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 Aqua at Aqua
This is widely regarded as the country’s finest restaurant. The setting is a little odd as you have to drive through a car sales estate to get to the hotel in which Aqua is within (Ritz Carlton) which is somehow set opposite an industrial site but a lake separating the two which, frankly makes a bizarre slice of scenery to have from their pre-dinner... More
This is widely regarded as the country’s finest restaurant. The setting is a little odd as you have to drive through a car sales estate to get to the hotel in which Aqua is within (Ritz Carlton) which is somehow set opposite an industrial site but a lake separating the two which, frankly makes a bizarre slice of scenery to have from their pre-dinner terrace. However, the food here was as impressive as one can expect for a 3 Michelin starred venue in Germany with precision of design and some beautifully done dishes but with limited walk-away life memories of dishes at the same time.
I wasn’t immensely in awe of the design of the restaurant either, which actually had the ring of an airport lounge with a chandelier and tables rather than the premier dining spot in Germany. However, faith was restored with virtually all the dishes brought to us in the tasting menu. In summary there is no question as to the technical brilliance and clever play on the design of the dishes served, my only reservation being that I did not have any absolute moments of ecstatic joy through the meal, rather a simmering contentment. Dessert brought memories of childhood however and was a delightful series of nutty and chocolatey flavours and the Ruinart ice-cream served from the underside of a Ruinart bottle was very clever and pleasant. Further back in the meal, the arctic char with yellow caviar was also a real treat.
I wasn’t immensely in awe of the design of the restaurant either, which actually had the ring of an airport lounge with a chandelier and tables rather than the premier dining spot in Germany. However, faith was restored with virtually all the dishes brought to us in the tasting menu. In summary there is no question as to the technical brilliance and clever play on the design of the dishes served, my only reservation being that I did not have any absolute moments of ecstatic joy through the meal, rather a simmering contentment. Dessert brought memories of childhood however and was a delightful series of nutty and chocolatey flavours and the Ruinart ice-cream served from the underside of a Ruinart bottle was very clever and pleasant. Further back in the meal, the arctic char with yellow caviar was also a real treat.
Was it worth a special journey? Yes, but only because I was in Germany and was a couple of hours in a car with a friend. If it was a case of travelling countries I would have to say no, however this certainly was refined as a menu to have.
https://major-foodie.com/aqua-germany/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Bistro im Victorian at The Victorian
This is a lovely bistro in Dusseldorf located on the German equivalent of Bond Street. The open plan and bar areas are stylish and the menu has traditional choices done well. One thing Germans do very well is remoulade and sauces, and these were very much employed with the salmon, fried potato cakes and beef. The schnitzel for the lady was done... More
This is a lovely bistro in Dusseldorf located on the German equivalent of Bond Street. The open plan and bar areas are stylish and the menu has traditional choices done well. One thing Germans do very well is remoulade and sauces, and these were very much employed with the salmon, fried potato cakes and beef. The schnitzel for the lady was done very well (thin, crispy and with no gristle). One thing I haven’t mentioned in any of the other German restaurants is the glaring lack understanding that the vast majority have to tap water – please don’t expect an easy interface with any German waiter or waitress regarding tap water, as they simply don’t get it. Tap water is drinkable in Germany but restaurants in the main simply don’t understand why you would not go for bottled – the answer I cry: because tap water tastes virtually identical but is free.
A lovely venue for lunch or dinners with a very good feel; if one elects to go for dinner upstairs in The Victorian restaurant (1 Michelin starred) then the bar downstairs in the bistro is a very nice way to start that occasion.
https://major-foodie.com/bistro-im-victorian-dusseldorf/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Gourmetrestaurant Lerbach at Vendôme
Although this restaurant is seemingly closed for refubishment for the majority of 2015 (at time of writing in Jan 15) it will be worth the wait if you are in the vicinity when it reopens. It is not quite Le Manoir aux Quat Saison but it is a good stab at being close with splendid gardens and a 2 Michelin starred conservatory restaurant. I stayed... More
Although this restaurant is seemingly closed for refubishment for the majority of 2015 (at time of writing in Jan 15) it will be worth the wait if you are in the vicinity when it reopens. It is not quite Le Manoir aux Quat Saison but it is a good stab at being close with splendid gardens and a 2 Michelin starred conservatory restaurant. I stayed overnight and that is where the difference is mainly seen as the stay at Lerbach was €182 as opposed to the £850+ per night to stay at Le Manoir.
The meal itself here was very well presented and I had some genuine moments of happiness on the arctic char and foie gras courses and the remaining dishes were very pleasant, but essentially more pleasing for the eyes than the mouth.
https://major-foodie.com/gourmetrestaurant-lerbach-germany/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Le Gourmet at Le Gourmet
This was a lovely little place to visit a stone throw up the hill from the Necker river of Heidelberg. The hotel is exceedingly homely with two bubbly drinks served to each arriving guest whilst sat down at reception. The restaruant was made for couples and done exceedingly well with old- fashioned Germanic décor and candle lit areas. All the... More
This was a lovely little place to visit a stone throw up the hill from the Necker river of Heidelberg. The hotel is exceedingly homely with two bubbly drinks served to each arriving guest whilst sat down at reception. The restaruant was made for couples and done exceedingly well with old- fashioned Germanic décor and candle lit areas. All the dishes were skillfully and carefully prepared and the knock out dishes were the slow-cooked hen’s egg with macaroni twirl, bacon consommé and pork crisp on top (absolutely special) and the giant after eight chocolate (with refined and clarified mint gel) to go with the coffee cream mousse. Unfortunately all other dishes were pleasant but not enough special enough to be truly remembered. However, all in all this was a very pleasant meal and you are in very good hands here.
Food Grade: 81%
https://major-foodie.com/le-gourmet-heidelberg/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Plough Inn at The Plough Inn
Another Great British Menu victor and only 15 minutes from my Army Headquarters where I had to be in and around my Birthday so I was very lucky to be taken here by my Boss at the time who was legendarily generous. The pork scratchings at the beginning with cider puree dip were lovely and had the texture and feel of quaver crisps but infinitely nicer.... More
Another Great British Menu victor and only 15 minutes from my Army Headquarters where I had to be in and around my Birthday so I was very lucky to be taken here by my Boss at the time who was legendarily generous. The pork scratchings at the beginning with cider puree dip were lovely and had the texture and feel of quaver crisps but infinitely nicer. The main purpose for the visit was to have the veal sweetbreads with beans on toast twist, which I have to say was as luxurious as it looked. It was undeniably lovely and the buttered gravy within the venison bowl was utterly divine as was the hearty sweetbreads amongst the breadcrumbs, vegetables and viscous supporting veal sauce. This was truly knock out and the fact that James Durrant voluntarily spoke with myself and my boss for so long after the meal was frankly a Birthday treat for me in itself.
Fascinating chat and such a decent lad, it was great hearing from him and gaining his opinions on it all, the other chefs and chiefly, being able to tell him how nice his food was. My only regret being not able to try the SPAM starter that he had on the GBM 2014 (held at St Pauls for veterans of World War II) so I can only hope it is still on the menu by the time I am next summoned to attend anything at Army HQ, where I will have every intention of going to the Plough Inn as opposed to go to the Mess for that evening’s supper! A fabulous treat and lovely, lesser known option, off the beaten track in Longparish.
Fascinating chat and such a decent lad, it was great hearing from him and gaining his opinions on it all, the other chefs and chiefly, being able to tell him how nice his food was. My only regret being not able to try the SPAM starter that he had on the GBM 2014 (held at St Pauls for veterans of World War II) so I can only hope it is still on the menu by the time I am next summoned to attend anything at Army HQ, where I will have every intention of going to the Plough Inn as opposed to go to the Mess for that evening’s supper! A fabulous treat and lovely, lesser known option, off the beaten track in Longparish.
https://major-foodie.com/the-plough-inn/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Bath Priory at Bath Priory
This was a lovely afternoon I experienced as a Birthday treat from my ex-girlfriend. We went for the full blown tasting menu and the dishes were very stylish and no question of pleasing flavours but no stand out dish making it another pleasant but mid-range 1 Michelin starred option. It was as a fact of staying there that the menu was done fully,... More
This was a lovely afternoon I experienced as a Birthday treat from my ex-girlfriend. We went for the full blown tasting menu and the dishes were very stylish and no question of pleasing flavours but no stand out dish making it another pleasant but mid-range 1 Michelin starred option. It was as a fact of staying there that the menu was done fully, and so in summary I would not go back just for the food, but as a place to have a pleasant experience, the lounge, fireplace and garden were absolutely charming. Bare feet croquet in the garden in the afternoon sunchine was cracking and the gardens are like a little oasis it has to be said. Overall, very pleasing and perfect for reserved occasions, stays and for couples but probably not for huge celebrations or younger crowds.
Food Grade: 72%
https://major-foodie.com/the-bath-priory/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Lima at Lima
Mixed emotions on this one – if you are making a booking for a meal in the evening as a pleasant place I would say you are going to be disappointed as the outside has a lower echelon café feel at best and is not somewhere you would necessarily treat someone. Having said that, if you were passing and dropped in for a quick Peruvian lunch you would... More
Mixed emotions on this one – if you are making a booking for a meal in the evening as a pleasant place I would say you are going to be disappointed as the outside has a lower echelon café feel at best and is not somewhere you would necessarily treat someone. Having said that, if you were passing and dropped in for a quick Peruvian lunch you would be entirely happy at having high quality, Michelin starred food at a very reasonable price in a relaxed environment. The food itself carries unusual and pleasing spices throughout, including within the yoghurt dip for the side bread and there is no question of originality in combinations and style throughout. The staff are welcoming and clearly take pride in their work and the explaining the menu which is always a good sign. Peruvian food simply isn’t my favourite, neither is Mexican and even though the desserts were a little unadventurous, it is still a pleasant experience to have and a useful option if it suits the time of day and spontaneous need.
Food Grade: 63%
https://major-foodie.com/lima/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Balthasar at Balthasar
Another very nice meal here in different circusmtances. Dinner with drinks at Balthasar is, a little more than lunch naturally, but it is a very nice place to have a special meal, which, this second occasion here most certainly was, at the end of a long work placement, reflecting on life moments with mygood friend, with whom I had the great... More
Another very nice meal here in different circusmtances. Dinner with drinks at Balthasar is, a little more than lunch naturally, but it is a very nice place to have a special meal, which, this second occasion here most certainly was, at the end of a long work placement, reflecting on life moments with mygood friend, with whom I had the great pleasure of sharing this meal with. One I shan’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Food grade: 84%
https://major-foodie.com/balthasar/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Bomke Restaurant at Bomke Restaurant
A very nice, quiet and pleasant place to have a well crafted meal. The tasting menu was a reasonable affair at €90 per person for the 8 courses at 1 Michelin starred food. It is the sort of venue that will attract tables of matured couples who will spend their entire time silent and observing others. The meal was a nice occasion for the 4 of... More
A very nice, quiet and pleasant place to have a well crafted meal. The tasting menu was a reasonable affair at €90 per person for the 8 courses at 1 Michelin starred food. It is the sort of venue that will attract tables of matured couples who will spend their entire time silent and observing others. The meal was a nice occasion for the 4 of us though and the lunch was well presented with some fun and beautifully presented dishes. One snag: none of the dishes caused heightened happiness; a simmer of content at most. Nicely done, but no need to go back.
Food Grade: 61%
https://major-foodie.com/bomke-restaurant-germany/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Glasshouse at The Glasshouse
Set in a beautifully tucked away part of SW London but immediately opposite Kew Gardens tube station, this is a lovely and very busy / popular restaurant precisely for these reasons as well as the high quality food. The menu is limited to an a’la carte only at all times which is comparatively boring from a choice perspective, however what is done... More
Set in a beautifully tucked away part of SW London but immediately opposite Kew Gardens tube station, this is a lovely and very busy / popular restaurant precisely for these reasons as well as the high quality food. The menu is limited to an a’la carte only at all times which is comparatively boring from a choice perspective, however what is done on their menu is knock out in terms of the flavours. The foie gras frankly had to be done again and an even nicer bonus this time was to see an old friend on the menu in the shape of slices of steak and sauce béarnaise – something that is usually confined to either specific steak houses such as Hawksmoor or Goodman and the lower stakes chain restaurants who do not do it justice. The meal in terms of food was lovely again on this visit, over the sad occasion that it was.
All in all, it is a lovely addition to the SW London circle of 1 Michelin starred options, adding to La Trompett and Hedone in Chiswick.
https://major-foodie.com/the-glasshouse/
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