About
Richard Bagnold MBA MA PGCE was born and bred in London and has travelled extensively in the UK and overseas.
From an early age he's been interested in fine food. Now he's one of the very few people – if not the only person – to have visited and reviewed every Michelin starred restaurant in the UK.
From
London, United Kingdom
Born
June 02
Job Title
Founder & MD
Social
Restaurants
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Ametsa With Arzak Instruction at Ametsa With Arzak Instruction
I had the pleasure of eating in Juan Mari’s mothership restaurant in San Sebastian (Arzak) and was very pleased to see the same stylish innovation in all his dishes here but for a more reasonable price and more doable waiting list. The hotel is as one would expect just off Hyde Park Corner however I found the bar not in the same league as say, The... More
I had the pleasure of eating in Juan Mari’s mothership restaurant in San Sebastian (Arzak) and was very pleased to see the same stylish innovation in all his dishes here but for a more reasonable price and more doable waiting list. The hotel is as one would expect just off Hyde Park Corner however I found the bar not in the same league as say, The Connaught’s Coburg – never the less it was perfectly pleasant. I left glad to have done this restaurant but no desperation to head back immediately – whenever I do it will be a pleasure to do so but sits in the lower part of priorities. If you are passing at lunch, they have a very good set menu, worthy of any occasion.
Food Grade: 69%
https://major-foodie.com/ametsa-with-arzak-instruction/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Hutong at Hutong
Set high above London on the 33rd floor of the Shard building, there is no doubt that this is a very nice option to doing something different for your Chinese meal of the week if you are partial to trying something different. There is a superb open bar on the floor beneath Hutong which also has a restaurant and there are also several other eateries... More
Set high above London on the 33rd floor of the Shard building, there is no doubt that this is a very nice option to doing something different for your Chinese meal of the week if you are partial to trying something different. There is a superb open bar on the floor beneath Hutong which also has a restaurant and there are also several other eateries on these two levels. However, the more popular these become with time, as they now are, I would recommend booking well in advance.
The food here was good which I was pleased to see. The supporting soy and hoi sin sauces were actually very good as was the shredded beef dish – good quality and succulant as well as being light on the crispyness without the gelatenous and squidgy exterior that so many poor Chinese restaurants produce (some even in China Town). However, as pleasant as this food was, it was a real turn off to have this simple shredded beef priced at £19. Only a year ago, I now see from their website that it is now £26 (as at Feb 15) and that has an ouch factor which is rare. It was therefore confirmed – the prices you are paying here are not for the quality of the food but purely for where you are having it and I would therefore say, do it just to experience once for something nice, but then on principle alone avoid paying this amount thereafter. One can, for this price actually gain two dishes at 1 Michelin starred level at Hakkasan for example to put in to perspective.
The food here was good which I was pleased to see. The supporting soy and hoi sin sauces were actually very good as was the shredded beef dish – good quality and succulant as well as being light on the crispyness without the gelatenous and squidgy exterior that so many poor Chinese restaurants produce (some even in China Town). However, as pleasant as this food was, it was a real turn off to have this simple shredded beef priced at £19. Only a year ago, I now see from their website that it is now £26 (as at Feb 15) and that has an ouch factor which is rare. It was therefore confirmed – the prices you are paying here are not for the quality of the food but purely for where you are having it and I would therefore say, do it just to experience once for something nice, but then on principle alone avoid paying this amount thereafter. One can, for this price actually gain two dishes at 1 Michelin starred level at Hakkasan for example to put in to perspective.
A nice meal here, with a superb view, but far too expensive for the only ‘good’ quality to make me have any burning desire to return immediately.
https://major-foodie.com/hutong-london-bridge/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Harwood Arms at Harwood Arms
Slightly pushed the boat out on this occasion as it was a decent way to do something good on New Year’s Eve during the day and then get out of London Central before being over-loaded with tourists and general New Year congestion. All the dishes were fantastic – the meats were sublimely tender, the salads were gently glazed with powerful dressings... More
Slightly pushed the boat out on this occasion as it was a decent way to do something good on New Year’s Eve during the day and then get out of London Central before being over-loaded with tourists and general New Year congestion. All the dishes were fantastic – the meats were sublimely tender, the salads were gently glazed with powerful dressings and were therefore saved from being boring and the vegetables were perfect, most notably the roast potatoes. They even had a bottle of Château d’Yquem for an amazing £120 so clearly that was done to go with dessert and was a lovely thing to have to finish. Another thumbs up meal here making one very happy when leaving.
Food Grade: 84%
https://major-foodie.com/the-harwood-arms/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
-
1 like
- 0 comments
- 0 shares
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Hélène Darroze at the Connaught at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught
A very nice post-Christmas lunch with my folks enabling experience of the a’la carte menu. Entirely smooth and delightful foie gras as one of the starters and the presentation was without fault. I was lucky enough to have the sweetbread main which was essentially an entire pancreas with white truffle shavings making it an entirely decadent and... More
A very nice post-Christmas lunch with my folks enabling experience of the a’la carte menu. Entirely smooth and delightful foie gras as one of the starters and the presentation was without fault. I was lucky enough to have the sweetbread main which was essentially an entire pancreas with white truffle shavings making it an entirely decadent and luxurious option. A silk experience of a dish and lovely to have done. The set menu which was also had at the table showed real style in terms of design – the price tag here for some of the dishes would certainly testify.
Food Grade: 82%
The food was extremely well balanced on this tasting menu occasion and stylishly created yet my only negative is that I cannot remember too many of the dishes which is not a good sign in terms of genuine impact they had in the mouth. The custard foie gras starter was without a doubt lovely and the creativity of all the remaining dishes was pleasing which was the overall impression gained. The wine menu was impressive and the options were carefully selected by the sommelier and were enjoyably original.
https://major-foodie.com/helene-darroze-at-the-connaught/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Pollen Street Social at Pollen Street Social
There’s no doubt that this is a lovely little restaurant. It is split in to a stylish bar and almost café-esque sofa seating outer area where one can enjoy cocktails or tea equally and through the wall partition one enters a slick looking dining area that would serve any breezy lunch or more formal dinner just as well. Throw in some extremely... More
There’s no doubt that this is a lovely little restaurant. It is split in to a stylish bar and almost café-esque sofa seating outer area where one can enjoy cocktails or tea equally and through the wall partition one enters a slick looking dining area that would serve any breezy lunch or more formal dinner just as well. Throw in some extremely enjoyable and fun dishes and you have the Atherton formula working its success as it does. Another very nice touch is that spaces permitting, diners can leave their table and have their dessert at the dessert counter and see it being made for them. This is a fun addition and one can actually choose to sit at the bar for their whole meal if they wish however I think far better to mix.
On to the food, the amuse bouche arrived in a nice presentation box and the crisps with cream were highly pleasant. My starter was very nice but unfortunately unmemorable however the full English breakfast starter (which I have had before) was terrific – highly fun, original, tasty and thoroughly recommended. The quail arrived in a smoke box which was visually superb however I do not recall anything other than pleasant on this dish along with the marrow and beef on the other side of the table. The signature use of peanut butter in desserts was much enjoyed with the nitro peanut butter desert at the counter and the other freeze-dried chocloate dessert was highly pleasing.
On to the food, the amuse bouche arrived in a nice presentation box and the crisps with cream were highly pleasant. My starter was very nice but unfortunately unmemorable however the full English breakfast starter (which I have had before) was terrific – highly fun, original, tasty and thoroughly recommended. The quail arrived in a smoke box which was visually superb however I do not recall anything other than pleasant on this dish along with the marrow and beef on the other side of the table. The signature use of peanut butter in desserts was much enjoyed with the nitro peanut butter desert at the counter and the other freeze-dried chocloate dessert was highly pleasing.
All in all this was a very nice meal no question, however, although it was certainly not offensive in anyway, it was simply a nice collection of very stylishly put together textures and ingredients rather than flavours that that created wow moments. A definite thumbs up though.
https://major-foodie.com/pollen-street-social/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at ROKA at ROKA
ROKA has four venues in London (at time of writing) and the Australian owner is proud that each one is individual and does not conform to a chain ethos of being exactly the same. The design here is very different from its counterparts and the wooden-panelled interior is stylishly done with a bar and eating area overlooking Canada Square which, with... More
ROKA has four venues in London (at time of writing) and the Australian owner is proud that each one is individual and does not conform to a chain ethos of being exactly the same. The design here is very different from its counterparts and the wooden-panelled interior is stylishly done with a bar and eating area overlooking Canada Square which, with its two large screens is very often used for major sporting events with many sat on the grass in a picnic way (indeed as was I for the Olympics when I was living in Canary Wharf). So whenever this happens, or even if there is no such occasion, the view is still quite a pleasant one here.
I had the pleasure of weekend brunch here on two occasions and it proved to be very good value for money – a buffet with many hot and cold options that were all frankly lovely to choose from and unlimited blini cocktails in the process(!). At the time that was £40 per person, but I see the price has been taken off the website now (as at Feb 15) making me believe that this has risen a fair amount as the ‘secret’ of this value is now out. For families there is also a clever crèche area in the far corner of the bar corner, separated for toddlers.
I had the pleasure of weekend brunch here on two occasions and it proved to be very good value for money – a buffet with many hot and cold options that were all frankly lovely to choose from and unlimited blini cocktails in the process(!). At the time that was £40 per person, but I see the price has been taken off the website now (as at Feb 15) making me believe that this has risen a fair amount as the ‘secret’ of this value is now out. For families there is also a clever crèche area in the far corner of the bar corner, separated for toddlers.
Some very good experiences had here but the amber flags I would raise here as a precaution are that mid-week you may very well find yourself in a testosterone-fuelled environment from the charged-up city goers and this, I have noticed, is usually followed up by the reliable following of dolled up women that have come in from a train ride finishing at Liverpool St station, who wish to meet the former, mentioned clientele in order to possibly never pay for the same meal ever again.
https://major-foodie.com/roka-canary-wharf/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Boathouse Wine & Grill at Boathouse Wine & Grill
Although I only had the favourites of chicken, beef and pork satay and Thai green curry, unfortunately I was not blown away by the food. The satay was absolutely fine, but a feable amount of the sauce was given and even the meat itself was slightly dry. The Thai green curry was very well done but I simply found the sauce too watery and far hotter... More
Although I only had the favourites of chicken, beef and pork satay and Thai green curry, unfortunately I was not blown away by the food. The satay was absolutely fine, but a feable amount of the sauce was given and even the meat itself was slightly dry. The Thai green curry was very well done but I simply found the sauce too watery and far hotter than the norm to enjoy and whilst appreciating this is actually the authentic way that Thais do one of their flag ship dishes, it was light yes, but too hot to be in love with.
Food Grade: 64%
Although I only had the favourites of chicken, beef and pork satay and Thai green curry, unfortunately I was not blown away by the food. The satay was absolutely fine, but a feable amount of the sauce was given and even the meat itself was slightly dry. The Thai green curry was very well done but I simply found the sauce too watery and far hotter than the norm to enjoy and whilst appreciating this is actually the authentic way that Thais do one of their flag ship dishes, it was light yes, but too hot to be in love with.
https://major-foodie.com/boathouse-wine-grill-phuket/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Joe’s Downstairs at Joe’s Downstairs
This was lovely! After running the Berlin marathon a treat to Thailand was in order and this little place in Phuket at the north end of Kalim beach was a lovely gem to discover. Having been recommended to go by a friend I decided to ride the bike past here at the end of the day’s swimming and because of the fact one has to climb down to get to... More
This was lovely! After running the Berlin marathon a treat to Thailand was in order and this little place in Phuket at the north end of Kalim beach was a lovely gem to discover. Having been recommended to go by a friend I decided to ride the bike past here at the end of the day’s swimming and because of the fact one has to climb down to get to it, I very nearly drove past as can be easily missed. After descending the stairway to the bottom end of the cliff in which it sits one is greeted to a delightful bar and terrace with an extended restaruant further down more steps at the end of the terrace, set slightly further in to the cliff face.
The service here from the start was phenomenal and although I hadn’t booked and the restaurant was (allegedly) expecting numerous more guests for that evening – I was acommodated for the tapas style dishes that I wanted nevertheless and was immensely happy with the product. The soft shell crab was perfectly light, the duck cones were not too big and the wrap also not too thick and came with a very pleasing tamarind and digon mustard dip – superb. The star of the show however was the the foie gras ‘Shu Mei’ which was light, velvety and luxurious. Wine was replaced by a cool, Singha beer and I would say the only let down in comparison was the deserts which were pleasant but simply that in their simple nature.
The service here from the start was phenomenal and although I hadn’t booked and the restaurant was (allegedly) expecting numerous more guests for that evening – I was acommodated for the tapas style dishes that I wanted nevertheless and was immensely happy with the product. The soft shell crab was perfectly light, the duck cones were not too big and the wrap also not too thick and came with a very pleasing tamarind and digon mustard dip – superb. The star of the show however was the the foie gras ‘Shu Mei’ which was light, velvety and luxurious. Wine was replaced by a cool, Singha beer and I would say the only let down in comparison was the deserts which were pleasant but simply that in their simple nature.
If you wish a table on the upper terrace level you will need to book in advance as it would seem this was the premier spot, however even if you can’t this is without question a superb option for all round factors – service, wonderful setting and quality of the food.
https://major-foodie.com/joes-downstairs-phuket/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Breeze at Breeze
You can’t have too much to complain about when you have an entire city in a dimmly lit and beautifully designed setting with tremendous service making you feel utterly comfortable and catered for. This is just one of the Lebua hotel’s restaurants and Breeze is located on the 52nd floor. You can get a good view of it if you pay a little extra... More
You can’t have too much to complain about when you have an entire city in a dimmly lit and beautifully designed setting with tremendous service making you feel utterly comfortable and catered for. This is just one of the Lebua hotel’s restaurants and Breeze is located on the 52nd floor. You can get a good view of it if you pay a little extra to get the afternoon canapés and drinks option in the lounge as part of your room rate and this lounge providing this every day sits just above Breeze. Based on this view alone, it’s hard to resist asking for a table there and then for that evening; and this is precisely what I did!
The amuse bouche(s) presented were very pleasing, although a bit more variation would have been a lot better and the two starters I had were frankly wonderful. The four mini duck pancakes with hoi sin sauce and caviar were sublime, but then again so thye should be at £14 for that one dish alone as I recall, which would be expensive even in London! However worrying about the price was not a concern on this post-marathon treat and the crisp wasabi prawns with wasabi cream were frankly knock out. Quite heavy for Thai cooking though, I was actually full on just these treats and although a little pricey, it was seriously pleasing on the palate and I would go back again in a heart beat.
The amuse bouche(s) presented were very pleasing, although a bit more variation would have been a lot better and the two starters I had were frankly wonderful. The four mini duck pancakes with hoi sin sauce and caviar were sublime, but then again so thye should be at £14 for that one dish alone as I recall, which would be expensive even in London! However worrying about the price was not a concern on this post-marathon treat and the crisp wasabi prawns with wasabi cream were frankly knock out. Quite heavy for Thai cooking though, I was actually full on just these treats and although a little pricey, it was seriously pleasing on the palate and I would go back again in a heart beat.
https://major-foodie.com/breeze-bangkok/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Victorian at The Victorian
Having a drink at the bar downstairs in the Bistro im Victorian is the only way to start an evening at The Victorian. A window table was gained for this meal and was a superb way to start the evening before heading in to the Alte Stadt. The service was extremely good on this visit and the dishes were visually great as well as genuinely pleasing. Great... More
Having a drink at the bar downstairs in the Bistro im Victorian is the only way to start an evening at The Victorian. A window table was gained for this meal and was a superb way to start the evening before heading in to the Alte Stadt. The service was extremely good on this visit and the dishes were visually great as well as genuinely pleasing. Great care had gone in to the presentation and the main highlight of the tasting menu was actually the salad with pea ice cream. All others dishes were fine (although not all worked) and I left with a smile on my face and the thought of: “I’m glad I did that one”, but no huge need to return to doing again.
Food Grade: 71%
https://major-foodie.com/the-victorian-dusseldorf/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less