In the northerly reaches of the South West region, Bristol and Bath reign supreme when it comes to local eateries, and this year’s recommendations are no exception: from the former we might single out Noah’s – a seriously classy fish and chip joint (with add-ons) down by the harbourside; from the latter, the ever-popular and vigorously supported Upstairs at Landrace, a small-plates eatery above a bakery of great local repute. Elsewhere, Sam & Jak – a stylishly renovated all-day diner in Cirencester, Gloucestershire – earns high praise from the local crowd and teased our taste buds with its offer of racy European dishes forged from regional ingredients. Devon has countless contenders, from the ever-popular Wild Artichokes in Kingsbridge to The Lost Kitchen housed in a long ‘feasting barn’ at Cheddiscombe near Tiverton – an impressively versatile set-up known for its seriously ambitious wood-fired cuisine. Finally, to Cornwall, and this year’s regional winner – the North Street Kitchen, a ramshackle but charming restaurant housed in a former boat shed in Fowey. It caters admirably to all-comers, young and old, while the kitchen delivers in spades when it comes to fresh, local and seasonal food.
Best Local Restaurant: South West
North Street Kitchen
Fowey, Cornwall
This charming spot in an old boat shed in Fowey was run by London-based operators until former staff members Ethan and Hazel took the reins in 2024. The couple have built on an already solid reputation, broadening the clientele and forging a genuine connection with the community - not an easy feat in a touristy town. The quality of ingredients and their simple but sparklingly delicious preparation is worth travelling for, but it’s the accessible pricing and warm, humble and conscientious hospitality that makes it such a brilliant local restaurant.
A Good Food Guide reader said:
'Great fresh, local food, great staff, and a great atmosphere in a relaxed, unpretentious environment make North Street Kitchen our go-to restaurant.'
Co-owners Ethan and Hazel Friskney-Bryer said of the award:
'We are completely thrilled to receive this award, especially as this is the first year running our own business. A huge amount of work goes into running even the smallest restaurant, much of it unseen, but it is entirely worth it when we get such warm feedback from our diners. We are at our most content when feeding and hosting both locals and visitors alike.’
Read the North Street Kitchen Good Food Guide review
Best Local Restaurants in South West England 2024
Congratulations to all the restaurants in the South West that have made it onto our list of Britain's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2024. Explore the tiles below to discover who made the list and to read their full reviews in The Good Food Guide.
