand-dived scallops with ‘nduja and samphire, or rabbit ragu with fresh pappardelle. The restaurant’s intimate size (just 24 covers) ensures personal attention, while the wine list features thoughtfully selected small producers alongside Cornwall’s increasingly respected vineyards.
End the night with a drink at The Lewinnick Lodge on Pentire Headland. It’s about a 25-30 minute walk from town or a short taxi ride. From the terrace, you get amazing views across the Atlantic, and on clear nights you can see stars reflected in the water. They’ve got a great whisky menu too – perfect for sipping while you decide whether to extend your stay in this lovely part of Cornwall.
For Londoners, Newquay is more accessible than you might think. The train from Paddington takes around 4-5 hours, with the final stretch along the Atlantic coast offering some stunning views that make the journey worthwhile. If you’re driving, it’s about a 5-hour trip down the M4 and A30 – though allow extra time during summer weekends when the roads get busy.
Cornwall Airport Newquay offers a much quicker alternative, with flights from Gatwick and Heathrow taking just over an hour. The airport is only a 15-minute drive from town, with regular bus services and plenty of taxis available.
What many visitors don’t realise is that the airport isn’t just for touching down as a gateway to the region – there are plenty of holidays from Newquay Airport to destinations across Europe. It’s worth considering if you fancy combining your Cornish break with a trip to Spain, Portugal or Ireland. Several tour operators offer package deals that include accommodation and flights, often at competitive prices compared to the more crowded London departures.
The Bottom Line
A weekend in Newquay only gives you a taste of what this town has to offer, with its mix of surf culture and traditional Cornish life. It’s well worth exploring beyond the main tourist spots.
If you have time, take a trip to nearby Padstow for its fantastic restaurants or visit the impressive rock formations at Bedruthan Steps. The Gannel Estuary just outside town is great for walks and birdwatching.
For those willing to venture a bit further, Falmouth on the south coast makes for a brilliant day trip. It’s got a completely different feel to Newquay – more maritime heritage, a buzzing university town atmosphere, and some excellent maritime museums. The 40-minute drive takes you right across Cornwall from the north to south coast.
And if you’ve fallen for Cornwall by now, head west to St Ives where you’ll find art galleries and sheltered beaches that feel more like the Mediterranean than Britain.
Worried about your office’s impact on the environment? Hey, in 2025, who isn’t?
But instead of getting held back by inertia and mired in existential dread, it’s time to get proactive. Adopting an eco-friendly attitude to the way your business, company or office runs can be beneficial on many levels; not only will you reduce your workplace’s carbon footprint, but you’ll promote better corporate responsibility, give a boost to your brand image, and help keep a lid on those spiralling energy bills.
Here, we offer some simple tips on how to reduce your office’s carbon footprint and run a more sustainable office in 2025.
Give Your Computer A Rest
Hey, we’ve all been there; in a rush to leave the office, perhaps with pints on our mind. The temptation at such times (often a Friday, admittedly) is to turn off the monitor and put work to the back of your mind until Monday. Don’t do that; endeavour to always shut down your computer comprehensively, turning it off at the mains and ensuring its plug is off, too.
Go further and enable the hibernation and sleep modes on your computer so that when you step away from your desk throughout the day, your computer does not waste unnecessary energy. Investing in an ecobutton to help you do this as it saves power when you leave your computer or laptop unattended.
Control The Heat & Light
Heating and cooling are far and away the largest contributors to the office energy bill, but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce both your bills and carbon footprint in this respect. Aside from being more proactive with opening windows and controlling airflow, the most energy efficient thing your office can do is to invest in a smart thermostat. Check out more on why you should switch to a smart thermostat here.
Ensure that all lights in your office are installed with energy efficient bulbs and bear in mind the lights may not need to be on all day. Switch off lights in meeting rooms when not in use and make the most of any natural sunlight in the mornings by opening up blinds and undrawing curtains.
Go further, and considering installing smart lighting systems, which have become increasingly efficient and affordable in 2025.
Think Before You Print
Printing endless copies of documents is not only costly but it wastes a lot of energy, too. It’s estimated that a ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees, highlighting just what a good idea it is to pledge to only use recycled paper at work.
Better still is to make moves for your office to go entirely paperless where possible. As reported by WWF “the average UK office worker prints 6,000 sheets of paper a year, of which around 62% is wasted or unnecessary”. As such, endeavour to deploy email, Slack and other online platforms thoughtfully and meticulously to reduce your company’s physical paper trail.
Make Recycling & Waste Disposal Easy
Switching your desk bins to recycling bins and ensuring that they are used correctly should be an easy task when so many of us now recycle at home. Take these good habits into the workplace and really make a difference to the environment.
You should also be thinking about the manner in which your company disposes of other forms of waste that can’t necessarily be easily recycled. Sorting your business waste into separate commercial bins will also massively help out the environment because now your paper and cardboard can be successfully recycled.
Maintenance Matters
Making sure that all office equipment is serviced and kept in working order is essential to energy efficiency. From computers to fridges and printers to microwaves, if an appliance is correctly serviced and kept in good condition, it makes it work more efficiently and results in a lower running costs, too.
On the flip side, if you’re using faulty or outdated energy sucking appliances, then you’re going to be contributing to increased energy bills, a greater office carbon footprint, and, potentially, less clean air in your business premises.
Careless Kettle Use
Speaking of appliances, if there’s one that gets used relentlessly in any and every office, it’s the kettle. Tea and coffee breaks are a favourable time of the day in a busy office, but the kettle is one of the most energy-wasting appliances in the workplace.
Did you know that over a the span of 47-year career, the average British office worker will drink 24,648 cups of tea? In an workplace where caffeine is high in demand, the careless use of the kettle can become greatly unsustainable, so make sure you’re not just boiling a full kettle for a single cup; instead, offer to do a round and encourage others to do the same.
If you are going to make a ‘selfish cup’, don’t overfill the kettle as it will have to use an unnecessary amount of energy to boil the water. Indeed, as reported by The Times, research has found that tea drinkers fill their kettles with twice as much water as they need on average. Don’t be that guy.
Downsize
The days of sprawling, half-empty offices are thankfully becoming a relic of the past. In 2025, businesses are increasingly recognising that maintaining more space than necessary isn’t just costly—it’s environmentally irresponsible. Each additional square metre requires heating, cooling, lighting and cleaning, significantly increasing your carbon footprint.
Consider adopting a flexible approach to your workspace. Rather than committing to a large, permanent office that sits partially vacant most days, embrace the concept of ‘right-sizing’. This means carefully assessing your actual space requirements and adjusting accordingly.
Many forward-thinking companies are now using office spaces that can be reconfigured based on daily needs. Modular furniture, movable partitions, and multi-purpose areas allow you to maximise efficiency without wasting resources. Booking systems for desks and meeting rooms ensure you’re utilising every corner of your space effectively.
For smaller businesses or those with fluctuating team sizes, consider shared workspaces where you pay only for what you use. As the office space rental platform Zipcube sagely intone, these environments typically prioritise sustainability, with many boasting impressive green credentials like renewable energy sources, efficient waste management systems, and thoughtful material choices.
By downsizing thoughtfully, you’ll not only reduce your energy consumption and waste generation but also create a more connected, collaborative atmosphere that may well boost productivity and staff wellbeing. It’s a win for your business, your team, and the planet.
Or, Work From Home
Going green can save money for you and your business. Moreover, it can improve your workplace culture. If you’re looking to take a greener approach to your office, you may also want to consider moving your office entirely. There are a number of co-working office spaces out there taking green initiatives to a whole new level.
Also, consider encouraging your employees to work from home where possible, the environmental benefits of which are many. As Science Focus reports “Working from home can reduce both travel emissions from people’s commutes and save the need to heat, cool, or light offices”.
Forbes also reports that one “study found that working from home four days a week would reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide, which is the main pollutant generated by traffic emissions, by around 10%”.
Become A Certified Sustainable Business
Finally, consider becoming a certified sustainable business. This means taking steps to ensure your operations are environmentally friendly and having the official credentials that prove it.
As the WWF writes, “Becoming certified to the international standard on Environmental Management (ISO 14001) demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement of environmental performance, reducing your negative impacts and increasing efficiency”.
Not only will this show your customers that you’re doing good things for the environment, but it will attract like-minded employees that care, too.
The Bottom Line
Going beyond your office walls can amplify your sustainability impact. Consider choosing suppliers who share your environmental values and use ethical business practices—this extends your green footprint throughout your supply chain. Show solidarity with global environmental initiatives by participating in events like Earth Hour, which unites businesses worldwide in a visible commitment to our planet.
Engage your team more deeply by organising volunteering days where staff can give back to local environments through activities like litter picking, tree planting, and biodiversity projects. These hands-on experiences not only benefit your surroundings but foster team building and a genuine connection to sustainability principles. Additionally, supporting local, small and independent businesses reduces transport emissions and strengthens your community’s resilience.
Remember, creating a sustainable office isn’t just about reducing your carbon footprint—it’s about fostering a culture where environmental responsibility becomes second nature to everyone in your workplace. The steps you take today, however small, contribute to a healthier planet for all of us tomorrow.
Anyone else find themselves watching reruns of Rick Stein’s Secret France and feeling really bloody hungry?
We at IDEAL stand guilty as charged, and if the program has shown us anything, it’s that to get under the skin of French cuisine, one needs to dig deep, to travel rurally and regionally to truly appreciate just how good Gallic gastronomy can be.
Rick certainly isn’t the only lover of all things culinary to report on the country’s food – travellers have been eating their way around France forever, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of books on the art of French cuisine.
Whilst we can live vicariously through all of this literature, imagining the flavours and aromas, at some point a holiday is going to be needed to try this amazing food at the source. So, we’re adding to the well worn, well written road; for IDEAL readers, here are 8 of the best destinations in France for food and wine lovers.
Dieppe
We’re starting as close to home as possible (kinda). A four hour ferry ride from Newhaven near Brighton and a popular holiday destination for France’s beau monde for generations, Dieppe in Normandy has so much to offer. The architecture is beautiful, its maritime history fascinating, the beaches are great and the food is quite legendary.
Dieppe has a well-earned reputation for serving up some of the best seafood in the world in any number of traditional cafes and restaurants that haven’t changed for generations, and just earlier this year, its market was named the ‘most beautiful market in France’.
Head for the marina where you’ll find restaurants serving fresh off the boat things from the sea, with a view of it; and that’s what life is all about, right? Here you can dig into moules-frites and iced platters with crustaceans piled sky high. A must try is the local speciality la Marmite Dieppoise, a hearty fish stew which could give bouillabaisse a run for its bone, bread and butter.
Try this gorgeous dish at its namesake, La Marmite, a Dieppe institution where this classic dish was created. Le Bistrot des Barrières, a contemporary style bistro cooking fresh fish and shellfish with the respect it deserves, is another popular place serving generous dishes by the marina.
Other specialties of Dieppe include Sole à la Dieppoise (sole swimming in a white wine sauce) with mussels, shrimp and mushrooms, and Lisettes à la Dieppoise (mackerel marinated in cider). Etoile de Mer, starfish, is also beloved of locals here and to finish off, it has to be pâté aux poires de fisee – a scrumptious pear pie.
The perennially popular Le Turbot and Restaurant du Port are well worth a visit too and for a Michelin-starred experience, head to Les Voiles d’Or, right on the water’s edge where the ferry docks.
No gastronomic tour of France would be complete without mentioning Provence, the sun-drenched region in southeastern France that has inspired countless culinary traditions. This picturesque landscape of rolling lavender fields, olive groves, and vineyards is a feast for the senses and a paradise for food lovers.
The cuisine of Provence is quintessentially Mediterranean, relying heavily on olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and seasonal vegetables. Perhaps its most famous culinary contribution is ratatouille, a rustic vegetable stew that perfectly encapsulates the sun-soaked flavours of the region. Another Provençal classic not to be missed is bouillabaisse, the hearty fish soup originating from Marseille that showcases the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea.
The region’s markets are legendary, with the Cours Saleya in Nice and Les Halles in Avignon offering a dazzling array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and local specialities. Wandering through these vibrant markets, you’ll understand why so many chefs and food writers have drawn inspiration from this region.
Wine enthusiasts will delight in Provence’s rosé wines, particularly those from the Bandol and Côtes de Provence appellations. These crisp, refreshing wines are the perfect accompaniment to the region’s cuisine and a pleasant way to while away an afternoon in one of the many village squares.
For those seeking a truly immersive culinary experience, there are luxury villas around France that offer private chef services specialising in Provençal cuisine. Imagine enjoying a leisurely dinner of aioli garni (a grand platter of poached cod, vegetables, and garlicky mayonnaise) on your terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, or learning to prepare authentic tapenade from a local chef in your own villa kitchen.
Don’t leave Provence without trying socca, a chickpea flour pancake street food speciality from Nice, or calissons from Aix-en-Provence, the diamond-shaped candied fruit and almond confections that have been produced in the region since the 15th century.
The region’s rustic yet refined approach to cooking has influenced culinary traditions worldwide, making Provence an essential destination for anyone serious about understanding French gastronomy in all its glorious diversity.
Bordeaux is perhaps the most picturesque city in France, with the surrounding wine region revered globally as being the finest producer of premium plonk.
This stunning city and surrounding region in southwestern France is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines, such as Château Mouton Rothschild and Haut-Brion. Touring Bordeaux will allow you to sample a variety of red and white wines and take in some of the region’s beautiful scenery.
The vineyards are spread out over a large area and there are plenty of opportunities to explore, making it one of the most popular places for wine tours in France. Be sure to visit the iconic Château du Tertre, a winemaking estate that dates back to the 17th century and is still producing some of the finest wines in Bordeaux today.
Unsplash+
In collaboration with Mathieu Odin
With the city itself relatively flat and replete with cycle lanes, and the nearby vineyards a bike ride away, this is also one of the best places in France to explore on two wheels, by the way.
You could even enjoy a dedicated cycling tour of Bordeauux’s vineyards, taking in Cadillac, Saint Emilion and Blaye in a single day. Just don’t enjoy too much of the fine wine along the way if you intend to make it back in one piece!
Paris
It’s a bit predictable, a bit cliched, a bit obvious, sure; but it’s known as Europe’s great food capital for a reason, right? It’s a city which smells of food, in the best possible way; there’s a certain aroma of sweet, freshly baked pastry which seems to permeate through every wall and linger on every street.
Obviously, Paris has fine dining at its heart, with easily the most Michelin stars of any European city, but you can eat well here for surprisingly cheap, with the right planning and at the right time; even at some top-end places. If you’re looking for a mid-range option which still delivers knockout food, we highly recommend Les Cocottes.
Or, if you’re looking for a taste of old school Paris, with dirt cheap wine, stereotypically brusque wait staff and hearty food, then look no further than Bouillon Chartier, a Parisian institution since 1896. Finally, for Michelin starred food which doesn’t feel at all stuffy or old fashioned, we just love Septime, in the 11th arrondissement; sustainable, forward thinking and most importantly, ambrosial.
Perhaps the urban sprawl, the Métro, the hustle and the bustle isn’t your jam, but you still want to eat well? If you’re looking for a village in France with that still packs a punch in terms of its gastronomic chops, then it’s got to be Roussillon. Sitting at the base of the Pyrenees mountains, it boasts a reputation of being one of France’s most beautiful villages.
The Russet-red buildings of Roussillon, in Vaucluse, South Eastern France, get their colour from the nearby ochre quarries, and housed within some of these buildings are a number of brilliant restaurants. The area has been a territory of both France and Catalonia and the food reflects it; a glorious amalgamation of influences which will have you eating very differently to anywhere further north.
Snails are hugely popular in the French Catalonia region, and you’ll find Cargolade – stuffed, grilled snails served with aioli – enjoyed in and around Roussillon as something of a street food snack; eat standing with a cold glass of something fizzy for the authentic experience.
Take a seat at one of the village’s bistros and it’s certain that Clapassade will be on the specials board. This nourishing dish of lamb, olives and anise spicing originated here, and perennially remains on dining tables to this day.
And you can’t leave Roussillon without eating squid or cuttlefish, both of which are adored in the region, and finally, French Catalonia’s version of bouillabaisse, which arrives white rather than the usual famous rust colour, because of the copious aioli and egg yolks used to enrichen it, and contains white fish rather than the more common shellfish.
Lyon
Considered to be the gastronomic capital of France, and to many, therefore, the world, Lyon represents a foodie pilgrimage like no other.
The capital of the country’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the city occupies a unique position both at the confluence of two of France’s major rivers, the Rhône and Saône, and sitting at the foothills of the Alps. With the world renowned Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions to the north and south respectively, and the fertile land associated with all these geographical features on its doorstep, Lyon has a pantry unrivalled pretty much anywhere else on the planet.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
And boy, does the city make use of it. Not only does Lyon have a long and rich (so very rich) history of producing some of France’s most celebrated chefs and a whole host of iconic dishes in its arsenal, but it’s also the home of humble bistros unique to the city, known as bouchon. All of this means that you’ll eat incredibly well on your foodie holiday to Lyon, whether you’re dining in a humble brasserie, breaking bread from a boulangerie, or enjoying a Michelin starred meal.
For wine lovers, Burgundy is a must-visit destination in France. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards and wineries, this region is renowned for producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. A tour of Burgundy’s premier producers will provide an unparalleled opportunity to sample the region’s finest and learn about its viticultural heritage.
From the terroir of Côte de Nuits to the grand cru vineyards of Chablis, a tour of Burgundy’s world-class producers will allow wine enthusiasts to explore this region in all its complexity and beauty. Whether you are looking for an educational experience or simply a chance to taste some of the world’s finest wines, Burgundy is the ideal destination.
The region also offers a wide range of activities for non-wine lovers as well. Take a walk through the picturesque vineyards that stretch across the countryside and explore quaint villages filled with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. There are also many activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, and boating along Burgundy’s famous canals.
From the charming architecture to the delicious local cuisine, a visit to Burgundy is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Menton
Menton, also known as ‘The Pearl of France’, sits on the French Riviera and is walking distance from Italy. This prime position, to enjoy the most of the local produce and cross-cultural influence, leads to some incredible food, make no mistake.
Inspired by the area’s unique microclimate (reportedly 3°C warmer than the rest of France) and the resultant, abundant fresh ingredients, as well as its proximity to Bel Paese and the Mediterranean, the cuisine here has a personality all of its own; largely seafood and vegetable led, light-as-you-like and worth the trip alone to sample.
The jewel in Menton’s crown is Mirazur, a 3 Michelin-starred restaurant run by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, which was last year named as the world’s best in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant List. Refined, delicious and boasting incredible views of mountain and sea, it’s going to cost you; the tasting menu is around £300 per head. Interestingly, an episode of the UK Masterchef Professionals Finals week occurred here; check it out for an insight into the glorious cuisine of the region!
If that’s a little out of your price range or you simply fancy something more traditional, then a meal on the terrace of Le Bistrot de Jardins, which has been serving fresh, fantastic Mediterranean food for forty years and counting, is definitely worth checking out.
Citrus fruit is ubiquitous in Menton and the stuff here is considered some of the finest in the world. Head to one of the town’s markets or boutique shops to try Calissons, an almond biscuit often garnished with candied lemon, and finish with a limoncello, as popular on this side of the border as further up the road in Italy. At Au Pays De Citron, on Rue Saint-Michel, they sell some of the finest limoncellos in the world.
In a place with such a stellar reputation for fresh produce, perhaps the most foodie thing you could do in check out the self catering resorts available in the region, head to the markets on either side of the border, and cook up your own Michelin starred feast at just a fraction of the price.
Routinely named as the world’s best salad, som tam is one of the best recognised dishes in the Thai food canon and eaten all over the country in different forms, guises and levels of pugency. Green papaya, although not essential to qualify as a som tam, is usually the basis of the dish, along with a spicy, sweet, salty and sour dressing.
To be pounded to order, this sharp, assertive dish is beloved of Bangkokians and as such, can be found on most streets in the city. Want the best version? Well, we’re more than happy to narrow down the options to just the best, with this; our 8 of the best places to eat som tam in Bangkok.
Zao Ekkamai
If you’re at all online in Bangkok, you’ll no doubt have seen Zao’s lycopene-flush cubes of watermelon adorning your Instagram feed in the last year. Dressed in the restaurant’s funky yet refined pla ra (fermented fish sauce) and sprinkled with fragrant ground roasted rice, it’s a dish designed to smooth the edges of a balmy day in Bangkok, both refreshing and invigorating in equal measure.
But don’t let that dish’s ubiquity take away from the superlative range of som tam served at this trailblazing nu-Issan joint. These are truly some of the best papaya salads we’ve had in Bangkok, Ubon or anywhere else for that matter, chef Eve Palasak’s gently innovative touch never detracting from the soul of a satisfying plate of som tam.
Go for the tam pa, roughly hewn and given heft via hoy cherry, hairy eggplant and other textural, pleasingly bitter delights. And do not leave without trying the exemplary pla som – fish fermented until pleasingly sour, here wrapped in a banana leaf, skewered and grilled. It’s a salty, smoky, piquant treat that we’re still getting our head around!
Here you’ll find Michelin-starred Haoma rubbing shoulders with the celebrated Roman trattoria Appia (among our favourite Italian restaurants in the city) as well as the acclaimed Ministry of Crab and Thaan Charcoal Cooking.
Further down the road, world famous Gaggan is still doing his groundbreaking thing, with its excellent sibling restaurant Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh on the floor above arguably even more enticing.
With Michelin stars and global names dotted along the road, you’d be concerned that there may not be room for a humble Isaan restaurant, but Baan E-sarn Muangyos has been delighting the punch-drunk punters of Sukhumvit for as long as we can remember.
Here, the som tam is roughly shredded in the true North Eastern style, the dressings are funky, and the vibe boisterous – the restaurant doesn’t shut its doors until 4am. Accordingly, expect to see the good and the great of the Bangkok restaurant scene dining here once service is over.
There are 29 different types – at the time of writing – of som tam at this wildly popular Sathon joint (though other branches in the city exist, this is our favourite).
When you enter – or, even as you approach in fact – the ubiquitous chorus of pounding pok poks indicates you’ve arrived. Go for a salted duck egg version, or one paired with sweet pork and kanom jim noodles.
High levels of spice are guaranteed, so make sure sticky rice is to hand. Harmonious som tam accompaniments like grilled meats and laap are served with skill, too.
There’s a temptation to begin this entry with an aside about Laab Ubon being ‘made famous by Dua Lipa’, the British superstar having recently dined here whilst in town for her sellout show at the Impact Arena, as part of her Radical Optimism world tour. But that would be to suggest that Laab Ubon wasn’t already famous.
With its sprawling dining room and equally sprawling opening hours, it’s amazing that the place manages to always be full, but that’s testament to the satisfying spread of Isaan classics available at Laab Ubon. Don’t be fooled by the name; you’re not here for the eponymous dish only. There’s always a good range of som tam, both in North Eastern and Bangkok styles, as well as grilled chicken, salt-crusted fish and so much more.
Though the actual som tam isn’t the best version in Bangkok (or indeed, on our list) the vibe at Laab Ubon is unparalleled, whether you roll in at 5pm or 4am. Hey, you could do both – for a late lunch and a late dinner. Or, you could even call the latter breakfast!
Somtum Der’s New York sister restaurant made big news in 2016 by winning a Michelin star, then losing it (reduced to a Bib Gourmand) the following year. The original is in Silom, and was awarded a Michelin plate in Bangkok’s inaugural guide.
The room is bright and airy, with an always occupied mezzanine and youthful vibe perfect for sinking a few singhas and enjoying the Northern Eastern hospitality. The place has the feel of a fast food joint, in menu design and speed of service, but as a place for entry level som tam, it’s perfect.
As a general rule, ‘Thai’ or ‘Bangkok’ versions of som tam tend to be sweeter, with renditions which hail from the Northeast of Thailand (Isaan) or Laos leaning towards the pungent and with minimal sugar.
Phed Phed proudly falls into the latter camp, serving up uncompromisingly spicy, insanely delicious food from the country’s north east. This, it is said, is where som tam originated, making the journey over the border from neighbouring Laos. Fermented fish sauce (nam pla ra) and a rougher chop of papaya indicate you have yourself an Isaan version, and at Phed Phed, the som tam Isaan is as good as it comes.
Stay for a whole host of other amazing dishes, but do reserve in advance; this place is seriously popular with locals and walking in will only lead to disappointment.
When speaking of the perfect, quick Thai lunch, the ‘holy trinity’ is often mentioned; sticky rice, grilled chicken, and of course, som tam. Lay Lao in Bangkok’s hip Ari district provides all three. Being a restaurant with links to the seafood mecca of Hua Hin, many of the som tams have a pleasing shellfish bent; there’s a black crab,dried clam and squid version which notches high on both the saline and satisfying levels.
The ‘Queen of Som Tam’ has earned her culinary crown at this Silom Issan salad and grill shop with super fiery som tams made out front and good vibes within. It’s always full at lunch, a hugely popular spot for office workers, so go there at 11am or 2pm to avoid the rush.
This is real deal Lao leaning som tam with fermented fish sauce and other delicious accoutrements of the region like paddy crab and apple snails. Ordering ain’t easy, as the menu is a do-it-yourself checklist only in Thai, but the staff are super friendly and more than willing to help. A must visit.
With a shiny new crop of Michelin stars (retained, admittedly) cementing its status as a serious food city, Dublin’s restaurant scene has never been more exciting. Skip the tourist traps of Temple Bar and the unrelenting crowds of Grafton Street in favour of the city’s best restaurants, and you’ll be met with everything from live-fire cooking to natural wine bars, all which wouldn’t feel out of place in Copenhagen, Catania or Cadiz. But honestly, why do we need to compare the Irish capital’s food scene to any across the Channel? Dublin’s is very much its own thing, and all the better for it.
Anyway, let’s stop chuntering on; you’re here for cold, hard recommendations. So, here’s where to eat in Dublin…
Note, Fenian Street
Ideal for wine enthusiasts who appreciate thoughtful cooking without pretense…
Hiding in plain sight on the edge of Fenian Street, close to Trinity College, Note pulses with a nocturnal energy, as a mix of after-work wine enthusiasts and serious diners fill the wedge-shaped space with a gentle conviviality that’s at odds with the pint chugging down the road at Temple Bar.
The dining room pulls off that tricky balance between buzzy and intimate, with the kind of lighting that makes everyone look their best as it shimmies off the mahogany tables. While many come for the meticulously chosen wine list – featuring everything from grower champagnes to hard-to-find natural wines – the kitchen more than holds its own.
Mackerel tartine, pickled onion, aioli Images via @notedublin.com
The menu changes regularly with the seasons (in 2025, we’d be worried if it didn’t) but maintains a comforting bistro sensibility bolstered by careful technique: a starter of chicken liver parfait might come brightened with salted greengage, while a whole butterflied mackerel tartine comes dressed in that gorgeous Sicilian agrodolce tangle of pickled onions, capers, golden sultanas and pine nuts. Winner, winner, fish dinner.
Their eight classic cocktails are executed with the same precision as everything else here, and unlike many of Dublin’s top spots, they’ll welcome you on a Monday evening. The perfect excuse for welcoming a new week with a Bourbon Milk Punch, don’t you think?
Ideal for witnessing culinary artistry in unexpected surroundings…
In what must be one of Dublin’s most surprising fine dining locations, chef Damien Grey’s tiny restaurant hidden within Blackrock Market (Dublin’s oldest and a half hour’s drive from the city centre) delivers tasting menus of remarkable precision and creativity.
The three-hour dining experience at Liath (Irish for ‘Grey’) unfolds like a carefully orchestrated performance, with Grey himself often serving and explaining dishes that might appear on the menu for mere days before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Or, more likely, simply evolving into something new and delicious…
Image via @liathrestaurant.com
Grey’s philosophy centres around the five elements of taste, with each dish building upon the last in a carefully considered progression. It’s wonderfully, refreshingly light, and fortunately free from the curse of too much umami (‘too-mami?’) that seems to blight many a contemporary restaurant.
Things are decidedly more measured here, as you’d expect for a tasting menu priced at €180 per person. It’s a significant investment, but the intimate setting (you’ll be one of just a handful of diners) and Grey’s engaging presence make it well worth your time. The two Michelin stars above the door confirm Liath’s many diverse talents. He should’ve called the restaurant ‘50 Shades of Liath’, surely?
Smithfield’s Fish Shop proves that sometimes the simplest concepts yield the most satisfying results. This intimate spot elevates the humble fish supper into something extraordinary, not via unwelcome innovations involving syphoned batter or confit potato terrines, but rather with a daily-changing selection of pristine catches from Irish waters.
Grab a perch (not from the fryer, you fool!) at the snug counter for the full experience – watching the kitchen team expertly prepare everything from delicate raw dishes to their signature beer-battered fish.
Images via @fishshopbenburb
The cooking is precise yet unfussy: plump oysters arrive gleaming, smoked haddock croquettes deliver satisfying crunch against custardy centre, while the main event of perfectly golden whiting, haddock or plaice comes with hand-cut chips that would make a Parisian bistro proud. Scrap that; they would make your local chippy proud – these are the kind of chippy chips that would feel most happily at home turning a sheet of greaseproof translucent.
Pulling you back into the room and reminding you that you’re in a restaurant, the thoughtfully assembled wine list leans toward crisp whites and sherries, though their selection of skin-contact wines offers some intriguing pairings for an increasingly tuned-in Dublin crowd.
Under the watchful gaze of Dublin’s Four Courts, Spitalfields isn’t claiming to reimagine, reinvent or refine what pub food can be. Instead, they’re simply intent on making it the best it can be. Dare we say, they’ve succeeded in their mission…
The kitchen’s crown jewel is their sharing pie – a magnificent creation of burnished, latticed pastry concealing a rich filling of chicken, leeks, and wild mushrooms, given depth (but somehow also lightened) by madeira and prunes. While the pie justifiably steals headlines, the rest of the menu shows equal finesse: plump hand-dived scallops, a perfectly golden and unfussy pork schnitzel, and a côte de boeuf that hits the white paper tablecloth with an authoritative thunk. One suspects The Devonshire might have spent a few RND trips in the dining room here….
Come Thursday lunchtime, Spitalfields’ Dublin Coddle – that classic combination of sausage, bacon, and potato that’s had London all in a befuddled fluster recently – draws locals who understand that sometimes tradition needs no improvement. And with that statement still reverberating still catching in the back of our throats, it’s time for another gold-standard Guinness.
Ideal for watching Dublin’s culinary evolution in real time…
Allta has finally found its permanent home in a spacious dockside building, after years of successful pop-ups and festival appearances around the city. The space cleverly divides into two distinct personalities: by day, it’s a bright, airy lunch and coffee spot, but as evening falls, it transforms into something altogether more atmospheric. The industrial-chic cocktail bar pulses with energy from live DJs, while the separate dining room centres around an open kitchen where counter seats offer the best views of the action.
From the former’s ‘bar food’ menu, Cromane Bay oysters, dressed with lime mignonette and hot sauce, are plump and pristine, whilst the Allta cheeseburger is a decadent number that deploys dry-aged Jersey beef in a truly chunky patty. The restaurant proper’s menu shows off Allta’s more serious side, with chef Niall Davidson’s experience brings with it a big, bruising, protein-led affair that culminates in a whole suckling pig for four to share. Yours for £150.
Whichever way you play it, don’t miss out on the superb cocktails here. Each drink tells its own story of Ireland – from the ‘Skellig Michael’, which celebrates native Irish apples with gin and Stillgarden glas (Ireland’s first green herbal liqueur), to ‘Sherkin’, which pays homage to Ireland’s ancient maritime trade routes with toasted rice vodka and yuzu. Save room, too, for their nostalgic take on soft-serve ice cream for dessert – it’s comfort food elevated to new heights.
Ideal for nights when the wine matters as much as the food…
The latest venture from Dublin’s restaurant powerhouse the Bereen brothers demonstrates their continued ability to read the city’s pulse. An evening here flows effortlessly from early evening snacks to full dinner service, accompanied by an all-natural wine list that makes conventional vintages feel positively old hat.
The menu spans around 10 small plates that showcase Irish ingredients through a global, crowd pleasing lens – their Kilkee crab rosti with pepper veloute, and the glazed pork tostadas, both epitomise the style perfectly.
The space, inspired by Tokyko’s listening bars, boasts a serious sound system spinning choice vinyl, bringing an enveloping, intimate quality to proceedings. The single dessert option – currently a lemon posset with hibiscus poached plum – reliably climaxes in pure pleasure.
Ideal for experiencing Irish fine dining at its absolute peak…
In a stately Georgian dining room on Parnell Square, chef Mickael Viljanen has created something truly special at Chapter One, a restaurant that many insiders and chefs believe to be Ireland’s finest.
Since taking the helm in 2021, the Swedish-born, Finnish-raised chef has propelled the restaurant to two Michelin stars by combining Nordic precision with sublime Irish ingredients. It’s a match made in heaven.
While the €215 evening tasting menu is an elaborate (and premium) affair, the three-course lunch (€90) offers a more accessible way to experience creations like his signature Mossfield Gouda steamed soufflé with macadamia, truffle and Vin Jaune. Service moves with balletic grace through the elegant space, and the dedicated Irish coffee trolley provides a fittingly theatrical finale to what’s certain to be a memorable meal.
Ideal for channeling Spanish energy with Irish produce…
Grand Canal (nope, never gonna use official name) be damned; the counter seats at Uno Mas offer Dublin’s best dinner theatre experience – watching the kitchen team navigate an always full-on service while turning out plate after plate of Spanish-influenced perfection never fails to be impressive.
The menu builds from ‘para picar’ nibbles through to more substantial plates. It’s actual ‘starters’ and ‘mains’ here, rather than tapas, but the delivery demonstrates a keen understanding of both Spanish tradition and Irish ingredients nonetheless.
The tortilla is pitch perfect, the croquetas the right side of runny, and the daily specials showcase whatever’s best from land or sea. But it’s when Uno Mas takes the brakes off and goes a little off-piste that things really get interesting; a recent porchetta tonnato garnished with beer pickled onions and crispy pig’s ears was one of the most straight-up satisfying, sinful platefuls we’ve had in a long time. And if the burnt basque cheesecake with local rhubarb is on, ignore the suspicion that the dish has been ruined by ubiquity. This one is a gold standard version.
A serious sherry collection and vermouth-forward cocktail list complete the Iberian experience, though the warm hospitality is distinctly Dublin.
Ideal for sating the desire for dumplings in style…
Behind a modest shopfront on Aungier Street, BIGFAN delivers on its straightforward premise: carefully crafted Sichuan, Taiwanese and Korean dishes in a bright, brash but strangely intimate setting. The team exercises a degree of restraint with the menu – a focused selection of dumplings, bao, and xiaochi (small eats) that showcases kitchen’s dexterity rather than overwhelming with choice.
It’s a place where dinner often starts with “we’ll have one of everything” and ends with “should we order those dumplings again?” The space buzzes with chatter and the gentle thud of dumpling baskets hitting tables, while the aroma of star anise and ginger drifts from the open kitchen.
Come with friends, order widely, and don’t skip the ‘Couples Beef’ xiao chi dumplings – packed with honeycomb tripe and tongue, it hums with depth and intrigue, and has you resenting the more MOR dumpling choices you’ve made up to this point. This is food worth getting possessive over – the kind where you’ll find yourself strategically positioning the last dumpling just out of your dining companion’s reach.
Ideal for discovering how good car park dining can be…
Trust Dublin to turn a car park entrance into one of its coolest dining destinations. Amy Austin’s industrial-chic setting provides the backdrop for seriously accomplished cooking. Forgive the fish bowl nature of the frontage; the massive pane of glass, exposed concrete and pipework of the space is softened by clever lighting and the warmth emanating from the open kitchen.
Small plates show global influences executed with precision. The scallop crudo and Moroccan-spiced lamb are standouts, and with nothing on the menu priced much over €20, it’s one of Dublin’s cheaper ‘destination’ restaurants. The wine-on-tap program makes decent vintages more accessible, carrying through that sense of inclusivity to its natural conclusion. The whole enterprise proves that sometimes the best restaurants pop up in the least likely locations.
These restaurants showcase Dublin’s culinary confidence in full flow. You’ll find them scattered throughout the city’s neighbourhoods – many just a short stroll from Dublin’s free walking tours – the grounds of St. Stephen’s Green, and the weekend bustle of food markets.
Whether you’re seeking technical perfection or soulful cooking, Dublin’s food scene continues to surprise and delight at every turn.
If your ideal workout involves staying at home – with the bath just seconds away to soothe those aching muscles – then you’ve come to the right place…
There are many reasons people put off going to the gym. Some of us are gym-timidated and despise working out in public. Others avoid going as they hate fellow gym goers leaving equipment dirty and sweaty. Or, they just hate fellow gym goers. Others still don’t go as they have a phobia of lycra (true fact).
Here at IDEAL, one of the main things that put us off going to the gym is actually getting there – if it’s raining, consider the gym visit skipped for the day.
There is, of course, another way (you’ve already read the title, haven’t you?). A place where there’s no need to worry about looking presentable or finding matching socks. Somewhere you can groan, grunt, sweat and sigh in peace, all without judgmental glances. Somewhere there’s no waiting for equipment or awkwardly avoiding eye contact with that fella who’s hogging the machine you need. A place where you can experience the joy of blasting your favourite tunes without headphones in. Enter the home gym.
If recent years have taught us anything, it’s that having a dedicated space to exercise at home isn’t just convenient – it’s sometimes essential. The massive surge in home gym setups during lockdown proved that with the right equipment and space, you can maintain your fitness routine whatever the circumstance.
Yep, the home gym has many positive attributes. And perhaps the best is that you save money in the long run. No more monthly fees or that off putting commute. Sure, the upfront cost might make your wallet weep a little, but think of it as an investment in your health and sanity. If you’ve been convinced to leave the hustle and bustle of a public gym for the comfort and convenience of a home gym, here are our top tips on how to create the ideal gym at home.
Deciding Between A Purpose-Built Space & A Garage Gym
While of course you can set up your home gym in the spare bedroom, we’re talking about the ideal home gym today, so that means a dedicated space. A purpose built garden room or a metal steel structure is ideal here. These structures provide a separate and private space, allowing you to focus on your workouts without distractions.
When it comes to planning permission, if your gym is single storey, less than 2.5 metres in height and occupies less than 50% of your garden area, then you’re likely in the clear. However, if you’d like a larger home gym, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
Be sure to add traditional gym flooring which usually consists of squares of strong rubber flooring made from shock absorbent foam with a layer of rubber on top.
Proper lighting is also essential for creating an inviting and motivating atmosphere in your home gym. Install bright, adjustable LED lights to ensure optimal visibility during workouts. Additionally, consider adding task lighting near mirrors or specific workout stations for focused illumination. Oh, and you’ll want your gym to be insulated for year round use.
For those considering a garage conversion, you’re already starting with a solid foundation. Garages typically offer ample space and often come with electrical connections already installed. Just ensure your garage is properly weatherproofed and insulated, as these spaces can get quite cold in winter and rather warm in summer. The concrete floor in most garages provides an excellent base for laying gym flooring, though you’ll want to check for any dampness issues first.
A well-designed home gym can greatly enhance your fitness journey and help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Mirrors are crucial to the setup of your ideal home gym as they serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they enhance the visual appeal of the space, making it feel more open and spacious. Secondly, they allow you to monitor and correct your form during exercises, reducing the risk of injuries.
Install mirrors strategically to cover the walls or specific workout zones. Choosing an acrylic mirror or plastic mirror is sufficient, however in the ideal gym you’ll want a thick sheet of mirror glass installed by a professional. As you may have noticed, gym mirrors are often designed to tilt forward slightly at the top, enhancing the impression of the post-workout ‘pump’. You might want to do the same!
We don’t need to tell you that staying hydrated and fueling your body is vital for a successful workout. As such, it’s pretty much obligatory to create a hydration and fueling station in your home gym. Not only does it eliminate the need to leave the gym area frequently, it will help you maintain focus and intensity during your sessions.
In your ideal home gym, you’ll want to incorporate a water cooler or dispenser to ensure easy access to H20. You may also want to add a fridge so you can store bottles of Pocari Sweat, Upbeat protein drinks, NOCCO (aka the ‘Red Bull of sports drinks’) or whatever your chosen sports drink of choice is. Better yet, consider adding a vending machine with a variety of your favourite thirst quenching sports drinks on display, ready to replenish and energise at the press of a button.
Oh, and don’t forget the snacks and so you can fuel your workouts, from a pot of peanut butter to protein bars and to bananas, pre and post workout snacks are important as they can help you perform better and recover faster.
Ventilation & A View
Proper ventilation is essential to maintain a comfortable and fresh environment in your home gym. Consider installing big windows or sliding doors to allow natural light and fresh air to circulate. Adequate ventilation not only enhances the overall ambiance but also helps regulate temperature and minimise odours.
If you’re working with a garage space, consider installing a garage door with windows or even replacing the entire door with a glass-paneled version to bring in natural light while maintaining privacy.
On top of that, you’ll want a decent view of the garden. Think floor-to-ceiling windows installed with panoramic vista of your garden in mind. Oh, the luxury!
The Equipment
Cardio, and that all important heart rate raising is hugely, undeniably, demonstrably beneficial to both our physical and mental health. You’ll therefore want a mix of cardio machines and strength-building equipment.
The last thing you want is for your home gym to look cluttered and messy. Efficient organisation of gym equipment is crucial for maximising space and ensuring safety. Install shelving systems or racks to store and display your weights, dumbbells, resistance bands, and other accessories.
For garage gyms, take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted garage storage solutions that keep your equipment organised while leaving floor space free for workouts. This not only keeps the area clutter-free but also makes it easier to locate and access the equipment during workouts.
Meditation & Yoga Corner
To achieve a well-rounded fitness routine, dedicate a corner of your home gym to meditation and yoga practices. This serene space can be adorned with calming decor, yoga mats, bolsters, and meditation cushions. Incorporating mindfulness exercises into your workout routine promotes mental well-being and complements physical fitness.
Sound System & TV Screens
It’s no secret that music can greatly enhance your workout experience by providing motivation and energy. But let’s be honest here; the music that they blare out at the gym isn’t really to anyone’s taste.
Luckily, in your own home gym, you can play the type of music that you truly want to listen to. To do so, you’ll need to install a sound system or portable speakers within your home gym to enjoy your favourite playlists or upbeat workout music. Oh, and at least one TV screen is essential so you can play your YouTube workouts or catch up on the latest episode of your favourite Netflix show.
A Cosy Seating Area
Creating a cosy seating area within your home gym isn’t essential – but it’s a very nice thing to have. Firstly it provides a space for relaxation and recovery between exercises or after a particularly intense session. But perhaps more importantly, it provides a spot to hide in when the family and inlaws are round. You can excuse yourself that you’re going to workout, even if you don’t have any intention of doing so.
Temperature Control & Climate Management
Creating the perfect workout environment means maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round. Whether you’ve opted for a purpose-built space or converted your garage, proper climate control is essential. Install a robust heating and cooling system – split-unit air conditioners work brilliantly in both dedicated spaces and garage conversions. For garage gyms, consider adding portable heaters for winter and high-powered fans for summer if a permanent system isn’t feasible.
Additionally, invest in a dehumidifier to control moisture levels, particularly important in garage spaces where dampness can affect both your comfort and your equipment’s longevity. Maintaining the right temperature and humidity will not only make your workouts more enjoyable but also help protect your investment in fitness equipment from rust and deterioration.
Finally, personalise your home gym to reflect your personality and fitness goals. Hang motivational posters, display inspiring quotes, or incorporate artwork that resonates with you. Creating a space that inspires and motivates you will significantly contribute to your overall enjoyment and dedication to regular workouts.
The Bottom Line
Having a home gym offers the convenience and flexibility to stay fit and healthy without stepping out of your comfort zone. For some, there can be no better way to work out!
