Claygate, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Never has a restaurant so very far exceeded my expectations!” In 2017, Gerald & Margo Smith revamped this Cumbrian inn and it has gone from strength to strength despite its “middle of nowhere” location (“a crossroads miles from anywhere, where the only thing nearby is the Scottish border”). A “small” dining room plays host to Chris Archer’s well-accoldaded cuisine, which at dinner can either be enjoyed over four courses (for £80 per person) or eight courses (for £125 per person). Of the latter, one seasoned diner notes: “Across all the many dishes, there was not one single step mis-taken or bum note: everything was perfectly conceived and perfectly executed. I was blown away. They’ve really thought about every aspect of the experience, and – for me – quite simply got it just right”. Top Menu Tip – “A hefty slice of Dunblane Highland-X-Angus wagyu fillet was one of the best tasting bits of fillet steak I can remember, and was not overwhelmed by the accompaniments: wild garlic, a large morel stuffed with wagyu trimmings, white asparagus, and a superb, utterly classic sauce poivrade (and excellent mash)”.