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Great Britain

Recommended restaurants for the Best of the English Countryside

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Ambleside (Lake District (England)) Rothay Manor Restaurant, Rothay Bridge You'll get the best food in Ambleside at this lovely, award-winning white-linen restaurant. Phone:   01539.433.605 Hours:   Lunch 12:30PM to 2PM; Tea 3:30PM to 5:30PM; Dinner 7:45PM to 9PM Credit cards accepted:   Fixed Price Menu From:   25GBP The Drunken Duck, Barngates Great bar food, nice views, and you can even fish in the pond while you drink. Phone:   01539.436.347 Hours:   11AM to 11PM Credit cards accepted:   The Golden Rule, Smithy Brow Walkers – and their dogs – enjoy this friendly pub. In nice weather, try for a table outside. Phone:   01539.432.257 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:

Baslow (Lake District (England)) Fischer's Baslow Hall, Calver Road, Derbyshire, DE45 1RR U.K. Restaurant of the Year 1997, Fischer's and its sister Café Max offer superb French influenced dining in a lovely country manor house. Phone:   01246.583.259 Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   30GBP

Bath Beaujolais, 5 Chapel Row, Queen St. Good French bistro fare, a nice selection of wines and fair prices attract locals and visitors alike. Phone:   01225.423.417 Hours:   Monday through Saturday non to 2:30PM and 6PM to 11PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   25GBP Popjoy's Restaurant, Sawclose Located in a 1720 townhouse next to the Theatre Royal, this restaurant was once the home of Beau Nash and his mistress. Specialties include imaginatively prepared fowl. Phone:   01225.460.494 Hours:   Monday through Saturday noon to 2:30PM and 6PM to 11PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   15GBP Sally Lunn's House, 4 North Parade Passage Occupying the oldest house in Bath, this restaurant is famous for the Sally Lunn bun. Try the Sally Lunn Cream Tea, which includes scones, preserves, and clotted cream – quite possibly the most delicious thing you've ever tasted. And certainly the most evil. Phone:   01225.461.634 Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Afternoon Tea:   5GBP The Hole in the Wall, 16 George Street In a Georgian townhouse, this restaurants offers fresh local ingredients prepared with a nouvelle French touch. Phone:   01225.425.242 Reservations required on Saturdays Hours:   Monday through Saturday noon to 2PM and 6PM to 10PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Main Courses From:   8.50GBP Fixed Price Menu From:   22GBP The Pump Room & Roman Baths, Bath Abbey Churchyard Located next to the Roman Baths, this restaurant serves coffee, afternoon tea, and lunch – often accompanied by a string trio. Phone:   01225.422.462 Hours:   April through September, 9AM to 6PM daily; October through March, Monday through Saturday 9:30AM to 5PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Afternoon Tea:   5GBP

Broadway (Cotswolds) The Tapestry Restaurant, In Dormy House, off A44, Willersey Hill Innovative, nouvelle-influenced cuisine in a cozy stone room or airy conservatory. Phone:   01386.852.711 Hours:   Sunday through Friday 12:30PM to 2PM and 7PM to 9:30PM daily Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   15GBP Fixed Price Menu From:   30GBP

Buxton (Peak District) The Columbine, 7 Hallbank Simply prepared food created using the freshest ingredients is the bill of fare here. Nice atmosphere in a Victorian-era stone house. Phone:   91298.787.52 Hours:   May through October , Monday through Saturday 7PM to 10PM and Thursday through Saturday noon to 1:45PM; November through April, Monday and Wednesday through Saturday 7PM to 10PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Main Courses From:   7.50GBP

Grasmere (Lake District (England)) Michael's Nook, 1/4 mile east of A591 The British AA declared this the best hotel restaurant in the north of England. With just 20 tables, reservations are essential at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Phone:   01539.435.496 Hours:   12:30PM to 1:00PM and 7:30PM to 8:30PM daily; closed for six weeks in January. Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   45GBP

Hawkshead (Lake District (England)) Grizdale Lodge, Grizdale This turn-of-the-century hunting lodge serves bar lunches and very good five-course dinners. Phone:   01539.436.532 Hours:   12:30PM to 1:30PM and 7PM to 8PM daily Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   23.50GBP

Kenilworth Restaurant Bosquet, 97A Warwick Road This charming French restaurant features a rotating menu based on what's fresh and great desserts. Phone:   01926.852.463 Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V

Oxford Brown's, 5-11 Woodstock Road Five Victorian stores were gutted to create this lovely, popular restaurant ten minute's walk from town. Phone:   01865.511.995 Reservations not accepted Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11:30PM; Sundays noon to 11:30PM Credit cards accepted:   Main Courses From:   7GBP The Bear Inn, Alfred Street One of Oxford's oldest pubs, The Bear has been mentioned in literary works since the 13th century. Phone:   01865.721.783 Hours:   Monday through Saturday noon to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM; Serving food from noon to 2PM Credit cards accepted:   The Turf Tavern, 4 Bath Place Dine inside or in one of the gardens at this historic pub which was Bill Clinton's watering hole when he was a Rhodes Scholar. Phone:   01865.243.235 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:

Painswick (Cotswolds) The Country Elephant, New Street Fresh ingredients are transformed into great meals in lovely surroundings. In summer, you can dine in the garden. Phone:   01452.770872 Hours:   Tuesday through Sunday noon to 2PM; Tuesday through Saturday 7PM to 10PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   15GBP Fixed Price Menu From:   20GBP

Penrith (Lake District (England)) Passepartout, 51 Castlegate As the name suggests, Passepartout serves French food in a 400-year-old stone house. In summer, the courtyard is a lovely place to dine. Phone:   01768.865.852 Hours:   Tuesday through Sunday 7PM to 10PM Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Main Courses From:   10GBP

Stratford-upon-Avon The Black Swan, Waterside Popular with actors since the 18th century, this lively pub overlooks the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the River Avon. Pop in for a pint or a meal. Phone:   01789.297.312 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Main Courses From:   6GBP The Box Tree Restaurant, In the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside Great views of the river, pre-show excitement, and imaginative food make this a no-brainer for theater goers. Phone:   01789.403.415 Hours:   Thursday through Saturday noon to 2:30PM; Monday through Saturday 5:30PM to midnight Credit cards accepted:   AE, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   25GBP

Wells Rugantino's, 20 Sadler Street in the Ancient Gate House After a steady ration of British cooking, Italian food can be just what the doctor ordered. Phone:   01749.672.029 Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   20GBP Swan Hotel Restaurant, 11 Sadler Street The dining room at this 15th-century coaching inn features a menu that changes with the seasons. Phone:   01749.678.877 Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   30GBP

Windermere (Lake District (England)) Miller Howe Café, Lakeland Plastics, Station Precinct Tucked into the back of a kitchenware shop, this modern café serves dishes influenced by cuisines from all over the world. Phone:   01539.446.732 Hours:   Monday through Friday 9AM to 6PM; Saturdays 10AM to 5PM and Sundays 10Am to 4PM Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Main Courses From:   7GBP Porthole Eating House, 3 Ash Street Enjoy French or Italian specialties in a quaint little house near the center of town. Phone:   01539.442.793 Hours:   Sunday through Friday noon to 3PM; Wednesday through Monday 6:30PM to 11PM Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   10.75GBP The Hole in t' Wall, Lowside, Bowness-on-Windermere Terrific on cool days when a roaring fire adds to the ambience. Phone:   01539.443.488 Hours:   11AM to 1PM; Does not serve food of Sunday nights Credit cards accepted:

Woodstock King's Head Pub, 11 Park Lane Known to the locals as the "Potato Pub," the King's Head has hearty food and a convivial atmosphere. Phone:   01993.812.164 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 10AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:   Fixed Price Menu From:   9GBP The Star Inn, Market Street Try the lamb, a specialty of this 17th-century coaching inn. Phone:   01993.811.373 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:

York 19 Grape Lane, 19 Grape Lane This modern British restaurant in a timbered house right in the heart of town is very popular – and deservedly so. Good service and a nice wine list contribute to the enjoyment. Phone:   01904.636.366 Hours:   Tuesday through Saturday noon to 2PM and 6PM to 11PM Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Main Courses From:   10GBP Melton's, 7 Scarcroft Road Though prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is friendly, many believe this restaurant serves the best food in York. The London-trained chef updates British classics with the best available ingredients. Phone:   01904.634.341 Hours:   Tuesday through Sunday noon to 2PM and Monday through Saturday 5:30PM to 10PM; closed in late August and late December Credit cards accepted:   MC, V Main Courses From:   10.50GBP Fixed Price Menu   20GBP The Brasserie, in the Grange Hotel, 1Clifton The second restaurant in the Grange Hotel offers French bistro cooking in a convivial, casual atmosphere. Phone:   01904.644.744 Hours:   Monday through Saturday noon to 2:30PM and 6PM to 10:30PM; Sundays from 7PM to 10PM Web:   www.grangehotel.co.uk Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   7.50GBP The Ivy, in the Grange Hotel, 1Clifton The fine-dining restaurant in the Grange Hotel offers French and modern British dishes in an elegant setting. Phone:   01904.644.744 Hours:   Monday through Friday 10AM to 2PM and 7PM to 10PM daily Web:   www.grangehotel.co.uk Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Fixed Price Menu From:   25GBP The King's Arms, 3 King's Staith This 16th-century pub has a cobbled terrace right on the River Ouse. It claims the dubious distinction of being "Britain's most flooded pub." Phone:   01904.659.435 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:   The Olde Starr, 40 Stonegate York's oldest pub – licensed in 1644 – has a flower-filled garden and courtyard in addition to an atmospheric, black-beamed interior. Phone:   01904.623.063 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted:   The Seafood Bar, in the Grange Hotel, 1Clifton Fresh seafood, nicely priced, is the order of the day at this stylish restaurant. Phone:   01904.644.744 Hours:   7PM to 10PM daily Web:   www.grangehotel.co.uk Credit cards accepted:   AE, DC, MC, V Main Courses From:   9GBP The Spread Eagle, 98 Walmgate Good food and great ale at this friendly, traditional pub. Phone:   01904.635.868 Hours:   Monday through Saturday 11AM to 11PM; Sundays noon to 10:30PM Credit cards accepted: