Britain's fabulous food
The biggest, best surprise awaiting you in Britain? A reborn eating scene. With London leading the way as the world's most exciting dining city, Britain is a land in love with its fine produce and taking visitors to gourmet heaven. Here's a look at Britain's big-name chefs and how you can discover the food that inspires them.
Gordon's London
Gordon Ramsay dominates London's dining scene like it's one big (hell's) kitchen. Signature dining rooms The Savoy Grill, Petrus and Claridge's are the place for the meal of a lifetime - twist your concierge's arm to get you a table. Coming up fast are gastropubs like Chiswick's Devonshire and The Narrow in Limehouse. Here you'll find an exciting blend of British pub culture and cutting-edge cuisine: Gordon won't let you go home disappointed.
Heston Blumenthal in Berkshire
Bray, a sleepy village on the banks of the Thames, is not where you might expect to find the world's most exciting - and some would say best - restaurant. But The Fat Duck, complete with three Michelin Stars, is no mere restaurant. Owned by 'culinary alchemist' Heston Blumenthal, The Fat Duck features dishes like egg and bacon ice cream and snail porridge. Reserve two months in advance and complete the treat with a stay at Cliveden House and Spa (www.clivedenhouse.co.uk).
Hugh Fearnley-Whittenstall, Dorset
Broadcaster and foodie guru Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's food philosophy shines through at River Cottage (www.rivercottage.net/). Part farm, part school and part canteen, it serves uncompromisingly wild and wonderful local produce. River Cottage's day and evening culinary courses are a wonderful place to brush up on the best of British ingredients.
Cornwall Reborn
For great British seafood, head to the southwest. Rick Stein has led a revolution in Padstow, Cornwall, where his Seafood Restaurant draws an international crowd of gastronomes. You don't need to be a foodie to enjoy the delicatessen, café and fish and chippery. In nearby Watergate Bay, crusading chef Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall offer exciting modern Cornish cuisine cooked by enthusiastic young local chefs.
Modern Scottish Food
The food scene north of the border has never been so vibrant. Wild areas host some of Britain's finest eating locations: try Skye's Three Chimneys, the Summer Isles Hotel in Ullapool and Royal Deeside's Darroch Learg Hotel. New openings and old classics in Glasgow and Edinburgh mean you won't go hungry on your way north either.
Food Towns & Festivals
Some places are so passionate about their food that they've gone the whole hog and become 'Food Towns': expect delicatessens packed with local produce, great restaurants and plenty of regional pride. Ludlow in Shrophire, Narberth in Pembrokeshire and Castle Douglas in Galloway are three of the best.
The Best Fish and Chips
The search for soft, flaky fish - usually cod or halibut - encased in crunchy batter and served with golden chips is an essential part of any British holiday. Most coastal towns have at least one classy chipper - look for the queues and make sure you eat them on the beach. The ultimate fish and chip town? Whitby in North Yorkshire has a claim, but up-and-coming fishing village Anstruther, in Fife, may just have the edge.
Food Festivals
Towns and cities all over Britain celebrate regional produce and cooking at food festivals, timed to coincide with the ripening of whatever's best locally. Yorkshire rhubarb, Welsh cider and Whitstable oysters are just some of the treats celebrated when in peak season. The end of September sees the British Food Fortnight, an annual celebration of the best in British grub.
Eating on a Budget
It's easy to eat for less in Britain - whether enjoying a great-value bar meal or tucking into deli-made fresh sandwiches. Self-catering at a local farmers market is a great way to put together a picnic. For an insider tip, try local specialities at the source - seafood prepared at waterfront shacks or local cheeses direct from farm shops - all at a fraction of the price you'll pay elsewhere.
Mushroom Hunting
Sometimes food tastes best when you've plucked it out the ground yourself. For the ultimate in foraging pleasure, try mushroom foraging. Autumn sees woodlands descended upon by in-the-know mycologist, and many National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) properties offer foraging walks.