Originally conceived as a workers’ canteen for Sir Richard Rogers’ architectural practice next door, The River Café (now in its fourth decade) has gone on to achieve international stardom as a glowing tribute to Italian regional cooking. Diligent sourcing and vigorous rustic flavours are at the heart of Ruth Rogers’ kitchen, with seasonal salads, silky homemade pastas and wood-roasted specialities headlining the daily menus.
‘The Thames was all gold,’ wrote the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. ‘God it was beautiful, so fine that I began to work in a frenzy, following the sun and its reflections on the water.’ The river Thames, may not always elicit quite so passionate a response, but there’s no denying this 215-mile waterway provides the south of England with some of its most picturesque views. What better way to appreciate it than over lunch at one of the restaurants that line its banks?
After a successful series of supper clubs and events, the chef Tunde Abifarin has announced his modern, 'pan-African' pop-up concept Farin Road will take up permanent residence at the independent Tani Modi cafe in Edinburgh next month.
As balmy weather and spring blossom brightens up green spaces across the country, we’ve started to take note of an emerging trend. More and more restaurants seem to be opening in the middle of secluded kitchen gardens (Ethicurean, Pythouse Kitchen Garden), nurseries and garden centres (Moss & Moor, Paradise Café), even working flower farms (West End Flower Farm).
As our Best Local Restaurants 2025 campaign gets underway, we sat down with Sam Pullan from 2024’s list, about the spirit of Leeds, and what it means to be named a Best Local Restaurant.
