About the Trencherman’s Guide
Learn about the original guide to fine dining in the South West
Since the Trencherman’s Guide was established in 1992, it has built a rock-solid reputation as the gourmet’s definitive passport to the most exquisite dining experiences in the South West
We believe great restaurants are built on hospitality, integrity and craft – not trends.
The guide exists to champion those places, quietly and carefully.
Rick Stein describes it as ‘a guide with teeth’ due to the strict entry criteria that restaurants must meet in order to be included.
Establishments are invited to be a member based on reaching a number of points in an extremely stringent scoring system, including in-person visits and scoring by our team of experienced food journalists.
Extra-special dining experiences
When a restaurant achieves an exceptionally high score, it’s categorised as a “higher member”. These establishments combine cooking of the highest order with polished service and a setting that’s an exceptional example of its type. Similarly, the wine list and other drinks provisions will be especially interesting, unusual or sizeable.
Think your restaurant has what it takes to be part of the guide? Head to our application page for restaurant owners here.
What makes the guide different
- 30+ years of history, authority and knowledge
- Only high-quality restaurants that champion authenticity, creativity and innovation are included
- Restaurants are chosen for consistency, not novelty
- Trusted by chefs and restaurateurs
- Updated with restraint
- Authentic knowledge of the team behind it. They all live in the South West and have their fingers on the pulse of the region’s dining scene, enjoying relationships with its hospitality industry that span decades. They also produce sister South West publications Food Lifestyle magazine and the Indy Coffee Guides.
Who the guide is for
- Those who plan trips around meals.
- Those who care about where their money goes, and prefer to support independent.
- Those who value exceptional hospitality as much as quality food.
Sound like you? Get the guide, browse the restaurants and join the club.
Trencherman’s Awards
Each year, the best of the best of South West hospitality come together at the prestigious Trencherman’s Awards, which are voted for by our readers.
Trencherman’s committee
The Trencherman’s Guide is overseen by a committee of industry experts, who ensure its quality and integrity.
