Top 10 Celebrity Chef Restaurants
You’ve seen them cooking up incredible dishes on the television, but why not go one better and actually experience their creations for yourself? Most celebrity chefs have their own restaurants, so here are ten of the best to suit a range of budgets.
1. The Fat Duck – Heston Blumenthal
Mad scientist-cum-culinary genius Heston Blumenthal is best known for his bizarre feasts on Channel 4, for which he turns all manner of weird and wonderful ingredients into sumptuous banquets for various celebrity diners. Dine at the Fat Duck – officially one of the world’s top restaurants – and you can enjoy some of the finest of his creations. They don’t come cheap though – at £180 a head for the tasting menu, you’ll get 12 courses but you’ll have to pay extra for wine. You can book up to three months in advance at http://www.thefatduck.co.uk/.
2. Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s (and others) – Gordon Ramsay
Sweary but charismatic TV chef Gordon Ramsay is famed for his no-nonsense attitude to kitchen subordinates, and whether you agree with his TV persona or not, there’s a strong argument to suggest that it gets results. Ramsay has several top-rated restaurants, which you can find out more about here: http://www.gordonramsay.com/corporate/restaurants/.
3. The Seafood Restaurant – Rick Stein
Visit the quaint fishing village of Padstow in Cornwall and you’ll find it hard to escape reminders of its most famous resident – the affable chef turned TV presenter Rick Stein. Unsurprisingly for the seaside location, Stein’s eateries (there are several) are dominated by delicious fresh seafood. Visit http://www.rickstein.com/The-Seafood-Restaurant.html to reserve a table at this reasonably-priced seafood favourite.
4. Fifteen – Jamie Oliver
This restaurant from Britain’s favourite TV chef Jamie Oliver offers diners reasonably priced but mouth-watering food. But the really unique thing about Fifteen is its staff – previously unemployed young people who’ve been given the chance to turn their lives around by working for Jamie. Book a table at http://www.fifteen.net/book-a-table.
5. Carluccio’s – Antonio Carluccio
Seen most recently on the entertaining BBC series Two Greedy Italians, the gregarious Antonio Carluccio has given his name to a popular chain of restaurants which serve up authentic Italian cuisine at great prices across the UK. Find your nearest here: http://www.carluccios.com/restaurants.
6. River Café – Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray
Another Italian favourite, the River Café is the restaurant that kick-started the career of Jamie Oliver, and it’s also starred in its own TV series, The Italian Kitchen. Located on the banks of the Thames, hence the name, the restaurant was also the training ground of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and you can find out more here: http://www.rivercafe.co.uk/rc_page.php?pg_id=55.
7. Jamie Oliver – Jamie’s Italian
Yes, it’s Jamie again. For those on a lower budget, the chain of Jamie’s Italian restaurants offer a glimpse into Jamie Oliver’s passion for all things Italian. Don’t expect pizza – this chain offers a range of Italian cuisine but not the ubiquitous British favourite. But it’s not the poorer for it; on the contrary, expect to have a great meal for around a relatively cheap £25 a head.
8. River Cottage Canteens – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
River Cottage began life as a TV series presented by curly-haired Channel 4 favourite Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, whose aim was to life self-sufficiently. Over the years, it’s grown into something much bigger – as you can see for yourself by visiting one of the River Cottage Canteens, which offer seasonal treats cooked with local West Country produce. Find out more here: http://www.rivercottage.net/canteens/.
9. The Greyhound (and others) – Anthony Worrall-Thompson
This quirky pub boasts trinkets personally selected by Anthony’s wife Jay and a great value menu combining English pub favourites with some of Anthony’s signature dishes (£10 for two courses on their early bird and lunch menu). You’ll find the Greyhound near the charming English town of Henley, and you can contact them for bookings here: http://awtrestaurants.com/the-greyhound/.
10. Delia’s Restaurant and Bar – Delia Smith
Yes, you heard correctly – and no, we didn’t know Delia had a restaurant either. But it’s true, and all you need to do to enjoy the irresistible comfort of Delia’s cooking is head to her beloved football ground in Norwich. Check out http://www.deliascanarycatering.com/restaurant.php for more details.
Rachel is a freelance food blogger and restaurant critic currently on the lookout for restaurants for sale.
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