We moved from pineapple-infused oysters to crispy pig tails with Korean spices, blistered padrons, delicate mackerel, in-season asparagus, before landing on some seriously good steaks.
And yes, the baked Alaska with apple crumble ice cream lives up to James Acaster's hype.
Natural light pours in, the open kitchen glows, and the setting mixes urban edge with soft greenery. Our server made the whole experience feel easy—knowledgeable, friendly, and full of youthful energy.
Thanks to my mate, Craig, for the nudge to come here. We’ll be back.
Headrow House, 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PUWebsite
From Smoked sea bass & shrimp sambal spiced rice, wild garlic and boiled egg to flatbreads and bone marrow (if you don’t order it, there’s something wrong with you), the flavours hit hard—stretching from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and back again.
The space is dark and compact, lit by the glow of the kitchen and fuelled by laid-back, come-as-you-are energy. Vibrant chatter, strong smells, and cocktails that don’t mess about (yes, there’s a Mr Lyan on the list).
We’d been before—but forgot how good it was. Rock and roll cooking at its finest. And don’t forget: shots for the kitchen are on the menu. It’s rude not to.
156 Canonbury Road, Islington, London, N1 2UPWebsite
The best way to describe it? ‘Japanese style with Thai ingredients.’ But honestly, that doesn’t quite capture the creative invention at play here.
We showed up hungry and left wishing we could have kept eating—every dish was peak performance. Hold on to your hats when you taste the house-made ponzu sauce.
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Chiang Mai, and we’re already counting down the days until we can return.
8-10 Samlarn Road, Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, 50200, ThailandWebsite
We secured our spot at the counter and watched as Chef Shin delicately crafted his signature bowls. His philosophy? ‘Ramen can make people happy.’ Judging by the smiles (and slurping), he’s absolutely right.
Seats are limited, so play by the rules and book for the week ahead on Sunday mornings.
These are bowls of slurping fun you won’t want to miss.
1/2 Soi Athakravi 1, Sukhumvit 26 Road, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
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Once again, Taln and Aum’s interior design shines. The space is expansive and stunning, managing to feel both minimal and warm. As with their other concepts, the interiors celebrate ingredients and the craft of making.
The three of us worked through a comprehensive menu with zero missteps. Creativity, complexity, and clean flavours—this bar delivers.
Last to leave? Guilty. This is a serious hangout spot.
Baan Trok Tua Ngork, Santiphap Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10100
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The menu is split into Starters, Mains, and Afters, with drinks inspired by dishes like satay, ramen, and fish soup alongside other bold, creative combos. We worked our way through quite a few—from the approachable to the downright challenging. It’s not for everyone, and that’s exactly why we love it.
Oh, and the journey doesn’t stop there. Next door is Lime, a modern tropical drinks bar by the same inspirational team. Two stops, one unforgettable experience.
61/37 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Klongtan, Klongtoei, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
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With a great soundtrack and perfect hospitality, it’s hard to imagine what more you’d want.
60-62 Thapae Road, Chiang Mai
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23 Thapae Road, 2nd Floor (Kiti Panit), Chiang Mai
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Service is friendly and attentive, with a menu rooted in local, sustainable ingredients.
Standout dishes? It’s hard to pick when our table of six gave every dish a 10/10. Personally I loved the miso-cured trout, and a venison haunch that still lingers in the memory. Portions are generous yet refined; sides only if you’re “ridiculously hungry.”
The cheese board was a delightful spread with supplier tales to match.
File under: Generous hospitality.
2 Main St, West Tanfield, Ripon HG4 5JJ
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But we’re committed supporters of their Late Plates nights. A never-failing, ever-evolving and revolving menu that takes inspiration from amazing cultures from around the world. This month was a warming Jamaican special, all tings goat, plantain and rum - served up with smiles from their cracking staff.
Food fi di soul.
53 Princes Ave, Hull HU5 3QY
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You get a real sense of Thailand here—in a modern way, without the pastiche of a theme restaurant. It took us back to the place we love, minus the 12-hour flight.
6 Park St, London SE1 9AB
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We got a guided tour around the OMA-designed masterpiece, but honestly, we were here for the food. And AIR CCCC ‘Awareness, Impact, and Responsibility Circular Campus and Cooking Club’ did not disappoint.
The skill on display in the kitchen is next level. Southeast Asian ingredients were singing as loud as the clever sustainable techniques. Everything is beautiful—you’d eat the plates if you could.
But watch out. The fermented cassava bread with whipped mushroom XO butter is more addictive than most Class A's.
25B Dempsey Road, Singapore S249918Website
Undoubtedly one of the most inspiring and refreshing developments we've experienced. Even with 70% of the spaces filled just two months after opening, it’s already become a dynamic hub where people, brands, and culture naturally come together.
It's the kind of school we all wish we'd attended—the education we always dreamed of.
46 & 58 Kim Yam Road Singapore 239351Website
No noisy cocktail shaking here—everything’s on tap. With 20 cocktails to choose from, I stuck to the hard stuff for the long flight. Started with the Oolong Tea Collins and a Take Five, which packed a Johnnie Walker punch.
My companions worked their way through the carbonated alcohol-free options. Positive tipples all around.
24 Purvis Street, Singapore 188601
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