any kind of culinary conversation, slipping in that you’re a self-confessed foodie has become an unwritten rule – even if soggy beans on toast is as far as your skillset goes. But, being a true epicure goes well beyond adding #foodporn onto your Instagram story at brunch, or subscribing to Jessie and Lennie Ware’s Table Manners podcast.
If, like us, you spend your spare time impersonating Rick Stein by dusting salmon fillets with cajun spice, then it’s time to set your sights on a saporous staycation. We’ve called upon the coolest chefs to give us the goods on the UK destinations they’re obsessed with, plus the must-visit restaurants and food stores to check out while you’re there – you can thank us later.
Cambridge, England
Tristan Welch, head chef, Parker’s Tavern
Why it should be on your radar: From punting along Cambridge’s River Cam, to cycling through its winding cobblestoned streets – or enjoying a pub crawl around its old-school boozers – this university city makes a superb long-weekend getaway for you and your gang. Beauty aside, it’s also got a pretty tasty food scene. One of the city’s best-loved chefs, Tristan Welch, tells us where to go for a marvellous munch.
Best restaurant: “Restaurant 22 gets my vote. Reserve a table for 8pm to enjoy its short tasting menu, where olives meet seaweed and winter truffles by the kilo.”
Best food store: “Culinaris is the sort of place you enter to grab one thing and come out with bags brimming. My basket? After stocking up on an enormous amount of French, British and Italian cheeses, I reach for a crusty baguette, pickles, hand-churned Italian butter, wild mushrooms and flat peaches.”
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