2025 - a great year for food

2025 has been a great year for food; with some incredible restaurants visited both at home and overseas. We ate at a total of 19 Michelin guide listed restaurants in the year; we ate at some for pleasure that didn’t end up being reviewed… it can’t be work all the time!

In England

We chose well this year – there wasn’t a crushing disappointment like 2024’s disastrous trip to Northcote. My top 3 restaurants are below, but I’m not committing to an actual order for them!

Grace and Savour, Hampton-in-Arden – This was so good that we’ve booked it again for January 2026. My review from the time says ‘each dish was brilliant, and the accompanying sauces were a real highlight’ – there’s not too much to add to that, but I will just mention the friendly team too, and the conversations about food that went on with the chefs long after all the other guests had left.

The Olive Tree, Bath – I said at the time that ‘we were served an amazing selection of flavours with some real stand out dishes - the Cornish cheese raviolo was one of the most flavourful and tasty things that I've eaten.’ The meal sticks in my mind as probably the most refined and best looking of the year. Every individual flavour worked with the next, and the food was impeccably presented.

Simpsons, Edgbaston – My summary from just after visiting was ‘the whole menu was incredible and was expertly complimented by the wine. The staff were really personable and were happy to chat about all things food and wine too – the service was as great as the food was.’ I think that Simpsons was the best wine pairing of the year, each glass worked perfectly with the dish it was served with.

Honourable mentions

The Amalfi lemon parfait at The Boat was incredible, one of my favourite desserts ever, not just of 2025.

The Wigmore English Brie whipped/creamed and layered into a millefeuille at the Hide and Fox was stunning – original and tasty.

The concept of using old recipes including some from as far back as the 14th century in a modern restaurant is very Heston, we both really enjoyed a journey back in time while eating at Dinner.

The Shore in Penzance was the most unique experience of the year, as well as having the hardest working chef/sommelier/waiter/pot wash/grower/buyer – Bruce did it all, and did it all really well.

Sonal from The Wilderness was the most entertaining sommelier (and general manager, and all-round personality) that we’ve met. Everything he did was fun and enhanced our experience while eating there. He has now moved on to a new role outside of the public facing hospitality industry which is a shame for the industry as I’d have eaten at any restaurant he worked at for another dose of entertainment.

Abroad

Restaurant 212, Amsterdam – outstanding. One of the most accomplished restaurants that we have eaten at. Every course was full of flavour, innovative and perfectly presented. The wine pairing worked brilliantly, and the service was warm and friendly… I’ve long thought of Moor Hall as the pinnacle of fine dining, but Restaurant 212 was up at that sort of level.

Speaking of the pinnacle of fine dining. We were lucky enough to eat at Tresind Studio while in the UAE in December and I genuinely don't think we'll find somewhere better than here (we'll keep trying of course, for 'research purposes'!)

Absolutely every part of the experience on Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeriah was next level. The location itself is beautiful, the drinks delightful and the flavours of the food unlike anything I've ever tried before... add incredible presentation to this and you have an absolute winning recipe. What elevated it even more were the friendly and attentive staff - everyone that we met went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible experience.

2026 plans

2026 is looking like another busy year of food based on the plans so far; starting off with eating at 670 Grams in Birmingham and then another visit to Grace and Savour. Overseas we have a trip to Argentina planned where we will finally get to eat at Don Julio in Buenos Aries which has been on my list for years and also experience a culinary journey through Argentina courtesy of restaurant Azafran in Mendoza (wine region!).

Please keep on checking in on our social media accounts and website to follow our food adventures, and remember that as independent travel agents we are able to book your next foodie getaway - just get in touch and we'll start making your dream a reality.