WHEN it comes to the best foodie spots in the UK, it’s safe to say Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge knows his stuff.
Talking to Sun Travel, Tom revealed that he doesn’t always go for fine food – with a popular high street chain being one of his favourites.
“Seriously, I love a Nando’s,” he admitted.
“It’s one of those chain, fast food places that isn’t actually bad for you, and ideal for a pre-cinema meal.
“There’s still plenty of protein and if you want to make it healthy, salad options, broccoli and peas.”
Tom continued: “The food isn’t always fried either, it can be grilled and you can swap chips for rice.
“As far as chain restaurants go, it’s good value for money, and you can make it healthy – then cover it in hot sauce, as I like to.
“If I’m with my son, we’ll do a whole chicken and share one of those, then for sides, we love the Peri-Peri salt chips, and the Macho peas.”
You can even get meals for under £10 in Nando’s – the grilled chicken burger served in a soft roll with tomato relish, mayo, lettuce and tomato comes in at £8.75.
A variety of the salads come in at £9.50, or if you fancy some sides, get a quarter of a chicken and add two sides for just £12.45.
Another British staple is of course fish and chips, and Tom reveals exactly where he likes to go for the seaside favourite.
He said: “The north coast of Kent is just brilliant, and there are a couple of great chippies in Whitstable.
“The town actually ahs an incredible fish scene in general – it’s still a fishing port and you can see the boats coming in and out everyday.
“One of my favourites spots is actually Whitstable Oyster Company, and there’s Wheelers which is fantastic for shellfish – especially if you like a crab sandwich.”
He added: “And the best part is that it’s all along the seafront – I’m a believer in flavour being wrapped up in a setting.
“You’ve got to go and eat on the sea wall with seagulls flying overhead. It’s magic, and that’s what makes things taste great – especially along the north Kent coast.”
When it comes to the Great British pub, there’s one spot that sticks out in Tom’s mind, and you’ll find it in Yorkshire.
He explained : “One of the best in the UK is in a sweet little village called Harome.
“The Star Inn is run by Andrew Pern and it’s an amazing, brilliant pub with Michelin-star food.
“It’s homely, hearty and everything you’d expect from a Yorkshire pub like an open fireplace, Wellington boots. It’s a lovely, lovely place.”
A few years ago, The Star Inn was named one of the best pubs in the country – it’s inside a 14th century thatched cottage with exposed wooden beams.
Lots of visitors have praised it for being “charming” and having “incredible food for a fair price”.
They cook up a storm too from plum-glazed duck to roast lamb, pan-roasted halibut and for dessert baked-apricot soufflé to savoury frangipane.
And while Tom raves about the major cities as a place to eat fantastic food – praising Manchester for its street food and bars, along with Bristol for its vegetarian restaurant – there is a much smaller island he said is amazing as well.
He said: “When I was a child, I used to go on holiday to the Isle of Wight all the time.
“It was to a Butlin’s-style caravan park, and now I’m at the point where my son is 10 and he loves the idea of camping and doing adventure stuff – so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.
“I actually went back to the Isle of Wight earlier this year to film something, and I love going back.
“It’s so small that you can go all over – the coast is very special.
“The Isle of Wight has quite an old-school feel, it’s like going back to the 50s or childlike England. It would be cool to take my son there and go camping.”
Tom is based in Marlow, where he has lived for 21 years, and it’s where he’s set up his three pubs; The Coach, The Hand & Flowers and The Butcher’s Tap.
Chase bank has partnered with Tom Kerridge to celebrate the UK’s world class dining scene.
This comes as new research from Chase reveals that Brits are willing to travel far and wide for a good meal, to the tune of 57 miles on average – the same distance as from London to Oxford.
With Chase, customers can earn 2 per cent cashback – up to £20 a month – when you use your debit or credit card in the UK and Channel Islands across:
- Groceries – e.g. at grocery stores, supermarkets, miscellaneous food stores, convenience stores and specialty markets
- Everyday transport – e.g. local and suburban commuter passenger transportation (including ferries), bus lines (including charter/tour buses), railroads and passenger rail (trains)
- Fuel – e.g. service stations (with or without ancillary services), automated fuel dispensers and public electric vehicle charging points
- Restaurants – e.g. restaurants, cafes, takeaway