Ronnie’s of Thornbury

At this restaurant just north of Bristol, chef-owner Ron Faulkner has held two AA rosettes for 18 consecutive years, building the sort of loyal following that comes from remarkable consistency.

Ron remains hands-on, developing dishes around the seasons and the best produce, with the South West well represented. His wild mushroom risotto has become such a fixture that regulars request its return whenever it leaves the menu. Cornish scallops with cauliflower puree, morcilla de Burgos and capers show a more intricate side to the cooking, while Moorish spiced lamb with hummus, baba ganoush, apricot, chickpeas and pomegranate takes inspiration from further afield.

Front of house is led by Jo Preece, whose longstanding partnership with Ron brings an instinctive understanding of the restaurant’s philosophy. Her floristry background ensures the dining room is styled with freshly cut seasonal flowers, while a curated wine list specialising in English vineyards completes the experience.