Restaurant Andrew Fairlie tops Harden’s 100
Hailed as 'a memory to be treasured', the two-Michelin starred restaurant, which is based at The Gleneagles Hotel, is praised by Harden's for its luxurious ingredients prepared with 'impeccable skill and creativity' and attentive staff who are 'knowledgeable in all respects'.
“Andrew Fairlie may sadly no longer be with us but his spirit lives on in this restaurant which bears his name,” says Peter Harden, co-founder of Harden’s.
“Reaching the top spot this year is a huge credit to his long-time lieutenants, head chef Stephen McLaughlin (pictured) and general manager Dale Dewsbury.”
Now in its 32nd year, Harden's Top 100 is derived from the 30,000 reports with ratings submitted by 3,000 diners who contributed to the Harden’s annual survey.
“While it is always an honour to receive commendation for the restaurant, the fact that Harden’s Top 100 is diner-led is a special honour and a particular testament to the hard work of the full team to ensure every guest has the best possible experience when they dine with us,” says McLaughlin, who has led the restaurant's kitchen for more than 20 years.
“This time four years ago, we were dealing with the terrible loss of our wonderful friend and mentor, Andrew Fairlie, and committed to maintain his incredible legacy.
“I’m extremely proud that we’re here today achieving these fantastic accolades. People knew Andrew as a champion of great food and service, and this ethos remains the same. We have a fantastic, talented team who are all invested and continue to be driven to maintain - and exceed - the standards set by chef Andrew.”
Increasingly 'cost-conscious diners'
Evelyn's Table at The Blue Posts in London ranked number two on this year's Top 100 list with The Waterside Inn in Bray, Endo at The Rotunda, and The Kitchin in Edinburgh making up the rest of the top five.
The South West became the nation's strongest dining region after the South East and London with Cornwall landing three restaurants in the Top 100.
Birmingham and Edinburgh were the two cities with the most listings in the Top 100, outside of London, with three entries apiece.
The national poll also revealed a growing discomfort amongst increasingly cost-conscious diners towards those restaurants whose prices are perceived to outweigh the value of the experiences they provide.
Harden speculates that this could be why Gareth Ward's Ynyshir has dropped 30 places from number seven to 37 on this year's list, while Restaurant Sat Bains, which took last year's top spot, dropped out of the top 100 entirely.
“Value is at the heart of the whole Harden's survey system, therefore any dip in perception of value-change in the restaurants visited by our diners results in them quickly slipping down the rankings,” he says.
“We're really seeing some pricing push-back in the comments being submitted by those surveyed.”
Harden's is now the only UK restaurant guide sold in bookshops based on feedback from normal diners rather than professional inspectors, and a total of 2,800 restaurants are listed in the 2023 edition.
