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 Le Bristol at Le Bristol
This was a special meal, no question. It is regretful that some of the photos did not make it from the savoury courses and as a result this review is based on gut instinct from the memories of the experience and surviving photos. However, thankfully, as the dishes were so memorable in their skill, this is not actually much of an issue to recount... More
This was a special meal, no question. It is regretful that some of the photos did not make it from the savoury courses and as a result this review is based on gut instinct from the memories of the experience and surviving photos. However, thankfully, as the dishes were so memorable in their skill, this is not actually much of an issue to recount them. The whole meal was incredibly impressive and from the word go had a wow factor in the designs.
The amuse bouche of a tuna lollipop and olive oil gel with pea puree was definitely the most stylish set of canapés I had ever had and to this day remains in the very top bracket of all ever experienced. A delightful beef stew jelly with horseraddish emuslion proved to be an incredibly sublime amuse bouche and that too was special, in its supporting role. The turbot we received came in a sealed wrapping which was carved away and removed at the table, leaving a seaweed butter to melt in to the dish and this was highly professional in its design and execution; the flavour being exceedingly fresh.
The amuse bouche of a tuna lollipop and olive oil gel with pea puree was definitely the most stylish set of canapés I had ever had and to this day remains in the very top bracket of all ever experienced. A delightful beef stew jelly with horseraddish emuslion proved to be an incredibly sublime amuse bouche and that too was special, in its supporting role. The turbot we received came in a sealed wrapping which was carved away and removed at the table, leaving a seaweed butter to melt in to the dish and this was highly professional in its design and execution; the flavour being exceedingly fresh.
The mains that were had were similarly impressive and had true expert presentation. Even the pre-desserts that included a lemon grass sugar stick with sorbet and a lychee snowball with sugared, edible rose petal were glorious in their skill and originality on the palate. And yet however, after all that, the real star of the show was yet to be presented and this was a chocolate egg, coated with edible gold, sat on a drum of chocolate truffle in a sphere of dark chocolate which had the appearance of a Swiss cheese ball with its perfectly crafted holes within the sphere. This was and still is one of the truely best desserts ever had and it is hard to place which, out of this, the strawberry soup at Arzak and the bacon at egg ice cream at The Fat Duck which is at the top, but to even be in this selection means it is a life great addin to the overall experience had here.
The small rotunda shape of the restaurant (i.e. limited and enclosed space) may not be to everyone’s taste and the sheer opulence of the design means dressing well is a must. But for anyone keen on highly impressive food, this is up there with the best one can get.
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at North Road at North Road
Another unfortunate fatality to the market which is a shame as the set lunch I had there was very good value for the quality of the cooking. As it is closed there is not much point writing too much on this restaurant, but at the time of visiting it was certainly a good experience for the buck. I wouldn’t say that it was in the upper echelon of... More
Another unfortunate fatality to the market which is a shame as the set lunch I had there was very good value for the quality of the cooking. As it is closed there is not much point writing too much on this restaurant, but at the time of visiting it was certainly a good experience for the buck. I wouldn’t say that it was in the upper echelon of 1 Michelin starres venues but certainly not a bad experience. Where the dishes were a little too simple, the quality of the ingredients made of this.
Food Grade: 72%
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at The Royal Oak at The Royal Oak
This was a very pleasant pub to visit and Sir Michael Parkinson, Lady Parkinson and their son Nick have turned the interior of this pub in to a highly elegant and comfortable dining venue. Conveniently positioned next to the B3204, a short distance from the M4, it’s well worth a value lunch if you are driving along the M4 and you can make it... More
This was a very pleasant pub to visit and Sir Michael Parkinson, Lady Parkinson and their son Nick have turned the interior of this pub in to a highly elegant and comfortable dining venue. Conveniently positioned next to the B3204, a short distance from the M4, it’s well worth a value lunch if you are driving along the M4 and you can make it fit in with the journey.
The large whitebait with garlic mayonnaise was nice to have as an opener; the parfait that was shared was done well but the points rose with a very delicately and stylishly delivered steak with beautifully sweet and viscous red wine jus and the steak and kidney pie was just about as good as you can get technically and as this is a place where care is taken to detail, the petits fours were a welcome alternative to dessert as we were actually quite full.
The large whitebait with garlic mayonnaise was nice to have as an opener; the parfait that was shared was done well but the points rose with a very delicately and stylishly delivered steak with beautifully sweet and viscous red wine jus and the steak and kidney pie was just about as good as you can get technically and as this is a place where care is taken to detail, the petits fours were a welcome alternative to dessert as we were actually quite full.
It was a very pleasing lunch here, showing sound technical skill and a good return on flavours. The only negatives really are that it is so nice inside, it feels like a full blown restaurant and not a pub, which therefore makes the exterior a bit of a let down aesthetically and a surprise to not be more like a pub inside. The fact that one really does need a car for a meal here, also reduces drink possibilites for one at least. However, if it works with the journey, one will be pleased of the drop in.
https://major-foodie.com/the-royal-oak-maidenhead/
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Chez Bruce at Chez Bruce
I look back at lunch at Chez Bruce as definitely something I was pleased to do and was quite nice to have the view of Wandsworth Common immediately opposite the restaurant. The set menu was good value, however, it was easily in the lower quadrant of all 1 Michelin stars for me as the flavours were fresh but simply dull. The prize and definite pleasing... More
I look back at lunch at Chez Bruce as definitely something I was pleased to do and was quite nice to have the view of Wandsworth Common immediately opposite the restaurant. The set menu was good value, however, it was easily in the lower quadrant of all 1 Michelin stars for me as the flavours were fresh but simply dull. The prize and definite pleasing aspect though was the signature creamed thyme soup – this with the doughnut bread I have to say was extremely good and I would have actually preferred to have just this on reflection and not bothered with anything else. Admittedly only one lunch experienced here but did not produce a strong desire for me to head back anytime soon and the size of the interior is almost claustrophobic, even with the upstairs section available. Worth a visit only if one is passing.
Food Grade: 66%
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Apsleys at The Lanesborough at Apsleys at The Lanesborough
This was one of the best set menus (£30 for three courses at the time) for the quality, technical style and produce that I have had at 1 Michelin starred level in London. The balsamic glaze added to the olive oil was 50 years old and utterly wonderful; the amuse bouche was fun and tasty and the risotto was luxurious; the main course of lamb was... More
This was one of the best set menus (£30 for three courses at the time) for the quality, technical style and produce that I have had at 1 Michelin starred level in London. The balsamic glaze added to the olive oil was 50 years old and utterly wonderful; the amuse bouche was fun and tasty and the risotto was luxurious; the main course of lamb was stylishly done with rectangular potato fingers in breadcrumbs and slow cooked hen’s egg on potato mash and desserts on the set menu were well executed. It was a very good return all round and the dining room is a treat to be in regardless if over a value lunch or afternoon tea (possibly the best location in London for afternoon tea for excellent service and setting).
The Lanesborough is currently closed (at time of writing – Mar 15), but is billed to re-open in ‘early 15’. I am eager to see what the new design and refurbishment looks like so I will revisit as soon as I can on reopening to review.
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Wing Lei at Wing Lei
As this was only used as a drop-in snack visit to sample their starters and their Peking duck, there is not that much to write on this restaurant, except to say that if you are staying in the Wynn and are a fan of Chinese food then this simply has to be done. It would be worth doing even if you were not staying here as the glitz and design of the... More
As this was only used as a drop-in snack visit to sample their starters and their Peking duck, there is not that much to write on this restaurant, except to say that if you are staying in the Wynn and are a fan of Chinese food then this simply has to be done. It would be worth doing even if you were not staying here as the glitz and design of the place is reassuringly way over what is the norm (down to the gold-plated cutlery) and a spectacle to see and the food was genuinely very good. Delicate care was obviously taken to make the dishes crispy and light and there was clear refinement in all the sauces tried. I definitely left here with a huge smile and although it may not be the only Michelin starred Chinese eatery in Las Vegas, you will struggle to find one that is more opulent and with such tasty dishes at the same time.
Food Grade: 77%
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
The paté, the lamb and the pea puree starter on this lunch occasion were very nice but unfortunately back to the old style of expensive freshness providing the reason to be charged such a charge for the experience which was not really returned on the level that the menu prices were. Perfectly pleasant food on this occasion but it was only just that... More
The paté, the lamb and the pea puree starter on this lunch occasion were very nice but unfortunately back to the old style of expensive freshness providing the reason to be charged such a charge for the experience which was not really returned on the level that the menu prices were. Perfectly pleasant food on this occasion but it was only just that with the added negative of being too expensive for what it was.
Food Grade: 78%
The biggest fear before going on such an occasion was the service being too formal. This however, was actually kicked right in to touch as the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and genuine at every stage. The meal itself was a set Christmas menu but with elements of real brilliance that I genuinely thought was better food than the degustation menu experienced earlier in the year. The salmon blini starter was wonderfully light and creamy; the true ‘Normande’ was beautifully fresh as an apple sorbet with freeze dried apple slice; the turkey was actually moist unlike how turkeys can very often be and the bread sauce with bacon bits and small amounts of cheese was a stroke of genius as well as the cheese with blob of truffle honey on the top being a delight.
The menu demonstrated simple flavours that would agree with virtually anyone and was beautifully done. The mini ice creams (had in the bar with after the meal with early evening liqueurs) were a lovely way to finish and this really was a superb meal. In terms of finding somewhere to have a unique Christmas Day away, it really was pure gold as an experience and one that will be very hard to match.
The food served here is elegant and definitely among the freshest I have come across with its plethora of vegetable selections, which Raymond Blanc uses, from his many surrounding gardens for all his dishes along with beautifully succulent fish. The meats are equally delightful but my only criticism with the food for this first visit was that for all its obvious style and impressive creations, the flavours were just pleasant rather than outstanding. The dishes themselves were luxurious and highly pleasing on the eye though. Overall, this is a gem of a place in general and I will never have an issue going here on any occasion, but it would be probably more for the occasion rather than to go for just the food itself – the latter here serves more as the bonus factor.
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Joël Robuchon at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
As a treat following the London Marathon and returning from Afghanistan, a holiday to Las Vegas in first class flights was arranged and this was the no brainer option to have whilst out there – Las Vegas’ only 3 Michelin starred option. Michelin stopped visiting Las Vegas owing to its cut backs as of 2009 however, we slipped in just before they... More
As a treat following the London Marathon and returning from Afghanistan, a holiday to Las Vegas in first class flights was arranged and this was the no brainer option to have whilst out there – Las Vegas’ only 3 Michelin starred option. Michelin stopped visiting Las Vegas owing to its cut backs as of 2009 however, we slipped in just before they extracted whilst the establishment had this live accolade to see what the score was. The result was a restaurant tucked away in the far end of the gambling hall of the MGM which was somehow shielded from the bustling crowds, bleeps and sirens of the slot machines a short distance away. The summary is sensational food, astronomic prices, world class service but all within a serious (low atmosphere) restaurant.
Inside, the grandeur of the venue was immediately clear but therein lay one of the first negatives – I didn’t feel 100% comfortable as was evidently a very serious affair meaning laughter and ease was almost not appropriate inside. However, the main talking was in the food and the choice of 20 breads to choose from at the beginning was certainly a good start. Presentationally, this meal was up there with the sexiest looking dishes one could ask for and the flavours were simply wonderful. It was a superb menu and experience indeed but at £440 per head inclusive of drinks and tip whilst not even being the most expensive option, it was not exactly cheap. However, it is still nestled in the memories as a special meal though and that is how it will remain.
Inside, the grandeur of the venue was immediately clear but therein lay one of the first negatives – I didn’t feel 100% comfortable as was evidently a very serious affair meaning laughter and ease was almost not appropriate inside. However, the main talking was in the food and the choice of 20 breads to choose from at the beginning was certainly a good start. Presentationally, this meal was up there with the sexiest looking dishes one could ask for and the flavours were simply wonderful. It was a superb menu and experience indeed but at £440 per head inclusive of drinks and tip whilst not even being the most expensive option, it was not exactly cheap. However, it is still nestled in the memories as a special meal though and that is how it will remain.
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Michael Mina at Michael Mina
Set on the ground floor of the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas, there is no doubt that this is a lovely option to have at a former 1 Michelin starred level for seafood or meat. Its location is also very handy as it is a stone throw from having a pre-dinner cocktail on the balcony terrace of the Bellagio which overlooks the fountains as another bonus.
The... More
Set on the ground floor of the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas, there is no doubt that this is a lovely option to have at a former 1 Michelin starred level for seafood or meat. Its location is also very handy as it is a stone throw from having a pre-dinner cocktail on the balcony terrace of the Bellagio which overlooks the fountains as another bonus.
The fillet of beef was sublime and its accompanying sauces and side additions were beautifully cooked. The shame here was simply that the portion sizes were on the slim side as a main course. The desserts were gratifying enough and carefully presented and overall, for a spontaneous choice for good quality food on a random Las Vegas evening this was a really good find. We were well looked after and I remember this meal with a huge smile.
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- Richard Bagnold added a new meal Meal at Le Gavroche at Le Gavroche
Although I have only been here once it remains one of the most special places I have been to in my life on its uniqueness. I went a week after doing the London marathon as a special treat and with the calorific intake that the classic French tasting menu is, it was probably a good thing that I had run 26.2 miles days before in preparation of the meal.... More
Although I have only been here once it remains one of the most special places I have been to in my life on its uniqueness. I went a week after doing the London marathon as a special treat and with the calorific intake that the classic French tasting menu is, it was probably a good thing that I had run 26.2 miles days before in preparation of the meal. The food was simple, French dishes done extremely well and the cinnamon pancakes with the foie gras were frankly an instant, death-row meal contender dish for being just utterly sublime as a combination (unbelievably did not get a clear picture of that dish). Other highlights included the cheese soufflé on a bed of double cream and the white chocolate ice cream at the end.
The service here is on another level. The staff here will cater for those with minimal food and wine knowledge just as much as those with a fine-tuned palate. This, I believe is the hallmark of quality – to be refined and obviously high end but also genuinely welcoming and non-judgemental to those who are in need of a bit of guiding in the process. The sommelier was absolutely fantastic in all his recommendations and the twins looked after us so well throughout the meal. It was also gracious of Michel Roux Jr to come and say hello to us at the table and share post-marathon thoughts as a nice bonus (having been blocked by the cheese board on first attempt). I believe this is a special place and the perfect venue in London for anyone who wants to treat their other half to something very special – something I very much look forward to doing with someone one day.
The service here is on another level. The staff here will cater for those with minimal food and wine knowledge just as much as those with a fine-tuned palate. This, I believe is the hallmark of quality – to be refined and obviously high end but also genuinely welcoming and non-judgemental to those who are in need of a bit of guiding in the process. The sommelier was absolutely fantastic in all his recommendations and the twins looked after us so well throughout the meal. It was also gracious of Michel Roux Jr to come and say hello to us at the table and share post-marathon thoughts as a nice bonus (having been blocked by the cheese board on first attempt). I believe this is a special place and the perfect venue in London for anyone who wants to treat their other half to something very special – something I very much look forward to doing with someone one day.
https://major-foodie.com/le-gavroche/
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