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 Fischers Fritz at Charlotte & Fritz
This was an exceptionally well prepared meal but sadly it did not make a big enough impact in terms of flavours and dishes for me to palce this in the forever memory folder. There was real attention to detail no question and that was as much in the food as it was in the service and the foie gras with layer of peppered sugar crust and fig chutney as... More
This was an exceptionally well prepared meal but sadly it did not make a big enough impact in terms of flavours and dishes for me to palce this in the forever memory folder. There was real attention to detail no question and that was as much in the food as it was in the service and the foie gras with layer of peppered sugar crust and fig chutney as well as the cod with bacon lardons were both fabulous. However, all other dishes simmered at pleasant and the restaurant fulfilled its secondary role which was to ensure that diners taking their guests out there were in line for brownie points if these were needed. This was reassuringly done and mission accomplished in this way and I was glad to have done it but ultimately I now wish to explore the other five 2 Michelin starred venues in Berlin (as at 2016) if I find myself back in Berlin.
Food Grade: 82%
https://major-foodie.com/fischers-fritz-berlin/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Square at The Square
Food wise even better than last time. At a slight advantage I had to try Phil Howard’s Great British Menu victory starter of mackerel which was the best soup, tartare and smoked versions of mackerel I have ever had in my life – worth the reassuringly obscene price of the tasting menu just to have that dish. The entire meal was again superb and... More
Food wise even better than last time. At a slight advantage I had to try Phil Howard’s Great British Menu victory starter of mackerel which was the best soup, tartare and smoked versions of mackerel I have ever had in my life – worth the reassuringly obscene price of the tasting menu just to have that dish. The entire meal was again superb and there wasn’t a thing I didn’t like on the whole menu. Shame he had to leave so soon in the evening without being able to say hello to the diners, but a milestone meal.
Food Rating: 93%
https://major-foodie.com/the-square/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at L’Enclume at L'Enclume
Now as a 2 Michelin starred venue for this visit, the expectation was even greater. This was returned in the guise of a spectacular meal of an even greater number of courses. The truth be known however, I actually preferred the flavour of the dishes on my visit when it was a one star and now that it has gained two Michelin stars, my second visit... More
Now as a 2 Michelin starred venue for this visit, the expectation was even greater. This was returned in the guise of a spectacular meal of an even greater number of courses. The truth be known however, I actually preferred the flavour of the dishes on my visit when it was a one star and now that it has gained two Michelin stars, my second visit showed an almost marathon of a tasting menu with simply superb inventiveness (particular highlight being the crystallised candy pops that accompanied the main meat course) but glad to have experienced it rather than an insatiable desire to get back there soon.
Simon Rogan’s dishes are utterly fresh and stylish without being too over the top and the sourcing of all local ingredients from the immediate lands give his cooking a very personal touch. The food will wow almost any diner and it should definitely be on every foodie’s to do list. Perfect for a nice lunch and a special occasion, but with the length of the menus and price tags associated, it’s difficult to view as a place to just drop in – diners should be under no illusion that booking as well as planning the stomach and timetable well in advance is required for a visit here.
Simon Rogan’s dishes are utterly fresh and stylish without being too over the top and the sourcing of all local ingredients from the immediate lands give his cooking a very personal touch. The food will wow almost any diner and it should definitely be on every foodie’s to do list. Perfect for a nice lunch and a special occasion, but with the length of the menus and price tags associated, it’s difficult to view as a place to just drop in – diners should be under no illusion that booking as well as planning the stomach and timetable well in advance is required for a visit here.
https://major-foodie.com/lenclume/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Hand and Flowers at Hand and Flowers
Another repeat of the classic dishes, squeezed in whilst we could and before the reservation calendar was to become untenable. Simply put, a powerhouse of dishes, although I was disappointed to see the onion jam around the parfait clearly older than necessary with not enough moisture, as if it had been left out for 30 minutes; clearly they expect... More
Another repeat of the classic dishes, squeezed in whilst we could and before the reservation calendar was to become untenable. Simply put, a powerhouse of dishes, although I was disappointed to see the onion jam around the parfait clearly older than necessary with not enough moisture, as if it had been left out for 30 minutes; clearly they expect to sell more and have numerous prepped in advance but either this one was prepped far too far in advance or left in a warm area. Either way, not great as it has caused me to remember this and write the majority of this piece on that rather than the meal which, was again, on the whole, wonderful.
Food Grade: 88%
The chicken liver parfait rivals that of Heston Blumenthal’s mandarin meat fruit which is hard to do and the fish and chips were simply the best standard you can get with succulent sweetness of the meat surrounded by an unbelievably light and crispy batter. The Great British Menu duck dish with butter gravy was just wonderful (a must if you go) and the mustard mash with the pork was a true delight. In short, there was nothing that we tried that was not liked by everyone.
Tom Kerridge’s food here is worthy of its 2 stars without question based purely on the sure-fire victories in the mouth they produce and it is wonderful to be able to have a pint with your meal if you so wish as opposed to wine only, such is the nature of the gastropub. Although, that word should be used with caution as it is not really a gastro pub – it is a restaurant in a pub shell with no room for anyone to us the bar in the conventional pub way, although one can dine at the very small bar as an emergency option. The bar itself has had to be turned in to counter dining to make up for the extremely high demand. Getting a table here is now so difficult, my recommendation would be to take a day off work on a Mon or Tues and go for lunch or dinner any way possible a few months in advance.
A superb place for food, just such a shame the secret is out as it is such an effort to book, find a date, wait the distance and then travel there with my only reservation being that when that day comes, you had better not be late as they do double booking sessions so your table is only good for 2 hours which does not seem long enough. Diners should not expect a refined service as many on the front of house are quite young, however, this adds to a cosy, family and unpretentious place it is and the ones I have spoken seemed passionate about the food.
https://major-foodie.com/the-hand-and-flowers/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Ledbury at The Ledbury
This was an entirely different affair on this visit celebrating my Birthday with the entire tasting menu for lunch. Once again the bacon and onion bread was a treat to have (although somehow not as good as the first time experienced – perhaps that is always the way holding so much expectation on second visit) and some of the different dishes experienced... More
This was an entirely different affair on this visit celebrating my Birthday with the entire tasting menu for lunch. Once again the bacon and onion bread was a treat to have (although somehow not as good as the first time experienced – perhaps that is always the way holding so much expectation on second visit) and some of the different dishes experienced were marvellous. I had a genuine fireworks moment with the simple salad that used sugar and cherry vinegar to accompany the vegetables and creamed goat cheese and will almost go so far as to say was one of the nicest food moments I have ever had.
Other bombshells were the mackerel tartare, the cod with creamed sauce and pork sensation. Every element of this menu put a huge smile on my face from one end to the other and the icing on the cake was going down to the kitchen afterwards and meeting the Australian head chef showing us the roe deer he had gained from the recent hunt which he had served us and speaking about all his produce. This was an absolute belter – light, exciting, pitched well, delicious and joyful to have. I walked away knowing that I would remember this one for many years to come and was a gem to have. The only downer in general is its somewhat out of the way location so taxis at the ready for here, however once you go, you will not be disappointed for virtually any occasion.
Other bombshells were the mackerel tartare, the cod with creamed sauce and pork sensation. Every element of this menu put a huge smile on my face from one end to the other and the icing on the cake was going down to the kitchen afterwards and meeting the Australian head chef showing us the roe deer he had gained from the recent hunt which he had served us and speaking about all his produce. This was an absolute belter – light, exciting, pitched well, delicious and joyful to have. I walked away knowing that I would remember this one for many years to come and was a gem to have. The only downer in general is its somewhat out of the way location so taxis at the ready for here, however once you go, you will not be disappointed for virtually any occasion.
https://major-foodie.com/the-ledbury/
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 Yauatcha at Yauatcha Soho
A lovely occasion to be squeezed in for counter dining and clearly the Peking Duck had to be done. Lovely, spontaneous option however let down by the rather austere service giving the impression that their Address is probably the main factor in causing them to have to deal with a variety of drunken groups who want Chinese food and probably don’t... More
A lovely occasion to be squeezed in for counter dining and clearly the Peking Duck had to be done. Lovely, spontaneous option however let down by the rather austere service giving the impression that their Address is probably the main factor in causing them to have to deal with a variety of drunken groups who want Chinese food and probably don’t know it has a Michelin star.
Food Grade: 79%
https://major-foodie.com/yauatcha/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Connaught Hotel Brunch at The Connaught Hotel Brunch
Served in the same 2 Michelin starred restaurant by Hélène Darroze but transformed in to a open buffet format on Saturdays, this was an impressive set menu to have and a very nice way to celebrate my Mum’s Birthday (which also went down very well). There were impressive cold meat selections (including foie gras), a vat of scrambled eggs, traditional... More
Served in the same 2 Michelin starred restaurant by Hélène Darroze but transformed in to a open buffet format on Saturdays, this was an impressive set menu to have and a very nice way to celebrate my Mum’s Birthday (which also went down very well). There were impressive cold meat selections (including foie gras), a vat of scrambled eggs, traditional bacon and sauge meats and a huge dessert selection including freshly made waffles at the stand and numerous pastries.
If that wasn’t enough, all of the above are the surrounding acts to the main selections on the menu – a choice of the Connaught burger with foie gras, the eggs benedict, ‘mac and cheese’, boudin noir or cornish crab options. All of this was £50 per person at the time and is now £55 (as at Mar 15); a highly reasonable package for what one can choose from and all were prepared well. The mains were fine as dishes (nothing spectacular but as good as one would expect) and the whole buffet was a pleasure to go for.
https://major-foodie.com/the-connaught-hotel-brunch-mayfair/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Marcus Wareing at The Berkley at Marcus Wareing
Another chance for me to sample the highest tasting menu on a Birthday celebration. As previously mentioned the venue is perfect for this sort of occasion, albeit one needs to mind their volume at the table, and the food was undeniably pleasing again. The photos will speak for themselves however particular favourites were the foie gras cracker amuse... More
Another chance for me to sample the highest tasting menu on a Birthday celebration. As previously mentioned the venue is perfect for this sort of occasion, albeit one needs to mind their volume at the table, and the food was undeniably pleasing again. The photos will speak for themselves however particular favourites were the foie gras cracker amuse bouches and the pineapple pastry dessert I should have gone for, which my brother recommended but I stupidly didn’t go for in order to get more creations on the table, resulting in him ending up with the far better dessert.
The only down side of this visit is that I think I actually preferred all the amuse bouche and in between course surprises more than the actual main dishes(!). However, it was another class act in terms of the food and I now need to get back there as soon as possible in order to experience the new design and feel of the newly unveiled Marcus. I sense Mr Wareing is probably more at ease with himself and his approach (that he wishes to provide) to the overall dining experience now and this can only be a good thing. Ceasing to firecely chase the dream of a third star and be more relaxed in his approach may well be the thing that gains him that one day but that is only a thought from myself. I look forward to seeing if there is any likewise enhancement in the dishes served at Marcus when I next go.
The only down side of this visit is that I think I actually preferred all the amuse bouche and in between course surprises more than the actual main dishes(!). However, it was another class act in terms of the food and I now need to get back there as soon as possible in order to experience the new design and feel of the newly unveiled Marcus. I sense Mr Wareing is probably more at ease with himself and his approach (that he wishes to provide) to the overall dining experience now and this can only be a good thing. Ceasing to firecely chase the dream of a third star and be more relaxed in his approach may well be the thing that gains him that one day but that is only a thought from myself. I look forward to seeing if there is any likewise enhancement in the dishes served at Marcus when I next go.
Apart from that previous downer (plus being overcharged £130 for the on the first visit – quickly u-turned naturally after we spotted it), this set menu lunch was extremely good. The price is a little more than one would pay in other London restaurants (£50 set menu lunch), but at 2 Michelin level with numerous pleasant extras guaranteed owing to its class and the special nature of the venue this would seem acceptable. The value for money is enhanced when one receives the finely cooked ingredients in a subtle and elegant presentation and particular highlights were actually the caramel butter to go with the bread selection and the finger and dipping bisque which was a deep fried pea finger in batter and very enjoyable. This is a special venue, without any argument and would recommend for any excuse to get dressed up and indulge in excellence.
https://major-foodie.com/marcus-formerly-marcus-wareing-at-the-berkley/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at El Lago at El Lago
As the summary says this is very nice spot, albeit in an off the beaten track location, but beautifully set right by Greenlife golf course where one can have coffee or pre-dinner drinks on the terrace overlooking the 18th hole. The service here was very good and the restaurant stylish as well. It is only one of two 1 Michelin starred venues within... More
As the summary says this is very nice spot, albeit in an off the beaten track location, but beautifully set right by Greenlife golf course where one can have coffee or pre-dinner drinks on the terrace overlooking the 18th hole. The service here was very good and the restaurant stylish as well. It is only one of two 1 Michelin starred venues within 6 miles of Marbella and is a good find, but I was pretty dissapointed with the lack of creativity for a ‘creative’ restaurant. The skill was there but with the blandness of the one bread on offer, the hard work that the pigeon was to get through and the general lack of flavours, I have no option but to obey my instincts which were that I left thinking vivid thoughts of the food experience here being easily in the lowest quadrant of all 1 Michelin starred placed I have been to. It will definitely gain plus points as a place if you are treating someone, but if you are keen on food, be prepared for some subdued flavours.
Food Grade: 46%
https://major-foodie.com/el-lago-spain/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less
Copy the code to embed the post
- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Petersham Nursaries at Petersham Nurseries Café
The first thing to say is that if you don’t like the idea of eating in a dry-mud floored conservatory that looks like a Homebase garden section with tables, then this probably isn’t the place for you – because that’s exactly what it looks like. The reason being that it is set within an upmarket garden centre, labelled as a café, but in fact... More
The first thing to say is that if you don’t like the idea of eating in a dry-mud floored conservatory that looks like a Homebase garden section with tables, then this probably isn’t the place for you – because that’s exactly what it looks like. The reason being that it is set within an upmarket garden centre, labelled as a café, but in fact is a restaurant which people book well in advance to gain a table because of its original and quirky concept.
The food on my visit was fresh, simple and frankly enjoyable. My only criticism was that perhaps the dishes were a little too simple for the accolade and I am in danger of agreeing with the Michelin guide on the demotion to just being in the guide at time of writing (2105). However, it remains a quirky and fun option to go for within SW London; diners should simply expect a 20 minute walk from the river trying to find it or in need of a taxi that knows exactly where it is in order to make the journey pain-free. Definitely worth a bite, but only if it fits in with your timetable or visit there.
https://major-foodie.com/petersham-nursaries/
https://instagram.com/richardbagnold Less