AA Restaurants of the Year 2007-08
Our inspectors' annual selection of the best restaurants
In selecting a Restaurant of the Year, the AA inspectors look for somewhere that is truly exceptional. While the Rosette awards are based on the quality of the food alone, the ROTY award recognises all aspects of the dining experience.
England
Tanners Restaurant
Plymouth, Devon
Christopher and James Tanner offer modern dishes cooked with flair in one of Plymouth's oldest buildings. The impressive 15th-century setting comes with flagstones, beams, vaults and even an ancient well. The Pilgrim Fathers may have eaten their last meal in England in the courtyard here, but it's unlikely their menu would have included turbot wrapped in Parma ham. This is a popular venue and booking is especially advisable at weekends. More about Tanners Restaurant
London
Trinity Restaurant
Clapham Old Town, SW4 0JG
Chef-restaurateur Adam Byatt returns to his Clapham roots after a sojourn in the bright lights of WC2. His buzzy neighbourhood venture has a smart eye-catching exterior with large windows and inside it's equally sophisticated. A friendly atmosphere, soft lighting and contemporary furnishings provide the backdrop to polished modern French cooking. Clear flavours, creative presentation and tip-top produce add up to the wow factor. More about Trinity Restaurant
Scotland
The Horseshoe Inn
Eddleston, near Peebles, Borders
A converted smithy houses the luxurious Bardoulet's Restaurant, the more relaxed Bistro and stylish lounge areas. Vibrant colours juxtapose soft-tone fabrics, fabulous table appointments, gilt-edge mirrors and stone floors. Patrick Bardoulet draws on his native homeland to deliver a French approach with a nod to traditional Scottish fare. So quality, local seasonal ingredients are combined with flair, vision, and top technical skills. More about the Horseshoe Inn
Wales
Carlton Riverside
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
This small, characterful, three-storey restaurant with rooms beside the bridge in the centre of town is home to the friendly and enthusiastic Gilchrists (the husband-and-wife team). The stylish establishment offers quality contemporary furnishings, soothing river views, and Alan's diligent service. Wife Mary Ann looks after the cooking. Her fixed-price menus make a virtue of simplicity, driven by stunningly fresh, local seasonal produce. It's honest with no gimmicks, and everything is full of flavour and perfectly timed. More about Carlton Riverside
• More about the AA Hospitality Awards
• Buy the AA Restaurant Guide
• Discover other fine restaurants
Other products & services
Site tools
Route PlannerRoutes for GB, Ireland and EuropeAA RoadwatchAvoid the traffic blackspots