Following the announcement of the 2014 Michelin Guide, it seems strange that the National Restaurant Awards has just happened for 2013. It's a confusing industry. Either way, we have a new 100 best places to eat in the UK list. And whatever I think of it (I will give you a hint: I don't totally agree with it all), it's my obligation to report it here.
London's representation in the UK's best selection is still high but it has dropped by one to 58 out of 100. Not shabby by any means but interesting that the change has occurred. Of course some of this is down to closure. Roganic did not renew its two year lease which would almost certainly have stayed on the list, but some surprising drop-outs, from Medlar to Yauatcha have dented London's staying power a little.
Of course, the new entries have come flooding in, with 23 of them in total showing the London scene to be ever-changing and constantly positive. The Clove Club of Shoreditch is an impressive new entry at five whilst Bruno Loubet's Grain Store premiers at nine. This list has certainly added several venues to my list of places to go which may make for an expensive end of year.
Finally, at the very top, The Ledbury has been knocked off its perch by The Hand & Flowers of Marlow. I have been to both and I do prefer The Ledbury (despite the fact it is more expensive) but there is much to be said for the charm of a full-on pub restaurant leading the way. Pollen Street Social continues its excellent stay near the top of the tree and The Square's irrepressible consistency remains.
This year I have added the 2012 position of each restaurant (or listed as a new entry) in order to provide some comparison and context. Enjoy!
2 The Ledbury (1)
3 Pollen Street Social (2)
5 The Clove Club - New Entry
8 The Square (7)
9 Grain Store - New Entry
10 Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (10)
11 Dabbous (31)
14 Hedone (52)
15 Bocca Di Lupo (23)
16 Brasserie Chavot - New Entry
18 10 Greek Street (12)
19 Le Gavroche (63)
21 Hibiscus (26)
23 Quo Vadis (9)
27 The Quality Chop House - New Entry
29 HKK - New Entry
30 L'Anima (25)
32 Hawksmoor Air Street - New Entry
33 Social Eating House - New Entry
34 Chez Bruce (30)
38 Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs - New Entry
39 Alyn Williams at The Westbury (15)
41 Viajante (43)
42 St John (22)
44 The River Café (37)
46 Barrafina (80)
47 Polpo (88)
48 Galvin La Chapelle (18)
49 Zuma (14)
52 Koya (35)
53 Bar Boulud (65)
55 Zucca (27)
56 Bistrot Bruno Loubet (77)
58 La Petite Maison (59)
59 Locanda Locatelli - New Entry
61 Green Man & French Horn - New Entry
62 Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (69)
63 Jose - New Entry
64 Arbutus (46)
66 Bone Daddies - New Entry
68 Lima - New Entry
70 Pitt Cue (86)
71 Galvin At Windows (58)
73 Hix Soho (67)
76 Tom Aikens Restaurant - New Entry
77 MeatLiquor (75)
79 Balthazar - New Entry
81 Duck & Waffle - New Entry
85 Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester - New Entry
88 Hutong - New Entry
89 Cinnamon Kitchen - New Entry
91 Galvin Bistrot de Luxe (76)
93 Goodman Mayfair (96)
94 Hereford Road - New Entry
95 Restaurant Story - New Entry
96 Dinings - New Entry
97 Newman Street Tavern - New Entry
100 Roka (73)
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