Square Meal has released its list of Top 100 restaurants in the UK and one place in Oxfordshire has made the list. 

SquareMeal is the UK’s leading independent restaurant guide and it deliberately excludes London restaurants to allow venues from around the UK to be recognised.

SquareMeal brings the Top 100 list together using thousands of reader votes and their own expert critics, featuring everything from fine dining experiences through to farm-to-table restaurants and gastropubs.

On the list for 2023 is Orwells which one SquareMeal reader praised as "a “beacon of inventive, top-class modern cuisine".

The gastropub in Shiplake Row, Henley-On-Thames RG9 4DP was ranked 50th in the ratings.

What did SquareMeal say?

"Named after legendary author (and Henley-on-Thames native) George Orwell, this beloved local restaurant mixes gastropub charms with some really creative, seasonal British cooking."

Herald Series:

The menu is described as Modern European/British with a typical meal costing between £50 and £79.

Square Meal said: "Each of the top 100 results are a unique combination of our own in-house critic-led opinions and thousands of diner votes. It’s this dual approach that makes our list incomparable, representing not only our professional opinion but thousands of real-life experiences that help to reinforce and bolster our final decisions.

"It’s no secret that Britain plays host to some incredible culinary talent.

"In order to make a place on the list, each restaurant had to offer more than just a good meal. It had to provide guests with an exceptional all-round experience. From gorgeous interiors, top-class wine lists and stunning views through to exemplary service and sustainability commitments, we weighed up the whole package.

"When we say this list is months in the making, we really mean it. We take huge care and pride in making sure only the very best in the industry find a place on the list, and have eaten at hundreds of restaurants over the past 12 months to whittle down the winners."

This year Orwells was the only Oxfordshire establishment to make the cut, as a West Midlands-based countryside retreat called Grace and Savour at Hampton Manor, Hampton-in-Arden, West Midlands, B92 0EN took the top spot for 100 restaurants outside London.

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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