February is an ideal month to slow down and indulge in memorable culinary journeys. For those seeking master craftsmanship paired with world-class hospitality, two iconic UK institutions stand out, both proudly holding the highest distinction of three Michelin stars.
Whether you are looking for timeless riverside elegance or an approachable, modern approach to fine dining, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences rooted in regional produce and technical mastery.
The Waterside Inn: Classic French Haute Cuisine in Bray
While London is famous for its vibrant dining scene, some of the nation's most extraordinary gastronomic treasures lie just beyond the capital. Nestled along a tranquil stretch of the River Thames in Bray, Berkshire, The Waterside Inn holds the astonishing record of being the only restaurant outside of France to retain three Michelin stars continuously since 1985.
Led by Chef Patron, Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn offers exceptional, classic French haute cuisine. The restaurant has a clear dedication to offering their guests not just plates but an experience, with options including a seven-course tasting menu or a four-course à la carte menu, alongside an extensive wine list featuring over 1,000 labels.
Currently on the menu are two luxurious lunch options, Lunch des Amis, a refined four-course offering and Sunday Lunch, described as an ‘indulgent four-course ritual’. Of course the food is not the only show-stopper. Located along the River Thames in Bray, your meal is accompanied by picturesque views.
The Waterside Inn stands as a timeless destination of gastronomic excellence. Our favourite time to visit is in spring when you can enjoy an after dinner cocktail in their gorgeous garden. It's worth booking a table now, here.
Core by Clare Smyth: Modern British Innovation and Informal Luxury
Situated in the heart of Notting Hill, Core by Clare Smyth represents a fresh, contemporary chapter in high-end British gastronomy. As the first and only female British chef to achieve three Michelin stars for her own flagship restaurant, Clare Smyth has redefined what elite dining looks and feels like in the UK.
Core strips away the rigid, intimidating atmosphere traditionally associated with top-tier fine dining, replacing it with warmth, light, and an approachable, welcoming hospitality.
Core focuses on offering an elegant yet informal dining experience, crafting exquisite dishes without the intimidating atmosphere often associated with high-end, three-Michelin-starred restaurants.
The restaurant celebrates elite British produce, and is committed to sourcing its ingredients and produce from British farmers, embodying Smyth’s culinary style. This is reflected in how the curation of the menu develops with each season to reflect what is available from the land.
The signature dishes, Potato and Roe and Core-teser, show how Core turns humble ingredients into high-end experiences that evoke nostalgia through considered flavours and textures. Perhaps Core's most famous signature dish, this creation takes a humble potato, slow-cooked in butter and dashi, and elevates it with trout and herring roe, sea dulse, and a delicate beurre blanc. It perfectly captures Smyth's ability to turn simple, earthy ingredients into a world-class centerpiece.
The Core-teser is a playful nod to the classic malted chocolate sweet, this dessert combines rich chocolate, malt, and light textures to evoke pure nostalgia while delivering sophisticated, balanced flavours. Every element of the menu reflects an ethos of zero waste and seasonal harmony, highlighting the raw beauty of native carrots, coastal herbs, and heritage grains.
Core by Clare Smyth redefines fine dining by combining craftsmanship and humble ingredients with a welcoming and accessible environment that makes a meal in its Notting Hill restaurant all the more special.
Whether you choose the historic, riverside charm of The Waterside Inn or the relaxed, produce-led perfection of Core by Clare Smyth, both three-starred sanctuaries demonstrate that true luxury lies in passion, detail, and an absolute dedication to the guest experience.
Images: Core by Clare Smyth, The Waterside Inn
