Incredible chef’s table experiences in Britain

From bespoke menus to plush private rooms, chef’s table experiences provide a tantalising glimpse into the exciting world of restaurant kitchens. Whether visitors are discovering Heston Blumenthal’s intimate dining in London, or tucking into garden-fresh produce in the heart of Yorkshire, Britain has a host of culinary adventures to look forward to, each packed with distinctive dishes and flavours from some of the world’s finest chefs.

London

Innovative dining experiences

Soho’s Aulis is British chef Simon Rogan’s exclusive ‘experimental hub’. One of the capital’s most intimate dining experiences, the restaurant consists of a single six-seater chef’s table and promises an interactive evening of cutting-edge flavours and techniques. Featuring a multiple-course menu with a strong farm to fork ethos, Aulis delivers unforgettable flavour combinations including seaweed custard with beef tendon, BBQ miso-glazed Maitake mushroom and caramelised apple and woodruff, for a British dining experience with a difference.

Visitors seeking a three Michelin-starred experience can look forward to dining at Hélène Darroze at the Connaught hotel. Boasting a menu crafted using the freshest local produce, the restaurant also features eye-catching interior styling from renowned French designer Pierre Yovanovitch. For an extra special evening, foodies can choose the chef’s table experience. Seated at an opulent pink marble table just a few steps from the kitchen, they can watch as the expert culinary team showcase their talents and present the dishes in person, giving them an insight into the creativity behind the cuisine.

Celebrity chefs’ kitchens

The Mandarin Oriental hotel in London’s Hyde Park is home to lavish rooms, suites and restaurants, and none more so than the elegant Dinner by Heston. The brainchild of British celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, this two Michelin-starred restaurant features seasonal menus and private dining in addition to an exclusive chef’s table. With space for up to six people, this intimate experience offers views into the kitchen and a menu presented by the Head Chef, coupled with advice on wine pairings from a dedicated sommelier.  

Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is another hot spot for those dreaming of luxury dining. Housed within the five-star Savoy Hotel, the celebrity chef’s kitchen table experience starts with canapés, cocktails and a tour of the kitchen itself. Created for four to six guests, this decadent event includes the services of dedicated server and a private sommelier, who will guide diners through the perfect wine pairings to complement each course, with the menu introduced by the Head Chef.

Skyscraper views and informal gems

Located on the 24th floor of Tower 42, Jason Atherton’s City Social offers Michelin-star dining alongside panoramic views of the iconic London skyline, all within an elegant art deco interior. Bringing the best of British to the forefront of its menu, one of the most exclusive areas of the restaurant is the chef’s table. Hosted in a private dining room, the enviable vistas are complemented with exquisite dishes and behind-the-scenes insights into the restaurant’s kitchen.

A more informal dining experience can be found in Elephant and Castle’s Paladar. A treasure trove of Latin American food, wines and spirits, the restaurant also offers a special chef’s table in the Bodega. Created for groups of up to 10 people, this fun and friendly experience gives diners a direct view into the buzzing kitchen, where chefs will whip up delicious dishes including crispy squid tentacles, mulled Malbec sorbet and blackened braised beef.

Northern England

Local produce and a taste of China

Close to the small cathedral city of Ripon in Yorkshire is another culinary gem – True Foods’ CHEFStable. Putting the focus on local, high-quality food, True Foods grow their own vegetables, keep their own hens and even have their own bee hives. Their chef’s table offers guests the chance to try new and experimental dishes and to meet the chefs, who personally host the events and serve and explain each dish.

Lu Ban’s chef’s table is an exclusive private dining experience that takes guests on a trip through Tianjin culture. Set to reopen near Liverpool’s famous docks, this exclusive four to six-seater experience promises delicious Chinese cuisine, wines from around the world and direct views into Lu Ban’s bustling kitchen.

Edinburgh

Two chefs, a million flavours

‘Ten seats, two chefs, one table’ is the premise of The Table, an interactive dining experience in the heart of Edinburgh. Future guests can imagine taking a seat along the bar-style table, perched directly in front of chef Sean Clark’s open kitchen. With just one sitting per evening, diners can look forward to a multi-course tasting menu made with local produce and the finest international ingredients, with past dishes including halibut with wild leek, wild venison and Isle of Mull cheddar raviolo. 

Restrictions on travel to and around Britain are in place due to Covid-19. Visitors are encouraged to always check individual websites for the latest information, as details are subject to change.